(Worth 50 points)

OBJECTIVES:

• Become more familiar with the entire research process including a literature search and hypothesis testing.

• Learn how to write a brief research report similar to the kind presented at research conferences.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Select two or more variables from the survey instrument that you are interested in examining further.
2. Review the available literature for findings related to these variables.
3. Propose a hypothesis or research statement predicting the relationship between these variables based on your literature search.
4. Test your hypothesis using the data to be collected in February.
5. Write a brief research report of your findings (7-10 pages).
6. Include in your report the following sections:

1. Title Page (1p)
2. Introduction: summary of relevant research and statement of hypothesis (2-3 pages)
3. Method: summary of the study itself (2-3 pages)
4. Results: a paragraph describing the statistic(s) you used and the results you obtained (1p)
5. Discussion: brief recap of your results and how they relate to your hypothesis and previous findings from the literature (1-2 pages).
6. References (1-2p).

CONFERENCE OPPORTUNITY:

You are strongly encouraged to present your research findings at the Blue Ridge Undergraduate Research Conference to be held on April 6^th at Maryville College. This is a great (and relatively easy) way to add a formal presentation to your resume. If you plan to go to graduate school you should give this serious consideration.

• Abstract: Due February 12^th

(This is just a paragraph informing the reader about the kind of study you are conducting and the hypothesis you intend to test.)

• Text of Presentation: Due March 2nd