Study Notes on Research Plan Development

Overview of Developing a Research Plan

  • Focus on creating and writing a comprehensive research plan.

Theoretical Framework

  • Definition: A theoretical framework is a structured description of the concepts that are to be explored during the research.

  • Purpose of Theories:

    • Help in explaining, predicting, and understanding phenomena.

    • Serve to challenge and expand upon existing knowledge.

    • Guide the research approach by dictating what elements will be measured and what relationships will be investigated.

Research Framework Discussion

  • Prior to finalizing the research plan, it is essential to explore effective ways of discussing the theoretical framework.

Method and Design Section of the Proposal

  • Requirements:

    • Elaborate on the methods intended to be utilized to meet research objectives.

    • Justification for chosen methods compared to alternatives.

    • If innovative, discuss the distinction of methods from existing ones.

  • Methodological Considerations:

    • Potential methodological problems (e.g., recruiting diverse participants).

    • Strategies to address these problems should be clearly outlined.

Research Questions Development

  • Identify the research questions intended to be answered by the study.

  • Evaluation of Purpose and Value:

    • Assess the relevance and significance of each question.

    • Solicit feedback from colleagues to refine questions, ensuring they align well with the study's objectives and will potentially minimize critiques from grant reviewers.

Purpose of Research Questions

  • Discuss the intent behind each question and what information is sought.

  • Establish the relevance and importance of the information in the current context.

Population and Sample Considerations

  • Discussion of population and sample must be integrated into the research plan.

  • Sample Size Decisions:

    • Justify the choice of a large sample size for the study.

    • Alternatively, if a small sample size is selected, explain the appropriateness of this choice for the research objectives.

Scientific Rigor

  • Definition: Scientific rigor refers to adhering to the highest standards and best practices relevant to the methodology employed in the research.

  • Importance:

    • Helps in minimizing bias across subjects, methods, and analyses implemented in the study.

Grant Review Considerations

  • Grant reviewers will look into several aspects of the chosen methods:

    • Credibility of findings based on scientific rigor.

    • Adequacy of staffing and the expertise of both individuals and teams involved.

    • Budget considerations including total expense coverage for proposed research activities.

    • Evaluation of potential time constraints impacting research quality.

Data Evaluation Process

  • Expectations from researchers regarding data evaluation:

    • Clear description of data evaluation process.

    • Adherence to acceptable analysis methods corresponding to the research discipline.

    • Assessment of the researcher’s expertise in data analysis and training provisions for others involved in data interpretation.

    • Comprehensive review of the research process, including:

    • Data entry technologies.

    • Identification of themes in qualitative data analysis.

    • Determining statistical significance when applicable.

Mixed Methods Analysis

  • If both qualitative and quantitative data are to be analyzed, reviewers will expect a thorough explanation of how this approach enhances the understanding of the research topic.