General Content and Research Requirements
All students at the graduate level are expected to be capable of writing professional,
publishable reports. Initially, some students may require the expenditure of more time and
effort than others. But once the first research report has been completed, each succeeding
report becomes easier. The aim of this exercise is to sharpen scholarly research skills, as well as
to enhance individual perception of the depth, complexity, and dilemmas of modern public and
private organizations.
Precise requirements will depend upon the class size, as well as the level of academic
progression and requirements of students in a particular course section. Students must select
a topic relevant to the field of public or nonprofit organizations. All topics must be approved
by the second week of the term. The proposal will be due during the term at a time
designated in the schedule. This project will be worth 100 points and should be of
appropriate length to effectively cover the subject assigned. Students must also report their
research proposals orally via a narrated PowerPoint presentation.
The finished proposal should consist of not less than 20, nor more than 50 pages.
Proposals will be typed or prepared in MS Word, fully APA-compliant, and free of errors. Late
reports will be marked down by 10% of the possible points.
This project is expected to be a scholarly piece of research rooted in solid professional
sources. A polished final paper in the form of a research proposal that is readable and
insightful is expected from each student. The professor will assist students in developing this
project.
Research Proposal Organization
The research proposal should fully explain the topic being researched, and address both
the theoretical orientation for discussing the general topic as well as the practical implications
of it. Papers should begin with a title page (see page that follow this discussion). Following the
title page, include a Table of Contents. Ensure that page numbers are provided for all major
headings and sub-headings used in the text, as well as for all tables and/or figures and
appendices and/or attachments. All papers should include a list of references.
A required table of contents is provided below. Remember that the point is to explain
the problem that led to the need for a research study, discuss the theoretical orientation basis
for researching the problem, and offer a proposal for a way of studying the problem aimed at
better understanding it. The student should be able to discuss the implications of expected
findings for public administrators. Alternate forms of organization for the research proposal
should be discussed with the instructor.
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Style and Presentation Requirements
All papers must conform to the latest edition of the American Psychological Association
(APA) style manual. Copies may be obtained from our book vendor as well as other commercial
book dealers.
Other presentation requirements for the research project include:
1) All papers will be typed using a 12-point font (no more or less).
Research Proposal Assessment
A research report is a project that summarizes or demonstrates mastery of course work
for an academic term. It may comprehensively focus on a single topic, or it may include a broad
spectrum of related topics. The research report is the Southern Association of Colleges and
School (SACS)-driven research component of this and other courses in our graduate curriculum.
All research reports must be anchored in the professional literature or in currently evolving
professional/research activities. Research may be conducted employing one or more
components: libraries (professional books and journal articles), computer data bases, contacts
with experts/organizations, and where appropriate, personal experience/knowledge.
A good research proposal consists of a number of elements. The proposal shall address
the following at a minimum:
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
The Introduction and Theoretical Orientations Chapter will consist of the following four
sections:
- Introduction: Remember that you are writing for a non-expert audience. The
purpose of this section is to inform your audience on important aspects of your
proposed research. First, you need to provide a brief introduction to your proposal.
Following that, you must establish the theoretical orientation for your proposed
research. The following types of questions should be answered in this section (not
all-inclusive):
Introduction Questions: Consider the following questions at a minimum:
• What is the problem and/or purpose of the research study?
• Does the problem or purpose statement express a relationship between two or
more variables? If so, what is/are the relationship(s)? Are they testable?
• Does the problem statement and/or purpose specify the nature of the
population being studied? What is it?
• What significance of the problem, if any, has the investigator identified?
4 - Theoretical Background: You must give your proposed research some sort of
theoretical context. The following types of questions should be addressed in this
section (not all inclusive):
Theoretical Orientations Questions: Consider the following questions at a minimum:
• Have you identified the chief paradigm or theoretical orientation of your
proposed research?
• On the other hand, are you attempting to refute some paradigm or theory?
• Are you proposing to test a theory or hypothesis?
• Are you suggesting the theoretical orientation has shaped the methodology
proposed for the study, such as the data-collection technique and the choice of
which data are to be collected or ignored? - Literature Review: The literature review helps you clarify your thinking in the type of
design to employ for the research study. Use the review to inform yourself in detail
about the topic of the study. Identify the relevant previous research studies of the
topic or similar topics and any theory involved with predicting effects of variables
central to the proposed study. Summarize what the literature contains in an
integrated narrative that relates the information to your focus and your proposed
research design. The review should include a minimum of ten academic articles or
books (more is better!!). Summaries are to be in your own words and properly cited
in APA format. At the conclusion of the literature review, you must state your
proposed research hypothesis(es) and each corresponding null hypothesis(es).
Literature Review Questions: Consider the following questions at a minimum:
• Is the literature review broad, yet focused on the issue?
• Is there historical as well as contemporary material to put the area of study into
context?
• Is there convincing evidence to support assertions?
• Does it fairly represent opposing views?
• Does the literature review use a theoretical framework?
• Does it reveal gaps in the knowledge that this research will seek to fill? - Hypothesis(es): Immediately following the literature review, you must state your
proposed research hypothesis(es) and each corresponding null hypothesis(es).
Hypothesis Questions: Consider the following questions at a minimum:
• What hypotheses or research questions are stated in the study?
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• What are the independent and dependent variables in the statement of each
hypothesis or research question?
• For every research hypothesis, is there a corresponding null hypothesis?
• What is the direction of the relationship in each hypothesis, if indicated?
• Are the hypotheses testable?
CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY
The Methodology Chapter will consist of the following four sections: - Research Design: It will depend on the type of research you are proposing.
Convince your audience that your strategy is appropriate.
Research Design Questions: Consider the following questions at a minimum:
• Will you collect data over time or at one point in time?
• What method of data collection is best?
• Why do you think these procedures are best suited for the study?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of these methods?
• What kinds of problems/concerns have to be considered and how should they be
handled?
• What are your hypotheses?
• If you are planning to use a quasi-experimental design, how will the
control/comparison groups and the program participants be identified? - Subjects: Identify the target population and whom you propose to include in the
study.
Subjects Questions: Consider the following questions at a minimum:
• If sampling is to be used how will the procedure be conducted?
• If sampling is not proposed, where are the data located, and how will they be
obtained?
• Why is your method of data collection the most appropriate for the study and
the proposed research design?
• What steps are involved and what are the potential problems?
• Who might help with data collection?
• What about confidentiality issues and training for data collectors?
• What is the time frame for data collection? - Variables and Measures: Identify and explain each of the variables you will include
in your study.
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Variables and Measures Questions: Consider the following questions at a minimum:
• How are the variables measured (level of measurement)?
• Discuss the reliability and validity of your measures.
• Include a table in your proposal showing your variables, level of measurement,
and source (if it can be identified). - Data Analysis: Use this section to explain how the data you propose to collect will be
analyzed, discussing all statistical tests that are appropriate. Defend your selection
of techniques based on level of measurement, previous designs, and previous
studies.
CHAPTER 3: ANTICIPATED FINDINGS
The Anticipated Findings will consist of a discussion of what you think the results of your
study would be if it is carried out. In other words, do you think it will support your research
hypothesis(es)? Why or why not?
CHAPTER 4: IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The Implications and Recommendations will consist of a discussion of the practical side of
the results. How will the anticipated findings facilitate decision making in the future?
REFERENCES: List sources (minimum of 10) used in developing the research proposal (APA
format).
Research proposal projects will be graded based on degree of completion and thoroughness
related to the specifications requested. They will be evaluated according to the following
matrix:
SLO# Criteria Does Not meet
Expectations
Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 8
Develop the Introduction
and Theoretical
Orientation (Chapter 1,
Section 1) for the research
proposal
0-6 Points 7-8 Points 9-10 Points
The research topic and
theoretical orientation
need further development
in their presentation,
justification, or sources.
The research topic and
theoretical orientation are
adequately presented with
strong, documented
evidence to support
assertions and is wellsourced with good
connection to course
concepts.
The research topic and
theoretical orientation are
presented, defined, and
justified in great detail
with multiple sources and
a very tight connection to
course concepts.
0-6 Points 7-8 Points 9-10 Points
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1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 8
Develop a Literature
Review (Chapter 1, Section
2) for the research
evaluation proposal
The literature review
needs further
development in support,
interpretation, and
synthesis and moderately
supports the research
topic in terms of
relevance.
The literature review
provides good, relevant,
and consistent support for
the evaluation research
topic and interprets and
synthesizes ideas and
concepts from multiple
sources.
The literature review
demonstrates an expert
ability to clearly and
thoughtfully analyze and
synthesize information
related to the research
topic.
1, 3, 7, 8 Develop Hypothesis(es)
(Chapter 1, Section 3) for
the research proposal
0 Points 1-2 Points 3-5 Points
Research hypotheses do
not reflect the purpose of
the research; null
hypotheses are missing.
Research hypotheses
reflect the purpose of the
research; null hypotheses
are included.
Research hypotheses are
directional where possible
and reflect the purpose of
the research; null
hypotheses are included.
1, 2, 3, 7 Develop a Research Design
section (Chapter 2, Section
1) for the research
proposal
0-6 Points 7-8 Points 9-10 Points
The methodology needs
further development in the
research design and data
collection strategy and has
little or no linkage to
course concepts and
overall relevance.
The methodology
adequately identifies an
appropriate research
design and data collection
strategy for the proposed
study and has moderate
linkage to course concepts
and overall relevance.
The methodology strongly
identifies and supports a
relevant research design
and data collection
strategy appropriate for
the research being
proposed with significant
linkage to course concepts
and overall relevance.
1, 3, 7, 8 Develop a Subjects section
(Chapter 2, Section 2)
0-6 Points 7-8 Points 9-10 Points
The sampling method and
plans for ensuring data
confidentiality are only
minimally explained.
The sampling method and
plans for ensuring data
confidentiality sufficiently
described and explained.
The sampling method and
plans for ensuring data
confidentiality provide
unquestionable support
for the research study
being proposed.
1, 3, 7, 8 Develop a Variables and
Measures Section (Chapter
2, Section 3) for the
research proposal
0-6 Points 7-8 Points 9-10 Points
The variables and
measurement techniques
are only minimally
explained.
The variables and
measurement techniques
are sufficiently described
and explained.
The variables and
measurement techniques
provide unquestionable
support for the research
study being proposed.
1, 3, 7, 8 Develop a Data Analysis
Section (Chapter 2, Section
4) for the research
proposal
0-6 Points 7-8 Points 9-10 Points
The proposed data analysis
is only minimally
explained.
The proposed data analysis
is sufficiently described
and explained.
The proposed data analysis
provides unquestionable
support for the research
study being proposed.
Develop a discussion of the
Anticipated Findings of the
proposed research
(Chapter 3).
0 Points 1-2 Points 3-5 Points
The proposed anticipated
findings are only minimally
explained.
The proposed anticipated
findings are sufficiently
described and explained.
The proposed anticipated
findings provide
unquestionable support
for the research study
being proposed.
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Develop a Conclusion
(Chapter 4) that includes a
discussion of the
Implications and
Recommendations
(Chapter 4, Section 1) of
the proposed research
(Chapter 4, Section 2).
0 Points 1-2 Points 3-5 Points
The suggested implications
and recommendations are
only minimally explained.
The suggested implications
and recommendations are
sufficiently explained.
The suggested implications
and recommendations are
fully explained in
significant detail.
Sources 0-6 Points 7-8 Points 9-10 Points
0-7 8-10 >10
Length 0-6 Points 7-8 Points 9-10 Points
< 15 Pages 15-20 Pages > 20 Pages
Mechanics, organization, and style 0-2 Points 3-4 Points 5 Points
The research proposal
requires improvements or
corrections in grammar,
mechanics, organization,
and/or APA style.
The research proposal
demonstrates quality
spelling, grammar, and
syntax; has a clear
introduction, body, and
conclusion; establishes a
clear topic or focus; and,
includes appropriate and
adequate citations and
quotations throughout.
The research proposal is
nearly perfect in grammar,
mechanics, organization,
and APA style and
demonstrates a strong
command of the English
language.
Oral Presentation of Research Proposal
Oral presentations by students of their research proposal will be expected on Friday of
the 8th week of class. They will be conducted through development of a narrated PowerPoint
file. These formal oral reports should be no longer than 20 minutes long and should be
carefully prepared for delivery. Presentations are expected to be professional, free from
typological errors, and should explain fully how the research study would be carried out.
Your oral presentation should address, at a minimum, the following items: a) your
research problem, b) your literature review, c) your research hypothesis, d) a macro-treatment
of your methodology section, e) anticipated findings, and f) implications and recommendations.
You must convince your peers that you could actually carry out this study.
The oral presentation will be graded according to the matrix below:
Criteria Does Not Meet Expectations Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Content 0-16 Points 17-21 Points 22-25 Points
Presentation identifies and
applies limited or no relevant
course concepts to support
conclusions.
Presentation identifies and
applies 1-2 relevant course
concepts to support
conclusions.
Presentation identifies and
applies 3 or more relevant
course concepts to support
conclusions.
Originality of Thought 0-16 Points 17-21 Points 22-25 Points
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Presentation displays limited
originality of thought by
elaborating on information
obtained through assigned
reading and outside research.
Presentation displays moderate
originality of thought by
elaborating on information
obtained through assigned
reading and outside research.
Presentation displays
significant originality of
thought by elaborating on
information obtained through
assigned reading and outside
research.
Synthesis of
Information and
Concepts
0-16 Points 17-21 Points 22-25 Points
Presentation displays limited or
no synthesis of information
obtained through assigned
readings and additional research.
Presentation displays moderate
synthesis of information
obtained through assigned
readings and additional
research.
Presentation displays
significant synthesis of
information obtained through
assigned readings and
additional research.
Presentation Style 0-16 Points 17-21 Points 22-25 Points
Presentation limited to reading of
slides with no additional
discussion or interpretation.
Presentation included some
additional discussion and
interpretation beyond reading
the slides.
Presentation made with little
or no reading of slides to
include significant additional
discussion and interpretation
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REQUIRED TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Introduction and Theoretical Background of the Problem
Literature Review
Hypothesis
Chapter 2 - Methodology
Design
Subjects
Variables and Measures
Data Analysis
Chapter 3 - Anticipated Findings
Chapter 4 - Conclusion
Implications
Recommendations
References
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Format for Title Page for Research Proposal
[TITLE]
(Centered, all capital letters, approximately 2.5" from the top of the page, in 14-point font, bold)
by
Centered, approximately 3.5" from the top of the page, in 12-point font)
[Student’s Name]
(Centered, approximately 4.0" from the top of the page, in 12-point font)
A Paper Submitted to
Dr. Terry Anderson
in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for
[Course Name and Number]
[Term]
(Centered, starting approximately 5.75" from the top of the page, in 12-point font)
Troy University
[Site]
[Date]
(Centered, starting approximately 8.0" from the top of the page, in 12-point font)
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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Your research proposal should begin with an opening section that introduces the reader
to the research question to be studied. This section provides only a brief introduction to the
topic—just enough to let the reader know what to expect from the proposal. You should also
briefly indicate what the practical significance of the study is so that you can justify your
recommendation in a later section that the study should be conducted. This section should be
no more than one paragraph in length.
Overview of the Problem
This section indicates the purpose for your proposed evaluation. In addition to stating
the purpose, this section should include conceptual definitions and operational definitions for
each of the variables to be studied. It should also indicate how the variables are believed to be
related to each other. This section gives direction to the rest of the study. It should also be
accompanied by a presentation of the background of the problem. Provide just enough
information to allow the reader to gain an understanding of the problem.
Literature Review
The literature review involves the systematic identification, location, and analysis of
documents containing information related to the problem and solutions proposed throughout
the literature. These documents include published research studies, periodicals, books,
statistical material, and other reports and studies. The purpose of this exercise is to determine
what has already been done that relates to your problem. It is thus an elaboration of the
problem and program overview above. This knowledge not only avoids unintentional
duplication, but it also provides the understandings and insights necessary for the development
of a logical framework into which your problem fits. In other words, the review tells you what
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has already been done and what still needs to be done. Studies that have been done will
provide the rationale for your research hypothesis, indications of what needs to be done, and
will form the basis for justification for your proposed study.
Below are some suggestions based on experience gained the hard way that may be
helpful to you: - Make an outline. It does not have to be excessively detailed, but it should at least
identify the main subheadings and the order in which they should appear. Begin your
literature review with a discussion of your research into the dependent variable (the
problem). Follow this with a discussion of findings concerning the independent variable
(something that might have an effect on or be related to the problem). - Analyze each reference in terms of your outline to determine the subheading under
which each one fits. If each of the references you have found does not fit under one of
your selected subheadings, there are three logical possibilities. First, there is something
wrong with your outline. Second, the references do not belong in your literature review
and should be discarded. Finally, the references do not belong in your literature review,
but do belong somewhere else in Chapter 1. - Take all of the references included in the literature review for a given subheading and
analyze the relationships or differences between them. If three references say
essentially the same thing, there is no need to describe each one; it is much better to
make one summary statement followed by three references. - The literature review should flow in such a way that the references least related to the
problem are discussed first, and the most related references discussed last, just prior to
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the statement of the hypothesis. The idea is to organize and present your literature in
such a way that it leads logically to a tentative, testable conclusion, namely your
hypothesis. - The literature review should conclude with a brief summary of the literature and its
implications. How lengthy this summary needs to be depends upon the length of the
review. It should be detailed enough to show clearly the logic chain you have followed
in arriving at your implications and tentative conclusion. Having systematically
developed and presented your rationale, you will now be ready to state your
hypothesis.
Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for certain behaviors, phenomena, or events that
have occurred or will occur. It states your expectations concerning the relationship between
the variables in the research problem. It states what you believe the outcome of the study will
be. You will not be trying to “prove” your hypothesis, but rather to conduct research that will
support it; research studies do not “prove” anything. You will write two kinds of hypotheses: a
research hypothesis and a null hypothesis.
The research hypothesis must state the expected relationship or difference between
two variables and define those variables in operational, measurable terms. The null hypothesis
states that no relationship or no difference exists between the variables. A general paradigm,
or model, for stating hypotheses for experimental studies which you may find useful is as
follows: Subjects who get X do better on Y than subjects who do not get X (or get some other X).
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If this model appears to be an oversimplification, it is, and it may not be always be appropriate.
However, it should help you to understand the nature of a hypothesis statement.
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CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY
Design
The description of the design indicates the basic structure of the study. The nature of
the hypothesis, the variables involved, and the constraints of the real world all contribute to the
design to be used. Where appropriate, you must discuss how the research design will address
issues of internal and external validity.
Subjects
This section should clearly define the population, the larger group from which the
sample will be selected. It should indicate the size and major characteristics of the population.
A discussion of the method for sample selection should also be included. Indicate any
characteristics in the sample group that may be important to the overall study.
Variables
Here you will describe in detail the variables you propose to study. Once again, you will
discuss the dependent variable(s) first, followed by the independent variable(s). Be sure to
include in your discussion any other variables that will be necessary in order to fully study the
problem (e.g., intervening variables, moderating variables, variables that form constructs, etc.).
Give clear conceptual definitions as well as operational definitions that will indicate how the
variable will be measured. Indicate the level of measurement of each variable (nominal,
ordinal, interval, or ratio).
Data Collection
This section should describe the method by which you will propose to collect data for
your research proposal. You will need to discuss how you will ensure that the proposed data
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collection will result in data that are valid and reliable for the study. If more than one method
of data collection is to be used, each must be discussed separately.
Data Analysis
In this section, you will describe how you propose to analyze study data. Determining
this begins by going back to your hypothesis. The hypothesis determines the design, which in
turn determines the kind of analysis that might be required. Analysis that is inappropriate will
not be valid for the study. Your job, therefore, is to justify the analysis chosen as appropriate
given the design and level of data measurement.
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CHAPTER 3: ANTICIPATED FINDINGS
In a research proposal, you will not actually collect data and conduct data analysis.
However, after researching your topic and discussing your proposed methodology for
conducting a study, it should be a simple matter to discuss your anticipated findings. It is as
simple as stating that you anticipate that your research hypothesis will be supported.
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CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION
The conclusion of your proposal should open with a summary paragraph of the
literature review, research hypothesis, and anticipated findings.
Implications
Any research study has implications for someone, otherwise, what would be the
rationale for conducting one? In this section, discuss the practical significance of your
anticipated findings for those involved in the field from which the research topic is derived.
Recommendations
Good research should beget further research. In addition to recommending that your
study be conducted, you might identify some area of your research where further research
should be conducted.
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CHAPTER 1 CHECKLIST
Overview of the Research Problem: - Is there a statement of problem?
- Is the problem “researchable,” that is, can it be investigated through the
collection and analysis of data? - Is background information on the problem presented?
- Does the problem statement indicate the variables of interest and the specific
relationship between those variables which are to be investigated? - When necessary, are variables conceptually and/or operationally defined?
Literature Review: - Is the review comprehensive (at least 11 references from multiple
professional sources? - Have references been critically analyzed and the results of various studies
compared and contrasted (as opposed to a series of abstracts or an
annotated bibliography)? - Is the review well organized? Does it logically flow in such a way that the
least-related references to the problem are discussed first and the mostrelated references discussed last? - Does the review conclude with a brief summary of the literature and its
implications for the problem investigated? - Do the implications discussed form an empirical or theoretical rationale for
the hypotheses which follow?
Hypothesis: - Does the hypothesis section open with some linkage to the literature review?
- For each hypothesis to be tested, is there an accompanying null hypothesis?
- Does the research hypothesis indicate the variables to be studied and the
relationship expected to exist between them?
21 - Does the null hypothesis indicate that no relationship exists?
- Does the hypothesis provide guidance for conducting the study?
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CHAPTER 2 CHECKLIST
Design: - Is the design appropriate for testing the hypothesis of the study?
- Is internal validity discussed where appropriate?
- Is external validity discussed where appropriate?
- Are control procedures described?
- Are there any potentially confounding variables which will not/cannot be
controlled?
Subjects: - Are the size and major characteristics of the population described?
- If a sample was selected, is the method of selection clearly described and
justified? - Is the method of sample selection likely to result in a representative, unbiased
sample? If volunteers were used, is this specified and handled? - Are the size and major characteristics of the sample described?
- Does the sample size meet the suggested guidelines for minimum sample size
appropriate for the method of research presented?
Variables: - Are variables correctly identified as independent, dependent, extraneous,
moderating, or intervening? - Is each variable conceptually defined?
- Is each variable operationally defined?
- Is the rationale for inclusion of each variable in the study adequately explained?
- Is the level of measurement for each variable indicated?
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Data Collection: - Is a rationale given for selection of the data collection proposed?
- Is validity of the data collection method discussed?
- Is reliability of the data collection method discussed?
- Is the method of data collection described according to whether it will produce
primary or secondary data? - If an instrument is proposed that will be developed specifically for this study, are
administration, scoring, and interpretation procedures fully described?
Data Analysis: - Are appropriate descriptive statistics discussed?
- Was the alpha level (ἀ), at which the results of the tests of significance will be
evaluated, specified and justified? - Are the tests of significance described appropriate, given the hypothesis of the
study? - Are the tests of significance described appropriate, given the design of the study?
- Are the tests of significance described appropriate, given the level of
measurement for the data to be collected?