For this assignment, you will submit the following components for the Research Proposal: (1) the Introduction, (2) the Problem Statement (including any corrections), (3) the Rationale for the Research, (4) Statement of the Research Objectives, (5) Hypothesis, (6) Definition of Terms, and (7) a Summary. The estimated length of this part of the assignment is four pages.
1. Introduction: The student will need to introduce what the research proposal topic is about. See page 271 of your textbook. (Estimated length – one page)
2. Problem Statement: You need to identify a very specific problem within the stated topic. Do not let that problem be too broad. It should be narrowed down to a specific problem that is researchable. Present that problem in a general thesis statement stating why the problem is important enough to study. Include any corrections or feedback you received from the Unit I Assignment. See page 43 of your textbook. (Estimated length – one paragraph)
3. Rationale for the Research: You will need to explain what the study intends to accomplish. What rationale was used to determine the importance for this study? How does your study relate to larger issues? Make a persuasive statement to justify the reason for the study. Why is the study important? To whom is it important? What benefits will occur if this particular study is done? (Estimated length – half a page)
4. Statement of the Research Objectives: Identify the objectives and the purpose for the study. Example: The purpose and the objectives for this study are to …. Identify/understand/determine…. (Estimated length – half a page)
MBA 5652, Research Methods 3
5. Hypothesis: A hypothesis is really an educated guess. A hypothesis results when the questions are transformed into statements that express the relationships between the variables within the proposed study. It is sometimes referred to as an “if/then” statement. See page 7 of your textbook. (Estimated length – half a page)
6. Definition of Terms: Define a minimum of five terms used throughout the proposal so that readers can be sure to understand the meaning of the terminology used. An example of a definition is: “For the purpose of this research, improvement is operationally defined as post test score minus pretest score.” (Estimated length – half a page)
7. Summary: Include a restatement of the problem and a summary of the proposal. (Estimated length – one paragraph)