Module Overview: Developing and Writing a Research Plan

Theoretical Framework

• A theoretical framework serves as a description of the concepts to be explored in research.

• Theories play a crucial role in helping researchers:

  • Explain phenomena

  • Predict outcomes

  • Understand complex issues

  • Challenge existing knowledge

• Importance of Theories:

  • Theories guide the entire research process.

  • They help in determining:

  • What elements to measure

  • Which relationships to investigate

Method and Design Section of Your Proposal

• Methods Explanation: Clearly outline the methods chosen to achieve research goals.

• Justification for Method Choice:

  • Provide reasons for selecting specific methods over others.

  • Discuss if methods are innovative and how they differ from existing approaches.

• Methodological Challenges:

  • Identification of potential problems, e.g. difficulty in achieving gender balance in participant recruitment.

  • Elaborate on strategies to address these challenges.

Research Questions Development

• Determine the research questions your study aims to answer.

• Evaluation of Questions:

  • Assess purpose and value of proposed research questions.

  • Seek feedback from colleagues to refine questions.

• Purpose of Questions:

  • Discuss the type of information intended to be gathered and its relevance today.

Population and Sample Discussion

• Importance of including details about the population and sample in the research plan.

• Sample Size Justification:

  • Explain reasons for choosing either a large or small sample size.

  • Discuss appropriateness of the selected sample size for the research goals.

Scientific Rigor

• Define Scientific Rigor:

  • The application of the highest standards and best practices in research methodology.

  • Aims to minimize bias in:

  • Subject selection

  • Research methods

  • Data analysis

Factors Considered by Grant Reviewers

• Reviewers assess several elements regarding the choice of research methods:

  • Practicality of chosen methods and their potential to yield credible findings.

  • Evaluation of:

  • Researcher’s staff and their expertise

  • Budget sufficiency to cover all research expenses

  • Addressing potential time constraints that may affect research quality

Data Evaluation Process

• Grant reviewers require a description of methods proposed for evaluating data:

  • Analysis methods must be suitable for the research project and relevant discipline.

  • Emphasis on the researcher’s expertise in data analysis and training for team members on proper analysis conduct.

  • Consideration of the overall research process, including technology use and data handling strategies.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

• If both qualitative and quantitative data are utilized, be prepared to explain how this dual approach enhances understanding of the research topic.