research proposal guidelines

Each group needs to submit a 3-5 page paper synthesizing their project proposals by friday, 13 january, 5pm.

1) Introduction to object and context of your study - In your introduction you should situate the 'what' and 'why' of your project within relevant literature. What is/are your object(s) of study and why is it worthy of studying? Here is where you need to define your terms, which should be based in (or informed by) prior research.

2) Research question - The 'what' and 'why' from above should lead you into the question. A good way to frame this is to first pose a broad question. This can also be a problem statement if you would prefer. Then break down the broad question and/or problem statement into smaller, answerable questions. For example, in a group of three, the broad question serves to illustrate the general domain of inquiry, which then is examined in terms of the individual research questions.

3) Conceptual framework - identify the conceptual framework you will use, explain the basic idea of the framework, and then describe how it helps you think about/understand your object of study.

4) Methods strategy - Identify which methods you plan to use and how they will be used. For example, if you are planning to observe stuff, what specifically will you be looking for? If you plan to talk to people, who are they and how will you get access to them?

5) Field research schedule - Develop a consolidated schedule for the group. Initially, this will be a partial schedule and is expected to be a evolving document. However, you should try to add as much detail as possible even if it's just a placeholder for some event that has yet to be defined. The schedules should include resources you will use in Amsterdam, i.e.:

• People (names, titles, etc.)
• Places (address)
• Equipment
• Information

6) Reference List (bibliography)

7) approved (or waived) Human Subjects certificate