1. Title Page
Must be in APA Style: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/1/
2. Abstract
100 words maximum. Summary of research proposal.
3. Introduction: Introduction and Significance of Topic
What do you want to study?
What is the purpose of the study?
Why is your study relevant to the field of criminal justice, sociology, psychology or law & government?
4. Literature Review (at least 5 journal articles)
What research has been done in the past on the same topic as yours?
Are previous findings consistent or do past studies disagree?
Are there flaws/holes in the existing research that you can fill with your proposed research?
What will be your contribution to the existing literature by conducting your study?
5. Relevant Theories
Which theories does this topic relate to? Use your notes & textbook from: CRJ307 Criminology; PSY308
Personality Theory, POL436 Political Theory, SOC404 Sociology Theory
6. Research Question & Hypothesis
What specific questions will your research try to answer?
What type of relationship do you expect to find? A positive/negative relationship between variables?
Clearly state your hypotheses (H1; H2; H3; etc….) What is the null hypothesis?
7. Subjects/Area for Study
Whom or what will you study to collect data?
Whom/what is your population/study area?
If a sampling design, how will you select a sample? Is it probability or non-probability? How will you
ensure that your participants are not harmed by the research? Any ethical concerns?
8. Variables and Measurement
What are your independent, dependent, and control variables?
Identify their levels of measurement.
How will you define, operationalize, and measure them? Both conceptual and operational definitions
should be included.
If you have developed a measurement device, such as a questionnaire, or are using something
developed by others, you should include a copy in an appendix to your proposal.
9. Data Collection Methods
How will you collect the data for your study?
What is your research design?
o Experimental or quasi-experimental o Survey/ questionnaire/ interviews
o Field research / direct observation o Secondary data / agency records analysis
o Content analysis o Evaluation research
What are the strengths and weakness of your research design and data collection methods?
Identify potential threats to validity/reliability? How will you attempt to limit their influence?
10. Real-World Contribution of Research
How will your proposed research contribute to the understanding of criminal justice, sociology,
psychology or law & government?
What are the policy implications of your research?
11. References
Must be in APA Style: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/1/
Must cite 5+ journal articles related to criminal justice, sociology, psychology or law & government.
Page 1. Introduction and Significance of Topic
• [Insert text here]
Page 2. Literature Review
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Page 3. Relevant Theories
• [Insert text here]
Page 4 Research Question(s) & Hypothesis
• [Insert text here]
Page 5 Subjects/Area for Study
• [Insert text here]
Page 6 Variables and Measurement
• [Insert text here]
Page 7 Data Collection Methods
• [Insert text here]
Page 8 Real-World Contribution of Research
• [Insert text here]
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|
