PSY390: Assuming the role of a research assistant working at KKH, you are tasked to prepare a research proposal that aims to investigate the potential consequences of allowing children to have more screen-time, within the context of Singapore. Research Methods assignment

Module / Subject / School:

PSY390 Research Methods

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Requirements: 

Research Proposal (100 marks)

“Most children aged three to seven in Singapore spend more than the recommended amount of time looking at screens for recreation – exceeding a research group’s guideline of not more than one hour, with many even getting two hours a day on weekends. The findings from a survey by KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) were released on Friday (Jan 21) together with a new set of activity guidelines for young children aged seven years and under. The survey of 340 parents from September to October last year found that time allocation for physical activity, sleep and recreational screen viewing were “suboptimal” among young children. There was a general lack of awareness, with more than half of the parents wrongly estimating the recommendation durations of time for physical activity and recreational screen use, said KKH.”

Extracted from Tham, D. (2022, Jan 21). ‘Time-poor parents’: Most young children in Singapore get excessive screen time, KKH survey shows. CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/children-parents-screentime-health-physical-activity-sleep-2450156#:~:text=EXCESSIVE%20SCREEN%20TIME,- Under%20the%20new&text=However%2C%20KKH’s%20survey%20found%20that,in%20the%20younger%2 0age%20groups.

Assuming the role of a research assistant working at KKH, you are tasked to prepare a research proposal that aims to investigate the potential consequences of allowing children to have more screen-time, within the context of Singapore. This would then allow the hospital to educate parents on the rationale for adjusting the amount of screen-time that their children have, and to be able to effectively diagnose problems that may potentially have resulted from having more/less screen-time.

Your research proposal should include the following sections:
1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. Purpose and Hypotheses/Research Questions/Research Objectives
4. Methodology and Methods
5. References
6. Appendices
(Total Word Limit: 1,500 words)

General Guidance and Preparation

Before you conceptualise a research design, decide what the focus of your study will be. Read academic articles on topics related to the key concepts in the given scenario. A good place to start is our SUSS library. There is ample scholarly literature that you can access online through the library. Once you have narrowed your focus, compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of various research design options to decide which would best achieve your study’s purpose.

Develop your research proposal using the guidelines detailed below. The number of words suggested for each section is a rough guide. Please note that the number of words per section may differ from the suggested ones but the overall word count must not exceed 1,500 words.

Performing well for an ECA will require substantial time and effort to plan and write your report. In your planning, please allocate time for:

• Reading the ECA question carefully and understanding the sub-components and instructions.
• Identifying, locating, and gathering relevant information.
• Drawing up a plan of action on how to go about writing the proposal.
• Evaluating and integrating all the information and presenting it in a systematic and organised manner.
• Drafting, correcting, and eventually submitting your proposal.

What we score:

72%

Our Writer’s Comment 

This assignment tests students on their knowledge of the research concepts.

Based on the assignment requirements provided, here are some comments to help students score well on this assignment:

1. Introduction:

• Start with a clear and concise introduction that provides background information on the issue of excessive screen time among children in Singapore. State the research problem and its significance, emphasizing the need for further investigation to understand the potential consequences.
• Clearly state the purpose of your research and its objectives. Make sure to align the research objectives with the hospital’s goal of educating parents and diagnosing potential problems related to screen time.

2. Literature Review:

• Conduct a thorough literature review to provide a comprehensive understanding of the existing research and studies on the effects of excessive screen time on children’s health and well-being. Ensure that you cite credible and relevant academic articles from reputable sources.
• Analyze the strengths and limitations of previous research to identify any gaps in the literature that your study aims to address. This will help demonstrate the significance of your proposed research.

3. Purpose and Hypotheses/Research Questions/Research Objectives:

• Clearly state the research questions, hypotheses, or objectives that will guide your study. Ensure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
• Tie the research questions/hypotheses/objectives back to the hospital’s goals and the issues identified in the introduction. This will reinforce the importance of your study.

4. Methodology and Methods:

• Describe the research design you will employ for your study, explaining why it is the most suitable approach for investigating the potential consequences of excessive screen time in Singapore.
• Clearly outline the methods you will use to collect data, such as surveys, interviews, or observational studies. Justify your choices based on their appropriateness for the research questions and population of interest.
• Address any ethical considerations and how you plan to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of the participants in your study.

5. References:

• Provide a comprehensive list of references used in your literature review. Ensure all citations follow the appropriate citation style, such as APA format.

6. Appendices:

• Include any supplementary materials, such as survey questionnaires or interview guides, in the appendices.

General Guidance and Preparation:

• Carefully read and understand the research proposal requirements, ensuring you address each section as outlined.
• Spend time conducting a thorough literature review to support the rationale for your study and to inform your research design.
• Plan your time effectively to allocate sufficient effort to each section of the research proposal.
• Be diligent in collecting relevant information and organizing it in a systematic manner.
• Revise and edit your research proposal to ensure clarity, coherence, and adherence to the word limit.
• Present your research proposal in a professional and organized manner to showcase your research skills effectively.

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Sample Assignment

While we have scored well for this assignment, we do not provide any sample assignment for this. If you’d like us to work on this, you can try our model assignment writing service.