Soc. 303: Research Methods (quantitative paper format) Fall 2002 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A PROPOSAL 1.

Use Word Processor--Computer 2. Double Space 3. Indent Headings or Topics

4.

Requirements: (1) length of paper 10 pages minimum and (2) a minimum of 10 Academic Journals and Books. Sources for the paper: Sociology Periodicals or Journals, e.g., American Journal of Sociology; Sociological Quarterly; Social Problems; American Sociological Review; Sociological Theory; Monthly Labor Review, etc.

5. Format for Internal References is: (i) (Authors last name, year of publication) e.g. Bynum and Thompson (2002) (ii) for Direct Quote: (Authors last name, year of publication, page number) e.g. Bynum and Thompson (2002: 205), and (iii) Quotes over five lines should be singled spaced and are indented ten spaces from the left margin.
6.

Include transition sentences to connect paragraphs and to give your paper a sense of direction and smooth flow. A minimum of 3 sentences in a paragraph.

7.

Bibliography /References section use ASA stylei.e. Alphabetize the authors last names of Books or Academic Journals.

8. Appendix: Attach research instruments, i.e., survey, interview, etc.

ABSTRACT Statement of Problem: Introduction --general description and definition of the study. Review of literature: studies on the topicdebates. Theoretical framework: theory that guides the study i.e., theoretical perspective (s) used for explanation. Research design: a cross-sectional design that is data will be collected at one time period, or longitudinal design i.e., data will be collected at different points in time (e.g., 3 months, 6 months, 1year, 2 yrs, etc.). Research methods, i.e., qualitative e.g., face-to-face interview/participant observation; quantitative e.g., use of a questionnaire; triangulation, i.e., use of both participant observation and a questionnaire; and evaluation research, e.g., needs assessment. Sample size, e.g., 100, etc.; Categorical variables measured at nominal, ordinal levels, or Numerical variables measured at interval or ratio levels. Statistical test used e.g., t-test. How many hypotheses are tested for the study? Results/findings will support research hypotheses or fail to accept --. Conclusion: research hypotheses were supported or not supported

RESEARCH PROBLEM Introduction For example: Briefly define the community, sample of study and juvenile delinquency. Research Problem E.G. The purpose of this study is to investigate the social variables that affect juvenile delinquency in St. Cloud. Research Questions 1. What are the demographic characteristics of the study? 2. What is the gender?

3. What is the class rank in school? 4. What is the family background? 5. What is the racial or ethnic affiliation? Rationale for the Study The main purpose of the study is to examine juvenile delinquency in St. Cloud. The objectives of the study are: 1. To assess the dimensions of juvenile delinquency in a given community, e.g., St.Cloud. 2. To use sociological theories to examine the implications

Review of Literature The purpose of the literature review is to summarize for the reader the major studies that are historical and current.
Brief history of topic

Debates: 1. Reasons for juvenile delinquency 2. Opposing views Empirical Generalizations: are derived from the literature review:
1. 2. 3. There is a positive relationship between j.d. and attachment (Jessica, 2002). J.D. varies with family background (Kari, 2002).

Theoretical Framework 1. To discuss sociological explanations or theories of juvenile delinquency, i.e., labeling and radical theories (conflict). A schematic of theoretical model-2. Develop theoretical propositions, the following propositions are written in the language conceptualization. e.g., juvenile delinquency is positively correlated to home environment. From questionnaire 3. Develop hypothesis, e.g., (1)There is a positive relationship between skipping school without parental permission and juvenile delinquency. From questionnaire Absolute hypotheses (independent variable + dependent v.) H1: H2: Conditional hypotheses (i.v +d.v. + inter. v.) H5: H6: Research Methods Research design, i.e., cross sectional or longitudinalinclude type of research method, i.e., correctional, association, statistical tools, etc. Research instruments, e.g., questionnaire100 items--include data collection method PRETEST-Population characteristicsyr. in college Operational definitions of variables, (DICTIONARY) i.e., Independent and dependent variables

1. Dependent variabledefinemeasured by question 6 2. Independent variables(i) Q10) 3. Intervening variables 4. Analysis of Data 1. Statistical techniques, i.e., SPSS, SASS, Chi-square, regression, etc. 2. Sample characteristics, i.e., drawn from what population and number of respondents, etc. 3. Hypothesis testingto determine if the sample is representative of the population so that an inference can be made. Alpha level of 5 %, significance levelc.i. 95% 4. Show results in table or figure formsinclude brief explanations, i.e., reject or accept the null hypothesis (Ho) or Alternate (research) hypothesis. TEST ONLY: NULL HYPOTHESIS (measured by Q7) (ii)-----(measured by

Discussion and conclusions

Results--FINDINGS

Results of the studybriefly explain. THE HYPOTHESES DEVELOPED IF SUPPORTED THEN Ho will be rejected statistically significant at the alpha level of 5%.

Implications What are the consequences? Crime rate, etc. Limitations What are the obstacles in your research project? Small size, limited resources, non-respondents, etc. Suggestions for Future Research Can this study be replicated in other regions of the county, state, etc. Conclusions Summary of key points-- Tie or link the introduction to the conclusion. Bibliography/References ASA STYLEALPHABETIZE THE LAST NAMES OF AUTHORS. For example: Bynum, Jack E. and William E. Thompson. 2002. Juvenile Delinquency: A sociological Approach, 5th. Ed. Allyn and Bacon. APPENDIX --Attach survey, interview, etc.