ENGL3002
Research Proposal Assignment Sheet and Rubric
Fall Semester, 2024
You will submit a 1500 to 2000-word research proposal on any topic related to language and communication.
• Proposals outside this range (not counting references) may receive a deduction. N.b., the word length range means that there is no ±10% applicable to this assignment.
• Given the scope of the subject, you are expected to choose a method that has been covered in class and to propose a research study that meets these criteria.
• You should adopt a research paradigm and work clearly within that paradigm. It does not matter which one you choose as long as there is consistency between the proposed research study, research questions, and methodology, and your chosen paradigm.
• The proposal can be written with your Capstone Project in mind. You will not be bound to do this
proposal for your capstone but your research proposal needs to be a feasible project of the scope of a capstone.
This proposal must include the following 5 sections:
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Abstract
• A summary of the research proposal in 150 words, similar to published article abstracts. Introduction
For this section, you are strongly advised to follow the structure we have used in class from the work of Swales (i.e., Moves 1 – 3)—consult the files
ENGL3002_Week04_PlanningResProposal.pptx and ConstructingLitReview_Territory.pdf,
from Week 4. These are from the seminar class on planning your research proposal. Follow the steps in those documents
• Begin with a clear statement of the topic of your proposal and why it is important
• Move onto the research that has been done in this area and suggest where the gaps are in this literature.
• Important point: Do not simply say that a particular type of study has not been done in Hong Kong. It probably has! But, that is not reason enough. Tell us why the study needs to be replicated here. What is important about the Hong Kong context that means we
cannot simply take the results of studies done elsewhere at face value?
• Finally, occupy the niche! Point out how your research question flows from the
arguments that you have made above—make sure your research question/s is/are clearly stated.
• Engagement with existing theory/literature
• You need to cite at least 6 appropriate academic sources, of which at least 2 need to have been published in 2023 or 2024)
• in your reference list, you will need to provide hyperlinks through the DOIs to the actual research papers for all references
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Method
• a clear and appropriate method that relates directly to the RQ
• including a sound and specific rationale for the chosen research method vs others Expected findings
• believable expected findings References
• All cited references to be presented in APA7 format
Proposals are due via Blackboard on December 2nd at 11:59pm
• All proposals will be scanned via Turnitin at submission. There is no single cutoff number that is used to determine possible plagiarism. This judgement is made via the report that is produced.
• You must submit using a format such as Microsoft Word that can be read by Turnitin. You will not be deemed to have submitted until your file has been received and successfully scanned by Turnitin via Blackboard.
• Please make use of office hours to make appointments to ask any questions about the proposals or other assessment items.