Research paper

SOCIOLOGY CAPSTONE SOCI 4796

Research Proposal Project (RPP)

Professor: Dr. Florence Wakoko-Studstill ___________________________________________________________________ Draft Due: Thursday, September 23, 2019

Length: 15-18 pages (includes Intervention Plan), Times New Roman 12 fonts, double-spaced. References should be provided separately on the last page.

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FORMAT

Research Topic:

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I. Introduction (1 page) For purposes of this paper, this section of the paper includes a description of the historical background to the problem (key issue) being studied. A brief description of the location/community/region of focus for example, a study to explore the effects of homelessness on School Dropouts among Refugee students in Tampa, Florida would give a brief description of Tampa to provide a better understanding of structural conditions surrounding the problem (refer to C. Wright Mills - Sociological Imagination/Perspective).

Justification: The last paragraph in this section discusses the significance of the study. Ask yourself, why is this study important? Who will the findings benefit, and how? Will it solve the problem or, does the study intend to add new concepts/idea/theories to the literature regarding homelessness?

II. Problem Statement (1 pages) This section requires you to do the following:

• Describe the nature and extent of the problem in the selected region/community and provide a clear definition of the problem (e.g. Homelessness).

• Briefly explain what previous studies reveal about this problem (cite sources), and then ask: What makes your study unique? Describe what makes your study different from

others (i.e., your point of departure). The uniqueness of your study helps you to avoid

re-inventing the wheel. It will spark your curiosity and position your study for future replication, a key principle in a scientific study.

• The last paragraph in this section addresses the key question. What is the key question that you are asking? More questions may be asked to probe into the What, Why, How,

When f the issue but the basic question has to be clear. Note that by asking questions you

will gain more clarity on factors (variables) that you are to analyze. This is important

as it helps to demonstrate your level of understanding the subject matter. It is also a good exercise to stimulate your critical thinking skills.

III. Objectives (1 page)

Describe the specific purpose of your study. Examples of concepts that can help you write clear

and concise objectives include the following:

• Explore causes of homelessness among refugee populations in Tampa

• Describe the effects of homelessness on child education among the refugee

population in Tampa

• Generate current data on the nature and extent of homelessness in Tampa

with specific attention to the refugee population

• Develop an Intervention Plan inform policy and seek action measures

Here is a summary of statements to use:

Analyze Compare Contrast

Describe Discuss Explain

Explore Examine Synthesize

IV. Theoretical Framework 4 pages

• Provide a discussion of at least 2 classical and 2 contemporary theories to guide

your study.

A theoretical framework involves a careful review and summary of the major tenants of

the theories which relate to your study. Describe the pros and cons of the theories you

choose to use. Here is an example theoretical-framework

• Create and describe a conceptual map to demonstrate the relationships among the

variables that you will explored in

your study. This process enables you to operationalize conceptual ideas into

measurable variables and to show how they are related (according to theory).

Depending on how the theory informs you, the conceptual framework may reveal

relationships that are: Cause-Effect; Correlational (associations that are not necessarily

based on direct cause-effect, type of relationship, but may involve intervening factors);

and relationships that are Inter-dependent).

• Explain the relationships among variables that you have selected to measure. This discussion will set the stage for you to develop a set of predictions (Hypotheses) to be tested, see examples next page

• https://www.slideshare.net/rsmehta/conceptual-and-

EXAMPLE

Figure 1 Conceptual and Theoretical Framework

Source: https://www.slideshare.net/rsmehta/conceptual-and-theoretical-framework

Figure 2: Logic of the General Research Model

).

Source: Wakoko, Florence (https://www.amazon.com/WOMEN-MICROFINANCE-

UGANDA-Rhetoric-Empowerment/dp/3639278011

V. Hypotheses

Describe a list of hypotheses to be tested. Be mindful to show that the hypotheses

reflect ideas discussed in the theoretical framework, the key question asked, as well as

the objectives of your study. For this exercise, you are to develop 3 hypotheses

VI. Literature Review (5 pages)

Discuss Literature related to your topic. Key points to consider in your review: What question did the study address? What was the purpose of the study? What theories guided the study? What Methods were used? What were the results of the study, and what

conclusions were drawn?

VII. Methods (3 pages) Describe in details the research Method (s) to be used for data collection and analysis. That should include:

• A Justification for choosing this method over the others • How you will collect the data • Population, and Sampling technique to be used • How you will ensure Reliability and Validity • How you will analyze the data (data analysis tools) • How the results of the study will be disseminated • Discuss ethical measures to be considered

VIII. Conclusion & Recommendations: The Intervention Plan (IP) 3 pages Even though you will not collect the data, the literature review and the theoretical predictions provide grounds for you to propose a plan to solve the problem.

You are to write an IP that would guide the formulation and implementation of policies regarding the problem in that community/region. The Plan should include budget estimates and the timelines for implementation (see attached example to use).

IX. References/Works Cited (on a separate page)