- Choose a general theoretical topic for a mixed method study within the realm of political science from the list presented here:
- Political protest
- Democratic backsliding
- Policies to confront climate crisis
- Elections
- Following – focus your topic of investigation (research problem) within the general topic chosen.
- Using the syllabus literature (week 12), explain why the topic of your choice is suitable for a mixed method analysis, and determine the kind of mixing model out of the 3 taught (convergent/explanatory/exploratory).
- Determine your research variables (independent and dependent).
- Using your research variables, phrase a research question and hypothesis.
- Write a constructed summary (literature review) of 10 academic articles/books that apply directly to your research question.
- Indicate the data collection tools and analysis techniques that are appropriate for your specific mixed method research.
- Compose a consent letter for the study’s participants (template provided – not included in page limitation!).
Grading Rubric:
| Points | Task | Comments |
| 15 | Choosing a topic for a mixed methods research (including: specific theoretical topic of study +state/s +population of study) and declaring the kind of mixed model chosen (convergent/ explanatory/exploratory) —————- | The specific topic, based upon the 4 suggested to you above, should be relevant for mixed method political inquiry, and specifically to the model of your choice (convergent/explanatory/ exploratory) ————— |
| Using the syllabus literature (weeks 12) to justify the chosen topic’s relevance for mixing methods, and specifically to the chosen kind (convergent/ explanatory/exploratory) | The readings for week 11 will be used to justify the chosen topic’s mixed method nature, and specifically to the chosen kind. The reading should be integrated analytically to explain the case in point | |
| 10 | Phrasing research variables | The two variables should be coined elegantly, and self- explanatory |
| 15 | Presenting research question and hypothesis [8 points for research question (RQ), and 7 for hypothesis (H1)] | The research question and hypothesis should address your theoretical topic of choice, determine the connection between the two |
| variables and reflect the nature of the study ! Explanatory designs phrase more quantitative questions ! Exploratory designs – more qualitative ones | ||
| 15 | Creating a literature review using 10 academic articles/books that apply directly to your research question | The reading items are outside the course syllabus (use the library website, Google Scholar) The selection of reading items depends on your specific topic of inquiry The reading should be integrated analytically to explain the case in point and indicate your contribution to the state of the arts |
| 15 | Choosing the mixed data collection tools for your specific research (with emphasis on the chosen kind of mixed design) | Explain and exemplify your choices of data collection tools: According to the kind of mixed design chosen, what is the order of data collection (at the same time? One follows the other? Which? Why?) Why these data collection tools fit your mixed study? |
| ————- Pointing on the adequate sample investigated for each of the data collection tools | ————- Determine and explain on the sample for each tool (who is included in the sample and what is the sampling technique? Why? | |
| 10 | Choosing data analysis techniques that are most appropriate for each data collected (quantitative and qualitative separately) | Show why and how the data analysis technique/s of your choice is best to analyze your data |
| 10 | Compose a consent letter | Templet is provided (the letter is outside of page limit) |
| 5 | Organization of paper | The paper needs to be organized by idea and logically consistent. It should use appropriate answer numbering and sub- titles |
| 5 | Using APA citation (reference list is outside of page limit) | The paper should include APA in-text citation + reference list (manual on our website) |
Good Luck!
APPENDIX
Informed Consent
Template for Creating an Informed Consent Letter
Note to Investigators:
When creating informed consent letters, investigators are encouraged to keep language and vocabulary as basic and straightforward as possible. Investigators are also encouraged to use this template when creating informed consent letters. Use of alternative wording or format is permitted, but doing so may slow down the review process. All sections of the consent form, except the “Consent” section, should be written in second person (“You are invited…”).
Headers should include “Informed Consent” followed by the title of the study (e.g., the header in this document). Footers should include page numbers. If your consent letter is more than one page, the footer should also include a space for the participant’s initials (e.g., the footer in this document).
Be sure to include any basic components of informed consent that are appropriate to your study. If components apply to your study, they must be included. Please refer to the document entitled “components of informed consent” for more information. If you have any further questions, contact the Director of Institutional Research at (865) 354- 3000, ext. 4822.
**Information in italics is for your information and should be deleted from the actual consent form. Material in brackets should be completed with relevant information.**
TITLE OF STUDY
[Insert title]
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
[Name] [Department] [Email]
PURPOSE OF STUDY
You are being asked to take part in a research study. Before you decide to participate in this study, it is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please read the following information carefully. Please ask the researcher if there is anything that is not clear or if you need more information.
The purpose of this study is to [Briefly describe purpose of study.]
STUDY PROCEDURES
List all procedures, preferably in chronological order, which will be employed in the study. Point out any procedures that are considered experimental. Clearly explain technical and medical terminology using non-technical language. Explain all procedures using language that is appropriate for the expected reading level of participants.
State the amount of time required of participants per session, if applicable, and for the total duration of the study.
If audio taping, videotaping, or film procedures are going to be used, provide information about the use of these products.
RISKS
List all reasonably foreseeable risks, if any, of each of the procedures to be used in the study, and any measures that will be used to minimize the risks.
You may decline to answer any or all questions and you may terminate your involvement at any time if you choose.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Your responses to this [survey] will be anonymous. Please do not write any identifying information on your [survey]. OR For the purposes of this research study, your comments will not be anonymous. Every effort will be made by the researcher to preserve your confidentiality including the following:
[State measures taken to ensure confidentiality, such as those listed below:
- Assigning code names/numbers for participants that will be used on all research notes and documents
- Keeping notes, interview transcriptions, and any other identifying participant information in a locked file cabinet in the personal possession of the researcher.]
Participant data will be kept confidential except in cases where the researcher is legally obligated to report specific incidents. These incidents include, but may not be limited to, incidents of abuse and suicide risk.
COMPENSATION
If there is no compensation, delete this section.
Indicate what participants will receive for their participation in this study. Indicate other ways participants can earn the same amount of credit or compensation. State whether participants will be eligible for compensation if they withdraw from the study prior to its completion. If compensation is pro-rated over the period of the participant’s involvement, indicate the points/stages at which compensation changes during the study.
CONTACT INFORMATION
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION
Your participation in this study is voluntary. It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part in this study. If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to sign a consent form. After you sign the consent form, you are still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason. Withdrawing from this study will not affect the relationship you have, if any, with the researcher. If you withdraw from the study before data collection is completed, your data will be returned to you or destroyed.
Note: Please delineate the “Consent” section of the Informed Consent Form by drawing a line across the page (like the one above this paragraph). This delineation is important because the consent form grammar shifts from second person to first person, as shown in this example.
CONSENT
I have read and I understand the provided information and have had the opportunity to ask questions. I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free to withdraw at any time, without giving a reason and without cost. I understand that I will be given a copy of this consent form. I voluntarily agree to take part in this study.
Participant’s signature Date Investigator’s signature
