Testing a hypothesis
Develop a research proposal for a study that will test the following research hypothesis:
Persons incarcerated for drug crimes in Community Corrections agencies are more likely to be addicted to methamphetamines than opioids.
Independent and Dependent Variables
Identify and state the independent and dependent variables. Explain the level of measurement. In other words, explain how you plan to measure the independent and dependent variables. Identify the units of analysis and units of observation.
Identify five control variables that could be used in the study to increase the validity of the findings. Explain why you selected these variables.
Justify each element.
Research Design.
Select a research design (e.g., cross-sectional, longitudinal, quasi-experimental, or experimental design) to test this hypothesis.
Explain/justify why you think the selected research design/method is appropriate to answer your research hypothesis.
Specify how you plan to collect the data.
Justify each element.
Data Analysis Plan
Specify how you will analyze and report the data that you propose to collect.
How do you plan to code (or recode) variables, if applicable.
What types of statistics do you plan to use to analyze the data (e.g., descriptive statistics, or inferential statistics, etc.) and why.
Justify each element.
Limitations of the Study
List and discuss any limitations that the proposed study will have. Discuss any weaknesses that you cannot eliminate in the design. Use research methods textbooks to identify and discuss weaknesses of your selected design.
Justify each element.
Human Subject Protection
Confidentiality and anonymity of the subjects that will be studies. Discuss how the information collected and analyzed will be kept confidential.
References
List all references cited in your proposal, in alphabetical order and follow the APA reference style.
