1d: Final Proposal (25% of total course grade): Here you will bring together the work youve done in parts a, b, and c along with the feedback youve received to create a polished research proposal. Your final proposal should clearly introduce the topic of interest/issue, define the purpose of the inquiry, and share a bit of background information as context. Youll include 2-4 well crafted research questions and a detailed plan appropriate to answering those questions, including a hypothetical consideration of the timeline and any logistical considerations you’ll need to make. Total length should be approximately 1500 words, not including references or appendices; an outline will be provided.
Further guidance will be given at each stage, and we will spend time in class working on the different part or these proposals, and resources such as a research proposal guide and example of proposals will be provided.
IHMN 315: Assignment 1D – Final Proposal
Note: This final proposal is meant to draw on parts a, b, and c of Assignment 1. The Introduction, Background, Goals, and Objectives will come directly from Assignment 1B, though will likely need to be made briefer (you dont need to go into as much detail for the background) and should be edited as needed. The Research Questions and Proposed Approach will be developed from the outline you provided in Assignment 1c. The Timeline is meant to be hypothetical – your best guess, while the Other Considerations section asks you to think about possible issues that might arise while carrying out the study. These two sections are meant to be brief (no more than a paragraph each).
Total length: Approximately 1500 words. Assignments that fall significantly outside of this guideline will have marks deducted.
Proposal Section Description of what should be included
Title page Must adhere to APA guidelines (see sample papers or APA student title page examples)
Table of contents Lists section headings and corresponding page numbers
Introduction Brief opening discussion to prepare the reader for the proposal. States the topic in simple, clear terms and gives a brief statement of why its important.
The goal is to hook the reader get them interested in the proposed project right from the start of the proposal. To do this, it can be useful to provide a few key facts/figures (with references) to help illustrate why the research is needed (right now).
Background Provides information about the context and environment for the research topic being investigated. Includes an examination of some literature and facts about the situation. Helps to provide a better understanding of what is going on, why the research is necessary, and what other research has already been done around this topic. Its meant to demonstrate your knowledge of the main topic and any relevant issues and that youve taken time to read academic literature/studies of related work. This is the literature review portion of a proposal you will be drawing on (and referencing) secondary data (academic literature) for this section.
Goal Overarching aim that that you are trying to accomplish with the research. Why are you doing this study? Why is it important? How will the research will be useful, and to whom? Clearly stating this demonstrates that you understand the issue youre researching.
Objectives & Research Questions Sets out some of the specific objectives for the project. What, exactly, do you want to accomplish? What do you need to accomplish to achieve the goals of the research?
Shares the research questions that need to be answered/addressed as part of these objectives. Often, this includes one or two larger or overarching research questions as well as a number of more specific questions designed around the objectives youve set.
Proposed Research Approach The general outline of how the research will be conducted. This includes the overall approach you plan to take as well as the specific research methods. Youll want to include a description of your sample, or the subjects you would need to involve in the research (i.e. who or which groups you need to talk to, interview, or survey to get the needed information). Discuss how you will collect data and the type and general topic of the data you hope to get (e.g. a survey that will collect entirely quantitative data on customer satisfaction in a hotel; an interview that will ask hotel managers about the strategies they used to adapt to the pandemic).
Proposed Timeline In a real proposal, this establishes the key dates and events to occur during the project. Often, budgets and/or invoices are tied to aspects of the timeline, especially for larger research projects. It will usually make note of any key elements or factors that can affect the timing and/or success of the project (e.g., weather, reduced funding, seasonality, access barriers, etc.). Provides a promise by the researcher for when the project will be completed.
** For this assignment, provide an estimate of how long this project might take, any considerations around specific timing (i.e. a certain season, must be completed during a single month, etc.), and note any elements that might affect this timeline
Other Considerations This section notes any logistical considerations that might need to be made, such as issues of access to certain locations in which the research will be conducted (e.g. permission to conduct observations in a certain place), specific materials that will be needed (e.g. video recording equipment), any ethical considerations (usually going beyond what can reasonably be expected for a project like this), and any other potential concerns or issues that might arise during the study.
This is also where you would describe any incentives provided to participants (e.g. gift certificates for taking part in an interview).
Conclusion A final statement(s) about why the research is important – this should sum up the key goals and leave the reader convinced that they should accept this proposal and continue with the research.
References List of references used in preparing the proposal (as per APA guidelines).
