The description should include the topic/issue/phenomenon you would like to study, purpose statement and 3-5 research questions, how you became interested in this topic, and why it is an important one to study. You should also include a description of the research setting (where?), if relevant, such as the classroom, school, program, or workplace. Also describe the proposed participants in the study (who? how many?), including relevant characteristics such as age, gender identity, race/ethnicity, class, and/or grade level. Include demographic info about site/setting (for example, income, ethnic make-up, educational attainment) and other relevant information such as test scores and languages spoken.* You might also provide some background/historical information on the program or organization.
Include proposed plan for data collection: How will you collect data (interviews, focus groups, observations, artifact collection)? What sorts of data will you collect? How many interviews/observations will you conduct? How long will they last? How often? What sorts of artifacts will you collect?
Should also discuss potential gatekeepers and how you will negotiate entry into the site, as well as your role at the site and relationship with participants. How are you an insider vis-à-vis participants? An outsider? What are your assumptions/biases related to your topic/phenomenon?
Length: About 3 pages double-spaced
*Good sources for some of the demographic information are the U.S. Census and the Illinois Interactive School Report card. Many institutions also have their own websites that include demographic and background information.