Take a current issue in the news and suggest how to conduct research on it from a theoretical perspective. What social scientific theory might best explain either the media content or the potential audience interpretation? Why? What research method would you use to study this? Why? Put simply, your research proposal should explainwhatyou plan to research (your research topic),whyit's worth researching (your justification), andhowyou plan to investigate it (your methodology).

This project requires you to

(1) find a current issue in the news;

(2) review academic communication research on your topic/issue;

(3) develop a research question;

(4) identify the best method to study your topic/issue and question(s);

(5) and state how you will conduct your research;

(6) combine all steps into one paper.

Your paper should include:

-Introduction: Briefly introduce your topic, give background and context. Explain whythis topic is important for you and should be of interest to others. Situate yourself in the research. State your thesis. Preview the main points/ideas you will discuss.

-Literature Review: What social scientific theory might best explain either the media content or the potential audience interpretation? Why? This should include a review of scientific research/literature and course materials about your topic. A literature review is not just a summary of everything you read. It is a critical analysis of the available literature in a given area of study and/or topic. How will your research add to that?

-Method and Procedures Plan - What research method would you use to study this? Why? You should address the following criteria:

-Proposed Research Topic: provide a brief description of your topic, your title, and your research question(s).

-Purpose: Describe what you hope to accomplish, and the desired outcomes (especially the practical or theoretical benefits to be gained)

-Context: Describe the context of the proposed research

-Specify your method and explain why this is the best approach for your project.

-Briefly identify and explain the theoretical framework you will use to guide your investigation and explain how it fits your purpose and research methods

-Describe in detail the steps you will take in attempting to answer your research question

-Conclusion/Discussion - Discuss potential outcomes, challenges you might face, and further related research that could be conducted.

This has to be written into an essay.