Research Proposal

Category

Grade Points Allocated

Grade Points Earned

Research Problem

1. Is the problem clearly and precisely stated?

1

2. Is it of appropriate scope: i.e. sufficiently narrow and specific that it can be studied yet sufficiently rich that it will yield important theoretical or practical findings?

1

Review of Literature

1. Scope – does the review cite the important relevant literature?

1

2. Critique & Synthesis - Does the review adequately evaluate the literature rather than just summarize it?

2

3. Building a case from the literature – Does the review build a case for the significance of the problem, provide a theoretical framework for the problem, and support the need for studying the problem?

2

Statement of Purpose, Hypotheses or Questions

1. Is the purpose of the study clearly stated?

1

2. Are the hypotheses / research questions consistent with the problem statement and the theoretical rationale / framework?

1

3. Are the hypotheses /research questions operationally defined in such a way that data can be gathered to answer research questions (are the variables operationally defined?)

1

Methodology

1. Design: Is the design clear and is it appropriate to answer the questions asked?

2

2. Sampling: Is there a sufficient and clear description of the sample? What sampling method will be used? Is the sample representative of the target population (the group to whom the researcher wants to generalize)? 

2

3. Measurement & data collection: Are the instruments AND procedures used for measuring variables and gathering data clearly stated? Is evidence of reliability and validity presented?

2

4. Data analysis techniques: Will statistical techniques be used to analyze the data? If so, are the techniques clearly and sufficiently described? Are the most appropriate techniques employed?

2

Potential Weaknesses

Are there any potential weaknesses or limitations in the overall design of the proposed study? Are weaknesses / limitations clearly stated?

1

Formatting

Is the formatting consistent with APA (6th edition)?

1

Total Points Earned

/20

Category

Grade Points Allocated

Grade Points Earned

Introduction

1. Is the problem clearly and precisely stated?

1

2. Is the focus, purpose, or topic clearly stated?

1

3. Are the research questions well developed in consistency with the research problem?

2

4. Is it of appropriate scope: i.e. sufficiently narrow and specific that it can be studied yet sufficiently rich that it will yield important theoretical or practical findings?

1

Review of Literature

1. Scope – does the review cite the important relevant literature?

1

2. Critique & Synthesis - Does the review adequately evaluate the literature rather than just summarize it?

2

3. Building a case from the literature – Does the review build a case for the significance of the problem, provide a theoretical framework for the problem, and support the need for studying the problem?

2

Methodology

1. Design: What qualitative tradition is utilized for designing this qualitative study? Is the design clear and is it appropriate to answer the questions asked?

2

2. Sampling: Are the particular sites described to identify their uniqueness or typicality? 

2

3. Data collection: How is initial entry into the field established? How is the researcher’s presence in the field explained to others? What is the role of the researcher? Who are the participants? How long does the participation last? How much time is spent collecting data?

2

4. Data analysis techniques: Are the data analysis techniques clearly described? Are the most appropriate techniques employed?

2

Potential Limitations

Are there any potential weaknesses or limitations in the overall design of the proposed study? Are weaknesses / limitations clearly stated?

1

Formatting

Is the formatting consistent with APA (6th edition)?

1

Total Points Earned

/20