SAMPLE TITLE: STATE THE STUDY METHODOLOGY [Double space title and use all capita

SAMPLE TITLE:
STATE THE STUDY METHODOLOGY
[Double space title and use all capitals. No more than 15 words inclusive of your design]
by
Jane Doe
Date, XXXX
A Research Proposal Presented in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Master of [Name your program]
University of Phoenix
Part 1
Introduction
The introduction serves to engage the reader by discussing the overall research topic and background information of your proposed study. A good introduction should describe the broad foundations of your study and indicate the general scope of your study but should not go into so much detail that later sections such as the purpose, problem, and methodology become irrelevant. The introduction can also provide an overview of the sections that will appear in Part 1.
Problem Statement
This section must clearly identify the problem that will be studied. Include the phrase “The problem is…” to allow the reader to distinguish the issue driving the study. The problem must be supported with appropriate citations to show the existence of a problem. A researchable problem is not simply a gap in the literature or a lack of information; a research problem is a documented existing social issue for which there is not a known solution or an effective solution. Provide sufficient background information to give readers a grasp of the situation and its importance. Your discussion should reflect why the research problem is of important social concern or theoretical interest.
Purpose of the Study
This section should identify why the study you are proposing is needed and concisely explain the focus of your study. The purpose will likely relate to limitations identified in previous studies (you may find this information within the discussion of a previous study). Begin this section with the method and design you have selected and provide a clear statement of the research objectives of your study. Provide a brief descriiption of the means through which the goals of your study will be achieved and the geographic location of the study.
• When conducting a case study, which requires multiple sources of data, ensure that those sources are identified.
• For quantitative or mixed method designs, include the study variables and instruments to be used to collect the data.
Literature Review
Provide readers with a review of most relevant literature, beginning with general information and narrowing in focus to the specific issues under consideration in the study. You can include subheadings to delineate between various current content topics. It is important to synthesize the sources—compare and contrast the various perspectives on each topic. It is important to describe all perspectives of each research topic including any controversial literature rather than presenting only literature that supports your own perspective in order to create credibility.
Cite and reference 10 scholarly peer-reviewed sources supporting your study. Focus on reviewing prior research published in scientific journals; do not integrate information from websites or Wikipedia.
Research Questions/Hypotheses
(Only include “research questions” or “hypotheses” in the heading as applicable)
In this section you will state your research questions or hypotheses, as appropriate. List these questions/hypotheses as simple statements. Make sure they are measurable and numbered.
• Qualitative studies require at least 2 research questions and typically include about 4.
• For quantitative studies include at least 2 sets of hypotheses.
Definition of Terms
Operationally define variables that will be the focus of the study. Support your definitions with citations.
Section Summary
Summarize the key points presented in Part 1, provide supporting citations, and transition to the next part of the study.