Project C: Research Problem
Project C will address HOW you plan to go about
answering your research question (research methodology). Project C should
include an extensive discussion of the research methodology that you intend to
use to study your topic. You will design a study that would allow you to test
your hypothesis. For some projects, a quantitative design (i.e. survey) is the
best choice while for other projects, a qualitative approach (i.e. interviews)
is more appropriate; some projects may incorporate a mixed methodological
approach. In particular, you should describe the sample; including why you
selected this sampling strategy and how you will generate your sample.
Project C Instructions
Discuss possible sources of bias in your sample.
Describe any problems that you may encounter in your design or procedures. In
this project, you also need to outline the measures you will include in your
research design. How will you measure your variables? A discussion of validity,
reliability, and limitations should be included. This project will be about
five pages and should include:
Who are you studying? (sample)
When are you studying? (time frame)
Where are you studying? (police department,
courts, prison, college)
How will you collect the data? (survey, field
research, secondary data)
What are some limitations/complications?
(problems, ethical issues)
Format
Use Times New Roman script with a font size of
12 for the entire document.
The paper should be double-spaced.
Margins should be at least one inch all around.
Content
The sampling method is described clearly and in
detail.
Variables are clearly defined and
operationalized. Issues of validity and reliability are thoroughly discussed.
The data collection methods are described
clearly and in detail.
Limitations are discussed in detail.
Documentation
APA should be used for in-text citations and the
reference page.
Writing
The research design paper should be well written
and error free. Use spell check and proofread paper for grammatical errors.
The paper should be written in a professional
tone. Familiar language (slang) should be avoided.
Use direct quotations sparingly (paraphrasing is
encouraged) and make sure quotes are properly documented.
Be as concise and clear as possible throughout
your paper.
Each sentence should logically flow into the
next sentence and each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next
paragraph