A policy/law research proposal is a good way to introduce the rationale for a proposed approach to the investigation of a specific policy problem. One way to get a better grasp of the problem is to “model” the problem, actually “diagram” the problem and include it to support the policy research proposal. In the model, the analyst identifies those factors (independent variables) which the analyst believes is causing or contributing to the problem (dependent variable). The analyst cannot account for all of the variables so only the most significant variables are entered into the model. The analyst looks at the interrelationships among the field of independent variables as well. Based upon the variables chosen by the analyst and resources of the agency, the analyst can then develop “interventions” (also called policies) to produce the goals desired by corrections.
The protocol/guidelines for the paper is below:
o Identifyaproblem-Selectaprobleminbordersecurityforyourtopic. Select a problem that you believe needs fixing, e.g., immigration enforcement, alien or drug smuggling, border security intelligence, etc.
o Introduction/Abstract – Include a one paragraph summary of the proposal covering the significant aspects of the problem addressed, the hypothesis to be tested, the cases used and the expected results.
o Rationale for the Research – Explain the rationale for the research to establish the need for the proposed research.
CRIJ/INSS 5343 Crime and Border Security (Spring 2024 Syllabus) Page 6
o Goals and Objectives – Include how the research project will contribute to the solution of the identified problem.
o Diagram – Present a diagram and identify the dependent variable and your field of independent variables. Use arrows, lines, and valences to show the interrelationships among the variables. Conduct research for evidence to support why you included the variables you used. Give a narrative explanation of your model explaining the relationships among the variables.
o Research Methods – Provide a detailed plan of how you will gather and analyze the data needed to answer the research questions.
o Expected Results – Policy Relevance – Present what type of policy- relevant insight the study is expected to generate and how this insight could be used to lobby for policy change in border security.
Mechanics of Paper
o Papers should be typed and double-spaced, use Times New Roman, twelve-inch font with one-inch margins, be between 12 to 15 pages in length (not including title and reference page), and use APA (6th edition) format. I highly recommend that you review the APA style information the instructor will provide in class. Please read UTEP’s plagiarism policy, and research papers must be original and not previously used for a previous course. Use quotes and paraphrasing appropriately.
NO TITLE PAGE PLEASE