Writing a Project Proposal Lecture PDF

Writing a Research Proposal SoHP503 Project studies Hilary Gunn What is this session about? The overall proposal… Section by section Academic writing reminders Top tips Session code Recording on!! SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gu...

Writing a Research Proposal SoHP503 Project studies Hilary Gunn What is this session about? The overall proposal… Section by section Academic writing reminders Top tips Session code Recording on!! SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn 2 What is a research proposal? “Your research proposal should set out the central issues or questions that you intend to address. It should outline the general area of study within which your research falls, referring to the current state of knowledge and any recent debates on the topic, as well as demonstrate the originality of your proposed research.” - University of Birmingham SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn 3 What is a research proposal? Why do we need them? What are the important parts? Topic – define, background (what do we/do we not know) Need – what is the value of the study? Specifics – what are you addressing? Plan – make sure this is clear, and adhered to! REMEMBER: Feasible, Rigorous, Ethical SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn 4 1. The TOPIC – the Introduction/Background Example Obesity and physical inactivity are significant Big picture healthcare problems, particularly in people Existing evidence with long term conditions Knowledge gaps (Diet/Lifestyle/Exercise) programmes have been effective in promoting engagement, but the effects are limited amongst people So what with LTC Research Question We do not know why this population engages less and does not sustain changes Aims Therefore, this project will aim to evaluate Objectives the factors that impact engagement in this population SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn 5 TOPIC – tips Route Map – you are telling a story, including the relevant research, from start (topic statement) to end (what you are investigating) Critique the literature – combine this with the route map to create a narrative SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn 6 ACTIVITY: Using literature effectively Brief: Review the two passages on the next slide Think about (and note down) which of the key elements are they achieving: Cite Compare Contrast Critique Connect SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn 7 Example One Example Two ‘Greenhalgh (1994), in their seminal study exploring the safety of doctors replacing nurses in expanded roles “There are a number of seminal concluded that ‘doctor nurse’ substitution was safe in studies in the field of nurse led care. conducting venesection and cannulation. However closer Greenhalgh (1994) demonstrated examination of the study detail reveals that the sole comparable performance by nurses outcome measures considered was the length of wait for and doctors when undertaking patients to receive treatment, and the number of attempts cannulation, and later Lattimer et al made by each practitioner....’ (2000) found that nurses could safely “In contrast Lattimer et.al (2000) conducted a large scale replace doctors in the field of equivalence study to determine whether it was safe for telephone triage. In contrast Vine nurses to undertake ‘telephone triage’ with patients (2005) found nurse led consultations seeking a same day GP appointment. This was the first in primary care took longer and cost study of its kind to use a sufficiently large sample size to more, and when asked patients compare rare adverse events such as serious illness or expressed a preference for being seen death, and consequently their conclusions that nurse led by a GP.” telephone triage was safe have become a widely respected seminal study in the field of nurse led care.” SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn 8 Example One “There are a number of seminal studies in the field of nurse led Relevance/significance? care. Greenhalgh (1994) demonstrated comparable performance by nurses and doctors How/why did the cited authors when undertaking cannulation, and come to these views? later Lattimer et al (2000) found that nurses could safely replace doctors in the field of telephone What evidence did the authors triage. In contrast Vine (2005) found nurse led consultations in use? primary care took longer and cost more, and when asked patients Which view the writer found more expressed a preference for being seen by a GP.” convincing/significant. SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn 9  Example Two Greenhalgh (1994), in their seminal study exploring the safety of doctors replacing nurses in expanded roles concluded that ‘doctor nurse’ substitution was safe in conducting venesection and cannulation. Tells a “story”, showing how the However closer examination of the study detail reveals that the sole outcome measures considered research has developed. was the length of wait for patients to receive treatment, and the number of attempts made by each practitioner....’ Indicates a thorough In contrast Lattimer et.al (2000) conducted a large understanding of the cited scale equivalence study to determine whether it was safe for nurses to undertake ‘telephone triage’ literature, making relevant with patients seeking a same day GP appointment. This was the first study of its kind to use a sufficiently comparisons. large sample size to compare rare adverse events such as serious illness or death, and consequently their conclusions that nurse led telephone triage was safe have become a widely respected seminal Makes an argument, and builds on study in the field of nurse led care.. it, comparing and contrasting cited results. SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn 10  2. Define the SPECIFICS of what you are setting out to achieve: (Research question, aims, objectives) RESEARCH QUESTION A clear (answerable) question which focuses the topic (may use a hypothesis) AIM An aim is the broad indication of the purpose of the research (statements of intent)- may be used as well as or instead of a RQ OBJECTIVE Specific statements that define measurable outcomes (statements of action) SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn 11  SPECIFICS – aims and objectives don’ts Too many aims. One (or two) is usually enough. Waffling – aims and objectives need to be concise and economically expressed. Connecting – the steps that are to be taken don’t match up with the overall intention. The aims and the objectives are not differentiated, they are basically the same things but said in different words. The objectives are a detailed laundry list rather than a set of stages in the research. The objectives don’t stack up with the research methods – in other words they are either not do-able, or what is to be done won’t achieve the desired results. SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn 12  3. Set out a clear PLAN of how you will undertake the study- THE METHODS SECTION (aka the methodology (approach)/ methods) 3a. Methodology (type of study) Informed by: “the overarching strategy and Research context approach of your research” Research problem/ aims/ objectives What Researcher standpoint Who WHY 3b. Methods… Where When How SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn  Methods section - tips The research question/ aims/ objectives inform the methodology and methods Methodology and methods need to work together (!) Make sure you show you understand your choices and they are appropriate/ justified Aim to start with a single summary sentence….. SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn  Introducing your methodology and methods: Start with a single summary sentence covering both methodology and methods…… Overview sentence examples This study will use focus groups consisting of key stakeholders purposively selected to contribute rich and relevant data This study uses a single group pre-test post-test design with all participants receiving the pilot intervention This systematic review will utilize a qualitative narrative synthesis approach … then develop to show your understanding of the methodology: Include a brief justification and awareness of alternative approaches ONE Example of a justification “A focus group was chosen over a survey for its increased potential for discussion and insight into the topic. Saint-Germain and colleagues (1993) explored the comparison between surveys and focus groups by contrasting the findings between two papers that explored the barriers to breast cancer screening. Results here showed matched findings between the survey data and the focus group; however, reported that the focus group provided additional data that went beyond the initial scope for the report (Germain et al., 1993)”. SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn Methods What Who WHY Where When How SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn  Example: what Data collected for this study/ Data collected will include review will include: Objective One: Participant Participant demographics (list/ engagement and adherence justify/ reference) measures (list/ justify/ reference) Participant reported outcome measures (list/ justify/ reference) Objective two: Participant Clinician measured outcome satisfaction measures and measures (list/ justify/ reference) qualitative feedback (using a pre Laboratory measurements (list/ prepared topic guide) justify/ reference) Objective three: Staff utilisation and time use as a measure of service costs SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn  Note… At some point you will need to § Survey include LOTS of detail! Could be here § Survey draft or later in the procedures section… Systematic Review see what works for your proposal…. Search terms and search strategy § Quantitative Quality assessment tools § Study questionnaires Data extraction sheets § Instruments – measuring devices § Clinical / functional tests § Validity / reliability Qualitative § Outline of questions you want to ask (interview schedule) § Other methods of data collection SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal/ Hilary Gunn  Methods: who (AKA ‘Participants and recruitment’ or study inclusion) Who: Participants How many? (with justification) Inclusion/ Exclusion (not just opposites of each other- think population/ Who: Studies sample) Scope (use PICO etc) Recruitment (include how will the Dates and scope of searches participants be approached (and by Inclusion/ exclusion whom), publicity methods, Initial screening information gatekeepers) Provision of information, screening (if necessary) and arrangements for consent (may come later if this is a physical procedure) SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn Methods: how (AKA ‘Data analysis’) Needs to be driven by your aim, objectives and methods, and include appropriate references Quantitative studies: hypothesis (where appropriate) and analysis plan set a priori (ie now!) § Descriptive statistics § Inferential statistics (state the statistical test(s) you are planning to use and why) § Level of statistical significance Qualitative studies: Approach § Discuss how you plan to analyse the qualitative data you will obtain. Review studies: methods of synthesis Needs the same step by step approach that you have used up to now! SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn Methods: When/ Where (AKA ‘Project plan’) § Provide in detail step by step (so it can be replicated by other researchers): § What data is being collected (if you haven’t already) § How data is going to be collected § How long data collection is for § Who is collecting the data § When it is going to be collected § Procedure should be standardised (even if it isn’t identical…..) SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn Example plan Initial search Screen titles and abstracts Full text review- inclusion/ exclusion Quality assessment Data extraction Data analysis SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn  Your project plan-Tips This may be a relatively succinct part of your proposal in the end- but it is critical- save all of your ‘extra’ bits as they will come in useful! Don’t forget to acknowledge uncertainties/ choices and discuss them- there are ALWAYS pros and cons EG which is better- undertaking a series of tests in the same order with each participant, or randomising the order? undertaking a focus group straight after people have done a programme or waiting a week or so Using a specific data quality assessment tool with a cut off or one without SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn Methods: Top tips KEEP IT SIMPLE What Be realistic- recognize challenges and uncertainties Who Justify (don’t just state) WHY Where Include testing and refining where appropriate When Use a walkthrough with a critical friend How to make sure you have considered everything SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn 4. Demonstrate that the project is rigorous and feasible (ie the ethics section) Rigour Feasibility Methods which help to establish Is this study doable? trust/ confidence in research Potential issues- outputs: Timescale Is the research conducted in a way Scope (researcher and environment) which is thorough, where the reader Budget can have confidence in the findings Recruitment and produces findings which address Availability of resources the aims? Different approaches to rigour/ trustworthiness with different methodologies SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn Ethical considerations & Data Protection § This is REALLY important to include (whatever type of study you are undertaking)! § Don’t forget you ALSO need to include a complete draft of the ethics submission (if appropriate) SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn 5. Anticipated findings and their relevance Be realistic…. But do show some meaningful impact! Relate back to the aims (and the gaps you identified in the literature review) This ties everything up nicely. SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn 6. Don’t forget your appendices…. Gannt chart Information sheets Consent forms Recruitment materials Questionnaires and data extraction tools (etc etc) ….see module handbook for guidance 04/01/2024 SoHP503 Introduction | Dr Daniela Oehring 29  Summary A good proposal is worth its weight in gold- time spent now will pay dividends later Use a systematic approach- and if you aren’t sure, ASK! SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn Academic Writing (for proposals) Informative but concise Not verbose – value of thesaurus (used wisely….) Acronyms and abbreviations – write in full first! Base your language on journal articles – the more you read, the easier it will become Ensure your dictionary is set to UK English Module Handbook/Guidance – this overrides any other formatting criteria Maintain format throughout- especially important with group writing What you need to consider: Headings; heading format; table and figure titles and notes; font style, spacing and size (normally in Module Handbook!) SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn  Don’t get caught out! UoP plagiarism forms: Direct copying from texts without acknowledging your source - e.g. direct quotations should have a full reference and be in inverted commas Paraphrasing (rewording) or summarising Referencing other people’s work without acknowledging your source – you must give the reference from which your summary/paraphrase is taken Both of the above points also apply to material taken from the internet – if you use material from the internet you must reference the website from which you obtained the material. SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn Use of AI A potentially valuable tool…. …if used right…. Use should be considered and in line with relevant academic and ethical standards https://ec.plymouth.ac.uk/ai- activities-for-students/ 04/01/2024 SOHP503/ Hilary Gunn 33 Referencing Cite Them Right Harvard EndNote – Cite Them Right In-Text Citations Surname (author/editor), year of publication, page number (for quotations) 3 authors or less: all are listed 4 or more: first author, et al Journal article vs book chapter There are some considerable differences – follow Cite Them Right, don’t get caught out! DOI vs URL ALWAYS use DOI if it is available. The majority of your references will now be available online, so don’t forget to include this information! SoHP503 Writing a Research Proposal | Hilary Gunn Any questions 04/01/2024 SoHP503 | Hilary Gunn 35