Activity 7.2 Assignment: Research Gap Proposal
To do: Make a submission To do: Receive a grade
Introduction
Regardless of the field of study, the goal of research is to expand the current body of knowledge. By constantly asking questions differently and considering new theories, researchers ensure that their chosen field of study does not become stagnant. The trick to conducting impactful research is to be the person that always asks why we believe what we believe and if there is sufficient support for those “facts.” Identifying gaps in research is an important critical thinking skill which helps to eliminate bias. The purpose of this project is to demonstrate your level of mastery of Social Psychology and its application outside of the classroom.
Activity Instructions
This week you will prepare your final paper demonstrating your understanding of current research in the field of Social Psychology. In Week 3 you found a “gap” that exists in current research. This week you will finish your section of the white paper to be published in the conference’s journal. We are calling it a Research Gap Proposal. You will also be required to create a narrated PowerPoint presentation summarizing your proposal.
To review, you have been tasked by your department to present at a national convention with two of your colleagues. Your 15-minute section of the presentation is to present on a gap in current research your office is lacking resources.
“Which area of research does our department lack the resources necessary to develop treatments?”
In Week 3, you prepared the first section of your paper: The Problem.
The Problem
The purpose of the problem section is to establish the “what” and “why” of the study or research to be conducted. The problem needs to be stated as an issue to solve. You should formulate a succinct gap statement justifying the importance of further investigation into your topic due to the lack of resources available. A good research problem section gives your reader the sense that you have focused your work well and that your work is important.
This week you will write your literature review.
Literature Review
The literature review is a summary of existing studies and documentation on the topics related to the study. The literature review should be divided into as many sections as the study has topics. Often referred to as the “review of the literature” this section will describe the general line of research within which you are working and the state of that line of research as you begin your work. A good motivational section gives your reader the faith that you know the previous research that informs your own work and that your study will fit into the flow of that broader work.
And…
Prepare a 10-15 slide narrated PowerPoint presentation of you giving your presentation at the conference.
Tips for Success
Allow yourself enough time to vet the gaps in research that you have discovered.
New and developing research areas are ideal for locating gaps in research that will positively impact the current field of knowledge.
Think outside the box.
Consider areas that you are passionate about for research but not areas that passion will hinder your ability to think critically about the topic!
Give yourself enough time to step away from your completed publish before proofreading it for final submission.
Consider having someone with no knowledge of the topic read your paper; if they cannot understand it or have several clarifying questions consider tweaking your final publish.
Writing and Submission Requirements
5-7 pages (approx. 300 words per page), not including title page or references page
1-inch margins
Double spaced
12-point Times New Roman font
Title page with KEYWORDS, topic and name of student
References page (minimum of eight (8) scholarly resources in APA format)
PowerPoint video presentation
10-15 slides
Narrated or video presentation.
75% of your grade will be based on your Research Gap Proposal
25% of your grade will be based on your presentation
Please refer to the PSY621 Written Assignment Grading Guide for general grading criteria.
And refer to the PSY621 Presentation Grading Guide for general grading criteria.
Weekly Learning Goal(s):
Identify areas of Social Psychology research that require additional investigation.
Use the week 7 paper you completed for me as a guide