Final answer:
Before starting the data collection, Professor Davidson must submit her research proposal to her institution's review board to ensure ethical considerations are appropriately addressed. She also needs to plan for the study's logistics and prepare organizationally, as well as create a structured paragraph outline to help with clarity and persuasive effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before Professor Davidson commences her research on factors related to academic performance among university students, she must first submit her research proposal to her institution's review board. This review board is commonly referred to as an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in the United States or a similar ethics committee elsewhere, and is responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of human research subjects. Addressing ethical concerns is especially important when dealing with sensitive information such as personal experiences with drugs, alcohol, or sex from identifiable subjects.
When preparing for the study, Professor Davidson must consider the personal, social, and physical sacrifices required, and figure out the organizational equipment and systems necessary to collect data effectively. Professor Davidson should also consider writing a paragraph outline to organize her thoughts, test evidence for validity and reliability, and ensure the language of her proposal is appropriate for her academic field.