Research Proposal

Katie Anderson
Intern-Mentor G/T
2015-2016
Factors of Success to Help You Do Your Best
Overview of Research:
The general area of investigation for this study is the key to academic and social success
in elementary school. Academic success is defined as being on grade level and social success is
being able to positively interact with others in the given environment. The problem being solved
is, what can parents and teachers do to help kids in school?
Background and Rationale:
It has been found that at a young age, some kids are more successful academically than
others. The researcher is out to find the solution to this problem and find out what the most
important factor is for early childhood academic success. There are many factors that contribute
to this such as: how involved a childs parents are, the amount of time a child spends on
electronic devices, how often the child reads, and if you go to preschool. Research has shown
that kids with poorer parents have substantially worse skills in math and reading when they begin
grade school (Caucutt). Another factor to success in elementary school is reading. Reading is one
of the most valuable skills that is developed during early childhood. Those who learn how to read
before it is introduced are more successful in grade school, while those who do not know how to
read early, struggle throughout elementary school (Kern and Friedman).
In elementary school it has also been found that some kids have better social skills than
others. Social skills are defined as being able to positively interact with others in the given
environment (Lynch and Simpson). Some factors that cause kids to have better social skills are:
how the teacher incorporates practicing these skills in the classroom, how much time a child
spends on electronic devices, and the home environment of the child. Certain social skills
include; showing empathy, generosity, helpfulness, negotiation, and problem solving (Lynch and
Simpson). Another part to social success is limiting time on electronics. It has been found that
kids today do not know how to handle face to face situations because they are so used to staring
at a screen and playing games. They also have trouble focusing in school because of how
attached they become to technology (Bindley).
This study is being completed because there are many factors to a childs academic and
social success. Some parents and teachers do not know about these factors and how they can be
extremely harmful or very helpful. It is so important for kids to be able to interact positively with
their peers at a young age. Developing social skills at an early age sets the foundation for
success. On the other hand, building basic academic skills at a young age is vital to success in
middle school, and high school. There are many important factors that affect these skills and
these factors should not be overlooked.

Research Methodology:
The research question is what is the most important factor for a childs academic and
social success from age five to age ten? The research hypothesis is in Elementary school, the
most important factor for a childs academic success is the home environment of the child, and
how their parents assist them and encourage them academically. Socially, the most important
factor is how the teacher of the child incorporates social activities in the classroom. To support
my research hypothesis the researcher will use various sources from websites, interviews, and
books. These sources will be used to find information about the research topic. Some elements
argued will be: how the home environment, electronics and reading impact social and academic
success.
Research Design Model:
The design model being used is descriptive research which falls under the category of
qualitative research. This model was chosen because the researcher is trying to find what factors
affect social and academic success. Also, data is going to be found to describe which factors are
most important. Qualitative research will be done by completing interviews to find more
information about the research topic.
Data Collection:
For the original data collection the researcher will complete and transcribe interviews.
This method was chosen because it is the most effective way to find out more about the topic of
academic and social success in elementary school. The researcher will conduct interviews with
various elementary school teachers. Primary research is being conducted by talking with
professionals about their experience and opinion on the factors of academic and social success.
This will allow the researcher to get different viewpoints on certain issues.
Product Objectives:
After a year of study the researcher will create an activity in the classroom to help
enhance students social skills. The target audience will be mainly elementary school students.
This method was chosen because it will take the research found and apply it in the classroom for
elementary school students. The targeted audience of the product is elementary school students
and teachers. Elementary school students are the target audience because through this activity
kids will learn social skills and the importance of positively interacting with peers.

Logistical Considerations:
Human sources will be needed for the data collection. Five interviews need to be
conducted so five interviewees will be needed. For the project, the researcher needs permission
from their mentor to be able to conduct the activity in the classroom. Depending on the activity,
the researcher may need certain materials for the activity.
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Timeline
In third quarter, a timeline will be added that outlines data collection, product
development, and audience distribution.
Approval:
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
Student Signature
G/T Resource Teacher Signature Mentor Signature

Works Cited
Caucutt, Elizabeth. "The Real Reason Why Poor Kids Perform Worse in School and in Life."
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The Washington Post. Washington Post, 28 Apr. 2015. Web. 13 Oct. 2015.
Bindley, Katherine. "When Children Text All Day, What Happens to Their Social Skills?"
Huffington Post. Huffington Post, 9 Dec. 2011. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.
Kern, Margaret, and Howard Friedman. "Early Educational Milestones." NCBI. National Center
for Biotechnology Information, 21 July 2015. Web. 23 Sept. 2015.
Lynch, Sharon, and Cynthia Simpson. "Laying the Foundation for Success." Dimensions of
Early
Childhood June 2010: 3-10. Print.