Action Proposal

Introduction 

In your MIndfulness in Action introduction (approx. 1-2 pages):

Briefly present the construct(s) or theory that inspires the mindfulness in action (PPA) proposal you are presenting.  Operationally define relevant concepts in order to anchor how they will be employed throughout the proposal and how they are employed in the PPA design.

 Detail the rationale for the program/intervention

Why is the use of mindfulness construct(s)/theory interesting to you?

What inspires your PPA (Is it original or a continuation of existing positive psychology practices?)

Why is your PPA program/intervention important?

** Begin your introduction immediately below the Part 1: heading.  Do not create a heading titled, Introduction.

Literature Review 

The project, whether a product, program, or an intervention, should be grounded in the empirical literature. A core component of your proposal paper will be a thoughtful review of relevant literature. Articles discussed should not be simply summarized (i.e., excerpts from abstracts).  The peer-reviewed articles, and other supporting resources, should be carefully incorporated into your writing, building a case for why your project matters and why your approach makes sense.

 

In the literature review show (in approx. 2 or more pages):

you are familiar with the field (a brief summary of the origins of the construct(s) or theory

you understand current research on the topic

the strengths and weaknesses of different product/program/intervention approaches

your ideas have academic basis (empirical grounding, not pseudoscience)

How are you building on the work of others?

Proposed Action 

Present the objectives for your PPA product/program/intervention.  Discuss (in approx. 1 or more pages):

Goals of your PPA

Opportunities your PPA generates

Methods 

Along with a brief literature review, you will include an evaluative component. To achieve this a modified Methods section will be leveraged. Use APA appropriate heading levels formatting.

 

In this section you will briefly discuss:

Participants (approx. 1/2 + page) for whom is your Action designed? Provide appropriate demographics and descriptive details so it is readily clear why you have selected this group or groups to receive the PPA.

Materials (approx. 1/4 + page; length will depend on the number, nature, and purpose of specialty materials used)

Detail your plan to use any special materials (e.g., existing surveys, instructions to be given to participants, a music compilation you developed).  If materials will be used, describe their origins, design, function, and purpose.

If no special materials are required, this can be addressed by making the statement, No special materials are required in this PPA. 

 

Procedures (Page length will depend on the procedures required to use your product, or steps in your program/intervention.)

Detail and showcase how you are putting positive psychology into action.

If you have designed a product how and when is your product used?  Outline special instructions for use.

If you have designed a PPA program/intervention

What does the program look like?

What procedures will be followed? (Think here of the 5 Ws + H > who, what, where, when, why, and how.)

For example, how will things like surveys, observations, interviews, coaching, or journaling be employed?

Why are these the best methods to offer your PPA program/intervention?

How much time will be required to implement your PPA?

Obstacles or wrinkles (acknowledge challenges that might be encountered in developing the program/intervention and how you could overcome them)

Results (approx. 1/2 page +)

Briefly share your ideas on how you will know whether your PPA is successful.  What will success look like?  [You are not required to formally discuss statistical evaluations of success.]

Discussion (approx. 3/4 page +) 

In this section of the proposal address: 

the rationale for why you think your plan will have the desired outcomes

the potential barriers and risks, ethical considerations, and implications of the project

If the goals are achieved, what does it add to the science of positive psychology?

If successful, what are the next steps to improve the PPA?