Semester Exploratory Project Paper
This is a research paper (6-8 pgs.) on a nonverbal topic of your choice—i.e. hair styles and attitudes, how are they connected; body art/tattoos, body-piercing; a sense of place/space—identity and personalized space; (we can and will continue to brainstorm….). Your primary objective is to create a clear and coherent research proposal for a novel idea that examines at least one element (variable) of nonverbal communication. Use APA formatting to layout your proposal and upload to Blackboard as a PDF. You may write on any topic of interest to you! This paper does not require students to collect any data or to do a study, but instead to think about how nonverbal scholars design and develop research from the ground-up. The chapters and published research journal articles can serve as a source of inspiration in designing this assignment…
1. Clearly indicate the chapter from our course textbook that is area of focus for the proposal.
2. Indicate concept(s)/variable(s) that are being measured – that is, what nonverbal behavior or nonverbal communication is being examined? Provide theoretical and conceptual definitions of the construct, concepts, attributes, or variables used in the proposal.
3. Clearly state the relationship being examined. Are you interested in examining the difference in your variable across two or more groups? Are you interested in the relationship between your variable and another variable?
4. Include an organized and clearly written literature review that summarizes research on the topic. First, outline the topic or problem being explored. Cite the textbook so it is clear which chapter is being used as a guide. Then cite at least six published scholarly research articles. At least half of these articles must have been published after the year 2000. Use APA citations in text and include a reference list of these citations at the end of your proposal.
5. Provide a clear research question or hypothesis. A research question is appropriate when there is not enough evidence in the existing literature regarding the relationship you are interested in; alternatively, a hypothesis would be a directional claim about the variables based on previous research findings.
6. Proposed method: after your research question or hypothesis, write a clear section that explains how you will measure your concept(s)/attributes and how you have operationalized the concept down to a measurable variable. Be creative, but also be realistic. Consider ethics and logistics in how a study would be conducted.
7. Use direct quotes sparingly, but when you do, add your own perspective on the meaning of the quotes. Also, use direct quotations and page numbers for any quotes. Failure to properly cite others writing or ideas will lead to a deduction in points for poor writing (extreme cases of plagiarism will be reported to the appropriate channels). Do not plagiarize – when in doubt about how to cite, ask in advance
8. Proof-read. Errors, typos, and poor writing will face point deductions.