The research project
For SOC252H1, Fall 2024
The guidelines
For the research project, you can use any dataset you wish (as with assignment 3).
You can complete these assignments individually, or as a group of maximum 3 people.
If you are in a group, clearly identify the members of the group in each project compo- nent and provide a statement of contribution for each part of the submission. For example of statement of contribution see: https://authorservices.wiley.com/author-resources/Journal- Authors/open-access/credit.html
The proposal
The proposal is a maximum of two pages (double-spaced, size 12 font) describing the research question, justification for the question, the data description, and the statistical method to be used. It will have the following components.
1. Title of the project
2. Name of authors
3. Background and purpose of the study
A brief description of the idea behind the study and the purpose of the research.
3. Research question
Clearly identified research question.
4. Methods
Data description: Specify the source of the data and provide a concise overview of the study type from which it originates. Include general details about the number of observations and the main variables of interest (such as how they are measured).
Statistical analysis: Summary of statistical analysis and the regression methods.
5. Significance of the research
Briefly justify why this study is important and what will be learned from conducting it about the topic. (hint: why should your proposal be funded?)
6. Statement of contribution (Only if working in a a group)
If you are working with a group, provide a statement of contribution for the project as a whole. In other words, a plan of how the work is intended to be divided.
The presentation
The presentation is a chance to quickly display the early findings of your paper and grab the audience’s attention to your research. These findings can be the regression results or a single visualization.
Use a maximum of 3 slides (Title and intro, research question and data source, the finding). You will have 3 minutes to present (strict limit).
If you are working in a group, a fourth slide can include your team’s statement of contribution.
This presentation does not need to highlight your entire paper—just a single important find- ing.
To make the presentation run smoothly, you will be submitting your presentation slides on Nov 25th 11:59 PM (the night before the presentation).
The research paper
The final research paper is based on the two prior components and can include text already submitted as part of the proposal and assignment 3 (EDA). The paper is no longer than 1500 words (excluding abstract, tables, figures, and references). This research paper will include a title page, abstract, introduction, methods, results, and conclusion. You can use the following guide:
Title: A catchy but descriptive title
Authors: Name of the authors
Abstract: 200 words maximum summary. It can be structured in the following way
• Background
• Research question/purpose
• Methods
• Findings
• Conclusion
Introduction:
It can include the background of why this research question is important and should be studied. The purpose of this research and the research question. The hypothesis surrounding the research question.
Methods:
The methods section can have the following components.
• Data source and a brief description of it.
• Key variables of interest (their definition and how they are measured and transformed)
• Statistical analysis
– The descriptive analysis of the variables and what visualizations are generated.
– The details of the regression analysis and regression formula. If multiple models are created, discuss goodness of fit measures and how the model was chosen.
Results:
This section will include your findings. Provide the tables and figures appropriate for your analysis as described in the methods section. Include a brief interpretation for each output and summarize the results of the study, including an interpretation of the regression model.
Conclusion:
Discuss the results of the research, the answer to the research question and the results consid- ering the initial hypothesis. Provide suggestions for potential future research and the implica- tions of the findings.
Statement of contribution (If working with a group):
A statement of contribution of who did or conducted which element of the project. For example of statement of contribution see: https://authorservices.wiley.com/author-resources/Journal- Authors/open-access/credit.html
And ideal statement of contribution would be equal share of work for everyone in the team.
Grading criteria: [100 points]
• Maximum 1500 words (excluding abstract, tables, figures, and references)
• Citations will improve the quality of the paper and the arguments in the research project (any citation style. is ok).
• The grade is based on clarity and correctness of the work, not the complexity of the statistical analysis.
• No more than 3 tables and/or 4 figures for the entire paper. Fewer is ok.
• Ensure the paper and all included tables and visualizations are completely readable.