For this assignment, you will prepare a research proposal using the template provided in the
module. This document should be between 6-8 pages (not including the title and reference
pages) and should include the following components:
• Introduction/Background
o Your introduction is the teaser for your background summary. It is meant to be
an attention grabber and make the reader want to read further into the
background summary.
o Background information should include the reasons for wanting to conduct the
study. Background information identifies and describes the history and nature of
a well-defined research problem with reference to the existing literature.
Background information in your introduction should indicate the root of the
problem being studied.
o Include a problem statement that supports the need for research. Revise your
problem statement from the previous assignment based on feedback from the
instructor as needed.
o Support with evidence (include references to existing literature)
• Research Question
o You are expected to revise your research question from the previous assignment
based on feedback from the instructor. Remember that your research proposal
will be developed to help answer your research question.
o Include a purpose statement that clearly identifies and supports the research
question. The purpose statement should explain the purpose and significance of
the proposed research.
• Literature Review
o Compare, contrast, and connect findings from at least three peer-reviewed
articles. Look for articles that will help answer your research question, whether
in favor or against. Be careful to avoid bias when selecting articles. You may have
more than 3, but the minimum is three.
o Summarize key insights and common themes relevant to the research topic and
research question. This will be an original paragraph you will develop from your
observations of selected articles.
• Conclusion
o Summarize the main findings and connect the literature review to the research
question and problem statement. While this is a proposal only and not a full
study, point out the connections (or lack of) between the findings of all the
various literature (articles) you reviewed and your research question. Do the
articles support the question, or do the articles reveal the opposite? In other
words, when someone conducts further research to answer the research
question, what are your preliminary findings or direction you feel the results will
reveal?
• References in APA format
In addition to the content areas above, you will also be evaluated on:
• Organization – Use the template provided in the course (APA format for student papers)
o Title page
o Body of paper with headings
o Reference page
• APA Format – All references, in-text citations, and formatting (title page, headings,
reference page, etc.) must follow the APA Style.
• Academic Writing – Your proposal should reflect an academic tone (unbiased, scholarly,
and supported by evidence in a professional manner). Review the basics of Academic
Writing by visiting this website.
• Grammar/Mechanics – Writing should demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary and
sentence structures with few or no errors.
Other Considerations:
• All students have access to Microsoft Office (including Word). Be sure to view the
template provided in the module. After saving the template to your device, review the
notes/comments provided in the margin. Delete the comments before submitting your
Research Proposal.
• Use APA format to cite sources.
• Support the problem statement with evidence (existing literature)
• Connect the articles and describe common themes. Do NOT simply summarize each
article individually.
• The conclusion should summarize key insights and connect the literature back to the
research question and problem statement.
This document should be between 6 – 8 pages (not including the title and reference pages)
