Write 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

1. Title of Dissertation

"Assessing the Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Health Awareness"

2. Introduction

This study falls within the field of Public Health Communication, a vital area of research given the ongoing evolution of digital media and its influence on public perceptions and health behaviors. The emergence of social media platforms has transformed the way health information is disseminated and consumed, thus impacting public health outcomes.

3. Keywords

• Public Health Communication: The exchange of information aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of populations.
• Social Media: Online platforms that enable users to create, share, and interact with content.
• Health Literacy: The ability to obtain, process, and understand health-related information.
• Digital Health: The integration of digital technologies into health services and information delivery.
• Audience Engagement: The ways in which the target population interacts with health messages.

i. Background/Context

The study will be conducted in urban settings within the United States, where social media use is prevalent. Existing literature indicates a growing reliance on social media for health information, with various studies highlighting both positive impacts, such as increased awareness, and negative implications, including the spread of misinformation (Koon et al., 2021; Bode & Vraga, 2018). While many scholars have examined the effectiveness of health campaigns on social media, contentious issues remain about the credibility of the sources and the potential consequences of misinformation in critical health decisions.

5. Problem Statement

Despite the recognized influence of social media on public health awareness, there is a significant gap in understanding how different platforms influence audience behavior and comprehension. Prior research has primarily focused on quantitative measures of engagement without adequately exploring the qualitative aspects of user interactions and perceptions of information credibility.

6. Research Questions

• Primary Research Question: How does social media usage influence public health awareness among urban populations?
• Subsidiary Questions:
  1. What social media platforms are most effective in disseminating health messages?
  2. How do individuals gauge the credibility of health information on social media?
  3. What role does audience engagement play in shaping health perceptions among social media users?

7. Hypothesis

H1: Increased engagement with public health messages on social media platforms leads to higher levels of health awareness among urban populations.

8. Aims/Objectives of the Study

• To investigate the effectiveness of various social media platforms in promoting public health awareness.
• To assess the factors that influence the perceived credibility of health information shared on social media.
• To explore the relationship between audience engagement and health behavior changes.

9. Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential to inform public health strategies and communication policies targeted at improving health literacy and behaviors. The findings may also guide health professionals and organizations in designing effective campaigns that leverage social media, ultimately contributing to enhanced public health outcomes.

10. Rationale

With the omnipresence of social media, understanding its role in public health communication is crucial for addressing contemporary health challenges. This research aims to provide insights that can guide future public health initiatives, contributing to the effective use of social media for health promotion.

11. Limitations

This study may face limitations such as participant bias, self-reported data reliability, and the dynamic nature of social media platforms, which may affect the generalizability of findings over time.

12. Delimitations

The study will focus exclusively on urban populations in the United States and will concentrate on health topics relevant to the community during the data collection period, limiting broader generalizability.

13. Ethical Considerations

Participants will be ensured anonymity and the confidentiality of their responses. Informed consent will be obtained before data collection, and participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

14. Assumptions

It is assumed that participants have experience using social media and that they are exposed to health information on these platforms. Additionally, it is assumed that individuals will provide honest responses regarding their perceptions and behaviors.

15. Literature Review

A review of literature will focus on existing studies that explore the intersection of social media and public health, including theories of health communication such as the Health Belief Model and the Social Cognitive Theory. Key findings from scholars, such as Parris (2020) and McCay-Peet & Toms (2017), will be analyzed to contextualize the research questions and hypotheses.

16. Methodology

This study will adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The research design will involve a stratified sampling of urban social media users aged 18-65. An online survey will collect quantitative data on social media usage and health awareness, while semi-structured interviews will provide qualitative insights into user perceptions of health information credibility. Data analysis will utilize statistical methods for surveys and thematic analysis for interviews, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the research questions.

References

Bode, L., & Vraga, E. K. (2018). See Something, Say Something: Examining the Effects of Social Media on Health Communication. Health Communication, 33(10), 1215-1225.
Koon, A. D., et al. (2021). Social Media and Health Literacy: An Assessment of Online Health Information. Journal of Health Communication, 26(5), 354-365.
McCay-Peet, L., & Toms, E. G. (2017). How Are You? A Study of Social Media Interactions and Their Impact on Health Outcomes. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(9), e318.
Parris, S. G. (2020). Social Media Engagement and Community Health: A Study of Online Health Promotion. American Journal of Public Health, 110(6), e1-e6.