Overview: The methodology section of a research proposal is the study blueprint. The methodology section clearly outlines the systematic approach the researcher will take to answer the research question. In this section, you will provide the blueprint for your research proposal by addressing the key elements including the population, the study sample and sample size, the location of your study, the timeline for the study (consider factors such as finding a location, hiring staff, recruitment, data collection process, etc.), and the costs associated with the research. In addition, the methodology section describes and outlines any ethical issues that the researcher must consider such as the recruitment of minors, cultural issues, payment of incentives to study participants, confidentiality, anonymity, and invasive procedures.

Your research design will inform the type of data analysis you must conduct to answer your research question(s). If you have chosen to propose a study that is quantitative in nature, such as a case-control study, cross-sectional, survey methodology, focus groups, or experimental study, then you will use statistical data analysis to answer your research questions. However, you may have chosen to propose a qualitative study, such as grounded theory, narratives, ethnography, or case study, which will require you to answer your research question(s) using rich descriptions, formulating concepts, or synthesizing experiences. Regardless of the study design, all research will address validity, reliability, and generalizability. Choose a data analysis plan that is suitable to the type of data you will be collecting.

Prompt: For your methodology section, be sure to address the following:

• Describe the population affected by the public health issue and the location of the population.

• What is the sample size you will need to answer your research question? Include the formula to be used for the sample size calculation.

• Explain your rationale for the study sample selection. What type of sample is it? (Snowball, systematic, random, convenience, etc.?)

• What type of study will you conduct? Examples include case-control, cross-sectional, grounded theory, quasi-experimental, etc.

• Study logistics: Where is the location of your study? What is the timeline for your study? What are the projected costs associated with the study?

• Consider and describe the ethical implications of this study. In this section you will want to thoughtfully and thoroughly describe any known or potential issue that may have ethical implications.

• Explain how you will address ethical issues.

For your data analysis section, please submit a detailed outline describing your proposed data analyses process. The process must be specific to the research design you have chosen and demonstrate a direct link to answering the research question. Be sure to address the following:

• What methods will you use to collect the data? (If instruments such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or similar tools will be used to collect data, indicate if it is an existing instrument or a new one.)

• Assess and confirm that the data collection methods are appropriate for the research design.

• What approaches will you use to analyze the data? For quantitative study designs, indicate the statistics you will employ, such as frequencies or logistic or linear regression analyses, etc., to answer your research question(s). For qualitative research designs, describe the way you will present the data to answer your research question(s).

Is your research design valid, reliable and generalizable? Provide a complete answer that addresses each element.

Assignment 1
Vision Board
Research has shown that pictures motivate us more than words. A vision board is a fun and creative way for you to clarify your dreams for the future and maintain focus and motivation for achieving goals related to those dreams. It helps to remind you of what you are working to accomplish.
Instructions
Create a digital vision board using MS Word or PowerPoint to represent at least four (4) aspirations for your future. Use one page for each aspiration. You may also do it on paper/cardstock with magazine clippings, etc. and scan it in to upload this assignment.
Planning: Before you begin, think about your goals, desires, and aspirations. When you reach your greatest success, what will you have? What will you be doing? What kind of person will you be? Visualize your future in vivid detail. Be specific. Be clear. Be honest. Be positive. Consider all of the following categories and select 4 aspirations that are most meaningful to you:
• Education (What academic goals do you see yourself pursuing?)
• Work (What do you see yourself doing for a living? What volunteer activities will you participate in?)
• Emotions (What do you want to feel?)
• Relationships (Who do you want to have close relationships with?)
• Location (Where do you see yourself living? What type of dwelling?)
• Recreational Activities (What would you like to do in your spare time?)
• Personal Interests (What hobbies would you like to pursue? Where would you like to travel?)
• Wealth (What financial goals do you have?)
• Other (Consider health and well-being, “bucket list” items, personal development, etc.)
• Dive Deep: Instead of thinking, “I want to be happy,” challenge yourself to identify what specifically will make you feel that way. Is it money? A strong family? Respect from the community? Be specific!
Creating: Focus on images, not words. Images may include personal photos, clip art, pictures from the internet, etc. You may include a limited amount of text, such as famous quotes and motivational sayings, but use words sparingly. Combine several pictures to illustrate each aspiration to provide a more comprehensive understanding of your overall vision. For example, if my goal is to climb Mt. Everest, I might include pictures of a snowy mountain, clip art images of climbing gear, a map showing the location and an expedition photo, all of which relate to that one aspiration, all combined in a pleasing way on one page.
Add color, shapes, borders and other embellishments to fill all the blank space on each page. The final product should be neat, organized and creative

Assignment 2
GOAL ORGANIZER
What is your goal?
What benefits will you gain by achieving this goal?
What consequences will you experience by not achieving this goal?
What obstacles might you encounter while working on this goal?
How can you deal with the obstacles effectively if they occur?
What people or resources could help you with achieving this goal?