In an attempt to assist students in becoming better educational researchers, students will be required to develop a research proposal. The research proposal should be 10-15 pages in length, APA style. At least 15 references/sources should be used. Details regarding instrumentation and sample population can be made upuse what you have learned in the course to develop these two areas. Elements of the proposal includes the following:
1) Title page
2) Introduction which includes the statement of the problem, the background of the problem, and the hypothesis(es)
3) Literature review
4) A methodology which includes a description of the participants, data collection, and an design and procedures (can be made up)
5) Data analysis (since you are not really collecting data, this can be made up)
5) Conclusion
6) References
7) APA style for the entire paper.
Students will be measured on the following criteria:
RUBRIC FOR EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH PROPOSALS
ELCC 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: REF #1, 2, 3, & 4
Name of Candidate _____________________
Date __________________
Evaluation Criteria Unacceptable Basic Proficient Exemplary
14
1 Point 2 Points 3 Points 4 points
Title Page
1. The title makes clear the population of interest. 1 2 3 4
2. The title makes clear the primary independent variable(s). 1 2 3 4
3. The title makes clear the dependent variable(s). 1 2 3 4
4. The title indicates the specific relationship between the major
variables.
1 2 3 4
Introduction Statement of the Topic/Problem
5. In the research proposal, is explicit and stated in the opening
paragraph.
1 2 3 4
6. Gives an adequate description of the background of the
topic/problem.
1 2 3 4
7. Gives a rationale for the studys significance. 1 2 3 4
8. Makes clear the population of interest. 1 2 3 4
9. Makes clear the primary independent variable. 1 2 3 4
10. Makes clear the primary dependent variable. 1 2 3 4
11. Indicates the specific relationship between the major
variables.
1 2 3 4
12. The statement is consistent with the title. 1 2 3 4
13. The research problem is researchable. 1 2 3 4
14. Testable hypotheses are developed.
Review of Literature
15. All findings from previous research are supported by one or
more citations.
1 2 3 4
16. The literature review is comprehensive. 1 2 3 4
17. All references cited are relevant to the problem to be
investigated.
1 2 3 4
18. Most of the references are current (10 years or later). 1 2 3 4
19. The review explicitly relates previous studies to the problem. 1 2 3 4
20. The review logically flows in such a way that the references
least related to the problem are discussed first and the most
related are discussed last.
1 2 3 4
21. Clear connections are made between the present study and
the previous research.
1 2 3 4
22. The review concludes with a brief summary. 1 2 3 4
Methodology Section Potential Research Participants
23. The major characteristics of the population are described
adequately.
1 2 3 4
24. If a sample will be selected, the sampling scheme is
described adequately.
1 2 3 4
25. A reasonable sample size is provided. 1 2 3 4
Methodology Section Instrument(s)
26. Potential data collection instrument is described adequately
in terms of purpose and content.
1 2 3 4
27. Instrument appears to be appropriate for the sample under
study.
1 2 3 4
Methodology Section Design/Procedure
28. All data collecting procedures are clearly described. 1 2 3 4
29. The study will be conducted for an appropriate length of time
for the predicted outcomes to be observed.
1 2 3 4
30. The design appears to be appropriate for answering the
research study or testing the hypothesis(es).
1 2 3 4
15
31. If groups will be compared, the number of subjects in each
group is stated.
1 2 3 4
32. If groups will be compared, the number of subjects per group
used appears to be adequate, or else an appropriate rationale is
provided as to why the group sizes are smaller than
recommended.
1 2 3 4
33. If groups will be compared, it is clear whether subjects will
be blinded as to what treatment group they will be assigned.
1 2 3 4
34. If groups will be compared and subjects will be aware of
their group assignment, it is clear that this knowledge will not
affect their responses.
1 2 3 4
35. If groups will be compared and the individual measuring the
outcome variable will not be blinded, it is clear that the
measurements will not be biased by this.
1 2 3 4
36. If groups will be compared, the conditions of all experimental
groups are described adequately and completely.
1 2 3 4
37. If groups will be compared, the conditions of all control
groups are described adequately and completely.
1 2 3 4
38. If groups will be compared, subjects in all groups will receive
the exact same experimental procedures and measurements,
except for the treatment intervention.
1 2 3 4
39. If groups will be compared, it is clear that there will be strict
adherence to the protocol in all groups.
1 2 3 4
40. If groups will be compared, any subject attrition is described
clearly.
1 2 3 4
41. It is specified clearly how and to whom the findings will be
delineated.
1 2 3 4
42. Possible threats to internal validity are discussed
adequately.
1 2 3 4
43. Possible threats to external validity are discussed
adequately.
1 2 3 4
Data Analysis Section
44. An adequate description is provided as to the analysis
intended to address the research question(s).
1 2 3 4
45. The method of analysis is appropriate for testing the
research hypothesis(es).
1 2 3 4
46. The significance level of the statistical tests is delineated. 1 2 3 4
Conclusion
47. A summarized conclusion about the research is presented. 1 2 3 4
48. The information provided in the informed consent form is
consistent with the information provided in the methods section.
1 2 3 4
Reference/Bibliography List
49. All publication dates in the reference list are consistent with
those in the text and are written in strict adherence to APA
guidelines (including margins).
1 2 3 4
50. Every aspect of the reference list strictly adheres to APA
guidelines (including margins).
1 2 3 4
Subtotal Points 50 100 150 200
GRAND TOTAL POINTS 200 Points are Possible
