Introduction To Research Proposal Lecture Notes PDF

Lecture3 :INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH PROPOSAL Dr.HoweidaH.Abusalih,MBBS.MD.FHEA.FFPH Assistant Professor of Community Medicine 1  Objectives of the lecture By the end of the lecture ,the student will be able to...

Lecture3 :INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH PROPOSAL Dr.HoweidaH.Abusalih,MBBS.MD.FHEA.FFPH Assistant Professor of Community Medicine 1  Objectives of the lecture By the end of the lecture ,the student will be able to Identify different sections of the proposal (cover page- summary –introduction- methods ref-annex) Identify different sections of the introduction. Write the problem statement ,justification,hypothesis  Sections of the proposal ❖Cover page ❖Summary ❖Introduction ❖Methods ❖Gant chart ❖References ❖Annex a) Questionaries b) Maps c) Informed consent  Sections of the proposal Cover page This should include Institution, department.program Title of the study. Name(s) of investigator(s) and affiliations. Date submitted  Sections of the proposal Cover page Title Title include What is the topic. Who is the study population. Where is the place of conducting the study. What is the date of conducting the study  How to write Title Avoid fillers such as A Study of... An Exploratory Study to Determine... , An Examination of... A Method to Explore... Avoid Question in the title as “ what are the risk factors of cancer breast” 6  How to write Title APA (American Psychological Association) recommends that your title be no more than 12 words in length and that it should not contain abbreviations or words that serve no purpose. 7  In brief Express the main message of the research topic. Be relevant. Be short. Be clearly and precisely formulated. 10-12 words length Capitalized and Centered in first half of the first page If the title is more than one line, double space between the lines 8  Sections of a proposal Summary ❖One or two introductory sentences about the topic ❖Objectives of the study ❖Methods in brief what you are going to do ,including 1. study design, place and duration 2. Study population 3. sample size and tech , 4. data collection, 5. data analysis and 6. ethical consideration TWO paragraphs 9  Sections of a proposal Example of summary Introduction: Childhood immunization contribute to reduction of vaccine-preventable diseases in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Despite of this success, vaccine hesitancy vaccine hesitancy which is cited as one of the top 10 threats to the global health in 2019 is now a common threat to this achievement. The current COVID-19 pandemic may also change the picture of vaccine hesitancy toward childhood immunizations in KSA, this hesitancy could influence the mothers’ Intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Objectives of the study is to measure the prevalence and the underlying factors of vaccine hesitancy towards childhood immunizations , as well as intention to vaccinate against COVID- 19 vaccine among mothers attending King Abdullah University Hospital in Riyadh Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study design will be conducted among Saudi mothers attending pediatric outpatient clinic at king Abdullah University Hospital in Riyadh using purposive sampling technique. The study will use a standardized questionnaire to assess the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy and its related factors, in addition to the intention to accept the future COVID-19 vaccine. Data will be analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The cutoff point will be taken as the mean score of variables. Descriptive analysis in form of frequency tables will be used to describe participants’ demographics and inferential (analytical) statistics to determine the association such as t-test (for comparing two means), chi-square (for comparing categorical data) or ANOVA (for more than two groups) will be used. Simple linear regression to detect the predictors of vaccine hesitancy is also going to be performed. Ethical approval will be obtained from PNU IRB , Informed consent is going to be taken from all participants which include Study objectives Participation will be voluntary. The confidentiality of the collected data will be assured, it will not include personal information or identifiers such as names or ID information. 10  Sections of a proposal Introduction Introduction 1. Background information 2. Problem statement 3. Justification 4. Hypothesis/and Research questions 5. Objectives 11  Introduction A-Background information: Introduction of the subject of the study and what is currently known about it nationally and internationally. A brief description of socioeconomic and cultural characteristics and an overview of the state of health and the health care-system in the study area (as relevant). 12  Introduction A-Background information: Include a few illustrative statistics to help describe the context in which the problem occurs. Include any other, e.g., gender considerations.  Introduction B-Problem statement: The problem statement leads to the justification of the study and describes the basis of the need for further research on a given topic. The problem statement is important because: ❖It is the foundation for further development of the research proposal (research objectives, methodology, work plan, budget, etc.).  Introduction B-Problem statement The problem statement should include: A concise description of the nature of the problem (the discrepancy between what is and what should be) and of its size, distribution, and severity (who is affected, where, since when, and what are the consequences for those affected and for the services). If necessary, a short list of definitions of crucial concepts used in the statement of the problem Possible factors influencing problem  Introduction B-Problem statement : A brief description of any solutions that have been tried in the past, how well they have worked, and why further research is needed i.e. What has been done to address problem.  Introduction B-Problem statement: ❖The problem statement should make a convincing argument that there is insufficient knowledge available to explain a given problem and its possible alternative solutions, or it should make a convincing argument for the need to test what is known and taken as fact, if it is called into question by new findings or conditions ❖It enables you to point out systematically why the proposed research on the problem should be undertaken and what you hope to achieve with the study results.  Introduction B-Problem statement: ❖It makes it easier to find relevant information for development of proposal. ❖It justifies the proposed research  Introduction B-Problem statement: An analysis of the major factors that may influence the problem and a convincing argument that available knowledge is insufficient to solve it. Analysis and formulation of the statement of the problem Analyzing the problem Involve as many key stakeholders as possible –To pool knowledge of the problem among those concerned –To clarify possible factors contributing to the problem –To facilitate decision concerning the focus and scope of research  Clarifying viewpoints of key stakeholders regarding the problem Make a listing of all problems as perceived by stakeholders and clarify those expressed broadly by management Example of problems that might need to be searched -High incidence rate of malaria Management of patients needs must be reviewed Inappropriate management of complicated malaria patients Outpatients services must be evaluated Congestion of the outpatient department Bypassing of peripheral facilities should be investigated Insufficient peripheral facilities for first line management  Specify and describe core problem Inappropriate management of complicated malaria patients 1-High death rates Who are affected? where do the affected originate from? What treatment are they getting? Analyze the problem by identifying factors and their interactions with the problem Factor Problem Factor  Simplified problem diagram Insufficient Poor patient High rate of Peripheral Compliance Complicated facilities With malaria therapy Inappropriate Delayed Management High rate Health Of Of severe Seeking complications malaria  CONCEPTUAL VLEI IRRIGATION FRAMEWORK Water management And Crop Uses production income Labour Reproduction nutrition Productive Surface/ground Community water Women and children Women empowerment alcoholism prevention education Human vector mosquitoes contact Health Malaria services Risk Malaria transmission MALARIA BURDEN 26  Questions needs to be answered in writing statement of the problem What is Problem Where it happened When it occurred To what extent How I know Conceptual Framework: Gap of the study is an essence of problem statement.  Example of statement of the problem WHO placed vaccine hesitancy among the top ten threats to global health in 2019 2. According to report from Strategic Advisory Group of Experts there is a limited number of published studies related to the prevalence and underlying factors about vaccine hesitancy 7. Prevalence should be assessed on a regular basis because it may affect the national vaccination target 6. Especially during COVID-19 pandemic. Up to our knowledge, there is a gap of research investigating the association between vaccine hesitancy towards childhood immunizations and mothers’ intention to vaccinate their children the future COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia.  Introduction C. justification: A description of the type of information expected to result from the project and how this information will be used to help solve the problem Evidence/Logic: What is the need to conduct this study?  Introduction C. justification: And the potential benefits of the proposed activity to human health in particular and the society at large. Consequences: What will happen if you don’t conduct the study? In short at this stage explain the need of study.  Introduction C.Example of justification: Thus, the present work would allow to show the changes that the species has developed to adapt to the new circumstances of its ecosystem, and to deepen the theoretical knowledge about accelerated adaptation processes, in addition to offering a comprehensive look at the environmental damage caused by growth. unsustainable economic, helping to raise awareness of the local population.  Introduction D. Hypothesis hypothesis is a theoretical, hypothetical explanation that can be tested. It usually takes the form of a causal relationship or a causal explanation. Example of hypothesis H1: There is a relation between vaccine hesitancy and its underlying factors toward childhood among mothers at King Abdullah University Hospital in Riyadh. H0: There is no relation between vaccine hesitancy and its underlying factors toward childhood among mothers at King Abdullah University Hospital in Riyadh.  Essential sections of a proposal Methods 1. Study design /Place of study /Duration of study 2. Study population and inclusion criteria /Exclusion criteria 3. Sampling technique and sample size 4. Data collection Tools 5. Statistical analysis 6. Ethical consideration 7. Gantt chart 33  Gants Chart Month Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun 1. Proposal writing 1. Approval form IRB 1. Pilot study 1. Data collection 1. Data management 1. Writing discussion & finalizing thesis 1. Submission to VIVA 34  References Vancouver Referencing style is a numeric style, where citations are numbered in the order of appearance. This citation leads your reader to a full reference to the source in the list of references at the end of your work. Preferred in medical and scientific journals Harvard Referencing style an author/date method. Sources are cited within the body of your assignment by giving the name of the author(s) followed by the date of publication. All other details about the publication are given in the list of references or bibliography at the end. 35  Annex Tools of data collection Questionnaire Check list Interview guide Informed consent The process of telling potential research participants about the key elements of a research study and what their participation will involve. The informed consent process is one of the central components of the ethical conduct of research 36  Instructions for Group Work 1. Identify a research topic 2. Make a problem analysis diagram Rearrange factors into broader categories 3. Prepare a first draft of 2 paragrahs of the statement of the problem and justification for your group highlighting the following: – Nature of problem, highlighting discrepancy – Possible factors influencing problem – What has been done to address problem – Expected outcome and its usefulness 38 39 Lecture1 :Introduction to research types and process Dr.HoweidaH.Abusalih,MBBS.MD.FHEA.FFPH Assistant Professor of Community Medicine 1  CONTENT OF THE LECTURE Ground Rules Epidemiology Program Mission Course Description, content ,objectives ,Structure Calculassions of Absence from lectures and group work calculated Syllabus Mid-terms and finals Introduction to research types and process 9/25/2024  What is Research? Research means a scientific and systematic search for related information on a specific topic In fact, research is an art of scientific investigation. The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures.  Definition of Research Research is the systematic collection, Collation, analysis and interpretation of data to answer a certain question or solve a problem.  Defining research Research? Systematic collection of data Answer question Analysis of data Interpretation of data Or Solve problem Basic Generating new knowledge and technologies to deal with major unresolved issues Applied Identification of priority problems Design a, implement and evaluate policies and programmes of benefit  Types of Research Methods There are two main methods in researching health based on different philosophical and methodological paradigms 1. Quantitative research methods 2. Qualitative research methods Sometimes health researchers use a mix of the two methods Interactive factors critical to understanding the fundamentals of research Health Needs Perceived by Health Resources professionals from Available from health different disciplines services, other sectors and the population and the population Interventions Effective? Affordable? Efficient? Acceptable? Opportune? Feasible?  Steps of conducting a health research A. Prioritizing and selecting a research topic B. Review of literature and other existing information C. Development of a research proposal D. Implementation of study  Characteristics Of Research It demands a statement of the problem. It requires a plan (it is not aimlessly “looking” for something in the hope that “one will come across a solution”).  Characteristics Of Research It builds on existing data, using both positive and negative findings New data should be collected as required and should be organized in such a way that they answer the original research question (s)  Where do research problems come from? Problems without known causes or solutions. Curiosity to know about something if there is no prior knowledge. Previous research can form the basis for further research.  7 STEPS OF RESEARCH PROCESS ❖ Step One: Define research problem ❖ Step Two: Review of literature ❖ Step Three: Formulate hypotheses ❖ Step Four: Preparing the research proposal ❖ Step Five: Data collection ❖ Step Six: Data analysis ❖ Step Seven: Interpretation and report writing  7 STEPS OF RESEARCH PROCESS Step One: Define Research Problem ❖There are two types of research problem relate to states of nature relationship between variables. Essentially two steps are involved in define research problem understanding the problem thoroughly and rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from an point of view. Where do research problems come from? Problems without known causes or solutions. Curiosity to know about something if there is no prior knowledge. Previous research can be form the basis for further research.  Three Conditions 1. There should be a perceived difference or discrepancy between what exists and the ideal or planned situation 2. The reasons for this difference should be unclear so that it makes sense to develop a research question 3. There should be more than one possible answer to the question or solution to the problem  7 STEPS OF RESEARCH PROCESS Step Two: Review of Literature ❖Once the problem is define, a brief summary of it should be written down.  How to search? Broad search>>>>narrow search Combination of keywords Literature reviews and/or systematic reviews + meta- analysis References of articles Consider a long time on this process. Big journals or organisations are always good references of the current situation Old articles are not necessarily insignificant But..... Wikipedia is not acceptable.  Search Engines For Scientific and Academic Research Google is not a good start Google Scholar (http://scholar.google.com/) ScienceDirect (http://www.sciencedirect.com/) Libguides community (http://libguides.com/community.php)  How to read? Read superficially vs in depth (no need to read everything thoroughly) Read alot but not overwhelming Do not read full articles or reports (check general content and chapters first) At different stages of your work you read differently:  How to read? At the beginning it is good to read abstracts, introductions, conclusions and methods briefly Later on, consult the way tables, figures and results sections are constructed/written Go more in depth of important or similar articles for details in structure.  7 STEPS OF RESEARCH PROCESS Step Three: Formulate Hypothesis ❖Formulate hypothesis is tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences. ❖Hypothesis should be very specific and limited to the piece of research in hand because it has to be tested. ❖The role of the hypothesis is to guide the researcher by delimiting the area of research and to keep him on the right track.  7 STEPS OF RESEARCH PROCESS Step Four: Preparing the Research design ❖ The function of research design is to provide for the collection of relevant evidence with minimal expenditure of effort, time and money. ❖ Research purpose may be grouped into four categories, (1) Exploration, (2) Description (3) Analytical (4) Experimentation.  Then write your Methods ✓ Study design ✓ Place of study ✓ Duration of study ✓ Study population and inclusion criteria ✓ Sampling ✓ Data collection Tools ✓ Statistical analysis ✓ Ethical consideration ✓ Gantt chart  7 STEPS OF RESEARCH PROCESS Step Five: Data Collection Primary data can be collected through: ❖By Observation (Through personal interview -Through telephone interview- By mailing of questionnaires ) ❖And Through checklists  7 STEPS OF RESEARCH PROCESS Step Six: Data Analysis ❖The analysis of data requires a number of closely related operations such as establishment of categories. ❖This stage mainly include : 1. Coding 2. Editing 3. Tabulation  7 STEPS OF RESEARCH PROCESS Step Seven: Interpretation and Report Writing ❖Researcher has to prepare the report of what has been done by her. ❖Writing of report includes: 1. the preliminary pages; 2. the main text, and 3.. the end matt  Research groups 5 groups Start o think about your team members!!  Graduation Project 1 This course will cover 4 steps out of the 7 steps Lecture2 :Prioritizing Problems for Research Dr.HoweidaH.Abusalih,MBBS.MD.FHEA.FFPH Assistant Professor of Community Medicine 1  Objectives of the lecture By the end of the lecture ,the student will be able to Understand the Criteria for Selecting a Research Topic Apply prioritization to your topics using Scales for Rating Research Topics Choose the research topic  Criteria for Selecting a Research Topic 1. Relevance 2. Avoidance of duplication 3. Feasibility 4. Political acceptability 5. Applicability 6. Urgency of data needed 7. Ethical acceptability  Criteria for Selecting a Research Topic 1-Relevance Topic chosen should be a priority problem Questions to consider include 1. How large or widespread is the problem? 2. Who is being affected? 3. How severe is the problem? 4. Who perceives the problem to be important? If a topic is not relevant drop it out  Criteria for Selecting a Research Topic 2-Avoidance of Duplication Has the topic been investigated before? Are there other studies that have similar results? Results should be reviewed to explore whether major questions that deserve further investigations remained unanswered  Criteria for Selecting a Research Topic 3-Feasibility How easy is it to implement this research problem? Do I have the resources? –personnel –time –equipment –money  Criteria for Selecting a Research Topic 4-Political Acceptability Always research on a topic that has the interest of the authorities. Increases the chance that the results of the study will be implemented  Criteria for Selecting a Research Topic 4-Political Acceptability At times you might need to show that certain government policy needs adjustment Involve the policy makers concerned at an early stage to limit confrontation  Criteria for Selecting a Research Topic 5-Applicability of Possible Results and Recommendations Is it likely that the recommendations from this study will be applied? Depends on the blessing of the authority  Criteria for Selecting a Research Topic 5-Applicability of Possible Results and Recommendations Depends on the availability of resources to implement the recommendations Opinion of potential recipients and responsible staff influence the implementation too  Criteria for Selecting a Research Topic 6-Urgency of Data Need How urgently are the results needed for making decision? Which research should be done first and which one can be done later?  Criteria for Selecting a Research Topic 7-Ethical Acceptability Are you not inflicting harm on others while carrying out research? Review your research with the view of ethics in whatever you are doing  Criteria for Selecting a Research Topic Ethical Questions How acceptable is the research to those who will be studied Can informed consent be obtained from the research subjects Will the condition of the patient/subjects be taken into account If individuals are identified during the study who require treatment will the treatment be given? Even if it interferes with your results.  Scales for Rating Research Topics Each of the 7 criteria is rated on a 3-point scale to identify priority problems  Scales for Rating Research Topics 1-Relevance not relevant relevant very relevant  Scales for Rating Research Topics 2-Avoidance of duplication 1. Sufficient information available 2. Some information available but major issues not covered 3. No sound information for problem-solving  Scales for Rating Research Topics 3-Feasibility 1. Study not feasible 2. Study feasible 3. Study very feasible  Scales for Rating Research Topics 4-Political acceptability 1. Topic not acceptable 2. More or less acceptable 3. Fully acceptable  Scales for Rating Research Topics 6-Applicability 1. Topic not applicable 2. More or less applicable 3. Fully applicable  Scales for Rating Research Topics 7-Urgency of the data needed 1. Information is urgently needed 2. Information could be waited for some months 3. Information not urgently needed  Scales for Rating Research Topics 6-Ethical acceptability 1. Major ethical problems 2. Minor ethical problems 3. No ethical problems Scales for Rating Research Topics Proposed 1.Relevance 2.Avoidance 3.Feasibility 4.Political 5.Aplicability 6.Urgency 7Ethical Total Topic of acceptability of data applicability duplication needed 23 24 25  Lecture4 :Writing introduction Dr.HoweidaH.Abusalih,MBBS.MD.FHEA.FFPH Assistant Professor of Community Medicine 1  Objectives of the lecture By the end of the lecture ,the student will be able to Understand the Methodological search of literatures Understand Reading techniques Write the introduction  A-Methodological search of literatures 1. In which data base did you search? 2. Which “key words” did you use and what kind of combinations? 3. The period for which you searched? 4. How do the results of search look like (how many articles)? 5. How do you select your relevant articles? 9/25/2024  Methodological Search of literatures 1-In which data base did you search Examples of Data Base 1.Internet search engines – very large databases, search a large number of other databases and web sites looking for info to create their own databases of web pages (e.g., Google.com, Altavista.com). 2.Google Scholar is a freely accessible web search engine that indexes the full text or metadata of scholarly literature 3.ScienceDirect is a website which provides subscription-based access to a large database of scientific and medical research. 9/25/2024  Methodological Search of literatures 1-In which data base did you search Examples of Literature Data Base 4.PubMed and Midline data base :Scholarly journal articles about health and medicine, nursing, audiology, and biology 5.Science Central is a platform of free or open access full text database of scientific society journal literature 6.Cochrane Library is a collection of databases in medicine and other healthcare 7. Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) is a website that lists open access journals http://www.doaj.org 9/25/2024  Methodological Search of literatures 1-In which data base did you search Some Online Data Base Links Biomed Central data base – all articles full text http://www.biomedcentral.com/ Blackwell Synergy – http://www.digitallibrary.edu.pk/blackwell.html Oxford Journals – http://www.oxfordjournals.org/en/ SCOPUS- https://www.scopus.com/home.uri 9/25/2024  Methodological Search of literatures 1-In which data base did you search Some Online Data Base Links Science Direct – articles from more than 1200 medicine, public health etc. journals http://www.sciencedirect.com/ SpringerLink – articles from more than 450 journals http://link.springer.com/ EBSCO – from 2600 journals https://www.ebsco.com/home 9/25/2024  Methodological Search of literatures 1-In which data base did you search Some Online Data Base Links ▪ Cochrane Library producing high-quality, relevant, accessible systematic reviews and other synthesized research evidence. http://www.cochrane.org/ ▪ KSA MOH :https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Pages/Default.aspx ▪ Congress Library :https://www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/lcco/ 9/25/2024  Methodological Search of literatures 2-Which “key words” did you use? A-Key word search Use various key words (e.g., not just doctor, but also physician, health professional etc.), check for all alternatives – in dictionaries, vocabulary list, encyclopedias. Use different combinations of key words. Use key words specified in articles you read. Identify appropriate key words Search in appropriate databases and search engines 9/25/2024  Methodological Search of literatures 2-Technique of Searching B-Boolean logic system Boolean logic system is named after English mathematician George Boole (1815-1864) and describes the system of symbols and words that can be used to conduct searches by combining key words into search statements. It Allows us to be specific about the information we are looking for by indicating what you want to be included and excluded in your search. 9/25/2024  Methodological Search of literatures 2-Technique of Searching B-Boolean logic system There are basic principals of 4 of the most useful logical operators: AND, OR ,NOT and wildcards *. 1. By combining words with AND, a search will be made for documents that contain both of these words. 2. By using OR Sources a search will be made for documents that include only 1 of these words 3. By using NOT exclude record contains the second word 9/25/2024 9/25/2024  Methodological Search of literatures 2-Technique of Searching C.Search using a wildcard symbol, an asterisk * It replaces a character/s in the word. E.g.: col*r – allows for different spellings of colors. migrat* - allows for different variations which derive from the root: migrate, migrated, migrating, migration. E.g.: 9/25/2024  Methodological Search of literatures 2-Technique of Searching D-The snowball technique 1. when you follow up references from the bibliographies of the texts you read. 2. When you find an article relevant to your topic, start searching for: ▪ Related articles ▪ Other articles of the same author 9/25/2024  Methodological Search of literatures 3- The period for which you searched? 2004 -2024 Unless the article provide crucial information 9/25/2024  Methodological Search of literatures 4- How do the results of search look like (how many articles)? 10-12 articles One or two text books 1 government or NGO report 9/25/2024  Summary of Source of information 9/25/2024  Methodological Search of literatures 5-How do you select your relevant articles? 1. What is the research question and/or hypothesis? 2. What is the study type? 3. What are the outcome factors and how are they measured? 4. What are the study factors and how are they measured? 5. What important potential biases and confounders are considered? 6. What is the reference population and source population? 7. What is the sampling frame and sampling method? 8. In an experimental study how were the subjects assigned to groups? 10-Are statistical tests considered? 9. 11-Are the results clinically/socially significant? 10. 12-What conclusions did the authors reach about the study question? 9/25/2024  B-TECHNIQUES FOR READING EFFICIENTLY: SQ3R SQ3R – commonly recommended procedure for reading efficiently; encourages to interact with the text actively. SQ3R: 1. Survey the text to find out the general idea. 2. Question – while surveying the text, think about the questions that you would like the text to answer if you decide it is relevant to read in more detail. 3. Read the text carefully if you think it is related to your research. 4. Recall the main points after you have read the text. 5. Review the text to confirm that you have recalled all the main points that are significant for you and your work 9/25/2024 19  C-Techniques for Writing 1. Make a record of the main points of a text either by note taking or by highlighting 2. Produce the first draft by writing down the main points that the text is making 3. Redraft the summary to present the main points in the most logical order 4. Check back to the original text to ensure you hove included all the main points that you need 5. Leave blanks to remind you of missing point that will come later 9/25/2024 20  Practical advice for drafting/writing 1. Skip entire sections if you can develop later paragraphs 2. Certain parts can be ‘quick/dirty’ and others need ‘slow/detailed’ 3. Write references as you go 4. There should be a logic continuation in what is written, create well built sections/paragraphs 9/25/2024 21  Avoiding Plagiarism The type we referred to here is the use of a cited author's exact words with no or little attempt at rephrasing Unless these words are part of a direct quotation The excessive use of direct quotation give impression that you do not fully understand their work Effective note taking and summarizing provide tips which will assist you in using your own words and hence avoiding plagiarism in your writing. 9/25/2024 22  What is an Introduction? Students often ask: What is the difference between an introduction and a literature review? Answer: The literature review is part of your introduction – It is likely to be the largest, most important part Outline of the introduction in the background information I. Opening paragraph II. Review of the literature 23  The Opening Paragraph This is a key paragraph It lets the reader know what to expect It gives the reader a general roadmap for your paper It may mention papers you will review in more detail later For a very long paper it may be more than one paragraph 24  The opening paragraph-Example For a study about child development, parenting and culture Parenting style is a well established influence on child development (Bornstein, 2003). Research indicates that different parenting styles are generally predictive of academic and emotional adaptation in children (Steinberg, Elmen & Mounts, 1989). However, some research has suggested that the influence of parenting style may vary across cultures and by immigration status (Frankel & Roer-Bornstein, 1982). The aim of the current study was to examine how parenting style among first-generation immigrants from the African diaspora influenced child development. The study examined parenting style and child outcomes within a community of Somalian immigrants in the Northeastern United States. Created by Alice Frye, Ph.D., Department of 25 Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Lowell  What is next Finalize your Introduction The introduction should be the first chapter in the proposal It describes clearly, precisely and succinctly the topic of his/her proposal including definitions, if relevant. This allows the reader to understand the context and significance of the question being addressed. You should explain briefly what the topic is and why it is important. The introduction should be focused on the research question(s)/objectives. Once you have discussed the prominent studies in the field of the research, you should identify and describe what gaps remain in the research knowledge.  What is next Finalize your Introduction You should use a punchy style to attract the reader's interest. Ideally, the introduction is constructed like a funnel in which, logically and systematically, the focus becomes narrower until the question you are addressing becomes almost inevitable. You should start discussing the research in a broad global context and world situation, followed by the regional context, and then culminating in illustrating the national and local context. Discuss how the country or nation is currently experiencing the present research problem, state how your study addresses this problem in the local context and explain the relevance or usefulness of the study.  How to avoid plagiarism 1. Avoid poor paraphrasing: make sure that you change the words and the way the sentence is put together. You can also be accused of plagiarism if you only change someone's words very slightly 2. Make sure you understand the sentence(s) you want to paraphrase to ensure you do not change the meaning. 3. Don’t forget to use quotation marks when you borrow somebody else’s words 4. Make clear which arguments you based on other people’s work and whose work you have used 5. List every source you have used and double check your reference list against the citations in you essay 9/25/2024 28  Exercise 1. Use the suggested Web sites to collect full text articles published in the last 20 years related to your topic 2. Report which of Boolean logic systems or key word or snow ball technique was more effective for you. 3. Report how many full text articles were collected 4. Which web site do you consider to be the most useful 5. Start writing your introduction 9/25/2024 30 31