Imagine that you have the freedom to conduct any type of research study in the field of psychology. Develop a research proposal in which you describe your study and identify how it might be carried out. The research study can be correlational, survey-based, quasi-experimental, or experimental in nature. You will begin this proposal in PSY-452 and complete it in the capstone course.
Save multiple copies of this Research Report in different locations to ensure you are able to revise it in the PSY-495 Professional Capstone course.
The Research Proposal should be between 1,750 to 2,000 words). Include 8-10 scholarly, peer-reviewed sources within the last 5 years.
A. Title Page, Abstract page, and References page in APA format: Please refer to the APA style guide regarding the difference between an abstract and an introduction.
B. Introduction and Literature Review: The introduction and literature review is the longest section of the paper, as it provides the necessary background for the proposed study. It should begin with a broad overview of the research topic and gradually narrow into the specific variables of interest related to the topic. Tell the story of what researchers have already learned about the topic of interest and set the stage for your unique study. After reading the literature review, the reader should have a solid understanding of the background of your topic and how your study fits into the larger field. The final paragraph of the literature review should include your research questions and hypothesis (or hypotheses). This section should include AT LEAST 8-10 peer-reviewed, scholarly sources.
C. Method section: This part has four sections (each of which is a subheading):
1. Design- Briefly explain the design of the experiment and why that is the best design for your study (e.g., correlational non-experimental design, between-subjects, within-subjects, or mixed experimental design). Identify the variables of interest (for experimental studies, identify independent variables and dependent variables).
2. Participants- Identify how many participants should be involved in the study. Describe the inclusion and exclusion criteria. How will they be recruited (e.g., convenience sample, random sampling, etc.)?
3. Apparatus/ Materials/ Instruments- What materials or instruments will be used in the experiment? What items will you need to run your study (tests, gadgets, paper/ pencils, etc.)? Clearly state if any tests/surveys/instruments are self-created or used in a previous study. If using established instruments, be sure to cite properly and include a copy in the Appendix.
4. Procedure- Provide a clear description of all procedures to be followed in the study. This should be a step-by-step explanation of what will occur in the study.
a. For example, will there be groups? Will there be manipulation to control variables? Provide the steps of the study in chronological order for the reader. Write in the conditional tense since the study will not be carried out.
D. Results: Do not create fake results! Write a brief paragraph in which you identify the most appropriate statistical calculation for your study design. Explain why this statistic is appropriate and what it indicates. For example, if you are designing a correlational study, you might write “The most appropriate statistic for this type of correlational design is Pearson’s r. This calculation will demonstrate three things: if there is a relationship between the two variables, the magnitude of that relationship, and the strength of that relationship.” Identify the appropriate alpha level/confidence interval.
E. Discussion: Include at least four paragraphs:
1. Describe what it would mean if significant results were obtained. Then describe what it would mean to obtain nonsignificant results.
2. Discuss how the study will follow APA ethical guidelines by explaining the use of an informed consent form, debriefing statement (if applicable), and obtaining IRB permission.
3. Discuss any limitations in the study (e.g., possible confounding, lack of random assignment or random sampling, etc.).
4. Conclude with a discussion of future studies that could arise from the present study.
F. References: Include at least 8-10 scholarly, peer-reviewed sources published within the last 5 years.
G. Appendices: Include two figures OR two tables OR a table and a figure. A table consists of columns and rows of numbers or text, and a figure is anything else (chart, map, graph, etc.). For example, set up a table describing the ideal participant demographic breakdown; include example questions from a self-made survey; include the entire survey/instrument if using an established tool; include a copy of the informed consent form; include the debriefing statement (if applicable). If unsure, contact your instructor for confirmation of appendices.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Benchmark Information
This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competencies:
BS Psychology
2.1: Apply research design principles to investigate psychological hypotheses.
2.4: Interpret psychological phenomena using sound scientific reasoning.