Delta State University
SSC 570: Methods of Social Research
Spring Semester 2006

Draft Methodological Approach


Printer Friendly Format

Assignment:  Prepare a draft of the methodological approach that you intend to use in your proposed study.


Grade:  12 points
 

Process:  Based on your research question, determine which approach and method would be most appropriate.  Describe the logic of your research design; in other words, how you would go about doing your research.  Explain, in detail, the process of doing your research project.  What method will you use?  How will you sample and measure?  What tools (e.g. questionnaire, interview guidelines) will you develop and use?

 

Submit:  A draft of the portion of your proposal in which you describe your methodological approach. 

Describe, in detail:

• The general approach you intend to take, and why this approach is appropriate, given your research question.
• How you will measure your constructs.  You should discuss the processes of conceptualization and operationalization; how will you address the theoretical and empirical aspects of your study.  You should also describe how you will ensure that your results are reliable and valid.  If appropriate, you should define your variables, describe your theoretical model, and state your hypotheses.

• How you will select your subjects.  What is a case in your study?  How will you determine your sampling frame?  What sampling technique will you use? 

• How you will collect your data.  What type of data are you seeking?  What technique will you use?  Why is this technique appropriate?  How, step by step, will you enact this data collection method?

• How you will analyze your data.  Describe a data analysis technique that you will use.
• How you will share your results.  What do you anticipate will be the products of this research project?  Who are the target groups?  How will you disseminate your results to others?

Note:  Choose only one data collection technique.  Your task is to focus your research design.

Your draft methodological approach should be approximately four pages. 
 

Due:  March 30, 2006