POLITICAL SCIENCE 552

OUTLINE FOR RESEARCH PROPOSAL

  1. Statement of the Problem
    1. Present clear, brief statement of the problem with concepts defined where necessary.
    2. Show that the problem's scope is such that it is a reasonable project to undertaken given the time and resources available.
    3. Describe the significance of the problem with reference to one or more of the following criteria:
      1. Timeliness.
      2. Relates to a practical problem.
      3. Relates to a wide population or to a particularly important population.
      4. Fills a research gap.
      5. Permits generalization to broader theoretical concerns.
      6. Sharpens the definition of an important concept or relationship.


  2. The Theoretical Framework
    1. Describe the relationship of the problem to a theoretical framework.
    2. Describe the relationship of the problem to previous research.
    3. Present alternate hypotheses consered feasible within the framework of the theory.


  3. The Hypotheses
    1. Clearly state the hypotheses selected for testing.
    2. Indicate the significance of these hypotheses for the theory underlying the research.
    3. Define concepts or variables (preferably in operational terms).
      1. Independent and dependent variables should be distinguished from each other.
      2. The method of measurement (and type of measurement--interval, ordinal, nominal) should be indicated.


  4. Method
    1. Data sources (for archival projects) or data collection procedures.
      1. Sampling.
        1. Whom
        2. How
      2. Questionnaire design.
        1. Questions
        2. Pretests
      3. Data collection process (in class, telephone, personal interviews, abstraction form documents, etc.).
    2. Method of analysis (statistical technique to be used).


  5. Time schedule for completion of research. (Note that I will not accept papers after June 1, 1998).


  6. Selected bibliography and references.



[Adapted from Delbert Miller, Handbook of Research Design and Social Measurement (New York: David McKay, 1977); and D.R. Krathwohl, How to Prepare a Research Proposal (Syracuse: Syracuse University Press, 1965).]