Module 2 – Qualitative Research
Paper One: Qualitative Research Proposal – 15 Points
MAC 203 – Applied Communication Theory and Research
Due: Sunday, Week 2, 11 p.m. CST/CDT
Instructions:
1. The content of each student’s proposal will vary greatly, given the diversity
of industries and publics to be researched. However, your proposal must
address at least three areas:
a. A detailed description of your target public, including some defense
of why it is essential to learn more about this public;
b. An overview of the qualitative research method(s) chosen, the
rationale for choosing those methods, and a detailed explanation of
how the research will be conducted;
c. The actual research instruments you plan to use, such as an interview
guide, focus group discussion guide, content analysis code book, etc.
2. Your proposal should draw upon your assigned readings, professional
experiences, classmate/colleague discussions, and other resources you find
relevant.
3. To evaluate your work, I will use the rubric found on Blackboard. I will also
ask myself two key questions:
a. Can the proposal be shared with your client/organization/boss as is,
with no reservations about its professionalism, thoroughness, and/or
clarity?
b. Could someone completely unfamiliar with this class read the
proposal and implement the research outlined, without having to ask
any questions of you? (Your proposal should be THAT detailed and
clear.)
4. Use American Psychological Association (APA) style for in-line citations within
the text, as well as for the list of sources cited at the end of the paper.
Purdue University maintains a helpful online resource:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10 .