SI Writing a Research Proposal

What are the components of a Title?

- predict content

- be interesting

- reflect tone

- keywords

What are tips for wiring a title?

- keep it simple and brief

- use appropriate and descriptive words

- avoid jargon and abbreviations

- examples

What are the components to making an abstract (or synopsis)?

- may be all committee members see

- should highlight purpose and importance of your project

- brief description of subjects, methods and data analysis

- usually limited to 1 page or less

- need to be very clear in what you are going to do

What is the statement of the problem in the body of the proposal?

identifies topic/research area and clearly describes why the problem is important and how the findings of this research can be applied

- don't use the small percentage, use the biggest number you can to make it as scary as possible

What is the purpose of the body of the proposal?

should follow same justifications of important

- "The purpose of our research is ..."

What is the hypothesis of the body of the proposal?

clearly state hypothesis

- "it is hypothesized that ..."

What are specific aims/objectives of the body of proposal?

usually used for grant writing

What are the components of a background?

- essentially a lit review; may include theory

- preliminary data

- focused and brief (generally 5-8 studies that support your though process; should address significance and need)

- includes gaps and/conflicting evidence

What are the components of methods?

painfully detailed

RISK

subjects

materials

- should include reliability/validity of instruments, or describe them in sufficient detail (brand name and model)

procedures

- operational definitions of independent and dependent variables

- should be in chronological order

data analysis

- specific procedure for recording, storing and reducing data for statistical analysis

- software

- data coding

- data storage (prevent data leaks)

Identify primary out come = dependent variable

What are the components of informed consent?

usually attached as an appendix

describes in detail what will happen to the subjects, but written at 5th - 8th grade reading level

describes risks and benefits

offers the subject an out at any time

What are the components of dissemination of results?

What do you plan to do with this information?

often required for grants

*identify a journal that would be interest in publishing your study; find their requirements for style and submit accordingly

What are the components of references?

ANY study you've references should be listed at the end

style will be according to journal selection

What are other components of a research proposal?

budget - direct and indirect costs; allows reviewers to determine feasibility (again, likely more important for grants)

resources and environment

personnel

What is the summary for writing a research proposal?

- these are the basics of the proposals - no standardized format exists

- examples are posed to help you get started

- don't expect to nail it on your first try

- primary proposal goal = assess risk