Assessment Task:
Assignment 1: Developing Your Research Question, Model, and Hypothesis
Now that you've learned the importance of research questions, modeling, and hypotheses in academic research, it's time for you to apply these concepts to your own research. This assignment will serve as the foundation for the final research paper proposal that you will develop throughout the course.
Assignment Instructions:
Step 1: Create Your Research Question
Think carefully about the topic you want to explore for your final research proposal. Your research question should be clear, specific, and related to an issue or problem that interests you within the field of public administration or policy analysis. Remember, this question will guide your entire research process, so choose one that is both meaningful and researchable.
Step 2: Build a Model
Based on your research question, create a model to organize the key variables and relationships that you will investigate. You may choose to use a symbolic model (written explanation or equation) or a schematic model (visual representation with diagrams). You can also use both if it helps clarify your approach. The model should help explain how the variables in your study are connected and how they might influence one another.
Step 3: Formulate a Hypothesis
Write a testable hypothesis from the model you've built. The hypothesis should clearly define the relationship between the independent variable (the cause) and the dependent variable (the effect). It should be a statement that can be supported or refuted through empirical research.
Here is the assignment question its discussion and there are two students did this assignment please read their discussion and make a comment
Student 1:
Research Question:
Does public communication during disasters or crisis situations have a positive influence on how the public proceeds?
Model:
In recent years since social media has been on the rise society has highlighted the need for accurate information and a transparent government. Especially during difficult situations. States that have strict communication protocols during disaster will have better outcomes for relief than states that are not forth coming with their communities.
Hypothesis:
Transparent and timely information during times of crisis from local and state government will have a positive impact on how local communities handle the situations and proceed.
Student 2:
Research Question:
How does citizen engagement affect the policy making process?
Modeling:
Knowing the opinions of the members of the public can increase the knowledge of legislators who are representing them.
Hypothesis:
Citizens will be more supportive of a policy if the legislators know their opinions.