TASK
-Design a research project, create a research proposal
-We will investigate this topic: How people consume media today (think: TV, movies, Internet, news, video games, etc.)
-Employ one method that we've covered so far (e.g., observation, interviews, focus groups)
-Note: You do not have to carry out this research for our course, you only need to design it and create a detailed proposal about it (however, you must design a project that is feasible if you alone had 9 months to carry out the work)
-Follow these major steps to complete the project:
-ID a problem to research-something related to how people consume media today
-Generate a long list of RQs about that problem
-Select the most promising RQs to pursue
-Determine appropriate method for answering RQs
-Consult relevant prior research about similar issues
-Outline and draft your method section in advance
-Develop your research proposal
-Present your research proposal to the class
-Submit the final version of your research proposal
FORMAT
-Use APA style (unless other guidelines are noted here)
-Length: 8 single-space pages
-Use explicitly labeled headings for all but the title page
-Include these 8 parts and make each a separate page
-Title page (title: subtitle, other details)
-Abstract (250-word max)
-Rationale (background, why study?, who cares?)
-Research Questions (2, related)
-Method
-Expected Findings
-Schedule (based on project criteria; starting after proposal approval)
-References (at least 5)
ADDITIONAL DETAILS ABOUT FINAL PRESENTATION
-In addition to submitting the final paper, you will present a summary of your research proposal to the class
-You must use a visual aid, such as PowerPoint or Keynote (where each report section=1 slide)
-Length: 4-6 minutes
-Presentation tips:
-Prepare your visual aid file in multiple forms (e.g., saved on laptop, in email, etc.)
-Arrive early on the day you present
-Set up your visual aid before class begins