Problem
A. What are your research questions?
B. Define your variables (use definitions found in past studies that have examined your variables of interest)
C. What theory is relevant based on your topic? What scientific theory is used to guide your hypotheses? What is the justification for your hypotheses?
D. Why is your topic important?
E. This is objective, not personal reasons
F. For example, if your study is examining an illness, the ramifications and prevalence of the illness can be described to highlight the importance of the topic
G. Hypotheses should be written in a testable format
My research project idea is to examine the impact of cyberbullying on adolescents' behavior. Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that occurs online and through electronic media, such as text messages, emails, and social media sites. This research aims to explore how cyberbullying affects adolescents' behavior and mental health. I am personally interested in this topic because I have seen firsthand how cyberbullying can have a detrimental effect on teenagers. Cyberbullying can lead to emotional distress and can cause severe long-term psychological damage. Additionally, cyberbullying can lead to decreased school performance, increased social isolation, and an increased risk of suicidal ideation. As a result, I believe it is crucial to study the impact of cyberbullying on adolescents' behavior.
This topic is important to study because cyberbullying is a growing problem in today's society. According to a survey conducted by the Cyberbullying Research Center, approximately half of all adolescents have been bullied online. Additionally, many of those who have been cyberbullied report feeling scared, helpless, and embarrassed. Therefore, it is vital to study the impact of cyberbullying to understand better the effects it has on adolescents' behavior.
The constructs in this proposed study include cyberbullying, adolescent behavior, and mental health. Cyberbullying is intentional harm or harassment through electronic media, such as text messages, emails, and social media sites. Teenage behavior is any observable action or response attributed to individuals aged 13-18. Mental health is general well-being, including emotional, psychological, and social health.
Past studies on cyberbullying have generally found that cyberbullying harms adolescents' behavior and mental health. Specifically, researchers have found that cyberbullying is associated with increased depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal ideation. Researchers have also found that cyberbullying can lead to increased social isolation, decreased academic performance, and increased helplessness and hopelessness.
The research proposed in this project may address the lack of research that has been conducted on the long-term effects of cyberbullying on adolescents' behavior. Additionally, the study may also manage the limited research that has been conducted on the impact of cyberbullying on adolescents' mental health.
The hypotheses are stated in a testable way. Specifically, the hypotheses suggest that cyberbullying has a negative effect on adolescents' behavior and mental health. The hypotheses are also testable, as they can be tested through the collection and analysis of data.The hypotheses make sense, given the research questions discussed in the brief topic paragraphs. The research questions focus on the impact of cyberbullying on adolescents' behavior and mental health, and the hypotheses suggest that cyberbullying has a negative effect on these outcomes. Therefore, the hypotheses are consistent with the research questions discussed in the topic paragraphs.