Proposing Empirical Research

Proposing Empirical Research: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Fundamentals (Seventh Edition) provides clear, step-by-step guidance for students preparing to write their first research proposal in the social and behavioral sciences, using either quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods approaches.

The book is structured to support independent work, enabling students to move confidently through the early stages of proposal writing. Each major section is divided into concise topics, each accompanied by a hands-on exercise that leads students toward the ultimate goal of drafting a full proposal. Throughout the book, numerous illustrative examples help bring core concepts to life. In addition, ten model proposals at the end of the book provide concrete examples for reference and facilitate meaningful classroom discussion.

New to the Seventh Edition:

• Expanded coverage of digital tools and research technologies, including online survey platforms, AI-assisted tools, digital databases, and remote recruitment strategies.
• Ten completely updated model proposals that reflect a broader range of contemporary research topics, methodologies, and student interests.
• Revised and refined chapter exercises to more effectively guide students through the proposal development process.
• Stronger emphasis on ethical considerations and inclusive research practices, including demographic sensitivity and community-engaged methods.
• Integrated discussion of AI in the research process, from brainstorming to proposal drafting, with practical guidance on responsible use.
• Comprehensive updates to examples, references, and resources to reflect current scholarship and best practices in the field.
• A complete revision of the text to enhance clarity, improve flow, and ensure greater usability for both individual learners and classroom settings.

Proposing Empirical Research is ideal for use in research methods classes where students write a proposal as a term project, thesis/dissertation preparation classes, senior research seminars where proposing and conducting research is a culminating undergraduate activity, and any graduate-level seminar in which the instructor wants to incorporate a project that will engage students in critical thinking about the content area.

Melisa C. Galvan is Professor at California State University, Northridge, USA. She is the co-author of Writing Literature Reviews: A Guide for Students of the Social and Behavioral Sciences (Routledge, 2025) and Writing Empirical Research Reports: A Basic Guide for Students of the Social and Behavioral Sciences (Routledge, 2023).