The Research Paper Topic Proposal
This week, you will submit your research topic proposal to your instructor for approval.
Begin by exploring topics in developmental psychology. Reference your textbook, the weekly introductions in your course, and reputable journal articles to explore topic ideas. Be sure to choose a topic that you are highly interested in. From that topic, you will pose a question for your research.
For example, you may find interest in the life span of adolescence. From there, you may want to explore issues related to adolescent suicide. From this topic you could pose a number of questions to research, such as:
Are adolescents from single-parent homes at higher risk of suicide than those from two-parent homes?
Does lack of play in childhood lead to anxiety and depression in adolescence?
Does “helicopter parenting” lead to anxiety and depression in adolescence?
How to Develop a Research Question
Your research question
should enable you draw some unique conclusions so that you are not simply reporting on research that has already been concluded. You may have to do some preliminary research within your topic to determine a suitable question. Here are some examples.
How many adolescent suicides occurred last year?
A good research question specifies the parameters of the research, yet leaves room for analysis and the writer’s unique input.
What are some of the unique social factors that led to an increase in suicide rates among 13- to 18-year-old females in 2015?
(In your paper, you would define two to three social factors you deem significant and connect them with the appropriate physical, cognitive, and socioemotional occurrences happening during this part of life span development. Then, draw your own conclusions from the research you find.)
Once you have your research question, phrase it as a statement so that it can become your thesis statement. The thesis statement is what drives the direction of your paper.
The Research Paper Topic Proposal Assignment
Include the following in your topic proposal:
Your research question
Your thesis statement
A narrative describing your topic and why you chose it (its significance)
Refer to the Writing Resources link under the Student Resources tab for help with writing thesis statements and research questions, and consult your West Coast University librarians for database search support as needed.
Your topic proposal should be 1–2 pages in length. Use current APA Style and cite and reference all sources.
See rubric for specific grading criteria.
Due: Sunday, 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time)
Points: 70
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Rubric
PSYC_290_OL – Topic Proposal Rubric
PSYC_290_OL – Topic Proposal Rubric
Meets Expectations
The proposed research question includes excellent research parameters and will allow for a unique and substantive research inquiry.
13.83 to >10.33 pts
Approaches Expectations
The proposed research question includes somewhat reasonable research parameters, but may need slight revision to provide the proper scope of study. The research question may be lacking a unique perspective.
10.33 to >0 pts
Not Meeting Expectations
The proposed research question has unreasonable research parameters that may not allow for a substantive research inquiry. The research question may be too broad or too narrow in scope.
17.5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThesis Statement Identified
17.5 to >13.83 ptsMeets Expectations
Thesis statement is succinctly written, highly reasonable in scope, and directly related to the research question.
13.83 to >10.33 ptsApproaches Expectations
Thesis statement is generally well written, but may need slight revision for clarity. It is reasonable in scope, and generally related to the research question.
10.33 to >0 ptsNot Meeting Expectations
Thesis statement is missing or poorly written written.It may lack reasonable scope, or is unrelated to the research question.
17.5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeNarrative Description of Topic Presented
21 to >16.59 pts
Meets Expectations
The writer’s purpose is clearly stated and explained in detail. Contemporary relevance is clearly explained, and intended goals are thoroughly explored.
16.59 to >12.39 pts
Approaches Expectations
The writer’s purpose is stated and explained but may be lacking detail or cohesiveness. Contemporary relevance is generally explained, and intended goals are somewhat explored.
12.39 to >0 pts
Not Meeting Expectations
The writer’s purpose is not stated or explained or is unclear. Contemporary relevance is not explained or not apparent, and intended goals are not explored.
21 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA Style and Mechanics
14 to >11.06 pts
Meets Expectations
The assignment consistently follows current APA Style and is free from errors in formatting, citation, and references. No grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. All sources are cited and referenced correctly.
11.06 to >8.26 pts
Approaches Expectations
The assignment consistently follows current APA Style with only isolated and inconsistent mistakes and/or has a few grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. Most sources are cited and referenced correctly.
8.26 to >0 pts
Not Meeting Expectations
No attempt to follow APA Style is indicated. Sources are not used and/or there is no reference page. Mechanical errors significantly interfere with the readability of the paper.
14 pts
Total Points: 70
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