research design

This is a take-home exam, so you may refer to any course materials that you think will be helpful. If you work with other students, you MUST write your own answers—answers that are too similar with be treated with suspicion. I would stick to course material (not random Google) in writing your answer, as you are being evaluated on your application of course knowledge here.

 

Propose a research design to study one of the following questions:

• How has the overturning of Roe v. Wade affected women and their decision-making in issues related to reproduction?
• To what extent have recent wildfires and heatwaves (in the US and/or Europe) influenced political engagement around climate change?
• How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected existing racial inequalities?

 

Now answer the following questions in the spaces provided below:

1. Which research question did you choose? What method will be used? (e.g. laboratory experiments, face-to-face surveys, direct observation, etc.) (5 points)

 

 

 

 

 

Conceptualization and Operationalization:

2. What is the independent variable in the research question? What are some dimensions/aspects of this variable (hint: conceptualization)? Which dimension(s)/aspect(s) will you focus on in your method and why? (12.5 points)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. What is the dependent variable in the research question? What are some dimensions/aspects of this variable (hint: conceptualization)? Which dimension(s)/aspect(s) will you focus on in your method and why? (12.5 points)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. What sampling method will you use and why did you choose this sampling method? You may mention other sampling plans you considered to show your thought process. (7.5 points)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Explain how you will execute this sampling plan (e.g. what sampling frame would you use (if you have/need one) or how will you recruit participants or how will you choose your field site and gain access to it?) (7.5 points)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. What is one other research method you seriously considered? For this method, what are the major strengths and weaknesses of those methods? Explain this in relation to the specific research question you chose. (10 points)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Describe your actual data collection instrument. For example…

…if you chose an experiment, describe your pre-test/post-test measures, control/experimental groups, and any other key parts.

…if you chose a survey, describe the kinds of questions you would ask to measure the IV and DV.

…if you chose interviews, describe key questions and what kind of data you would be gathering to measure your IV and DV.

…if you chose direct observation, what would you be looking for when entering the field?

…if you chose existing data, what kind of data would you use and how would you use it?

These are examples—your answer can elaborate further. Be sure to describe what you believe to be the most important parts of your data collection instrument. Be as specific as possible!! (15 points)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Finally, evaluate your research design in terms of reliability, construct validity, internal validity, and external validity. Go over all four of these discussing strengths and (potential) weaknesses. It is okay for there to be weaknesses—you do NOT need to justify them. (20 points)