Research Methods Proposal PDF

RESEARCH METHODS- PROPOSAL DR. GEORGE ODHIAMBO CELS UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS  An Example of Research Process Identify a broad area of study Planning phase Formulate the research topic...

RESEARCH METHODS- PROPOSAL DR. GEORGE ODHIAMBO CELS UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS  An Example of Research Process Identify a broad area of study Planning phase Formulate the research topic Proposal Decide the approach Formulate the plan Collect the data or information Effectuation Analyse and interpret data phase Present the findings  Proposal The goal of a research proposal is to present and justify the need to study a research problem and to present the practical ways in which the proposed study should be conducted. Provide persuasive evidence that a need exists for the proposed study. In addition to providing a rationale, a proposal describes detailed methodology for conducting the research consistent with requirements of the professional or academic field and a statement on anticipated outcomes and/or benefits derived from the study's completion.  Proposal What do I want to study? Why is the topic important? How is it significant within the subject areas? What problems will it help solve? How does it build upon (and hopefully go beyond) beyond research already conducted on the topic? What exactly should I plan to do, and can I get it done in the time available?  Proposal All research proposals must address the following questions: – What do you plan to accomplish? Be clear and succinct in defining the research problem and what it is you are proposing to research. – Why do you want to do it? In addition to detailing your research design, you also must conduct a thorough review of the literature and provide convincing evidence that it is a topic worthy of study. – Be sure to answer the "So What?" question. – How are you going to do it? Be sure that what you propose is doable.  What is a Research Problem? It is a problem that someone would like to investigate. It is considered a situation that needs to be changed or addressed. These problems consist of: Areas of concern Conditions to be improved Difficulties to be eliminated Questions seeking answers  Statement of the problem A statement of the problem outlines the problem to be addressed by a study. It addresses the question: What is the problem that the research will address?  Statement of the Problem This should include: (a) a clear statement that the problem exists, (b) evidence that supports the existence of the problem, (c) evidence of an existing trend that has led to the problem, (d) definitions of major concepts and terms (this can be provided below in a subsection), (e) a clear description of the setting, (f) probable causes related to the problem, and (g) a specific and feasible statement.  Formulating a Research Topic The goal is to go from a broad topic area to a specific research question or questions. Choose something you are genuinely interested in studying Avoid picking a topic just because it seems simple to do Try starting with something that caught your interest in one of your classes  Formulating a Topic The title describes the scope of the research. A strong research topic is a focused topic. You should have a clear, focused (specificity) and worthwhile problem (significance of and justification for, the study) and determine if the scope of the research is appropriate to the course requirement and if the topic has the potential to make an original and/or unique contribution. You should start off with an idea of a clear question or problem that can be explored and make a significant impact on the knowledge in your particular discipline.  General idea Interest Topic What is your potential topic? What, about this topic interests you? Health Well … lots of things. Thinking about the paper How on earth can I write requirements, maybe I about this within the could think about … how parameters of my nutrition impacts health. health assignment?! Tentative topic: Food Security and Nutritional Health of School- Aged Children in The Bahamas There are so many ways you could go here, depending on your interests. But you have enough to go on to search the library for research on your topic. And your initial searches may turn up something that interests you about this topic that you’d never even have initially thought of. That happens all the time. Possible Sources of Topic Journals, books, and dissertations in your field Conferences, workshops, presentations Recommendations about future research Courses Workplace Expert consultations Online library services  Factors to consider in formulating a Research Problem/topic The topic should be important (significant)  Factors to consider in formulating a Research Problem Consider the feasibility of the project. – How much time do you have available Do you really want to do a study that will take 3 years to complete for a an undergraduate report? – How difficult is it. Are data available? – How much will it cost ? – Make sure the topic is ethical to study. – IRB (Institutional Research Board)  Research Topic Come up with a research title that captures the essence of your proposed project. project The title should accurately describe the exact nature of the main element of the study. The title must be informative and relevant and should capture the attention of the reader. The title should not be too long but should provide as much information about the study as possible. The title should preferably not be in a question form; it must define the research clearly, and must be clear and precise. Limit the use of technical terms, or jargon. The use of acronyms should also be limited or avoided.  Formulating a General Identify anResearch Topic area of interest (Personal). – ADHD Identify an available population and/or setting for study(Practical). Practical – ADHD and elementary children (work in K-6 schools) Consider an issue(s) related to the area of interest that can be studied (Feasible). Feasible – ADHD and academic achievement (lots of measures of achievement, lots of study in this area) Identify a worthwhile research question (Importance). Importance – Reading comprehension of ADHD children (no prior study) study Make certain that conducting the study will not harm anyone (Ethical) Ethical – study would provide useful data to participants and would not cause any harm  Examples… Mechanism of chromium carcinogenicity and toxicity Effectiveness of garlic and grape oil as alternative anticoagulants Effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines for induction of labour: a systematic review and meta- analysis Effects of the availability of floral resources on plant- pollinator interactions and the implications for the long-term survival of plant populations Genetic variation and phenotypic plasticity in British populations of ash, rowan and silver birch Drought Resistance in Ecotypes and Cultivars of Acer species Factors to consider in the choice of a research topic Novel – When considering a research topic, the researcher has to focus on one which has not been investigated before. In the event that the problem has been studied before, the researcher has to inject originality in it by coming up with another research design, using a different data-gathering tool or a different scheme for analyzing the research data. Interesting – The researcher needs to consider his/her interest in the choice of a research problem. Interest counts a lot in the conduct of a study. If a researcher is not interested in the topic, it will be difficult on his part to put his heart and soul in it.  Factors to consider in the formulating of a research topic Relevant – The results of the study on a given problem should be of practical value to the researcher and the significant others in the field. This means that once the study had been completed, its findings, findings its conclusions and recommendations can be used in improving practices or solving an identified difficulty. Will the results add knowledge to information already available in the field?  Factors to consider in the formulation of a research topic Feasible – This means that a problem that an investigator is going to work on can be completed without undue amount of time, money or effort. Feasibility of research also means that the researcher has the necessary competence or expertise to conduct the study on the chosen problem. Is the topic too broad? (e.g. the effects (what effects?) of TV violence on children (age?) Can the problem really be investigated? (e.g. availability of information) What costs and time are involved in the analysis?  Factors to consider in the formulation of a research topic Researchable – Data can be collected to answer the problem posed by the researcher. Can the data be analyzed? (Can the data be measured?) Ethical – A problem is said to be ethical when it does not involve physical or psychological harm or damage to human beings or organizations. In other words, a study on a particular topic should not put people or institutions in a bad light.  Rationale A rationale is a set of reasons or logical basis that explains to your reader why your research question or study is needed to contribute to the relevant field of study. The rationale should answer the need for conducting the said research. It is a very important part of your proposal as it justifies the significance and novelty of the study. [justification, significance, novelty]  Rationale This study is an epidemiological study of diet, obesity and anemia. While food insecurity, diet, obesity and anemia have been extensively investigated in developed countries, few studies have been conducted in developing countries. [Justification] This study could be used as a benchmark for Caribbean countries and other upper-income developing countries by providing researchers with information regarding food insecurity and children’s current dietary intakes and nutritional health. It is hoped that the findings of this study will advance the knowledge of health professionals and policy makers who are working on nutrition interventions in upper-income developing countries, including Caribbean countries. [So what?]  Research Questions 1. Is there a link between food insecurity in relation to dietary intake and the nutritional status of school-aged children in the Bahamas? 2. HOW will the objectives be met? 3. What’s the prevalence of anemia among school-aged children in Bahamas; and is there any correlation, with dietary intake, iron, and its protein source (animal vs. plant)? [OR is anemia prevalent among…..]  Objectives 1. To examine the link between food insecurity in relation to dietary intake and the nutritional status of school-aged children in the Bahamas. 2. To determine the incidence of overweight and obesity as well as predictors of increased adiposity among school-aged children in Bahamas over a period of 18 months. 3. To estimate the prevalence of anemia among school-aged children in Bahamas and to investigate its correlates, including dietary intake, iron, and its protein source (animal vs. plant).  Associated Factors of Healthy Lifestyle in The Bahamas Rationale: The Ministry of Health has been implementing programs and interventions to slow the growth of cardiovascular disease (CDs). These programs focus on tackling risk factors and developing both the National Dietary Guidelines and the nutrition interventions implemented in primary care facilities and in the community. This study is justifiable as it will help gain an in- depth understanding of the current patterns of healthy lifestyle among the Bahamian population to inform national efforts to address the growing problem of CDs. Objective: The objective of this study is to analyse and identify the determinants associated with healthy lifestyle in The Bahamas.  Research question Developing a good research question is one of the first critical steps in the research process. The research question, when appropriately written, will guide the research project and assist in the construction of a logical argument. The research question should be a clear, clear focused question that summarizes the issue that the researcher will investigate. investigate  Defining a good question Researchers should begin by identifying a broader subject of interest that lends itself to investigation. The next step is to do preliminary research on the general topic to find out: – What research has already been done and what literature already exists – How much research has been done on the chosen topic? – What types of studies? – Is there a unique area that are yet to be investigated or is there a particular question that may be worth replicating? Then begin to narrow the topic by asking open-ended "how" and "why" questions. For example, a researcher may want to consider the factors that are contributing to childhood obesity or the success rate of intervention programs. Create a list of potential questions for consideration and choose one that interests you and provides an opportunity for exploration. Finally, evaluate the question by using the following list of guidelines: – Is the research question one that is of interest to the researcher and potentially to others? Is it a new issue or problem that needs to be solved or is it attempting to shed light on previously researched topic. – Is the research question researchable? Consider the available time frame and the required resources. Is the methodology to conduct the research feasible? – Is the research question measureable and will the process produce data that can be supported or contradicted? – Is the research question too broad or too narrow? Defining a good question Importance Specificity Interest Answerability Logical ordering of the questions  Formulating a Research Question All research begins with a question derived from a general topic that piques your interest, often through general reading, topical discussion, lectures, experiences, etc. Generally, the question should be: 1. Relevant. The question should have some bearing on the topic and remain within the limits that were set beforehand. 2. Interesting. Choose a topic that interests and stimulates you otherwise searching could become tedious. 3. Focused and specific. The question should not be too broad or vague. You can however begin with a broad question and then narrow it down to be more specific.  Answerability of research question Type I error: Asking the wrong question “Far better an approximate answer to the right question, which is often vague, than an exact answer to the wrong question, which can always be made precise.” - John Tukey Type II error: Asking a question not worth answering  The finer criteria for a good research Feasible question – Adequate number of subjects – Adequate technical expertise – Affordable in time and money – Manageable in scope Interesting – Interesting to the investigator  The finer criteria for a good Novel research question – Confirms or refutes previous findings – Extends previous findings – Provides new findings Ethical Relevant – To scientific knowledge – To e.g. ecological, clinical and health policy… – To future research directions  Structure of the research Title proposal Abstract Background (introduction) – Problem statement – Significance of the study (justification) – Hypothesis – Research question(s) – Objective(s) Research Methodology – Study area/location, sampling or experimental procedure, data analysis… – Work Schedule (Gantt chart) – Budget Appendix References  Structure of the research Title proposal – Clear, informative, and “catchy” Abstract – Brief overview of the project  Structure of the research proposal Problem statement Articulates research problem and indicating need for study – Broad statement of the theoretical and/or social “problem” that is to be investigated. Begin with one sentence relatively simple or lay person’s language. Elaborate in two paragraphs, using an interesting narrative or illustrations of the problem…in ways that captures the reader's interest. Demonstrate the scope or depth of the problem.  Structure of the research proposal Significance statement – Show why the problem is important and to whom, and what contribution this research make both to the literature (“theory”) and to society (“practice”). Why is this an urgent matter? What is original in your approach? What is unique about the context of the research?  Structure of the research proposal Objectives – Specific purpose of this research. Identifying the key study population, the variables, and their possible interrelationships. – Describe your research product. What form will the report take (e.g., scholarly manuscript, magazine article for the public, script for a documentary video)? To estimate the risk of hospitalization associated with short-term exposure to PM2.5 in urban and nonurban counties with populations greater than or equal to 50,000  Structure of the research proposal Background – Statement of the context of the research, how it fits in the literature and where it is located in time and space. – Literature review Conceptual framework for understanding the research problem Demonstrates that the researcher is informed of existing literature relevant to the research question and methodologies. methodologies  Introduction The introduction and background section should provide the reader with a clear understanding of the subject and the nature and rationale for the specific project. You may need to include definitions of any specialized terms that are critical to your work. The proposal should be free of unexplained jargon Begin with an explicit statement of your general aim (hypothesis). Structure of the research proposal – Research context Provide an introduction to the historical and geographical context of your research. –Physical environment –People and culture –Development over time  Structure of the research proposal Literature review cont. – integrated overview of research on this topic. 1) progressive narrative account (e.g. “development of knowledge”) 2) map of the field (e.g. “main approaches to problem”) – areas of contradiction or confusion, or gaps in the literature. – Define your terms: provide operational definitions of concepts.  Literature Review A review of pertinent literature then serves to define the context and import of your general aim. Alternatively, the statement of the general aim may follow logically from the review of literature. Typically, this section will be longer and more comprehensive than that found in an article for publication. It will be followed by a listing of your specific aims and a brief explanation of why you chose the specific experimental approaches for each.  Literature Review The review of literature involves the critiquing or looking over what other researchers have done in relation to the topic to be studied. Purpose: the review of literature can broaden the researcher’s knowledge base in research area; it is a means of ensuring originality in the conduct of one’s research; it is a way of ensuring clarity and focus on one’s study; it can also provide the researcher insights on the weaknesses and strengths of previous studies  Important points while reading Record the complete bibliography for each source Take some key notes about what is in each source Use computer programs such as RefWorks and EndNote that help do this efficiently and make formatting your bibliography or reference list simpler To avoid inadvertent plagiarism, make direct quotations obvious in your notes You should also do any background reading necessary for understanding your subject area even if it isn’t directly related to your topic.  Structure of the research proposal Methodology – Research question(s) State your question in operational form State your hypotheses – A tentative prediction of the answer to the research question, such as the expected relationship between two or more variables – Research Design Identify and generally describe: – your research method – your research procedures Cite the major authors who have described your research method.  Structure of the research proposal Methodology cont. – Subjects Explain how you will select informants and gain entry into the research context (if relevant). –Sampling/selection –Recruitment  Structure of the research proposal Methodology cont. – Ethical considerations Describe the procedures you will take to protect the rights of your informants (e.g., informed consent, human subjects approval, debriefing).  Structure of the research proposal Methodology cont. – Data collection Describe the kind of data you will collect (e.g., field notes from memory, audio tapes, video tapes, transcripts of conversations, examination of existing documents, etc.). Describe your intended data collection procedures. If interviews are to be used, list your question(s) or attach as an appendix. Describe any equipment to be used.  Structure of the research proposal Methodology – Data analysis Statistical analysis Interpretive analysis  Structure of the research proposal Methodology cont. Interpretive analysis – Procedures (coding, sorting, etc.) Data reduction: Write-ups of field notes, transcription procedures and conventions, computer programs used, etc. Data reconstruction: development of categories, findings, conclusions, connections to existing literature, integration of concepts. – Issues of "reliability" and "validity." Questions about the repeatability or stability of findings and the accuracy or truthfulness of a measurement Will you use systematic methods and procedures, triangulation, member checking, peer debriefing, auditing?