The Proposal

What do you know about your subject already?

a

I know there comes a time most of our lives that we seek to find our true selves.
Not everyone is brave and patient enough to take the time to investigate his or
herself, but for those who are, I think there are fewer people that are happy with
themselves and the path they are on than the amount of people disappointed with
their results.

I know there are all sorts of studies out there between psychology, sociology, and
anthropology to help define people by the mass as well as the individual.

I know an individuals incapability to define/identify his or herself can lead to

critical issues both internally and externally.

Why did you choose this subject over others? Why does it interest you?
a

This topic is the most important topic because each of the other topics stem from
this one, it is the underlying premise of the book into the Wild, and it is the root
of all things, good and bad, that happen in our lives and the world around us.

Write ten questions you want to find answers to. At least half of those can be fact-based.
The rest must be substantive.
a

What are the components in a persons life that make

them who they are?

What influence does society have on a persons selfidentity?

At what age should a man or woman know who they

are?

Is it normal to be confused about who you truly are?

Why does it matter how a person defines himself or herself?

Is it sometimes better to be like others around you instead of being different?

Is it sometimes better to be the person your loved ones are trying to mold you
into?

What makes us happy?

What is self-identity?

j
4

Why is it important for people to develop their own sense of happiness/success?

From that list, choose one or two of the substantive questions that interest you most.
These will be your primary inquiry questions as you begin your research.
a

Why does it matter how a person defines himself or herself?

At what age should a man or woman know who they are?

List, where do you think you will find answers you seek? Possibilities are articles from
popular journals or web sites, scholarly research or studies, government documents,
individuals who might be good subjects for interview. What questions might be difficult
to find answers for?
a

Articles online with information on various aspects of my topic

The library here on campus

Staff and students from the PSYCH department

I. At what age should a man or woman know who they are?
II. What makes us happy?
III. Is it sometimes better to be like others around you instead of being different?
IV. Is it sometimes better to be the person your loved ones are trying to mold you
into?

If the results of your initial research are so numerous you need to narrow your subject,
what will you narrow it to?
a

If I end up with an abundance of information, I will sift through the articles,

graphs, and other findings for the most enticing and profound information. My
topic is not one that is rare; it is simply one that can be a buzz kill. I think it would
be more of an attention grabber to hit home with relatable information and
challenging views than bury them in facts that may not apply to them, directly.

If your preliminary research turns up very little information, in what way will you
broaden your subject to open up more research findings?
a

If, for any reason, my research provides little Intel, I will use other resources such
as professors here on campus that focus on fields relative to my topic and crossexamine my peers.

Sources:
1. Goudreau, Jenna. "Why We Need To Take 20-Somethings Seriously." Forbes. Forbes
Magazine, 12 Apr. 2012. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.
2. "Happiness." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.
3. "Know Yourself." Know Yourself. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.