Political science research paper proposals must be written in a specific format and should include the following elements:
Introduction: This section should provide an overview of the research topic and explain why it is important and relevant. It should also provide a clear research question or hypothesis that the paper aims to address.
Literature Review: This section should provide an overview of the existing research on the topic and identify any gaps or areas that have not been adequately addressed. It should also outline the main theoretical frameworks or approaches that will be used in the paper.
Methodology: This section should describe the research methods that will be used to collect and analyze data. It should also explain how the data will be collected and from what sources, as well as how it will be analyzed and interpreted.
Expected Results: This section should outline the anticipated outcomes of the research and explain how they will contribute to the broader understanding of the topic.
Conclusion: This section should summarize the main findings of the research and explain their significance. It should also outline any recommendations for further research or areas that could be explored in future studies.
Example:
Title: The Impact of Political Parties on Voter Turnout in Parliamentary Elections
Introduction: Political parties play a central role in modern democratic systems and are often seen as key drivers of voter turnout. However, the relationship between political parties and voter turnout is complex and has been the subject of much debate among political scientists. This research paper aims to examine the relationship between political parties and voter turnout in parliamentary elections, with a particular focus on the role that party identification and party campaign strategies may play in influencing voter behavior.
Literature Review: Previous research on this topic has suggested that political parties can have a significant impact on voter turnout, particularly through their ability to mobilize supporters and create a sense of party identification among voters. However, other studies have found that the relationship between political parties and voter turnout is more nuanced and may be influenced by factors such as the strength of the party brand, the effectiveness of campaign strategies, and the level of competition in the election. This paper will review the existing literature on this topic and identify areas where further research is needed.
Methodology: This research will be based on a comparative analysis of voter turnout in parliamentary elections in three different countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Data on voter turnout and political party performance will be collected from a variety of sources, including official election results and survey data. Statistical analysis will be used to examine the relationship between political parties and voter turnout and to identify any patterns or trends that emerge.
Expected Results: It is expected that this research will provide new insights into the relationship between political parties and voter turnout in parliamentary elections. It is hoped that the findings will help to clarify the role that party identification and campaign strategies play in influencing voter behavior and will inform future efforts to increase voter turnout in democratic systems.
Conclusion: This research paper will contribute to the understanding of the complex relationship between political parties and voter turnout in parliamentary elections. By examining the role that party identification and campaign strategies play in influencing voter behavior, it will provide valuable insights for policymakers and political scientists seeking to increase voter turnout and strengthen democratic systems.