Research Proposal Assignment

Research Proposal (20%)

Once the research concept is approved, you are ready to write a comprehensive research proposal.

The preparation of proposals is preliminary to securing work contracts and to preparing business reports in today’s work and academic environments. Of particular concern is that the research adheres to the highest ethical standards. At this stage, all ethical issues must be identified and addressed appropriately. Otherwise, the project execution would not be approved.

All revisions noted on the first assignment must be incorporated. Use plain white paper, 12 pt font, 1" margins, 1.5 spacing. Avoid first person and conversational tone.

Your proposal should include the following components.

Title Page & Table of Contents (1 mark)

Start with a Title Page that includes your full academic information and the title of your research project: who, what, where, and when. See text, page 274 for sample title page.

Prepare a Table of Contents. Use appropriate formatting and headings.

Project Summary (10 marks)

Purpose of the Study (1): Clearly state, in sentence form, the objectives you will achieve by completing this study. The purpose must match the details stated in the title.

Scope(2): Define the boundaries of the study and state in specific terms what is and is not going to be covered. The extent of this section will depend on the topic chosen. The specific points of the study must be matched to the questions in the primary research.

Literature Review(5): Complete a comprehensive review of the secondary research using proper APA documentation. The review must include at least five sources. These can include those used in the Journal Summary assignment as well as additional credible sources. The review should provide the reader with a clear understanding of the current research in your topic.

Primary Data Methodology(2): Specify the methods you propose to collect the primary research on your topic and the rationale. The study should include the use of personal interviews and/or questionnaires. Identify the types of people who would be interviewed and design an appropriate interview guide for each person and/or identify a sample survey group and design an appropriate questionnaire.

Statement of Ethical Issues (4 marks)

Identify any and all ethical issues associated with the research and indicate how these issues would be addressed. The following points should be reviewed: types of participants, recruitment process, confidentiality, voluntary participation, risks, and benefits.

Reference List (1 mark)

Cite sources used in Literature Review in APA format.

Appendices (4 marks)

Include the following in separate appendices:

Appendix A: A copy of the instrument that would be used to use to gather primary information, in the form of a blank questionnaire and/or interview guides. Appendix B: A signed Research Proposal Checklist to verify that you have read and complied with the assignment requirements.

Appendix C: The original graded Research Concept and Journal Summaries assignment with your professor’s comments.