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)
Your topic proposal should be 1–2 pages in length. Use APA format and cite and reference all sources.
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.
This example is too broad and will likely lead to a confusing and disorganized paper. It lacks parameters.
Why do adolescents commit suicide?
This example is too narrow. It can be answered rather simply with some basic data.
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.
