CCO 105 (GBA)

For our subsequent lessons, we were taught on how to construct a research proposal on a certain topic on a social issue. In this lessons, we were told that in a research proposal, there should be questions that should be answered. These would be finding out the 'thing' you are trying to observe, identifying the independent and dependent variables, how the independent and dependent variables varies, the respondents, the data that is to be collected, finding out the best data collection method, and how the research could contribute to the knowledge about the topic. At a closer look, you can see that most of the time, the 'thing' observed would usually be the independent variable and its variation is depending on either the quantifiable aspect or qualify-able aspect. How we seek to see the trends would usually be using indicators of this variables to ascertain our hypothesis by looking at their data.  Aside from these questions, the research proposal would also have to be relevant, feasible and measurable in order for the proposal to convince the readers of carrying out the proposal.

In our GBA group, we were asked to formulate such a proposal. The research topic we have came up with is 'To what extent does the type of familial values shared amongst Generations X and Y in Singapore shape their level of adherence to their dietary regime?' I guess the most difficult part of the project would be selecting the dependent variable (familial values) that we want to work on. Firstly, the reason being that there are many variable to choose from. Secondly, it took the most amount of time for our team to settle onto one that we think we are comfortable doing on. Finally, after half a day of brainstorming, the topic came to a conclusion and the data collection would be through the use of a questionnaire and an semi-structured interview as shown below.

Knowing the amount of effort we have put into the project as well as the tight chemistry forged between my team, the effort sure paid off which was reflected in our grades. Although our report was well-argued, it lacked the unique effect which hindered us from getting the 'A' for our project.

While the GBA has taught me much about writing a fluent research proposal, I guess this proposal writing is a good introduction for our Statistics (BUS 105) module which would expose us to the practical side of hypothesis testing. As a student who took the Challenge Exams for Statistics, understanding the purpose of this GBA has sure let me understood the reasons behind crafting a well-thought proposal as well as the purpose of looking at the purpose of understanding correlation and causation in statistics.