Research Proposal
gman51
research_proposal.docxThe research proposal has 5 parts:
Working Thesis: a one-sentence paragraph; no introduction is necessary. Explanation: a statement that includes the points you think you will be discussing in your paper. Sub points: each sub-point explains more fully a point mentioned in your explanation. Possible Objections: a brief discussion of the opposition’s point of view. Reply to Objections: your brief answer to the opposition.
Your research proposal should look like the five parts listed above. The number of sub-points may vary, but if you have only two, you may not have enough material for a good paper. For a simple undergraduate paper, limit your sub-points to 4 or 5.
The point of this exercise is to give you a focus, to force you to think about your topic independently of any research you may do or have done. This will probably serve as a basis for your paper, although it is quite likely that, once you begin your research, some of your ideas will change. That is the point of research: working to find an answer to a question!
Although your early research may have given you some great information, it is not necessary to rely on research for a good research proposal: you are simply outlining the argument that you expect to make in your final paper.
A good research proposal follows the standard format described in this module.
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Assignment 3 Grading Criteria |
Maximum Points |
|
Working Thesis (making your claim clear) |
12 |
|
Explanation (what do you expect to cover in your argument) |
12 |
|
Sub-points (explaining the points covered above) |
14 |
|
Possible Objections (what does the “other side” think) |
16 |
|
Response to Objections (how do you plan to answer those objections listed above) |
16 |
|
Format (have you presented this information in APA style, and in a way that your reader can easily follow) |
10 |
|
Usage and Mechanics: Grammar, Spelling, Sentence Structure |
10 |
|
Style: Audience, Voice, Word Choice |
10 |
|
Total: |
100 |
