SOCI 4796: Research Project

Course Overview

The Capstone course is the culminating experience for senior students nearing graduation.

During the course of the term, you will be expected to demonstrate understanding of sociological concepts, theories, methods, effective communication, critical thinking, and how to apply sociological ideas in solving problems.  To achieve this goal, you will write a research proposal following the guidelines that I have described below. This format will lead you into developing

a research proposal, which we are also calling the “Research Proposal Project” You will

complete the RPP in incremental phases.

Phase 1

Instructions:

In this assignment, you are to review literature about an issue that you choose to study. A list of topics that describe issues is listed below. Choose one topic and follow the format provided to review 4 articles (publications) and write a 4-5 page paper.  The paper should be typed in Roman New Times, 12 font, 1.5 line spacing, and 1.5 margins.

List of topics

1)  Effects of Homelessness on College Student Success in Columbus, Georgia

2) Effects of Deviance on Family Cohesion in the Age of COVID-19

3)  Effects of Social Capital on Community Viability in a Rural Town in Georgia

4)  Effects of Student Engagement on Educational Attainment

Upon selecting a topic, do some research to find relevant literature that speaks to your topic. For example, a study of Social Capital and community Viability could review literature on: social capital and farming/business viability,  social capital and community development, social capital, social exclusion and economic growth in rural towns etc.  Remember that you are imagining how to conduct a study using a scientific method. You are not going to the filed to collect data, rather, you are to conduct “Desk-Top” research.  Note that to conduct a literature

review, you have to know the issue at stake (the problem); and this is how you proceed:.

Format

Topic: Here

I.    Introduction & Problem Statement (1[age)

In one paragraph, define the problem and describe the nature and extent of the problem in the given area or region.  Briefly state the conclusion drawn by researchers about this problem. Explain the uniqueness of your study since other studies have already explored the same problem.  The uniqueness of your study (i.e. your point of departure) helps you to avoid re- inventing the wheel.  One example of such a statement could be  “ not m a ny st udi e s  ha ve 

 e xa m i ne d  t hi s proble m  i n  Col um bus Ge orgi a ”  .  That way, you will be able to spark curiosity and position your study for future replication, a key principle of a scientific study. Conclude by asking a key question that you want to test / explore.

I.    Purpose of the Study (Objectives) (1/2 page)

In one paragraph describe the purpose of the study.  Use the following list of concepts to help you describe more specifically what you wish to study: To explore, describe, explain, investigate, discuss.  Objectives of the study can be itemized for clarity.

II.   Literature Review (3 pages)

Consider the following questions to guide you in reviewing and synthesizing literature (2 pages):

1.   What is the study all about (include name of the study, purpose of the study);

2.   What research methods were used and how was the data collected?

3.   What are the findings of the study?

4.   What conclusions did the researcher(s) draw from the study?

5.   What do you learn from this literature that informs you about what needs to be done to address the problem? (consider these as policy recommendations

References (APA format):