Reference no: EM133708066

Project: Proposal

Overview

For this assignment, you will write a research proposal. Specifically, you will write an adapted version of the UCF Office of Undergraduate Research's "Student Research Grant " proposal. Note: a partial DRAFT of this assignment, which is due prior to the final version, is worth 50 points. The FINAL version of this assignment is worth 250 points.

If you would like, you can work in groups of 2 or 3 and complete this project collaboratively. Please let me know ASAP if you plan to work with others.

Directions

To complete this assignment, you must do the following:
Identify your proposal topic, scope, and prospective faculty mentor. Broadly, your proposal topic should should fall into one of two categories: 1) Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) or 2) Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (ASSH). The category within which your application will be reviewed is based on the department of your lead faculty mentor.
Review example proposals to better understand the genre.
Study the context of the OUR Student Research Grant.
Conduct background research about the topic.
Write the sections outlined below.
Create any related graphics, figures, or tables.
Finalize the references.
Submit your proposal.

Proposal Sections

With clearly labeled headings, please include the following information in written proposal. It should be written using these exact headings and delivered in this exact order. Be sure to adhere to the minimum and maximum word counts for each section.
Project Title: The project title usually contains two parts. See this information and these examples. The "before the colon" part should be catchy and compelling and the "after the colon" part should include at least 4 key words that clarify your project goals.

Project Objective or Aim: Provide a statement of your research question(s) and a description of what you intend to study. (75-150 words)
Project Background and Significance: Clearly explain the potential importance of your research project. In addition, explain the theoretical or critical frameworks you will use to guide your research or the development of your performance or creation. (350-400 words)

Research Methods: Describe the steps you will take to complete your project and explain why each step is necessary. Methods differ from project to project. They may include conducting laboratory experiments, fielding surveys, interviewing key informants, analyzing critical texts or artifacts, viewing related performances, or traveling to specific field locations or archives. Include a brief timeline for completing your project during the summer C semester (May-August). (300-400 words)

Expected Outcome: Discuss what deliverables you will produce after completing your research (perhaps an article for a scholarly journal, a poster presentation for an undergraduate research conference, a white paper to share with community members, etc.). How will you share the products of your research with others? Then, describe what new knowledge, understanding, or insight will be gained from your project--for both the field you are studying AND the UCF community. (300-400 words)

Literature Review. Provide citations for 5-8 peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books that discuss your specific topic.

Preliminary Work and Experience: Briefly summarize any preliminary work accomplished for your project and/or the course work and other experience you have had that demonstrates your capacity to complete your project successfully. (150-200 words)

IRB/IACUC statement: Please indicate whether your proposal requires IRB or IACUC approval. Most research involving contact with human subjects (i.e., interviews or surveys) requires IRB approval. Most research involving animal subjects must be approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). If your project does not require IRB or IACUC approval, state this explicitly. (<50 words)

Budget. How much money will it take to fund your research? Your budget can be no more than $1,500.00.

Figures and Tables: Figures and tables are not required as part of your proposal. However, if you choose to include figures or tables, please imbed them in the text. Do not include more than a combined total of 3 figures and tables. Figures and tables are not included in the word limit.

Evaluation

Excellent proposals:
Adhere to the length requirements for each section Include a descriptive title
Focuses on a research question that is interesting, fresh, and significant for an undergraduate
Explains ideas in an organized and compelling way
Demonstrate a clear project focus and command of the related scholarly literature (via in- text citations and a works cited section)
Make a meaningful contribution to the field
Use research methods appropriate for the field
Define key terms and limit jargon/technical language whenever possible Include a reasonable, actionable timeline
Include a reasonable itemized budget
Demonstrate a consistent command of spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, word usage, and sentence structure