The research proposal can be quantitative or qualitative. Once you have identified a research topic (The recurring case of displacement and its violent effects on street children), you will then undertake a brief literature
search on the topic and come up with objectives/research questions that your proposal will
seek to address/answer. The purpose of the Research Proposal – Problem Statement Paper is
to identify a topic that is researchable and falls within the remit of what we would be covering in this course. Based on your chosen topic and the identified gaps in the literature, you will
indicate your research questions or hypothesis. If you are proposing a qualitative study then
you will not need a hypothesis. A good introduction and clearly stating the problem that your
proposal is seeking to address will ultimately help you as your write each component of the
research proposal.
Your research proposal problem statement paper will typically involve:
1) identifying the problem and describing the nature and seriousness of the problem
2) identifying gaps in the literature (i.e., areas that need more research or are
underdeveloped)
3) state the objective(s)/research question(s) that the proposal will be addressing
Please follow the outline listed below to structure your paper and ensure that you are including
all of the relevant information.
I. Introduction and Background
a. Introduce the problem and briefly state the magnitude of the problem
II. Identify the gaps in the literature
III. State your objectives of the proposed study, or questions you are seeking to answer,
and/or the specific hypothesis you are seeking to test
Papers should be typed, double spaced, using 1-inch margins, 12 point Times New Roman font.
Title and reference pages are required. An abstract is not required. Follow APA 7th Edition
guidelines. The Research Proposal– Problem Statement Paper (not including title and
reference pages) should be between two to three pages.
Use these criteria as a guide since this is the criteria by which your assignment would be assessed
Present your topic (problem)
From your topic or problem, clearly state your proposed research question
State the purpose of your study
Describe the seriousness of the problem (provide facts and statistics)
Identify what the proposed study would contribute to the current understanding of the issue
Rationale for why this is an important issue in social work (what is the
contribution of your study to social work?)
Cite at least four peer-reviewed sources to support the rationale for the items above
Overall Quality
APA style throughout the paper
Organization of paper
Clarity of writing and statements
Topic: The recurring case of displacement and its violent effects on street children
