For the survey research report, you will develop an original research question. The target population will be Merrimack College students, so develop a research question related to this specific population. Sources of ideas include observations of the world around you, prior research, practical problems, and your own general interests. You can investigate attitudes, beliefs, facts, demographics, and/or behaviors (see the list of variables on page 4). Once you have chosen a topic, research it online and/or at the library. After you formulate your research question, you will create and distribute a survey to gather data to answer your question. You will summarize and analyze your findings in a Survey Research Report.
Introduction: The Introduction comes after the Title Page, starting on a new page. The full title of the research proposal is typed in just plain text and centered at the top of the page. The running head and page number are in the header section of the page. In the Introduction, include the following three pieces of information:
(1) First, make a general statement about the research topic.
(2) Next, use library research to provide some background information about the topic.
(3) Lastly, explain the significance of the research—tell the reader why the topic is worth investigating/why the topic is important to study.
Method: The Method section follows the Introduction continuing on the same page. “Method” is bolded and centered at the beginning of the section. In the Method section, write two separate paragraphs. In the first paragraph, describe the participants:
(1) Type of people (students, athletes, etc.).
(2) Total number of participants.
(3) Major demographics, including sex and age (if relevant, also report race/ethnicity, marital status, educational level, occupation, and so on).
In the second paragraph, report the following information:
(1) Report that you used a survey, briefly describing the general content of your questions.
(2) Name the sampling method (how participants were chosen). You likely are using convenience sampling (nonprobability sampling).
(3) Describe where you recruited participants and any instructions you gave to participants for completing the survey.
Results: The Results section follows the Method section continuing on the same page.“Results” is bolded and centered at the beginning of the section. In the Results section, summarize your findings by reporting the data concisely, accurately, and in a logical way that is easily understood. Note the following:
(1) It is unnecessary—and undesirable—to report all of your findings. Be selective.
(2) Provide raw numbers and percentages (for example: “10 participants (50%) reported…”
(3) Include data only—do not include any conclusions, implications, or applications.
Discussion: The Discussion section will follow the Method section continuing on the same page. “Discussion” is bolded and centered at the beginning of the section. In the Discussion section, explore the implications of the findings you present in the Results section. Implications may be practical, real-life applications of the findings and/or theoretical contributions of the findings to our understanding of a problem/phenomenon.