Your research proposal should address each of the subheadings below, and not exceed six (6) single-spaced pages (minimum 11-point font, 3/4" margins) – not including bibliography.

Attach a copy of your IRB draft application. You should make an attempt to answer all the relevant questions in the IRB application, but this can still be in draft form; the point is to have you at least start the IRB process prior to the end of Winter quarter.

Title of the Project,

Name(s) of PIs (principle investigators)


A. Introduction and Rationale
Provide brief critical review of the pertinent literature, theoretical background, and justification for the proposed project. Explain the basic ideas, problems, and questions examined by the project. Describe the intellectual significance of the proposed project, including its value to scholars and other audiences with a stake in this work. How will the project complement, challenge, or expand relevant studies or projects in the field?

B. Objectives
What, specifically, is the project designed to accomplish?

C. Procedure
With what methods, materials, or tools will the objectives be met? Describe where the project will be conducted. If access to a particular location or institution is required for your research or project, state whether permission has been obtained. Specify the level of competence in cultural sensitivity, languages, or digital technologies needed for the study.

D. Time Schedule
Provide a schedule showing how the proposed research can be accomplished by the Spring of 2010.

E. Final Product and Dissemination
Describe the intended audience and the intended results of the project. If relevant, explain how the results will be disseminated and why these means are appropriate to the subject matter and audience.

A number of structured exercises will assist you to completing your research proposal and IRB application:

1)The online IRB training (required for everyone in class by Feb. 3) will give you a sense of the basic language and concerns of the IRB.

2)On Tues. Feb. 17th, we will hold a pre-proposal workshop during class. You should come to that class with a draft of your proposal (even if it is VERY drafty, it's better to have something in hand). The workshop will cover both the craft of writing a research proposal as well as generate creative ideas for how to orally present your proposal.

3)Sharon Elsayed from the IRB will be visiting the class on March 3, the week prior to your research proposal due date. She will provide a brief overview/reminder of the IRB principles, and will field general questions about how to fill out the IRB application (bring a copy of your IRB application in process).