Professor Florence Wakoko-Studstill, Ph.D.
________________________________________________________________
Research Topic: _____
I. Introduction & Background
Define the topic and describe what you know about it using scholarly published literature. Ask yourself, what do you know about this issue? What is the nature and extend of the problem in a rural community that you have chosen to study? (provide statistical information from the literature to support your point). What questions are you asking?
II. Justification
Describe the significance (importance) of this study to research and on policy about rural life. Ask yourself, why is this topic worth studying? At all times reference scholarly work and do not use common sense opinions.
III. Objectives of the study
Describe what you are going to do in this research paper. That is, what is the purpose of your study? What do you want to achieve? Examples of key concepts used to state objectives include the following, to: Explore; Describe; Explain, Identify, Analyze, Assess, Determine xxx.
List at least 3 objectives of your study.
IV. Literature Review
Review literature related to your topic. The review should include information about: Key questions asked, theoretical perspectives used or, previous studies reviewed; research method used, findings of the study, and conclusions drawn.
V. Methods
Describe the research method you have used in your study (refer to your Introductory Sociology book to refresh your mind about research methods).
VI. Conclusion and recommendations
Focus your conclusion to the objectives of the study, and make recommendations about what policy makers need to do to solve the problem.