Introduce topic and proposed research question/hypothesis and why it is important (Special Educational Needs in the Mainstream).
Background
Explain what you plan to research; give background information to contextualise information for the uninformed reader;
Develop hypothesis and/or key questions into research aims;
Acknowledge any limitations/constraints;
Clarify to what use the research will be put.
Short Literature Review
This should indicate how reading has informed your thinking and understanding of the selected research topic;
Explain how the literature has helped you to formulate the key questions/hypothesis;
Make active use of contemporary as well as more seminal publications and good use of electronic journals.
Research Methodology and methods
Briefly explore the research paradigm you are using with links to literature;
Concentrate discussion on the research methodology you have selected e.g. case study. Give reasons for selecting this methodology and why it is the best fit for your hypothesis /question. Identify potential research population giving details of research sample and sampling criteria;
Contemplate how will you gain access to necessary data;
State whether or not you are planning to undertake a pilot study and why/why not, with whom etc.
Explain and justify with links to the literature the methods you are going to use.
Ethics
Explain key ethical issues for your study
Data Analysis
Explain how you plan to analyse the data, e.g. the use of content analysis, coding frames, observation grids;
If you plan to use a computer program with the analysis, tell the reader which program and why;
Identify how you will attempt to establish validity and reliability of results as relevant to your paradigm, will you be able to triangulate the results?
Reference List
Must be completed using the APA (edition 7) referencing system.
