1. Formulating a Research Proposal

2. Questions to Address What do you plan to accomplish and how?
What is the purpose of the study?
Why is this study important?
How will this study contribute to current knowledge in your field?
Prove you are not “reinventing the wheel!”
What are your own insights?
What is your hypothesis?
How will you carry out the study and interpret the results?
Be specific and have a clear sense of direction.

3. Content of Research Proposal
Title
Specific, researchable question
Clear, direct purpose for experiment
Introduction & Background
Detailed
Relevant to researchable question
Materials & Methods
Explanation of procedures
Time line
Expected results
Bibliography
MLA format
At least 3 scientific journal articles

4. Introduction Research problem/purpose Context
Key concepts and relevant background information
Literature review
Rationale
Major issues
Independent and dependent variables
Hypothesis (if any)

5. Materials & Methods
Sufficient detail to determine that methodology is sound
Sufficient detail to carry out the experiment
Demonstrate that chosen method is appropriate and valid (among alternatives)
Data to be collected
Qualitative & quantitative
Subjects
Instruments
Procedure & length of time

6. Research Proposal Grading Rubric
Introduction and Background (3)
The introduction provides a context for the research question, and includes key concepts and relevant background information. Significance of the information to the proposed experiment is unquestionable. Insights into the problem are appropriate. The rationale for the experiment are described thoroughly. Dependent and independent variables are identified, as is the hypothesis (if any).

7. Research Proposal Grading Rubric
Research Question (3)
The student has chosen a specific, researchable question that has the potential to add to the current body of knowledge. There is a clear, direct purpose for the experiment. The hypothesis and research question are strongly supported by the background information.

8. Research Proposal Grading Rubric
Materials and Methods (3)
The materials and methods include a thorough and specific explanation of procedures, specific independent and dependent variables, and expected results. Enough detail is included to determine that the methodology is sound, and to carry out the study. The experimental design is logical given the question, and current methods are used. The study design, a description of the subjects, instruments to be used, procedures, and length of the study are included.

9. Research Proposal Grading Rubric
Clarity and Quality of Writing (3)
Writing is crisp, clear, and succinct. The writer incorporates the active voice and passive voice when appropriate. The use of modifiers, parallel construction, and scientific language are appropriate. Transitions tie sections together, as well as adjacent paragraphs.

10. Research Proposal Grading Rubric
Citations/MLA (3)
All needed citations were included in the report. References matched the citations, and all were encoded in MLA format. At least THREE primary sources were cited.