Project Proposal for a College Student

Title:
The Effects of Social Media on College Students’ Academic Performance

Student Name:
Alex Thompson

Course/Subject:
Psychology 101

Supervisor:
Dr. Sarah Mitchell

Date:
October 18, 2024

Introduction:

This project aims to explore the impact of social media use on the academic performance of college students. With the increasing influence of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, it is important to assess how time spent on these platforms affects study habits, focus, and overall academic success.

Objectives:

• To investigate how social media usage correlates with academic performance.
• To analyze study patterns and productivity levels among students who spend varying amounts of time on social media.
• To suggest ways for students to balance social media use and academic responsibilities.

Project Scope:

The study will focus on college students between the ages of 18-24. It will include a survey to collect data on social media habits and academic performance. The project will not cover younger high school students or individuals older than 24. The study will exclude professional or workplace-related social media usage.

Methodology:

1. Survey:
   • Create and distribute a survey to 100 college students to gather data on their social media usage (time spent per day, purpose, etc.) and their academic performance (GPA, study hours, etc.).
2. Data Analysis:
   • Use statistical analysis tools like Google Forms and Excel to find patterns between social media usage and academic performance.
3. Interviews:
   • Conduct brief interviews with five students to understand personal experiences and challenges with managing time between social media and studies.

Timeline:

• Week 1: Develop survey questions and distribute them to participants.
• Week 2: Collect survey responses and analyze the data.
• Week 3: Conduct interviews and gather qualitative insights.
• Week 4: Write the project report and submit the final proposal.

Resources Needed:

• Survey Platform: Google Forms for creating and distributing surveys.
• Data Analysis Software: Microsoft Excel for compiling and analyzing survey results.
• Participants: Access to a group of 100 college students.
• Internet: Reliable internet connection for survey distribution and research.

Expected Outcomes:

This project expects to find a direct correlation between the amount of time spent on social media and a decrease in academic performance. For example, students who spend more than three hours daily on social platforms may report lower GPAs compared to students who limit their usage. The results will help provide insights into the role of social media in shaping student habits and suggest strategies for better time management.

Conclusion:

By analyzing the effects of social media on academic performance, this project aims to offer valuable insights into how students can effectively manage their time online. The findings will guide recommendations on reducing distractions and improving academic focus.

References:

• Pew Research Center
• American Psychological Association (APA) Studies on Media Use
• Academic articles on the impact of social media on student performance