Checklist for Research Proposal
[
] The entire
document is double-spaced (one column, no right justified).
[
] The
proposal is proofread with attention to the logic of your
argument.
[
] The
proposal is proofread and checked for clarity, spelling,
grammar, and punctuation.
[
] Articles
to which you refer are NOT quoted directly. No plagiarism.
[
] Literature
is cited properly, both in the narrative and references section
(using the format of
Journal of Comparative Physiology)
The proposal is organized with the
following sections:
[
] Introduction-each
sentence has content and specificity. No extraneous sentences.
-What is your question?
-What is the context/significance of your question (cite
at least 4 primary sources)?
-A specific prediction will enhance your proposal and
must be supported by prior
research/mechanisms (I predict that…because…); if you do not
have a particular
prediction (e.g. what is the relationship between x and y)
describe possible
results and the underlying mechanisms
[
] Methods-each
sentence has content and specificity. No extraneous sentences.
-Given your question, what will your methods be?
-What will you measure?
-What are your independent
and dependent variables?
-Use diagrams if appropriate
[
] Analysis-
each sentence has content and specificity. No extraneous sentences.
-How will you analyze the data you collect?
-What are your independent and dependent variables?
-Given your question, include putative graphs (if you
don’t have a particular prediction,
generate graphs that indicate a particular response).
-You may use hand-drawn graphs (neatly drawn; use a
ruler; label axes)
[
] References-in the format of Journal of
Comparative Physiology
[
] The
proposal is submitted as an attachment (.doc or .docx not .pdf )
to Sherman@bennington.edu
no later than 5:00 pm, date to be determined.