495834598-components-of-Research-proposal-converted.pdf

495834598-components-of-Research-proposal-converted.pdf

• 1.
  Components of Research Proposal
• 2.
  Research Proposal • Aresearch proposal is a document that provides a detailed description of the intended program. • It is like an outline of the entire research process that gives a reader a summary of the information discussed in a project. • The objective in writing a proposal is to describe what you will do, why it should be done, how you will do it and what you expect will result.
• 3.
  Basic Components 1. Title 2.Abstract 3. Introduction 4. Review of Literature 5. Aims 6. Objectives 7. Questions and/ or hypotheses 8. Plan for analysis of results 9. Bibliographic References 10. Gantt chart/Timetable 11. Budget 12. Annexes
• 4.
  TITLE • It shouldbe concise, descriptive informative and catchy. • Titles should clearly indicate the independent and dependent variables. • The title provides the "key words" for the classification and indexing of the project. • It is important to specify what population or universe will be investigated
• 5.
  • Good andbad Titles • Preoperative Anxiety (too brief) • The effects of a counselling program by nurses on preoperative anxiety in children undergoing tonsillectomy. (concise but gives sufficient information)
• 6.
  • Abstract • Itis a brief summary of approximately 300 words. • It should summarize all the central elements. • It should summarize all the central elements of the protocol, for example the rationale, objectives, methods, populations, time frame, and expected outcomes.
• 7.
  • Introduction • •The introduction provides the readers with the background information. • It should have; • Topic area • Research question • Significance to knowledge. How to prepare a Research Proposal.
• 8.
  • Review ofLiterature • In this section what is already known about the topic is written including the lacunae. • You do not need to report on every published study in the area of your research topic. • Choose those studies which are most relevant and most important. • Reviews of the literature are not summaries, they are arguments (that there is a gap that needs filling; that you have sound reasons for believing your hypotheses are likely to be true; that your methods have been well thought through in relation to your research goals)
• 9.
  • Review ofLiterature • A Literature Review should; • 1. convince the reader that the research area is significant / important / interesting • 2. convince the reader that we shouldn’t be (completely) satisfied with the existing literature on the topic • 3. convince the reader that your research will fill some important or interesting gap or address some important limitation or deficiency • 4. explain and justify your research hypotheses / ideas • 5. convince the reader that your research methods are well thought through student surveys.
• 10.
  • Aim •The aim is about what you hope to do, your overall intention in the project. • It’s what you want to know. • • It’s what you want to know. • An aim is therefore generally broad. Objectives • The objectives are the specific steps you will take to achieve your aim. • The Aim is the WHAT of the research, and the objective is the HOW. • Research objectives are the goals to be achieved by conducting the research. Objectives should be: • Logical and coherent • Feasible • Realistic, considering local conditions • Defined in operational terms that can be measured • Phrased to clearly meet the purpose of the study (relevant) • How should objectives be stated? • Objectives should be stated using “action verbs” that are specific enough to be measured: specific enough to be measured: e.g. To determine …, To compare…, To verify…, To calculate…, To describe…, etc. • Do not use vague non-action verbs such as: To appreciate … To understand… To believe
• 11.
  • General andSpecific Objectives • The general objective of the research is what is to be accomplished by the research project • The general objectives relate to the specific research questions. the investigator wants to answer through the proposed study and may be presented as primary and secondary objectives.
• 12.
  EXAMPLE: • Title: "HumanitarianAssistance for Populations Affected by Floods and Malnutrition in the Atlantic Coast." General objective: To evaluate changes in the food, nutritional and sanitation conditions in populations highly affected by floods in the North area of the Caribbean Coast. Specific objectives: 1. To assess the food and nutritional conditions of the participating families in the project and the impact of environmental elements on the deterioration, of conditions. 2. To identify the benefits obtained from the sowing and harvest of crops 3. To judge and evaluate the existing conditions in the communities and families with respect to hygiene promotion, supply and use of water filters. 4. To identify strategic lines that help to define future interventions, both in terms of emergencies or linked to processes of long-term development.
• 13.
  • Questions and/orhypotheses • A hypothesis can be defined as a tentative prediction or explanation of the relationship between two or more variables. • Unambiguous prediction of expected outcomes.
• 14.
  Methodology • The methodologyexplains the procedures that will be used to achieve the objectives. It covers; 1.Approach to the question 6. Controls or comparison groups Sreeraj S R 2.Research design 3.Research subjects 4.Inclusion or exclusion criteria 5.Sampling procedure 6-Controls or comparison groups 7- Data needs 8. Analytic techniques 9. Plan for interpreting results 10. Ethical issues
• 15.
  • Gantt chart/Timetable •A Gantt chart is an overview of tasks/proposed activities and a time frame for the same. • You put weeks, days or months at one side, and the tasks at the other. • You draw fat lines to indicate the period in which the task will be performed and to give a timeline for your research study.
• 16.
  Budget • The budgettranslates project activities into monetary terms • A proposal budget is with item wise/activity wise breakdown and justification for the same. • Indicate how will the study be financed.
• 17.
  • Bibliographic References •• References should be written in Vancouver style. • Citing References: • • Number references consecutively throughout the body of the text in the order in which they are first mentioned. • • Identify references in text, tables and legends by numerals in parenthesis e.g. (1), (2,3) or (3-6). • Some journals require references to be indicated in superscript which makes typing more difficult. • DO NOT include references in your abstract.
• 18.
  Annexes • Include theappropriate appendixes in the proposal. For example: 1. Interview protocols, 2. sample of informed consent forms, 3. cover letters sent to appropriate stakeholders, 3. cover letters sent to appropriate stakeholders, 4. official letters for permission to conduct research. 5. Original questions • if the instrument is copyrighted then permission in writing to reproduce the instrument from the copyright holder or proof of purchase of the instrument must be submitted.
• 19.
  Avoid Plagiarism • Plagiarismis presenting someone else’s ideas or words as though they were your own. Basic Concepts of Research Proposal and Steps of Research Proposal Development should be new.