Give an example of a research proposal at diploma level basing on the following:

Question

SECTION
EXPECTATION
1.
Title of dissertation
Write a research topic. The topic should be plus or minus 12 words
in length.
2
Introduction
States the field of study
3
Keywords
Specialist terms, which are commonly used in the study. It is always
advisable to bring the keywords as early as after the introduction to
ensure that your audience understands the way you intend to use
them. Please avoid dictionary definitions. Rather make use of
definitions as per your area of study. Cite how scholars in the field
define terms.
i
Background/context
Gives the physical location of the study. Summarises some of the
of study
major findings in the field, and cites the most current findings in the
subject area. Briefly highlights contentious issues in the field.
5
Problem Statement
Arising from the background state the problem statement. It
specifies the exact gap in the knowledge discussed in
previous paragraphs that reviewed the most current literature. A
gap in the knowledge is the entire reason for the study, so state it
specifically and exactly.
6
Research Questions
State the research questions that are the primary and subsidiary
questions, which help you, find answers to the problem.
Every study must have one research question or more
7
Hypothesis
State your hypothesis if any. A hypothesis is a testable prediction
for an observed phenomenon, namely, the gap in the knowledge.
Note that not every study is expected to have hypotheses.
8
Aims/Objectives
of
State aims or objectives of the study that is a statement that spells
the study
out what the study seeks to achieve.
9
Significance of
the
State the significance of the study being carried out. Significance is
study
a statement of why it is important to determine the answer to the gap
in the knowledge.
The contribution to the body of knowledge is described, and
summarises who will be able to use the knowledge to make better
decisions, improve policy, advance science, or other uses of the new
information.
10
Rationale
State the rationale, that is, a justification for the study.
11
Limitations
State the limitations of the study, the constraints over which you
have no control.
12
Delimitations
State the demarcations you make on purpose in order to carry out
the study
13
Ethical
State the right things to do when dealing with respondent your
considerations
sample e.g. their privacy or confidentiality.
14
Assumptions
State the assumptions of the study -something you consider to be
likely true even though you have no proof
15
Literature review
Show the reviewed literature- the relevant literature to assist
answering your questions/test hypotheses. Inclusive of theories that
guide you in the search for answers to questions raised about the
problem
16
Methodology
State the methodologies to be used to carry out the research. This
includes the research design, sample, data collecting methods, data
analysis procedures, approaches, etc. Please note that here you
should demonstrate a clear understanding of research terms, e.g
methods vs methodology; design vs approach, etc

Answer 1

Research Proposal Example

1. Title of Dissertation

"Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health among University Students in Urban Areas"

2. Introduction

This research proposal is situated within the fields of psychology and sociology, focusing specifically on the intersection of technology and mental health. The rise of social media has fundamentally altered communication patterns; however, its effects on mental health, particularly among young adults in urban settings, remain under-explored.

3. Keywords

• Social Media: Platforms that facilitate the creation and sharing of content through virtual networks.
• Mental Health: A state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
• University Students: Individuals enrolled in post-secondary education programs.
• Urban Areas: Densely populated regions characterized by extensive infrastructure.
• Well-being: The individual's experience of health and happiness.

4. Background/Context

The study will be conducted in urban universities, where students typically engage with multiple social media platforms. Previous research indicates a correlation between heavy social media use and negative mental health outcomes, such as anxiety and depression (Keles et al., 2020). Studies suggest that social media can both positively and negatively impact well-being, creating a contentious dialogue in current literature (Primack et al., 2017).

5. Problem Statement

Despite the existing research, there is a gap in comprehensive understanding of how different aspects of social media usage affect mental health among university students in urban contexts. This study aims to clarify these effects and explore the nuances of social media's impact.

6. Research Questions

• Primary Question: How does social media usage influence mental health among university students in urban areas?
• Subsidiary Questions:
  1. What specific aspects of social media (e.g., time spent, types of engagement) have the most significant effects on students' mental health?
  2. Are there particular demographic factors that mediate the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes?

7. Hypothesis

Increased engagement with social media correlates with higher levels of anxiety and depression among university students.

8. Aims/Objectives of the Study

• To investigate the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes among university students.
• To identify which specific aspects of social media are most impactful on student mental health.
• To explore demographic variables that may influence this relationship.

9. Significance of the Study

This study contributes to the understanding of mental health dynamics in the digital age, specifically among young adults. The findings can inform university counseling services and mental health policies, enabling better support systems for students.

10. Rationale

The rationale for this study lies in the increasing prevalence of social media and its potential to significantly affect the mental health of university students, a demographic at risk for mental health issues. Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing effective interventions.

11. Limitations

The study may be limited by self-reported data, which could introduce bias regarding students' social media use and mental health status. Additionally, the study will be restricted to a specific geographical area, limiting generalizability.

12. Delimitations

This research will focus exclusively on university students in urban settings and will not include high school students or other demographic groups. The study will also concentrate on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

13. Ethical Considerations

Participants' privacy will be prioritized; informed consent will be obtained, and data will be anonymized. The study will ensure that participants have the right to withdraw at any time without consequence.

14. Assumptions

It is assumed that participants will provide honest and accurate responses regarding their social media usage and mental health conditions.

15. Literature Review

Existing literature outlines varying perspectives on social media's effects on mental health, highlighting both negative outcomes, such as loneliness and anxiety (Valkenburg & Peter, 2011), and positive effects, like social support (Bessière et al., 2008). Theoretical frameworks, including the Social Comparison Theory and the Uses and Gratifications Theory, will guide the exploration of this phenomenon.

16. Methodology

The proposed research will adopt a quantitative design, utilizing surveys administered to university students in urban areas. The sample will be selected through stratified random sampling to ensure diversity. Data collection methods will include online questionnaires assessing social media use and mental health indicators, analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify correlations and trends.

This structured research proposal serves as a comprehensive foundation for exploring the impact of social media on mental health in an increasingly connected world.