The Research Paper Topic Proposal

This week, you will submit your research topic proposal to your instructor for approval.
 

Begin by exploring topics in  developmental psychology. Reference your textbook, the weekly  introductions in your course, and reputable journal articles to explore topic ideas. Be sure to choose a topic that you are highly interested in. From that topic, you will pose a question for your research. 

For example, you may find interest  in the life span of adolescence. From there, you may want to explore  issues related to adolescent suicide. From this topic you could pose a  number of questions to research, such as: 

1. Are adolescents from single-parent homes at higher risk of suicide than those from two-parent homes?
2. Does lack of play in childhood lead to anxiety and depression in adolescence?
3. Does “helicopter parenting” lead to anxiety and depression in adolescence?

How to Develop a Research Question

Your research question should enable  you draw some unique conclusions so that you are not simply reporting  on research that has already been concluded. You may have to do some  preliminary research within your topic to determine a suitable question.  Here are some examples.
 

This example is too broad and will likely lead to a confusing and disorganized paper. It lacks parameters.

Why do adolescents commit suicide?

This example is too narrow. It can be answered rather simply with some basic data.

How many adolescent suicides occurred last year?

A good research question specifies the parameters of the research, yet leaves room for analysis and the writers unique input.  

What are some of the unique social factors that led to an increase in suicide rates among 13- to 18-year-old females in 2015? 

(In your paper, you would define two  to three social factors you deem significant and connect them with the  appropriate physical, cognitive, and socioemotional occurrences  happening during this part of life span development. Then, draw your own  conclusions from the research you find.)

Once you have your research  question, phrase it as a statement so that it can become your thesis  statement. The thesis statement is what drives the direction of your  paper. 

The Research Paper Topic Proposal Assignment

Include the following in your topic proposal:

• Your research question
• Your thesis statement
• A narrative describing your topic and why you chose it (its significance)

Refer to the Writing Resources link under the Student Resources tab for help with writing thesis statements and research questions, and consult your West Coast University librarians for database search support as needed.
 

Your topic proposal should be 12 pages in length. Use current APA Style and cite and reference all sources.

See rubric for specific grading criteria.

Population Health Advocacy

Human trafficking, extreme poverty, preventable diseases, the opioid crisis and the lack of adequate low-income housing are a few current societal concerns worthy of social change. Nurses and healthcare leaders are in a good position to shape and influence health care policy. 

Think of a cause you believe in strongly. Access the website of your elected officials either at the local, state, or federal level using the following link:  or use the website of your choice. Explore some of the issues and committees your legislators are involved in and select at least one that interest you or align with your beliefs. You may also contact your legislators office and speak to his or her legislative assistant by calling the U.S. Capitol switchboard operator at (202) 224-3121 for the Senate and (202) 225-3121 for the House. Legislator assistants are very knowledgeable about the legislators agenda and can provide a wealth of information.  

This assignment will be at least 1500 words or more. This week reflect on advocacy, collaborative partnerships with other health care practitioners and stakeholders, and the policy making process and write a paper that addresses the following:

• Describe the policy issue, policy problem of interest or a particular bill that your legislator has introduced
• Elaborate on why the policy matters and what you can possibly do to strengthen the policy?  
• Briefly define the role you would play as an advocate for the healthcare consumer and healthcare professionals. 
• Explain how the policy impacts the public at large or a particular population.  
• What stakeholders would you collaborate with to promote the cause?  

Assignment Expectations

Length: 1500-2000 words in length

Structure: Include a title page and reference page in APA format. These do not count towards the minimal word amount for this assignment.  Your essay must include an introduction and a conclusion.

References: Use the appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions. A minimum of two (2) scholarly sources are required for this assignment.

Format: Save your assignment as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx).

File name: Name your saved file according to your first initial, last name, and the module number (for example, RHall Module 1.docx)

Submission: Submit to the D2L dropbox for grading

Use California state as model state