For this assignment, only the Abstract, Results, Discussion, and References sections will be marked. Any changes made to the Introduction or Methods from Part 2 will not be re-marked. However, this assignment should be submitted as a full proposal that includes the following sections:
Title Page (its own page – 100-character title)
Abstract (its own page – 150-word limit)
Introduction (suggested word limit 650 words)
Method (suggested word limit 350 words)
Results (suggested word limit 100 words)
Discussion (suggested word limit 400 words)
Reference page (its own page)
Step 2: Prepare your abstract
The Abstract must be a single paragraph, formatted flush left, and less than 150 words. This word limit should be strictly adhered to. The Abstract should include a clear and succinct summary of each of the main sections of the proposal:
States the main background, aim/hypothesis of the proposed study.
Identifies the proposed participants and gives a brief overview of what they would be asked to do (e.g., any measures you would request them to complete).
Reports the key results that would provide support for the hyppthesis.
Includes the practical or theoretical implications of the study assuming that the hypothesis is supported.
Step 3: Prepare your results
In the Results section, only a few sentences are required as although there is no strict limit for the length of the Results section, a suggested length is approximately 100 word. This section should be a very brief/concise outline of how the raw data will be handled and what results would demonstrate support for your hypothesis:
Describe how the data will be handled (e.g., will scores need to be added up etc.).
State (in general terms rather than with specific reference to descriptive and inferential statistics) what results would provide support for the hypothesis (for example, “higher scores on X in group A than in group B would demonstrate support for the hypothesis that…”)
The Results section should involve the same variables as your Method section.
You will not be required to specify the exact data analysis procedure (such as t-test, ANOVA, or Pearson correlation).
Step 3: Prepare your discussion
While there is no strict limit for the length of the Discussion section, a suggested length is approximately 400 words. The Discussion section should:
Summarise what the expected results would be if the hypothesis is supported (similar to Results section).
With reference to previous literature, evaluate both theoretical and methodological implications of the two possible study outcomes:
If the hypothesis is supported i.e., “What would be the implications for interpreting existing theory and research if your hypothesis is supported?” (Mitchell & Jolley, 2010, p. 560)
If the hypothesis is not supported i.e., “What would be the implications if the results don’t support your hypothesis?” (Mitchell & Jolley, 2010, p. 560)
Examine the limitations of the study (theoretical and/or methodological):
Any time you mention a limitation, you should indicate why it could influence the way we interpret the results. Do not just state a limitation without any justification.
Two well-explained and defined limitations are better than four vague or unexplained limitations.
Suggest future research directions, based on solutions for identified limitations
Provide theoretical suggestions for extending the theory behind the research study
Discuss the practical, real-world implications of the study
Step 4: Some helpful tips
Suggested word count split:
Although the 500 word count (plus 150 words for the Abstract) limit is a strict limit for the whole assignment, the following suggestions will help you split your word count between the sections.
Abstract (150 words)
Results (100 words)
Discussion (400 words)
Format
You should submit each of your research proposal assignments as a single Microsoft Word file. In this assignment you will need to acknowledge all of your sources using APA formatted in-text citations and references. APA format is the writing style described in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). It is the universally accepted format for the psychology discipline and is described for you in the recommended textbook by Findlay (refer to the ‘Useful Resources’ section below). See also the Monash University Library guides on Citing and referencing using the APA style and also Academic Integrity (especially the interactive tutorial Demystifying citing and referencing).
Word Limit
The word count for this assignment must not exceed 500 words for the results and discussion sections, plus an additional 150 words for the abstract. Note that all specified word limits are upper maximums. Word limits ensure equality across students. If you exceed the upper limit you obtain an unfair advantage over others. Furthermore, saying what you need to while staying under the word limit demonstrates your ability to write concisely. For these reasons, a penalty will be applied for word limit violations. The penalty applied will be proportional to the amount of words over, such that 5% (of the total possible mark) will be deducted for every additional 10% over the word limit. For example:
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