RESEARCH METHODS SAMPLE PAPER BROCKPORT

Research Methods Sample Paper for SUNY Brockport

Introduction

Research methods are an essential part of many academic disciplines as they allow researchers and students to effectively study various topics and issues. By learning different research methodologies, students gain valuable skills that can be applied across various fields of study. At SUNY Brockport, undergraduate students in many majors are required to take an introductory research methods course to gain exposure to fundamental research techniques and practices. This paper will outline a research methods sample paper produced by a hypothetical SUNY Brockport student for their introductory research methods course.

Literature Review

A strong literature review establishes the existing body of research on the topic being studied and contextualizes the research question. For this example research methods sample paper, the topic being explored is social media use and its impact on mental health and well-being in university students. To begin the literature review, the student found several peer-reviewed journal articles published within the last five years using library databases and search engines.

The first article discussed was a longitudinal study that surveyed 400 university students over the course of an academic year about their social media usage habits and mental health outcomes (Smith, 2019). This study found moderate correlations between the amount of time spent on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, and increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study noted that causation could not be determined and other environmental factors may have played a role.

The next article discussed was a meta-analysis that combined the results of 23 previous studies examining social media usage and loneliness in college student populations (Jones et al., 2018). The meta-analysis concluded there was a significant association between the use of social networking sites and increased feelings of loneliness and social isolation in college students. The analysis noted that usage patterns, types of platforms used, and individual differences moderated these relationships.

A more recent study was also cited that looked specifically at the impact of social media “FOMO” (fear of missing out) on college students’ mental well-being (Greene et al., 2020). Through an online survey of over 500 undergraduates, this study found that higher levels of FOMO, which was correlated with greater usage of platforms like Instagram that emphasize sharing one’s daily activities and experiences, was linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety.

Through reviewing these peer-reviewed articles published in credible academic journals, the sample literature review established the existing body of research exploring relationships between social media usage and common mental health issues in college students. Gaps were also identified, such as the need for more longitudinal research and studies exploring usage patterns and individual characteristics. This synthesis of prior studies helped to contextualize the research question and provided justification for further investigation into the topic.

Research Question

After conducting the literature review, the sample research methods paper then stated the specific research question being examined:

“What is the relationship between the amount of time spent on social networking sites like Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram each day and symptoms of depression and anxiety in undergraduate students at SUNY Brockport?”

By focusing on a specific population (SUNY Brockport undergraduates), platforms (Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram), and mental health outcomes (depression and anxiety symptoms), the research question was narrowed to guide the methodology. The question was also framed around examining relationships rather than determinations of causation due to limitations of correlation-based research identified in studies reviewed previously.

Methodology

The methodology section outlined the specific research design and procedures that would be followed to answer the stated research question. Since the question involved examining relationships between variables, a non-experimental quantitative correlational research design was chosen. An online survey method was selected for convenience and to allow for anonymity.

Measures that would be used included the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess depression symptoms and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) to measure anxiety symptoms. Questions would also ask participants to self-report the average number of hours and minutes spent on Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram each day. Demographic information such as age, gender, year in school, employment status, relationship status, etc. would also be collected.

The sample population was defined as currently enrolled undergraduate students at SUNY Brockport between the ages of 18-24. Based on the university’s enrollment numbers, a target sample size of 400 participants was determined to achieve adequate statistical power. Recruitment methods included sending an invitation email through the university listserv and posting flyers around campus. Participation was voluntary and anonymous.

Data collection would occur online using a secure survey platform over 4 weeks. Descriptive and inferential statistics would be conducted using statistical software. Relationships between variables would be examined using correlational analyses. The sample paper also acknowledged potential sources of error or bias such as self-report measures, survey fatigue, and selection bias. Approval from the university IRB board was noted as being necessary before beginning data collection.

The methodology section thus provided specific details about the research design, sample, measures, procedures, planned analyses, and limitations to show how the stated research question could be empirically examined. Sufficient information was included to replicate the study.

Discussion and Conclusion

The sample research methods paper concluded with a discussion section that reviewed key aspects of the proposed methodology and potential implications. Limitations were re-emphasized such as the use of a non-experimental design preventing causal conclusions. Ethical considerations around studying mental health were also raised.

Finally, it was posited that the study could help provide more insight into relationships between social media usage patterns and mental wellness in university students. If correlations were found as suggested by prior literature, the results could help inform the development of targeted interventions at the university-level. For example, social media usage guidelines, counseling programming, or on-campus activities promoting connection and balance.

The conclusion restated that the aim of the paper was to provide an example research methods sample following best practices covered in the introductory research methods course. Not only was a specific research question identified based on background research, but appropriate methodology, procedures, analyses, limitations and implications were thoroughly outlined. Overall, the paper demonstrated comprehension of fundamental research skills and methodological considerations.