Ms. Hana Dakwar
ENGL 202
Research Proposal
Definition:
A research proposal is a concise and coherent summary of your proposed research. It sets out the
central issues or questions that you intend to address. It outlines the general area of study within
which your research falls, referring to the current state of knowledge and any recent debates on
the topic. It also demonstrates the originality of your proposed research.
Elements of a Proposal
1- Argument: What is the argument of your essay? What will you be trying to prove with
research and support?
My argument focuses on the effect of violence in sports on the social Level, meaning it
increases aggression among the audience or the people. I will be trying to prove that
there is a relation between violent sports and social aggression proving enough
evidence to support it.
2- Claims: What claims will you be using in order to support your argument? Provide at least 2
claims.
-Rule violating behavior must be learned and used in order to remain involved in
higher levels of sports competition. “As a result, the perceived legitimacy of ruleviolating is increasingly internalized and accepted as normative behavior within the
sport setting”.
-collective violence or riots among spectators during or after sporting events, and in
three- quarters of those the precipitating event was violence in the game.
3- Background Information: What are some current theories or main opinions (similar or
counter arguments) about the topic? How does your claim fit in with these theories?
Some authors argue for the “catharsis theory” which proposes that witnesses of
aggression or violence (spectators) are likely to be less aggressive. This; however,
appears to have very little evidence to support it and is the complete opposite of my
claim suggesting that aggression breeds aggression.
4- Research method: How will you be conducting your research? Will you be focusing on the
primary sources, secondary sources, or conducting interviews and surveys to gather
information?
I will be referring to some articles and authors in order to support my claim and
increase its authenticity. I will be referring to opposite sides as well to refute them and
achieve the credibility required to prove my point.