proposal…..? - mans proposal.pdfwhat does a research proposal mean? a formal way of describing a...
TRANSCRIPT
How to write a research proposal…..?
By
Prof. Ashraf Abdelbaset Professor of pediatrics
• What does a research proposal mean?
• What is its importance?
• How to formulate it?
• What are the common mistakes in proposal writing?
What does a research proposal mean?
A formal way of describing a research project. It contains all the key elements involved in the research process and includes sufficient information for the readers to evaluate the proposed study.
Is it important?
The proposal should convince the readers that you have:
– An important research idea. – A good grasp of the relevant
literature and the major issues. – Sound methodology.
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Format
• There can be some variation depending on the nature of the topic.
• A full proposal will be between 8,000 and 10,000 words.
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Title
• Concise and descriptive.
• Stated in terms of a functional relationship
• Informative and catchy.
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Title
High quality title
• Pricks the reader's interest.
• Predisposes him/her favorably towards the proposal
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Introduction
Purposes
• What is the nature of the proposed research topic?
• Why is it important?
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Introduction
Frame
Brief description of your problem domain:
– Understand its basic terminology and issues
– Formulate a research question. – Provide the motivation for the
proposed project
.
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Introduction
Frame (cont…)
Explanation of the problem boundaries: Elucidate what aspects of the problem domain are to be included and what aspects would be excluded from the thesis project.
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Introduction Frame (cont…)
Formulation of research question (hypothesis):
– Easily understood – Guide and inform the research project. – Focus on a single aspect of the problem domain.
– Can be refined into more specific project objectives, satisfaction of which would lead directly to answering the research question.
For exploratory or phenomenological research, you may not have any hypotheses.
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Introduction
Frame (cont…)
Highlighting the significance of your research in practical and theoretical terms.
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Introduction Tips
• Try to place your research question in the context of either a current "hot" area, or an older area that remains viable.
• Provide a brief but appropriate historical backdrop.
• Provide the contemporary context in which your proposed research question occupies the central stage.
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Introduction Tips (cont..)
• Identify "key players" and refer to the most relevant and representative publications.
• Try to paint your research question in broad brushes and at the same time bring out its significance.
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Introduction High quality introduction
• The reader‛s interest should be engaged.
• He should understand why the general topic is worth pursuing and what your research question is.
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Introduction Problems
• If the research problem is framed in the context of a general, rambling literature review, then the research question may appear trivial and uninteresting.
• No hard and fast rules on how to frame your research question.
• No prescription on how to write an interesting and informative opening paragraph.
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Introduction Problems (cont..)
A lot depends on your creativity, your ability to think clearly and the depth of your understanding of problem areas.
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Sometimes the literature review is incorporated into the introduction section. However, most professors prefer a separate section, which allows a more thorough review of the literature.
Review
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Purposes • Gives credits to those who have
laid the groundwork for your research.
• Demonstrates your knowledge of the research problem.
• Demonstrates your understanding of the theoretical and research issues related to your research question.
Review
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Purposes (cont..) • Shows your ability to critically
evaluate relevant literature information.
• Indicates your ability to integrate and synthesize the existing literature.
• Provides new theoretical insights or develops a new model as the conceptual framework for your research.
Review
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Frame
• There are different ways to organize your literature review.
• Make use of subheadings to bring order and coherence to your review.
• Show evidence of wide reading (in the case of Masters theses, at least 40-60 articles on topics related to your own, and in the case of PhD could be over a 100).
Review
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Tips • Ensure that you are not
"reinventing the wheel". • Keep in mind that you are telling a
story to an audience. Try to tell it in a stimulating and engaging manner. Do not bore them, because it may lead to rejection of your worthy proposal.
Remember: Professors and scientists are human beings too!!!.
Review
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
High Quality review Formulate a conceptual framework which provides the context for:
• understanding your own research work and its main research question.
• showing the significance of the answers likely to emerge in the process.
Review
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Problems
• Lacking organization and structure
• Lacking focus, unity and coherence
• Being repetitive and verbose • Failing to cite influential papers • Failing to keep up with recent
developments
Review
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Problems (CONT..)
• Failing to critically evaluate cited papers
• Citing irrelevant or trivial references
• Depending too much on secondary sources
Review
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Purposes
• How you plan to tackle your research problem.
• Describe the activities necessary for the completion of your project.
Methods
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Frame Design:
Observational: • Cross-sectional (prevalence). • Retrospective (case-control). • Prospective (incidence).
Experimental: • Therapeutic. • Preventive.
Methods
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Frame (cont..)
Subjects or participants: – Who will take part in your study ? – What kind of sampling procedure
do you use? – What is the sample size? – Instruments - What kind of
measuring instruments or questionnaires do you use? Why do you choose them? Are they valid and reliable?
Methods
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Frame (cont..)
Instruments • What kind of measuring
instruments or questionnaires do you use?
• Why do you choose them? • Are they valid and reliable?
Methods
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Frame (cont..)
Procedure • How do you plan to carry out
your study? • What activities are involved? • How long does it take?
Data analysis.
Ethical considerations
Methods
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
High quality method
The Method section is a detailed description of exactly how the study was conducted.
The detail is important so the reader can determine the appropriateness of the method for answering the scientific questions.
It is also important for another researcher to be able to replicate the study.
This section reads a lot like a recipe.
Methods
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Finances
• These should be set out as: Capital costs Recurrent expenses.
Over the time frame
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
The Results section contains the summaries and analyses of the measures obtained in the study. This is where the "answers" to the research questions will be found.
Results
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
Obviously you do not have results at the proposal stage. However, you need to have some idea about what kind of data you will be collecting, and what statistical procedures will be used in order to answer your research question or test you hypothesis.
Results
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
• Finish your proposal off with a summing up of your research question and your research design as well as a restatement of the significance of your research.
• This is a small but important section.
Summary
Title
Introduction
Review
Methods
Finances
Results
Summary
References
• This contains details of all the items you cite in your proposal document.
• Include only those sources you have referred to in the text of the proposal.
References
Common Mistakes in Proposal Writing • Failure to provide the proper context
to frame the research question. • Failure to delimit the boundary
conditions for your research. • Failure to cite landmark studies. • Failure to accurately present the
theoretical and empirical contributions by other researchers.
Common Mistakes in Proposal Writing (cont..)
• Failure to stay focused on the research question.
• Failure to develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed research.
• Too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues.
• Too much rambling -- going "all over the map" without a clear sense of direction. (The best proposals move forward with ease and grace like a seamless river.)
Common Mistakes in Proposal Writing (cont..)
• Too many citation lapses and incorrect references.
• Too long or too short. • Failing to follow the APA style. • Slopping writing.
One's research is only as a good as one's proposal.
An illconceived proposal dooms the project even if it somehow gets through the thesis supervisors.
A high quality proposal not only promises success for the project, but also impresses your supervisor about your potential as a researcher.
The quality of your research proposal depends not only on the quality of your proposed project, but also on the quality of your proposal writing
