Dr. Gass
HCOM 308
Fall 2008
Rationale/Justification
Paper
Your rationale should be a more developed, well-refined
version of your research prospectus.
The rough edges in your prospectus should be polished in paper 2.
Develop the “need step” for your proposed experiment: You should amplif= y on the social significance of the investigation (answer the “Who cares?” question). Expl= ain its role and relevance to your specific discipline. Advance arguments as to why your particular study is needed at this particular time. How would such research advance the state of knowledge in your field?
Clearly define concepts: Your key terms and concepts should be clearly defined. Definitions should be drawn from e= xperts writing in texts or scholarly journal articles.
Identify any = research controversies: If there a= re competing theories, perspectives, or points of view on the line of research you’ve chosen you should discuss them. If scholars disagree on the best w= ay to measure a phenomenon, you should address the issue. If previous studies were flawed or subject to important limitations point that out.
Narrow your f= ocus: You will probably need to narrow your focus to examine variables in specific contexts, situations, or settings (For example, not just credibility, but source credibility in the context of celebrity endorsers; not just treatmen= t of stuttering, but treating stuttering in L1 versus L2). Be as specific as possible about t= he nature of the investigation.
Explain how t= he independent variable(s) will be manipulated: You should clearly state w= hat your independent variables are and how they will be manipulated or operationalized. For instance= , how many conditions will there be in your experiment? What will participants be asked to= do in your experiment? Will they be= asked to perform some task or behavior? Will they be exposed to differing stimulus conditions?
Explain how t= he dependent variable(s) will be measured: You should identify established scales or measurements to measure the dependent variable(s) in your investigation. Don’t re= ly on “home-made” measures.
Identify any = problems or issues involved in your line of research: Is your proposed investiga= tion practical? Are there methodological obstacles you’ll need to overcome? Are there any ethic= al concerns involved? (Would participants be exposed to any psychological stre= ss or emotional discomfort?)
Your paper sho= uld be 5-7 pages (not counting references), typed, double-spaced, and carefully proofread for spelling, grammatical, and typographical errors. This paper represents 15% of your overall course grade. You must include a minimum of six references from scholarly, refereed journal articles. Your references sho= uld conform to the APA guidelines (5th edition). Stop by my office if you would lik= e to see some sample papers.