Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis

Final Project: Developing a Quantitative Research Plan

For the final project, students will develop a quantitative research plan. As such, students have two choices:

·         Continue to develop the abbreviated quantitative plan completed in RSCH 8100, or

·         Develop a new plan

Please note:

This is not meant to be a full research plan in that students will not be constructing data collection instruments or generating data to use. The final project is meant to develop understanding about the relationships between research questions and hypotheses, research design, and statistical tests. For this project, students will consider more the design and methodology of the quantitative research they propose.

 

The Final Project should include the following:

 

Title

 

Introduction

A.   Opening statement

B.   Background of the study

a.    Summary of the literature framing history of the project, using 5 articles related to the problem

b.    Gaps and/or deficiencies in prior research

c.    Importance of present study

                                          i.    Why the study should be pursued

                                        ii.    For whom is it important

C.   Problem statement

D.   Purpose of the statement

a.    Research design (experimental, quasi-experimental, or non-experimental)

b.    Theory tested or described

c.    Intent (describe, compare, relate)

d.    Variables (independent, dependent, controlling, intervening)

E.   Research question(s) and hypotheses

a.    Research question(s)

b.    Null and alternative hypotheses for each research question, including how each of the variables will be operationalized

F.    Nature of the study

a.    Design

                                          i.    Paradigm (quantitative)

                                        ii.    Design

1.    Experimental, quasi-experimental, or pre/non-experimental

2.    Specific design (e.g., pre-post test control group, time-series, etc. See Campbell & Stanley 1963.)

                                       iii.    Rationale for the design

b.    Methodology

                                          i.    Population

1.    Definition

2.    Size, if known, or approximate/estimated size

                                        ii.    Sampling

1.    Type of sampling

2.    How the sample will be drawn

3.    Sample size and why chosen in relation to population size

                                       iii.    Instrumentation and materials

1.    Identify instrument

2.    Establish reliability

3.    Establish validity

                                       iv.    Data analysis plan: indicate what analytical tools will be applied to each set of data collected.

c.    Limitations

                                          i.    Potential design and/or methodological weaknesses of the study

                                        ii.    Explain how the weaknesses will be addressed

                                       iii.    Threats to validity and how they will be potentially addressed in the study

d.    Ethical Concerns

                                          i.    Describe your proposed procedure for providing informed consent and any ethical concerns you may need to address.

G.   Significance of the study

a.    Practical contributions of the study

b.    For whom the study is important

 

c.    Implications for social change