Guidelines for the Research Design Proposal
The Research Design Proposal MUST follow the section outline set out below. Each section
should be clearly denoted. The entire Research Design Proposal will consist of 7-10 pages,
double-spaced. All writing should be in clear full English sentences (no bullets).
Sections:
Introduction to the Research Question.
This section should dramatically introduce some background information that frames the
research project. The aim is to suggest to the reader why the project is of interest and
importance. This section should get the reviewer’s attention. (No more than 2 pages in
length).
Statement of the Research Question.
This section should clearly indicate the exact research question that will be investigated. It
should be in the form of a question, not a statement, and should be specific as to location
and timeframe.
Preliminary Literature Review.
This section should present some of the literature that exists dealing with your research
question or clearly related research questions. It should emphasize a theoretical focus for
your study and report the level of current knowledge from prior related studies. For this class,
you are required to include 4 articles that pertain to your study in this preliminary literature
review. They should be summarized in this section fully noting any theories, hypotheses, and
variables used in the studies. Citations should use the in-text parenthetical reference format
used in APA format.
Unit of Analysis.
State the unit of analysis of the study.
Study Population.
Specifically define the study population and discuss any sample selection techniques, if
appropriate. You must specify how you will identify your study population, how you will obtain
a list of your study population, and how you will get access to it, as appropriate.
Research Design.
Describe the specific methods to be used in the research (i.e. case study, quasi-experiment,
mailed survey, etc.). Where appropriate, include diagrams of quasi-experimental notation,
written questionnaires, interview protocols, etc. This section should fully explain the details
of your research investigation.
Variables.
Specify the variables and the levels of measurement associated with each. Most of the
variables should flow from your literature review.
Hypothesis/es or propositions to be tested.
This section should list and explain the proposed hypothesis/es to be tested. The
hypothesis/es should flow from your literature review and be tied to your research question.
Data Analysis.
Describe your expectations of how the data will be analyzed. Include as much detail as
possible.
References.
Use the in-text parenthetical reference format used in APA format.
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