For your final paper in this course, you will create a research proposal for one of the research questions that you’ve been working with in the Discussion Boards this semester.
The DBs are designed to build upon each other so that you have everything you need to create this final research proposal. Use course materials (including the articles you’ve read for assignments) to help you.
Your final paper should be 6-8 pages long, not including the method tool attachment or reference page where your sources are listed. Make sure you are using APA formatting, and no I statements. You can use subheadings for each section but must write it cohesively.
Your proposal should include an introduction, review of literature, methods section (with method tool attachment on a separate page at end of the proposal), a conclusion, and reference page.
Introduction:
Introduce your topic to the audience. Why is this topic important, how does it serve the field, what research question/s are you addressing? Provide your research question, variables, and purpose of the study.
Review of Literature:
Provide a clear analysis of the existing research on your topic. You must include at least FIVE empirical, academic research studies in your review. Describe the theory, methods, and results of each study.
Address the limitations present in the current body of research and how your research addresses these limitations.
Method Section:
Make sure that your method section answers the following questions but do NOT simply copy/paste and answer within the outline format. Remember, this should be detailed enough that someone could pick the methods section up and go do your research!
Define out your sample and how you will obtain it.
Define out your research tools (secondary source, interviews, focus groups, etc. What method will you use?)
Describe how you will use your tools/how you will engage with the results. Why are you using this tool/process? Describe the process you’ll use for analysis.
Acknowledge time commitments, budgets, and any anticipated challenges and your response to them.
Attach your tool/s to the end of the proposal (if you created a survey, focus group, etc. you’ll attach it. If you are doing field observation, you need to attach your note format. If you are using a secondary data source, provide link to the full data set. If you are doing content analysis, attach a document that full details out access.)
Conclusion:
Summarize your proposal. What are the limitations to this research? Who will benefit? What additional research is needed?
The proposal rubric is available below.
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Do programs other than prison actually help convicts not re-offend?
IV: Different solutions of reform; Drug rehab programs, Halfway houses, etc;
DV: Whether or not it leads to recidivism.
