Chapter 4 (Research Design & Methods)

What is the format for a qualitative proposal?

Introduction: Statement of Problem,

Procedure:

Preliminary Findings:

Appendices:

What is the format for a quantitative proposal?

Introduction: Statement of the Problem, Purpose of the Study, Research Question/Hypothesis,

Method: Population/Sample, Recruitment, Type of Research Design, Procedure, Data Analysis Procedures,

Preliminary Findings: Preliminary findings or pilot tests

Appendices: Instruments, Timeline, proposed budget, outline of proposed chapters

What is the format for a mixed methods proposal?

Introduction: Research Problem (both qual and quad), Purpose, Research Question

Procedure:

Preliminary Findings:

Appendices:

What is the hook-and-eye technique?

the researcher examines their writing, circles key ideas in each sentence, and then connects the sentences (or paragraphs) with a line.

What does the hook-and-eye technique promote?

Promotes coherence ( a good connection indicates coherence; a difficult connection shows a lack of coherence) (key is in specific words)

What are umbrella thoughts and when writing a proposal, and what are they used for?

the general or core ideas one is trying to get across

What are big thoughts and when writing a proposal, and what are they used for?

specific ideas or images that fall within the realm of umbrella thoughts and serve to reinforce, clarify, or elaborate upon the umbrella thoughts

What are little thoughts and when writing a proposal, and what are they used for?

ideas or images whose main function is to reinforce big thoughts

What are interest (attention) thoughts and when writing a proposal, and what are they used for?

ideas whose purposes are to keep the reader on track, organize ideas, and keep an individual’s attention

Good writing habits/practices (when, how long, how many projects at a time, strategies to improve writing

Tips for writing

Describe the importance of the research problem in research proposals?

Ethical issues prior to the study

issue: ethical planning & approvals

action: consult ethics codes, seek IRB/local approvals, minimize participant burden, plan authorship fairly, choose objective site

Ethical issues beginning the study

issue: participant well-being & informed consent

action: benefit participants, disclose study purpose, respect autonomy (no pressure), address vulnerable populations, get appropriate consent

Ethical issues during data collection

issue: respectful & ethical data gathering

action: minimize site disruption, equal treatment, collaborate on recruitment, avoid deception, address power imbalances, don’t “use” participants, protect from harm, build trust

Ethical issues during data analysis

issue: objectivity & participant privacy

action: avoid bias, report all findings (positive & negative), ensure anonymity, report multiple perspectives

Ethical issues during reporting and sharing

issue: honest & responsible dissemination

action: avoid fabrication/plagiarism, protect participants, use clear language, share data, store materials, avoid duplicate publication, disclose funding, credit ownership

What is ghost authorship?

researchers omit junior staff who made significant contributions from the list of authors

What is gift authorship?

when individuals receive authorship who do not contribute to a manuscript

What elements must be in an informed consent?

1. Identification of the researcher

2. Identification of the sponsoring institution

3. Identification of the purpose of the study

4. Identification of the benefits for participating

5. Identification of the level and type of participants’ involvement

6. Statements of potential risks to participants

7. Guarantees of confidentiality to the participants

8. Assurance that participants can withdraw at any time

9. Names of persons to contact if questions arise

What are the nine core elements that should be included in any research proposal?

1. What do readers need to better understand your topic?

2. What do readers know about your topic?

3. What do you propose to study?

4. What is the setting, and who are the people you will study?

5. What methods do you plan to use to collect data?

6. How will you analyze the data?

7. How will you you validate your findings?

8. What ethical issues will your study present?

9. What do preliminary results show about the feasibility and value of the proposed study?