Pre-Proposal

The goal of this activity is to prepare you for your final proposal. This is an opportunity for you to get feedback from the instructor on your proposed research plan. You may change your topic later if you like.

A- Read the instructions and the rubric for your final proposal.

B- Write a pre-proposal by answering the following questions about your proposal. Please use the exact order and try to be as brief as possible but don’t skip important elements.

1.   Introduction

· What is your research problem?

· What is the goal of your research?

· Why are your general topic and your specific research questions important? For example, we know technology is important but you need to explain why doing a research on effectiveness of Chromebooks in science learning is important. We know research on Autism is important but you need to explain why research on siblings of a child with autism is important.

· What is already known about your topic? (include citations and findings)

· What questions remain unanswered? (include citation if available. e.g., suggestions for further research)

2.   Regarding your literature review, you should come with one or more hypothesis and one or more research questions to be investigated in your research. Type your questions and hypothesis here.

3.   Your research method (descriptive, historical, experimental,…etc.). No details needed just explain why did you choose this method.

4.   Procedure. Research plan step by step, sampling method, groups,…etc.

After you receive your grade and my comments on this assignment you may email me to set up a web conference with me and to discuss your proposal. I’ll be happy to have a discussion with you besides written commenting on pre-proposal.

Here are some sample pre-proposals with my comments on:

Sample good pre proposal

Medium sample 1

Medium sample 2

Poor sample 1

Poor sample 2

Hints:

1. The research method should be quantitative/empirical and preferably experimental or quasi experimental. Your pre-proposal will be brief (1-2 pages) and will not include the whole literature review. You may refer to the literature, news, or some census or data to show the importance and the need for your research.

2. Qualitative studies are not allowed
3. Longitudinal studies are not allowed
4. It is not recommended but if you are replicating an earlier study you need to STRONGLY justify the need for replication.

5. Regarding your earlier literature review you should come with one or more hypothesis and one or more research questions to be investigated in your research.

6. Your research method (descriptive, historical, experimental,…etc.). Explain why did you chose this method.

7. Briefly introduce your Instruments and give some information about validity and reliability of the instruments.