SCS 200 Research Investigation Progress Check 2 Guidelines A

Scs 200 Research Investigation Progress Check 2 Guidelines And Rubric

Throughout Theme: Performing the Research Investigation, you have been guided through continuing your work on Project One (a research investigation), which you will continue to work on in Theme: Tailoring the Message to an Audience and formally submit to your instructor at the end of Week 5. This assignment provides you with an important opportunity to get valuable instructor feedback on the progress you are making and to ensure you are on the right track for your later submission.

Throughout Theme: Performing the Research Investigation, you have had opportunities to fine-tune your selected social sciences issue and begin exploring academic sources that can support your continued research on your issue. You should continue to build from the previous work you completed and submitted in Research Investigation Progress Check 1. Specifically, in this assignment, you will submit the Project One elements listed below for review by your instructor.

In Theme: Performing the Research Investigation, you completed the following work:

  • Introduction (from Theme: Exploring Social Science Issues: I): Describe the issue in the social sciences that you have selected to investigate and explain why this issue is significant.
  • Social Science Resources (from Theme: Performing the Research Investigation, learning block 4-2): Describe at least three academic, relevant social science sources you could use to investigate your issue. Consider their similarities, differences, relevance, appropriateness, and your thought process during source selection.
  • Body (from Theme: Exploring Social Science Issues, learning block 4-3): Identify the social science principles applicable to your issue and explain their relevance and application.
  • Conclusion (from Theme: Performing the Research Investigation, learning blocks 4-3 and 4-1): Develop a research question based on your investigation and explain how a social scientist would investigate this question.
  • Reference list: Provide all social science resources used, formatted according to current APA guidelines.

Your submission should be 2 to 4 pages, double-spaced, with 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins. All citations must follow APA style.

Paper For Above instruction

The ongoing nature of social science research requires meticulous investigation and critical analysis. This progress check serves as a vital step in refining the research process for a social science issue, ensuring that the foundation is solid before proceeding to final submission. This paper encapsulates the essential components that demonstrate understanding and thoughtful investigation into the selected issue, pertinent resources, applicable principles, and future research directions.

Introduction: The Significance of the Social Science Issue

The chosen social science issue pertains to the rising impact of social media on adolescent mental health. This issue is significant because social media has become an integral part of daily life for teenagers, influencing their social interactions, self-esteem, and overall psychological well-being. Research suggests that excessive use of social media platforms correlates with increased levels of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem among adolescents (Keles, McCrae, & Grealish, 2020). Understanding this issue is crucial for developing effective interventions and informing policies to safeguard mental health in youth populations. The deluge of information and the rapid evolution of social media platforms make it a compelling and urgent area of study within social sciences, especially psychology and communication disciplines.

Social Science Resources: Academic Sources for Investigation

To investigate this issue comprehensively, three pertinent academic sources have been identified. The first source is Keles, McCrae, and Grealish's (2020) systematic review on social media and adolescent mental health, which synthesizes existing research findings on the topic, providing a solid empirical foundation. The second source is a longitudinal study by Lee and Chae (2019), which explores how social media usage patterns influence self-esteem over time among adolescents, highlighting potential causal relationships. The third source is an analysis by Valkenburg and Peter (2011) on the differential effects of social media based on gender and social context, offering insight into demographic variations. These sources are relevant due to their focus on psychological impacts, longitudinal data, and demographic factors, making them appropriate for an in-depth understanding of the issue.

Applying Social Science Principles to the Issue

The principles of social science that apply to this issue include theories related to social influence, self-identity, and behavioral psychology. For instance, the Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954) is pertinent, as adolescents often compare themselves to peers on social media, influencing self-esteem and mental health. Additionally, the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991) explains how attitudes, perceived social norms, and perceived control over social media use shape adolescent behaviors and attitudes. Applying these principles reveals that social media not only reflects existing social dynamics but also actively shapes adolescent perceptions and behaviors, thereby impacting mental health outcomes. Recognizing these principles facilitates a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms at play, guiding targeted interventions.

Developing a Research Question and Future Investigation

Based on the investigation, a pertinent research question emerges: How does the frequency and nature of social media use influence self-esteem and anxiety levels among adolescents over time? Exploring this question can further elucidate causal pathways and inform intervention strategies. A social scientist would approach this investigation by conducting longitudinal surveys and experiments to track social media usage and psychological measures over extended periods. Qualitative interviews might also be employed to gain insights into adolescents' subjective experiences. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials could help establish causality and evaluate the effectiveness of intervention programs targeting social media habits.

Conclusion

This progress check has outlined the significance of the social media and adolescent mental health issue, identified relevant academic sources, applied foundational social science principles, and proposed a research question with an outline for future investigation. This structured approach ensures continuous development and refinement of the research project, ultimately contributing to a nuanced understanding of the social influences shaping youth mental health and informing evidence-based policies and interventions.

References

  • Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50(2), 179–211.
  • Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117–140.
  • Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). A systematic review: The influence of social media on depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in adolescents. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 79–93.
  • Lee, S. J., & Chae, Y. G. (2019). Exploring the longitudinal effects of social media on self-esteem among adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 48(6), 1–14.
  • Valkenburg, P. M., & Peter, J. (2011). Online communication and adolescent well-being: Testing the social enhancement and social compensation hypotheses. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 40(6), 677–692.

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