Research Proposal

Wendy Merchant
Independent Research
2016-2017

Title: Cyberscare: Student Perceptions and Awareness of Cyberbullying

Overview of Research:
The research will expand on information regarding student awareness and perceptions of
cyberbullying and its legislation. A questionnaire will be distributed to students from Howard
High School to reveal weaknesses in understanding of the problem and views of it. The findings
will be used in a pamphlet to educate students on relevant information that they may not know
about.
Background and History of the Issue:
Cyberbullying has existed since the use of technology expanded in society. Given the
differences between online and traditional bullying, more recent efforts have had to have been
made to understand the problem. The issue is global, and there are many similarities between
different studies in the analysis of cyberbullying perceptions. Those involved with harassment
over the Internet and in real life alike have trouble succeeding or simply enjoying school and
have connections to depression, violent tendencies, or other negative impacts. The majority of
students have at least witnessed cyberbullying, and approximately ninety percent of students find
the issue to be a serious one.
Online harassment is a more recent issue due to the fact that the Internet has not been
prominent for long. There are difficulties in understanding the issue because of how new it is.
Prevention is challenging as well due to the nature of the Internet and the anonymity it provides.
Available research is limited, though what there is reveals patterns in various studies.

Problem Statement and Rationale:

Cyberbullying is a worldwide problem affecting the majority of youth, and understanding
it could help to prevent it in the future. Given the fact that the issue occurs online, recognizing
cases or finding perpetrators is difficult due to the anonymity provided from the Internet.
Because of this, cyberbullying expands and many instances are not or cannot be resolved.
Recognizing student perceptions of the problem could help in finding why it festers and how the
situation could be improved to make a safer and more enjoyable online environment.
Research Methodology:
Research Question and Hypothesis:
How is the issue of cyberbullying and its handling perceived by students?
Students will believe that cyberbullying is a serious problem but will be unaware of the existing
process of resolving and preventing these cases.
Basis of Hypothesis:
 Research studies previously conducted overall suggest that the majority of students
believe that cyberbullying is an important issue. The problem is pervasive everywhere, so
students will likely realize the severity of it. However, given research and personal experience, it
seems that many people do not know how it is handled. There is a lot of overlap in the findings
of different studies, even those conducted in different countries, so it is likely that my own
research will have similarities as well. Several studies support the idea that victims are afraid of
the problem and that many students are not aware of the criminality of the issue. In Maryland in
particular, where there is strong cyberbullying legislation, students may not realize how severe
the consequences can be.
Research Design:
Descriptive quantitative research will be conducted. Students will be surveyed to
determine their views and knowledge of cyberbullying. Information will be collected regarding
the opinions of students and their knowledge of online harassment. Questions will be asked
about awareness of legislation, sources of help, and views of cyberbullying.
Operational Definitions:
Cyberbullying/online harassment- Aggressive behavior transmitted through digital media,
identified as a form of bullying committed through technology.
Product Overview:
A final presentation will be given with the assistance of a PowerPoint slideshow to
students and the teacher in the Independent Research class. The presentation will outline the
research of cyberbullying legislation, perceptions, and awareness, including the primary research
conducted, with the goal of educating the audience on the problem of online harassment and
making suggestions for improving future cyberbullying education.
Logistical Considerations:
The presentation will need to provide an effective overview of the research within a
narrow time frame. Relevant visuals must be found and cited for the slideshow, and these will
need to be effectively combined with the information from the primary research. The research
must be condensed and presented in an understandable and interesting manner.