Assignment Instructions/ Description
Research proposals are a chance to take one of your hypotheses and write a 2-page paper describing WHY you hold this belief and HOW you might test it. For each proposal, you will:
1) Directly state your research question.
2) Explain or provide background for your question.
3) Propose your hypothesis (i.e., prediction).
4) Describe an experiment that tests your hypothesis.
5) Consider how your may be wrong.
In total, your paper should be ~3 paragraphs. The following describes how to write each paragraph:
Paragraph 1.�Propose your. This should be one of the research questions from your hypothesis assignments, but it may something else if you wish. Then, give a brief summary of background information that gives the reader context for WHY you�re asking this question.
Paragraph 2.�Begin with your hypothesis. This should be one sentence that reads: �I predict that��. Then, justify why you make this prediction. If possible, use lecture material, the textbook, or cite outside references to strengthen your argument. The length of this section�should be long enough to defend your prediction�to the reader (i.e., me). In this paragraph you must also propose an experiment (see Chapter 2) by which you might test your hypothesis. Remember � an experiment should include an independent variable that you will directly manipulate and a dependent variable that you will record. You should include enough information that the reader could perfectly replicate your experiment on their own.
Paragraph 3.�Consider how your hypothesis might be wrong or inaccurate. It may help to think of alternative hypotheses or discuss evidence that does NOT support your hypothesis. This should NOT be a section where you critique the limitations of your experimental design. Rather, I want you to consider how your belief may be wrong. Again, the length of this section should be long enough to convince me that you�ve put thought into it.
*Remember* � the total length of each proposal should be�2 complete pages�(double spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font, 1 inch margins)
Requirements: 2 pages