SHORELINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

HUMANITIES DIVISION

Research Project Proposal

Purpose: It is important that you are able to find anything you may want to use for your Research Project in the library. You should be looking at periodical articles, books, and any other sources relevant to the topic you have chosen. The point in looking for resources is to have enough so that you are choosing the best available.

Approach: You are to outline—in intricate detail—the project you will be working on in this class. In this you will also be making a crucial decision on the path you are going to be taking in this class. I encourage you, if your topic allows, to try doing primary research also—this will come up particularly if you plan to go on to study science or business. Primary research is gathering data from the world around you so please do give this some consideration and be prepared to explain in detail how you will gather the data in your proposal. The Literature Survey must have a minimum of 25 potential sources (with at least five books).

Learning Objectives:

• Conduct library research
• Read primary and secondary sources and determine relevance to project
• Discuss credibility of source material
• Use various media
• Evaluate source material for bias, currency, validity, comprehensiveness and relevance

Research Project Proposal Requirements:

1. Statement of Purpose

• This section states why you are conducting the research and what you hope to accomplish.

2. Rationale and background of problem

• This section summarizes previous research and explains why your research project is necessary.

3. Statement of your qualification to conduct research

• This section shows how you are qualified to conduct the research

4. Research Methods

• This section describes the methods you will use and demonstrates the soundness of your project.

5. List of 25 potential sources of information (do not number them).

• Using MLA Citation Style
• Summarize each source in 5-10 sentences. Cover subject and author’s point.

6. Detailed plan for a Primary Research Project (if applicable)