Decline of Democracy in Turkey and Russia

Prof. Copeland Research Paper & Proposal Handout Pols 361

Spring 2018

A research proposal is the presentation of an idea or puzzle that you wish to pursue. The key to a good research proposal (and project) is a good question. To come up with a good question, you will need to know something about the subject. The first step is to think of an area/issue/ region in which you are interested and read up on it and then brainstorm about potential projects. (The brainstorming exercise that I will hand out and use in class is on blackboard.)

Thus, a good research proposal presumes that you have already thought about your project and have devoted some time and effort in gathering information, reading, and then organizing your thoughts. A research proposal is NOT a project to be thrown together in one night with ideas off the top of your head. One might say that the research proposal is a second step, following the selection of a broad topic. You may discuss potential topics with me or email me potential ideas in advance if you wish. I am also happy to look over proposals in advance.

Your research paper for this class must focus on empirical analysis and have a comparative dimension (across two states).

Format for the Research Proposal

The proposal should follow this format and be between one and two typed pages. Use these numbers to separate sections.

1) Your Name, Title of the Proposed Project.

2) Write an introductory statement: The purpose of the introductory statement is to catch the attention of the reader and to get them interested in the general subject matter. It sets the stage for your research questions or puzzle. It often can contain a dramatic statement to highlight the need for the study. It should be at least a good paragraph long.

3) State the problem or puzzle:

For example: The goal of this study is to . . . .explain why . . .

discover if there is a relationship between . . .

understand the causes (or effects) of . . .

4) State your research question or a main question and sub-question. For each question, you need to identify:

a) the dependent variable (the outcome which you want to explain).

b) the independent variables (the various factors that might explain the outcome).

See the methodology power point, chapters 1 of your textbook and methodology chapter on reserve if you have questions.

5) State your (preliminary) argument(s). This is your assessment of what independent variable (or combination of independent variables) that you think will answer the research question(s). As you do your research, you can change your opinion, but remember you don’t have to be “right” to have interesting findings. In other words, don’t select evidence to fit your argument.

6) Describe the structure of the paper. How are you going to organize the paper so that you can answer your question(s)? What methods will you use to answer your research question? We will talk about the structured focused comparison approach in class and I think many of you will use this approach. Think of this as a draft outline.

7) Preliminary bibliography: This should include at least 5 promising items for use in your paper. I expect to see academic sources (for example, Journal articles, books, research center reports, IO documents, government docs etc). Wikipedia or other encyclopedia type sources are not accepted.

Deadlines: A one paragraph summary is due 4/4 (not graded, feel free to turn it in early). Your full research proposal is due—at the latest—on 4/12 (electronically and hard copy).

Grading: In order for me to approve your topic, you must submit a research proposal. Feel free to consult with me about topics/proposal before the deadlines. Research proposals will be graded. You have the option to revise your research proposal once for a better grade. You must receive at least a C- (3.5 out of 5) on your research proposal. If you receive a “fail” or “incomplete,” then you must revise and resubmit the proposal until it receives at least a “C-”.

Final Research Paper Requirements

The final research paper should be approximately 13-15 pages long. This page limit does not include the title page (Title, Name, Course, Date) or Bibliography. You should use the Chicago in-text citation format. A style handout is posted on blackboard. Papers should be proofed for typographical and grammatical errors, sentence fluency and organization.

While the structure of each paper will be slightly different, be sure to include the following:

Introduction: in the first couple of pages: Introductory hook, a purpose statement, your research

question(s), methodology and argument. Then tell the reader how you will structure the paper

(provide a roadmap). This is, in essence, the material you have prepared for your proposal.

Background information: Make sure it is relevant to your questions/puzzle.

Case 1: Introduction, empirical evidence presentation, analysis and conclusion. Each case or issue

should have its own analysis section.

Case 2: Same as above

Comparative Analysis Section: This is where you compare the similarities and differences in your cases,

Policy Implications (if desired)

Conclusions

Bibliography

Final Papers are DUE electronically and in hard copy on May 1st.