– Scientific Research Design
– The research question that I’ve chosen to explore is, “How does social
class influence levels of distrust towards the police among NYC residents?” This is the research question.
– No A.I // No writing systems
– Extra outside sources arent required or specified but if you use some for any reason, cite properly.
– Further instructions are below
Research Design
This assignment is intended to give you experience thinking about how to design and implement empirical social research. Focusing on the topic of your literature review, explain how you might go about studying the issue in order to find an answer to your research question. Describe your proposed project in detail. What is your research question? What is your selected research method? Why would that approach be the most suitable method for studying your question? What are its possible weaknesses? Be sure to include information about: key definitions (variables and indicators), measurement, reliability and validity, sample size and selection, ethical guidelines of special significance, a data collection plan, any special challenges that may be encountered along the way. Refer to your class notes and textbook to guide you through the process. Please keep in mind that every choice you make in designing your project should be justified scientifically (i.e. why it’s the best choice for investigating your particular question; strengths and weaknesses). Your paper should be 4-5 pages in length (double-spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font). It should not include literature review or your initial research topic introduction. However, any sources you do include should be properly cited in a Works Cited page at the end. It might have something like the following structure:
1) Restatement of your research question and statement of/justification for your chosen overall method (e.g. ethnography, survey, qualitative interviews, content analysis, etc.) (about ½ a page)
2) Sampling procedure: what are your units of analysis, what is your population of interest, and how will you go about choosing a group of the former from the latter? (1-2 pages)
3) Measurement: what are your key variables (independent, dependent and important controls) and how exactly will you measure them of your units of analysis? (1.5-2 pages)
4) Limitations and ethics: no method is perfect. Clearly outline any limitations of this method (think: generalizability, validity, reliability) and explain how you will guarantee subjects’ rights and your ethical duties as a researcher. (0.5-1 page)
