Writing Assignments: Steps to a Research Proposal

Abstract

This set of assignments allows students to practice the steps of creating a research proposal, including formulating a research question, reviewing previous studies related to the topic (aka a "literature review"), and creating a plan for data collection (aka a "research protocol"). Detailed writing assignments are due throughout the semester, and are...

Download this resource to see full details. Download this resource to see full details.

Details

Subject Area(s):

Research Methods

Resource Type(s):

Assignment

Class Level(s):

College 400

Class Size(s):

Medium

Usage Notes

There are many possible variations to this basic assignment outline. Although we recommend assigning no fewer than these three assignments if you desire for students to complete a practice proposal, instructors could also assign any of these assignments independently as part of a course where no final proposal is required. Alternatively, an instructor...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Formulate a clear, specific research question or topic
2. Summarize and synthesize previous research on a topic
3. Identify an appropriate method for answering a research question (including advantages and disadvantages compared to other method options)

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Students write a research question with explanation of their choice, receive feedback, and have an opportunity to revise for the final paper
2. Students practice summarizing and synthesizing information from at least 3-6 academic sources, receive feedback, and have an opportunity to revise for the final paper
3. Students choose a method for collecting data and explain/defend their choice, receive feedback, and have an opportunity to revise for the final paper