Developing a Research Proposal in the Social Sciences

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Assignment Directions

This assignment assesses CO-3.

 

The purpose of this assignment is to select and describe a topic for your final project and start looking for sources.  The topic should be one that is of interest to you and related to your future career, concentration within the major, or educational interests.  (For example, you can explore the impact of food insecurity on children or healthcare concerns for Veterans). Your final project will be a thorough review of your research topic. Within 4-6 pages you will include the following in your proposal (introduction for your project). Please incorporate at least 4 journal articles no more than three years old.

 

Background (one to two pages)

 

The purpose of this assignment (research proposal), is to provoke the interest of the reader. It is also to convince the reader the importance and relevance of the topic. In the opening paragraphs, you want to make sure you introduce the reader to the particular question(s) your thesis is seeking to answer. What are you trying to discover or undercover? The introduction is not merely a summary of points to be elaborated on in later sections. Rather, your objective here is to inform the reader of the question(s), why it is important, and how your thesis will provide an answer.

 

Background: It may be necessary to provide the reader with some measure of background information relevant to the topic. This is particularly useful when your work is interdisciplinary, in which case it is even more likely that the reader will benefit from a section that contextualizes the question and supplies the history (30-50 years) and terminology so that the reader will be better able to follow the pages. Write it as if the reader is not familiar with the topic or issue. Consider this topic from a sociological framework, incorporating one to two sociological theories into the discussion on the topic.

 

Statement of the Problem, why it is important to study, and the Purpose of the study. (at least 2.5 pages)

 

What is the social problem or topic? Why should we as a society study this issue? What is the purpose of this study?

 

Research Questions – Here you are answering “What are you trying to discover or uncover.” (3-5 questions).

 

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Choose a Focused and Meaningful Topic

Select a topic that:

  • Genuinely interests you

  • Relates to your career goals or academic concentration

  • Can be examined through a sociological lens

Examples include:

  • Food insecurity and child development

  • Healthcare access among Veterans

  • Mental health stigma in marginalized communities

  • Housing instability and family outcomes

👉 Tutor tip: A narrowly defined topic makes research questions stronger and writing clearer.

Step 2: Identify Your Central Research Focus

Before writing, ask yourself:

  • What problem am I trying to understand?

  • What gap in knowledge or perspective exists?

  • What does sociology help explain about this issue?

This focus will guide every section of your proposal.

Step 3: Write the Introduction With Purpose

Your opening section should:

  • Introduce the social issue

  • Explain why it matters

  • Clearly state what your research seeks to uncover

  • Preview how sociology will frame the analysis

👉 This is not a summary—your goal is to engage and persuade the reader.

Step 4: Develop the Background Section (1–2 Pages)

In this section:

  • Provide historical context (30–50 years when relevant)

  • Define key terms and concepts

  • Explain how the issue has evolved socially

  • Write for an audience unfamiliar with the topic

Then, integrate 1–2 sociological theories, such as:

  • Conflict theory

  • Structural functionalism

  • Symbolic interactionism

  • Social determinants of health

👉 Clearly explain how the theory helps interpret the issue.

Step 5: Incorporate Recent Scholarly Research

You must include at least four peer-reviewed journal articles published within the last three years:

  • Use them to support claims

  • Highlight trends, disparities, or outcomes

  • Show what is already known—and what remains unanswered

Avoid summarizing each article individually. Instead, synthesize findings across sources.

Step 6: Write the Statement of the Problem (2.5+ Pages)

This is the core of the proposal:

  • Clearly define the social problem

  • Explain who is affected and how

  • Discuss why the issue deserves scholarly attention

  • Address broader social implications

Then, clearly state the purpose of the study—what your research aims to contribute.

Step 7: Develop Clear Research Questions

Your research questions should:

  • Be specific and researchable

  • Reflect sociological inquiry

  • Align with your problem statement

Examples:

  • How does [social factor] influence [outcome]?

  • What structural barriers contribute to [issue]?

  • How do affected populations perceive [problem]?

Aim for 3–5 focused questions.

Step 8: Organize the Paper Clearly

A strong structure helps meet page requirements and improves clarity:

  1. Introduction

  2. Background and Sociological Framework

  3. Statement of the Problem

  4. Importance and Purpose of the Study

  5. Research Questions

Use clear headings and logical transitions.

Step 9: Review for Academic Quality

Before submitting:

  • Confirm 4–6 pages (excluding references)

  • Ensure recent scholarly sources are used

  • Maintain formal academic tone

  • Proofread carefully

🔗 Helpful Research Resources

You may use these to locate recent peer-reviewed sources:

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