DescriptionWeek 5 Assignment: Research Proposal (50 Points)
Overview
The purpose of this week’s assignment is to complete and submit the research proposal.
Week 5 targets the following Course Learning Objectives (CLO) – Students will:
• CLO5: Develop a coherent research plan that supports instructional planning through
data-driven decision-making
Week 5 Learning Objectives (W5LO) – Students will:
• W5LO1: Describe the rationale for the chosen statistical analysis
• W5LO2: Design a research plan proposal (CLO5)
Directions:
1. Complete your Research Proposal by following the guideless outlined in Chapter 10 of your
textbook.
2. Upload your Research Proposal as a word document to Blackboard by the due date.
All Research Proposals will have the following components, but depending on the type of study
(qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, or action research) selected, additional information
may be required. See Chapter 10 of the text for details.
o
Title Page
o
Section One: Introduction (Include an explanation of the phenomenon, topic, or problem
proposed to investigate; background information related to the topic or problem; purpose
of the study; a rationale or justification for the study; specification of the research
questions and/or hypotheses.
o
Section Two: Review of the Literature (Include introduction, at least two subheadings,
and summary)
o
Section Three: Methods Section
a) Participants, as well as specific processes for selecting them;
b) A thorough description of the Research Design, including procedures;
c) methods to use for Data Collection, including instruments, protocols, or other
data collection materials; and
d) Proposed Data Analysis, including the type of statistical analyses that will be
used to obtain results.
o
Reference Page
Proposals must adhere to APA style, including correct level subheadings and in-text citations.
PEDG 5307_Spring 2023
Page 1 of 5
Rubric
Use the following Rubric to guide your work on the Week 5 Assignment.
Research Proposal Rubric
Research Proposal
PEDG 5307
Level 1
Does not meet the
minimum criteria
Level 2
Approaches minimum
criteria
Level 3
Meets criteria
Level 4
Exceeds criteria
Research
Proposal
Title Page
• There is no title
page.
• The title page is
not formatted
according to APA
style.
Title Page
• Title is unclear and
vague and/or does not
describe the problem
and/or intervention
and/or does not
describe what the
report is about and/or
describes the results.
• Title page is formatted
according to APA with
more than two
formatting errors.
6 points
Title Page
• Title describes the
problem and/or
intervention.
• Title describes what the
report is about.
• Title avoids describing
the results.
• Title page is formatted
according to APA style
with no more than two
formatting errors.
Title Page
• Title is specific, concise and
clearly describes the
problem and/or intervention.
• Title clearly indicates what
the report is about.
• Title avoids describing the
results.
• Title page is formatted
according to APA style
7 points
8 points
Introduction Section
• Provides the reader with
limited or vague
information of the
phenomenon, topic, or
problem proposed to
investigate necessary to
understand the purpose
of the study and/or
contains superfluous
information.
• The purpose of the
report is not included in
the first or second
paragraph and/or is
vaguely stated and/or
assumes results.
• Introduction section
does not contain one or
more of the following:
background information,
problem
statement/purpose,
research question(s), a
Introduction Section
• Provides the reader with
some of the information
of the phenomenon, topic,
or problem proposed to
investigate necessary to
understand the purpose of
the study, without
superfluous information.
• Does not pique the
readers’ interest. The
purpose of the report is
included in the first or
second paragraph and
does not assume results.
• Introduction section
contains background
information, problem
statement/purpose and
research question(s) that
does not assume results, a
Introduction Section
• Provides the reader with all
the information of the
phenomenon, topic, or
problem proposed to
investigate necessary to
understand the purpose of
the study, without
superfluous information.
• Piques the readers’ interest
and makes purpose of the
report relevant. Clearly
stated purpose of the report
is included in the first or
second paragraph and the
purpose of the report does
not assume results.
• Introduction section
contains detailed, wellarticulated background
information, problem
statement/purpose that
includes research
question(s) that does not
assume results, a rationale
Title Page
0-5 points
Research
Proposal
Introduction –
Section One
Introduction Section
• Does not provide
the reader
information of the
phenomenon,
topic, or problem
proposed to
investigate
necessary to
understand the
purpose of the
study and/or no
introduction
section.
• Introduction
section does not
follow the
guidelines of the
text.
rationale or
justification for the
study
0-6 points
Research Proposal
Literature Review
–
Section Two
Literature Review
Section
• The literature
review section
PEDG 5307_Spring 2023
• Introduction section
does not follow the
guidelines of the text
and APA style.
7 points
Literature Review Section
• The literature review
section shows limited
evidence of synthesis of
rationale or
justification for the
study
• The introduction section
follows the guidelines of
the text and APA style.
or justification for the
study
• The introduction section
follows the guidelines of the
text and APA style.
8 points
10 points
Literature Review Section
• The literature review
section shows evidence of
synthesis of information
Literature Review Section
• The literature review section
shows strong evidence of
synthesis of information on
Page 2 of 5
shows lack of
evidence of
synthesis of
information on
emerging trends
and issues related
to candidate’s
topic that are likely
to affect school
issues and
leadership
strategies.
• The section did not
introduce the
reader to the major
issues and themes
learned from
current research
surrounding the
study.
• The findings of
articles were not
mentioned and/or
themes were not
identified and/or
articles were only
summarized and/or
the review of the
literature did not
include a body.
• There are fewer
than two or no
subtopic headings.
• The introduction,
body, or summary
of the literature
review is missing.
• There is no
literature review.
information on
emerging trends and
issues related to
candidate’s topic that
are likely to affect
school issues and
leadership strategies.
• The section provided the
reader a limited
introduction to the major
issues and themes
learned from current
research surrounding the
study; and/or there are 5
or fewer current
scholarly references;
and/or less than 4 of the
references are peerreviewed; and/or the
articles/books used are
not recognized as being
scholarly.
• The literature review
exhibits a limited
analysis of the research
literature
findings/conclusions;
and/or lacks synthesis
describing one piece of
literature after another;
and/or there are multiple
direct quotations.
• The findings of articles
were mentioned with
little and or no
comparison or
connection to each other
and/or themes were not
identified.
• There are a minimum
of 2 subheadings, but
each subheading does
not have at least 2
references and/or does
not have at least one
paragraph per
subheading.
• The review of the
literature contains a
limited introduction,
body, and summary and
follows the guidelines
of the text and APA
style.
on emerging trends and
issues related to the
candidate’s topic that are
likely to affect school
issues and leadership
strategies.
• The section introduced the
reader to the major issues
and themes learned from
current research
surrounding the study
with at least 5 current
scholarly references,
including at least 4
research-based, peer
reviewed studies.
• The literature review
exhibits analysis and
synthesis of research
literature
findings/conclusions with
logical transitions and
relates clearly to focus of
study. Direct quotations
are rarely used.
• The findings of articles
were compared,
contrasted and/or
connected to each other
and at least two themes
identified.
• There are a minimum of 2
subheadings with at least
2 references for each
subheading and each
subheading contains a
minimum of 1 paragraphs.
Most paragraphs within
each subheading are
concise, and relate to the
subheading.
• The review of the
literature contains an
introduction, body, and
summary and follows the
guidelines of the text and
APA style.
emerging trends and issues
related to the candidate’s
topic that are likely to affect
school issues and leadership
strategies.
• The section clearly
introduced the reader to the
major issues and themes
learned from current
research surrounding the
study with at least 5 current
scholarly references,
including 100% researchbased, peer reviewed
studies.
• The literature review is well
written, exhibits analysis and
synthesis of research
literature
findings/conclusions with
logical transitions and
relates clearly to focus of
study. Direct quotations are
rarely used.
• The findings/results of
articles were thoughtfully
compared, contrasted and/or
connected to each other and
at least two themes were
identified.
• There are a minimum of 2
subheadings with at least 2
references for each
subheading and each
subheading contains a
minimum of 1 welldeveloped paragraph. All
paragraphs within each
subheading are concise,
cohesive, and relate to the
subheading.
• The review of the literature
contains a well-written
introduction, body, and
summary and follows the
guidelines of the text and
APA style.
0-5 points
6 points
7 points
8 points
PEDG 5307_Spring 2023
Page 3 of 5
Research Proposal
Methods Section –
Section Three
Research
Proposal
Reference Page
Research Proposal
General Use of
APA style and
Clarity of Writing
Design Section
• Subjects/
Participants are not
described.
• The research design
is not described
• Procedures are
incomplete and/or
missing.
• Data Collection
methods are
incomplete and/or
missing.
• Proposed data
analysis are
incomplete and/or
missing.
• The Design Section
does not follow the
guidelines of the
text and APA style.
Design Section
• Subjects/ Participants
are vaguely described.
• The research design is
vaguely described, and
procedures are vague
and does not support
replication.
• Data Collection
methods are vague and
does not support
replication.
• The proposed data
analysis is vague and
does not support
replication.
• The Design Section
follows the guidelines
of the text and APA
style.
Design Section
• Subjects/ Participants are
described.
• A clear description of the
research design is
included, including
specific and organized
procedures so that the
study can be replicated.
• Data Collection methods
are specific and organized
• The proposed data
analysis is specific and
organized.
• The Design Section
follows the guidelines of
the text and APA style.
Design Section
• Subjects/participants are
described in detail as well as
specific processes for
selecting them.
• A thorough description of
the research design is
included, including
comprehensive, specific and
organized procedures so that
the study can be replicated.
• A thorough description of
the methods used for data
collection, including
instruments, protocols, or
other data collection
materials.
• The proposed data analysis
is comprehensive, specific
and organized.
• The Design Section follows
the guidelines of the text and
APA style.
0-6 points
7 points
8 points
10 points
Reference Section
• There is no
reference section,
OR
• There are less than
12 references that
match text
citations, OR
• The Reference
section does not
follow the
guidelines of the
text and APA
style..
Reference Section
• Most references
chosen are not
appropriate or
scholarly with regard
to the focus of the
study.
• There are at least 5
references, but all
references are not
current (less than 10
years old), and/or less
than 100 % are peerreviewed and/or all
references are not
scholarly.
• References do not
match text citations.
• References are not
formatted according to
APA style (more than
two errors).
• Follows the guidelines
of the text and APA
style.
Reference Section
• Some references chosen
are not appropriate or
scholarly with regard to the
focus of the study.
• There are at least 5 current
scholarly references (no
more than 10 years old),
but less than 100 % are
peer-reviewed.
• References match text
citations.
• References are formatted
according to APA style
with no more than two
APA errors.
• The Reference section
follows the guidelines of
the text and APA style.
Reference Section
• References chosen are
appropriate and scholarly
with regard to the focus of the
study.
• There are at least 5 current
scholarly references (no more
than 10 years old), at least
100 % are peer-reviewed.
• References accurately match
text citations – all cited
sources in text are present in
references and no references
not cited in the body are
present in the reference
section.
• References are correctly
formatted according to APA
style.
• The Reference section
follows the guidelines of the
text and APA style.
0-3 points
4 points
5 points
6 points
General Use of APA
style and Clarity of
Writing
• Surface errors
disrupt the meaning
of the paper and
make the paper
difficult to read.
General Use of APA style
and Clarity of Writing
• Surface errors disrupt
the meaning of the paper
and make the paper
difficult to read.
• Some paragraphs well
organized.
General Use of APA style
and Clarity of
Writing
• Paper read adequately.
• Most paragraphs well
organized.
• Some misappropriate word
usage errors (effect vs
affect)
General Use of APA style and
Clarity of Writing
• Writing is very easy to
understand, clear, and not
vague.
• Paragraphs well organized.
• Appropriate word selection.
• Adheres to APA style
accurately and consistently;
PEDG 5307_Spring 2023
Page 4 of 5
• Paper lacks well
organized
paragraphs.
• Extensive proofreading needed.
• Does not adhere
APA style.
• In-text citations are
not consistent with
APA style.
• Multiple problems
with mechanics and
grammar exist.
• Numerous errors
with spacing and
formatting.
0-4 points
PEDG 5307_Spring 2023
• Many misappropriate
word usage errors (effect
vs affect)
• Adheres to APA style
inconsistently.
• In-text citations may
exist, but are not
consistent with APA
style.
• Multiple problems with
mechanics and grammar
exist.
• Numerous errors with
spacing and formatting.
• Adheres to APA style with
minor violations.
• Few problems with
mechanics and grammar
exist.
• Some minor errors with
spacing and formatting.
citations within the paper
follow APA format.
• Double-spaced throughout.
• Pages are numbered correctly
• The paper is typed in 12point Times New Roman
font.
• The paper is polished and
grammatically error free.
5 points
6 points
8 points
Page 5 of 5
1
• The title should clearly describe your problem OR intervention.
• A good title should be full explanatory when standing alone and contains the fewest possible
words that adequately describe the contents and/or purpose of the research proposal.
• There is no prescribed limit for title length, but title should be focused and succinct.
• The title should indicate clearly what the research proposal is about.
• The title should avoid describing the results.
• Avoid using abbreviations in the title
Title of Research Proposal Goes Here
Page number, right justified
Title is centered and bold, written in title case,
important words capitalized.
Student’s Name
Department of Educational Leadership, Lamar University
PEDG 5307: Educational Research Section A01
Name of Section Professor
Due Date
Your research proposal should begin on page 2 and should be:
• Double-spaced between all text lines
• Times New Roman typeface, 12-pt font, 1-inch margins on all sides. Do not use full justification. Indent the first line of every
paragraph 0.5 in.
• The general rule is to use numerals to express numbers 10 and above and words to express numbers below 10.
• In-text citations: Follow the author-date method. This means that the author’s last name and the year of publication for the
source should appear in the text, for example, (Jones, 2014), and a complete reference should appear in the reference list at the
end of the paper.
• Each work cited in text must appear in the reference list at the end of the paper and “each work in the reference list must be
cited in text” (APA, 2020, p. 257).
• Review carefully the APA, 7th edition guidelines to ensure all references and citations are formatted correctly.
• Use direct quotes only if you have good reason. Most of your paper should be in your own words. You should summarize or
paraphrase.
.
2
Title of Research Proposal
Section One
Center and Bold the Title
Because the introduction is clearly identified by its position in the paper, it does not have
a heading. The proposal’s first paragraph is an introduction to your topic. This is where you
must grab the readers’ attention and set the stage for the reader to better understand the overall
research proposal and the sections that follow. In framing the study, you demonstrate the
potential relevance of the proposed study by using a specific context or frame of reference that is
relatable to the reader. It is important that the introduction provides clarity and contextualization.
This is also a good place for any discussion of a particular theoretical framework used in the
study. In this section you explain the problem that you are investigating and why this is a
problem of practice which interests you. The reader should have a good idea what the paper is
about before finishing the first page. The introductory section includes an explanation of the
phenomenon, topic, or problem proposed to investigate, background information related to the
topic or problem, purpose of the study, a rational or justification for the study and specification
of the research questions and/or hypotheses. The purpose of the proposal should be stated in the
first or second paragraph.
The introduction section includes APA level two headings for Background, Problem
Statement, and Rational or Justification for the Study. The introduction section is usually about
two to three pages.
Background
Level 2 Heading – Flush left, Boldface, Title Case Heading
In the background section provide ample information of the problem or issue you
confronted (e.g., students disrupting class, detention hall not causing any improvements, low
levels of knowledge or skill in reading or computer applications, etc.) and a thorough description
of the context in which the problem or issue is occurring. In general terms, try to describe to the
3
reader the nature of the problem or issue, including severity, how long the problem or issue has
occurred, or any other relevant information so that the reader has a full understanding of the
details of the problem or issue.
Problem Statement
The next part is a brief paragraph stating what you want to research. You need to state
the purpose of your research proposal and clearly state the fundamental question inherent in your
research topic under investigation. The goal is to be able to answer the question at the end of the
study. Qualitative problem statements are more open-ended; whereas, quantitative problem
statements should be more focused. You should ask questions that are researchable given your
limitations. Ask questions that can be answered with data. The problem statement/purpose
should not be stated in a manner that assumes the answer before the data has been collected.
Research questions should be guided by the purpose of the study.
Rational for the Study
The next paragraph explains why this topic is worthy of investigation and explains who
will benefit from the information that research proposal will provide, and how, or in what ways
they will benefit.
Section Two
Literature Review
Level 1 Heading – Centered, Boldface,
Title Case Heading
This is a new section of the proposal. Use APA Level 1 heading (a bold, centered text
header). The brief literature review consists an introduction, body (with subtopics/themes) and a
summary (conclusion). Begin with an introduction where you identify the general topic, issue, or
area of concern, thus providing an appropriate context for reviewing the literature. Point out the
overall trends in what has been published about your topic and establish your reason for reviewing
the literature. The subtopics/themes that are identified should be APA Level 2 headings in this
4
section. You should have at least two Level 2 headings. Write your literature review using the
third person (i.e., do not use “I”). Use the past tense to describe results [e.g.., “Ames (2018)
observed that . . . “]. Finally, use an APA Level 2 heading for the summary section of your
literature review.
The review of related literature provides an overview of the existing body of research and
what is currently known on your topic. Is should be current and support the purpose of the study.
A literature review is a way of organizing what has been written about a topic by accredited
scholars and researchers. The purpose is to convey to your reader what you have learned
through a careful reading of literature related to your topic. The goal of this section is to
introduce the reader to the major issues and themes from experts in the field. By broadening
your readers’ understanding of the major issues surrounding your research, you further solidify
the credibility and trustworthiness of your work. The literature review section should contain no
commentary, personal opinion, or reference to your study; only synthesize the findings of the
experts. Give an objective review of the issues involved. Be sure to explore all sides of an issue
or topic. Highlight areas that have been successful in an organization. Also examine areas that
pose challenges to the organizations. The goal of the literature review is to create a coherent
narrative that lays the foundation for your research questions.
There is no limit on the number of references cited but, for this brief literature you are
expected to include a minimum of six current references (no more than 10 years old) that clearly
support best practices that relates to your study. Additionally, you are expected to have at least
two references for each subheading/theme. Remember that each reference cited in the literature
review should be written in APA format and included in the references section of your report.
5
Use direct quotes only if you have good reason. You should summarize and paraphrase. What
you what from the source is the idea expressed, not the specific language used to express it.
Subtopic/Theme One
Indent and objectively present the best information you have found relevant to your first
theme. Each subheading should have at least two references.
Subtopic/Theme Two
Indent and objectively present the best information you have found relevant to your
second theme. Each subtopic should have at least 2 references.
Summary
Text goes here. The review of the literature will conclude with a brief summary that
directs the reader to the following sections. Summarize major contributions of significant studies
and articles to the body of knowledge under review, maintaining the focus established in the
introduction. No new information should be presented or cited in the summary.
Methodology
Section Three
Participants
or Sample Selection
Use APA Level 2 heading to introduce this sub-section. Describe your target population,
including demographic information and number of males and females. If you used a sample,
how did you select your sample and the rationale for your sample size? In this section also
describe your setting, such as overall population, demographics, where the research took place,
grade level, number of students, content area, etc.
Research Design
Use APA Level 2 heading to introduce this sub-section. Describe the plan used to
conduct the study. It is important to use appropriate terminology when describing your design,
6
for example, “the study will be conducted using a two-group pretest-posttest design.” Include a
description of any surveys, questionnaires, tests, tools, protocols, or other instruments used to
collect data from participants. Clearly describe whether the instrument is an existing, published
instrument, or a self-developed (i.e., researcher-developed instrument). Remember that other
researchers, teachers, administrators may read your report, so think about how best to describe
what you did so that they may replicate your study, if desired.
Data Collection
Use APA Level 2 heading to introduce this sub-section. Describe the data collection
procedures for all aspects of data collection. Describe the sources of information (data) you used
to answer the research questions and how you collected the data. For example, this could be
collecting data from direct observations, journals, interviews, journals, videotapes, office
referrals, homework assignments, etc. (qualitative data) or test scores, surveys, questionnaires,
rating scales, etc. (quantitative data). Be sure to accurately describe the method. For example, if
you used a survey, was it for the entire group or individually; was it a pre and post survey; or
was it a checklist or open-ended questions? If the survey was researcher-designed, describe the
process by which it was developed. A discussion of techniques and strategies for each research
question should be provided.
Data Analysis
Use APA Level 2 heading to introduce this sub-section. The research proposal must
clearly indicate how the collected data will be analyzed. The data analysis subsection does not
need to be lengthy, but does need to clearly describe the proposed procedures. In this subsection,
describe, in general terms, the data analysis techniques you plan to use to analyze the data
collected. The proposed data analysis techniques must parallel the research questions, such that
7
the results of the analysis enable you to answer the questions. The type of data you collect
determines the data analysis techniques you use. For example, if you collected narrative,
descriptive, and non-numerical data, such as observations, interviews, or journals, qualitative
data analysis techniques will be used. (Refer to Mertler text, pp. 180-188.) In contrast, if you
collected numerical data, such as test scores, survey results, questionnaires, rating scales,
quantitative data analysis techniques will be the most appropriate way to analyze the data. (Refer
to Mertler text, pp. 221-255.)
Page number – right justified
8
References
Final Section – New Page
Begin typing here. Do not press the “Enter” key until the entire entry has been typed. Press
Enter to begin the next entry. The references below are provided only as examples. Refer
to Chapter 10 of the APA manual, 7th edition, or https://owl.purdue.edu/index.html for more
examples.
Barbour, M., & Ferdig, R. E. (2012). Virtual schooling. In S. McLeod & C. Lehmann (Eds.),
What school leaders need to know about digital technologies and social media (pp. 5366). Jossey-Bass.
Reference from a chapter in a Book without DOI
Bonvillian, W. B., & Singer, S. R. (2013). The online challenge to higher education. Issues in
Science & Technology, 29(4), 23-30. https://issues.org/the-online-challenge-to-highereducation/
Article from periodical with no DOI.
Harding, T. (2010). Fostering creativity for leadership and leading change. Arts Education
Policy Review, 111(2), 51-53. https://doi.org/10.1080/10632910903455827
Article from periodical with DOI.
Mertler, C. A. (2022). Introduction to educational research (3rd ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.
Reference from a book without a DOI..
Milligan, C., Littlejohn, A., & Marjaryan, A. (2013). Patterns of engagement in connectivism
MOOCs. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 9(2), 149-159.
http://jolt.merlot.org/vol9no2/milligan_0613.pdf
Article from an online periodical.
Texas Education Agency. (2013). Texas academic performance reports.
http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/tapr/2013/index.html
Reference from governmental agency.
Walsh, J., Maniotis, L., & Kemerer, F. (2018). The educator’s guide to Texas school law. (9th
ed.). https://doi.org/10.7560/315309
Reference from a book with a DOI
• The reference section begins on a separate page. Use hanging indention. Double-space all entries.
• References are listed in alphabetical order by last name of the first author.
• Capitalize only the first word of a title, proper nouns, and a word after a colon or terminal punctuation.
• Italicize book titles and journal titles. Italicize journal volume number, but do not italicize the journal issue number.
• Do not include retrieval dates unless the source material may change over time
• A common error is to forget a comma before the “&” when two authors or more authors are listed in a reference.
• Only list references mentioned in the paper on the reference page.
• Use current references, no more than 10 years old; all references in literature review must be peer-reviewed articles.
• Note: Automatic reference generators often make errors! Be sure to double check that each of the references listed in the reference section are
cited using APA guidelines.
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