Research Proposal

Objectives

1. Assess and evaluate multiple sources of information in order to analyze public problems and propose evidence-based solutions
2. Demonstrate the ability to research and communicate complex issues in writing
3. Communicate ideas professionally and effectively in written assignments
4. Interact effectively and demonstrate composure, professionalism, and respect for others.
5. Share information, expertise, and resources.

Learning Activities

Complete: Research Proposal and submit to folder

Public Policy and Administration Research Proposal

The overall goal of this course is to teach students to put together a research design public policy

analysis, program evaluation, and/or traditional academic research. The research proposal is

designed to enhance a student’s ability to apply research design techniques to public policy and

administration problems. This assignment requires students to: 1) assess and evaluate multiple

sources of information in order to analyze public problems and propose evidence-based

solutions; 2) apply procedural knowledge to unpack complex problems into constituent parts,

identify reliable problem-solving methods, and accurately apply problem-solving methods; and,

3) apply conceptual knowledge to identify assumptions, make logical inferences, identify

defective logical inferences, and reach reasonable conclusions. A research proposal and formal

research design includes all elements of a research project except full data collection and

analysis.

To aid students in developing a proper research design we will take a “scaffolding” approach,

where you will complete small, low stakes assignments designed to help you sufficiently put

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together a full research design. The initial Research Proposal Topic, Problem Statement, and

Data and Methods submissions, along with the Human Subjects Certification, each account for

5% of your final grade. The Problem Statement, and Data and Methods should not exceed 6

double spaced pages, while the complete Research Proposal should not exceed 20 pages. Please

include proper in-text citations and a work cited page with each submission using the most

current APA style guide.

Research Proposal Topic: For this assignment students will proposal their

research/evaluation question. The question should be framed in the literature, connect to

previous research and include an expected hypothesis.

Problem Statement: For this assignment students should present their

research/evaluation question. Your question should be framed in the literature, which

should include evidence of why your question is important, how it fits the current

understanding of the topic, and how your study will add to the field. Your problem

statement should also include a brief (3-4 double spaced pages) literature review on the

topic.

Data and Methods: For this assignment students will provide a thorough discussion of

their data, including variables and potential methods of evaluation. It is expected that

you discuss and justify all concepts, the operationalization of these concepts, and

measures of these concepts. Additionally, your paper should include a data collection

protocol along with justification as to why your proposed data is sufficient and

appropriate to answer your research question. Please include any shortcomings related to

your data. Finally, your paper should include a brief discussion of potential methods for

evaluating your proposed data. Remember, in a research design you are not expected to

actually collect or analyze data; however, it is important to keep this in mind when

constructing your design.

Full Proposal and Research Design: Your culminating assignment for this course is a

full research design. You are free to organize your paper as you wish; however, the

bulleted items below must be explicitly discussed and highlighted in your paper. My

recommendation is to find a journal article or study to use as a template for your paper.

Your paper must be a minimum of 12 double spaced pages, size 12 font. Please note,

your goal is to produce a quality proposal and research design. Your research question

and/or the complexity of your study will dictate your final page count. Remember, there

is no such thing as a perfect research design. Rather, a good researcher clearly states

everything up front, highlights methodological choices, and provides sound and

compelling justification/evidence for such choices. Include proper in-text citations and a

work cited page using APA style.

Your research design must include the following information:

Introduction (1-2 pages*)

o Research question

o Hypothesis

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o The significance of the research question

Literature review (5-7 pages)

Data and Methods (4-6 pages)

o Concepts

o Operationalization

o Measurements

o Data source

o Sampling method

o Possible method for data analysis

Discussion (1-3 pages)

o Address weaknesses of your design

o Next steps for your research

Conclusion (1-2 pages)

*Page numbers are meant to serve as a guide.