Proposal Check List

The following list was compiled by noting things that frequently go wrong with Research Methods student proposals. Check the list carefully. Check your understanding by talking with TA's and the instructor about list items.

_____Have you periodically checked "Criteria for Grading Proposals" to make sure you are proceeding correctly?

_____Method

_____Results

_____Introduction

_____Ethical Considerations

_____Abstract

_____References

_____Does the introduction contain "mini-annotations?"

_____Do these mini-annotations motivate the proposed research and make it clear what its unique contribution is?

_____ Does the intro possess funnel structure? Does it make the proposal seem like a reasonable next step?

_____ Does the intro end with a thumbnail sketch? (should ordinarily state the IV, DV, population and groups used, hypothesis, scientific merit, what's new and unique)

_____Does the body of the proposal rely on information in the abstract? (It should not!)

_____Are imaginary data included?

_____Are imaginary results included (distinguish between data and results)?

_____Are pages numbered, starting with the cover sheet?

_____Is everything double spaced? (Never use single, triple, or quadruple spacing in any part of the manuscript).

_____Have you checked to see which sections begin on a new page, and which do not?

_____Is the proposal proofread, with neat corrections inked in?

_____Have you made a final check of the proposal assignment sheet just before handing in the proposal?

Caution! Both Round I and Round II of your proposal receive a grade. Your final proposal grade is the average of the two. Round I is NOT an ungraded draft.