Research Proposal

Running Head: Capstone Proposal Form 1

Capstone Proposal Form 7

American Public University System

American Military University

SCMT Undergraduate Capstone Proposal Form

Date:

Student Name

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements for the

BA in Security Management

Abstract

Begin typing here – no more than 120 words. The abstract is a statement of the writer’s intent. State the thesis and the proposed methodology (must be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods), Remember that in APA style you are writing in the third person formal. Font is always Times New Roman 12 point.

Problem Statement

The problem statement concisely states the overall issue to be addressed. In short, what the phenomenon which caused you to conduct the research?

Purpose Statement

The purpose statement is a means of describing why you decided to research the selected topic and thus, is aligned with the problem statement.

Research Questions

There should be no more than one questions. It must be directly aligned to the problem and purpose statements or they are irrelevant.

Key Points Addressed

Provide 3-5 key points highlighting the major points of the topic which you are researching but focused and aligned with the purpose statement, problem statement, and research questions.

Proposed Methodology/Research Strategy

Remember that there are only three possible research strategies in scientific research. These are: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Provide two to three paragraphs of discussion outlining the essential elements of the method and why you consider it to be the most suitable method/strategy for your proposed study.

Assumptions

Assumptions are considerations which will impede or promote your research as you see such considerations at this initial stage (if any).

Scope

Provide a brief discussion (not more than one paragraph) on the scope of your study. Remember that you are progressing from a broad area of interest (general) to a smaller and more easily researched subset of the topic (specific). The scope is merely a brief identification and discussion of the area of a topic which you deem appropriate for study.

Limitations

You may or may not have limitations at this point. This section should not be more than one paragraph. Limitations might be a lack of access to certain information (classified perhaps), limited ability to conduct surveys, etc.

Tentative Schedule

This is merely a weekly outline of what you intend to accomplish each week. It will assist you in planning out a detailed structure for review and analysis and keep you on a manageable time track for capstone completion.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

References

Provide five preliminary references. You must focus on verifiable resources such as academic journals, think tanks, government regulations and documents, academic or governmental studies, surveys, etc.