Introduction (1 page)
· Introduction (2.5 points)
o 1-3 paragraphs introducing your topic and paper
· Research question (5 points)
o Clear and concise
o Can be answered by conducting the research outlined in the proposal
· Hypothesis (2.5 points)
o Clearly written opinion of what the researcher believes the answer to the question will be
o Included sufficient details to explain perspective with supporting rationale
· The significance of the research question (5 points)
o Includes an argument of why the research matters (answers the so what? Question)
o Identifies who is the intended audience for the research (who will read or be impacted by research)
· Feedback from previous drafts was incorporated (5 points)
Literature review (5 pages)
· Documented the problem using at least 3 peer-reviewed articles (5 points)
· Documented previous research and what is known in the area using at least 5 peer-reviewed articles (5 points)
· Documented need for proposed research using at least 2 peer-reviewed articles (5 points)
· Included relevant non-peer reviewed but credible sources as appropriate throughout (5 points)
· Feedback from previous drafts was incorporated (5 points)
Data and Methods (4 pages)
· Introduction to section
o Overview of study design is explained
o Selection of Quantitative, Qualitative, or Mixed methods is identified
o Selection of Quantitative, Qualitative, or Mixed methods is justified
o Sub-type of methods is identified (e.g. survey, secondary data, etc.)
o Sub-type of method is justified
o Included at least one peer-reviewed article or book chapters as a citation to justify decisions
o Study design fit with the rest of the methodology
· Concepts/Operationalization
o Identified concepts/terms/variables specific to the research
o Defined the identified concepts/terms/variables
o Included at least one peer-reviewed article or book chapters as a citation to justify decisions
o Concepts/operationalization fit with the rest of the methodology
· Sampling method
o Identified sampling technique that will be used with justification
o Identified inclusion/exclusion criteria for participants and/or data
o Included at least one peer-reviewed article or book chapters as a citation to justify decisions
o Sampling fit with the rest of the methodology
· Data collection
o When data will be collected is identified
o Where data will be collected is identified
o How data will be collected is identified
Specific measurements/instruments that will be used are identified
o How data will be stored is identified
o Included at least 2 peer-reviewed articles and/or book chapter as a citation to justify decisions
o Data collection fit with the rest of the methodology
· Possible method for data analysis
o Type of data analysis is included
o Type of data analysis is justified
o Included at least 1 peer-reviewed articles and/or book chapter as a citation to justify decisions
· Limitations
o Reliability and validity issues are addressed including identifying limitations to the methods
o Ways to minimize limitations are identified
o The importance of the research is reinforced regardless of limitations
o Limitations fits with the rest of the methodology
Conclusion (1 page)
· Summarizes main points of paper clearly and concisely to close proposal
