Research Proposal Assignment Paper

Research Proposal Assignment Paper

Writing a research Proposal

Before writing you proposal there are some key points to consider-

• What do you want to do?

• What will be the value of doing it?

• How long will it take?

• How will you gain informed consent (if relevant)?

• What difference will the project make?

• What has already been done in this research area?

• What are the ethical considerations?

• How will you plan to do it?

• How will you evaluate the results?

• How will you disseminate the results?

• Are there any cost implications?

You will need to read widely around your topic before starting to write the proposal otherwise you may not identify a useful and relevant research focus.

The Research Proposal (3000-3500 words) – submission date – week 13, Friday 19th Jan 2018 before 3pm

1.Title (approx. 6-12 words)
The title of the study needs to strike a balance between being explicit but to the point, whilst being comprehensive enough to explain the nature of the study and its aims and objectives.

2.Research Question (approx. 150 words)
This section should be a concise question relating to what project will address.

3.Introduction (approx. 300 words)
The introduction should familiarise the reader with the subject matter and give a general idea of the proposed project. It should show how the results of the study would benefit health / public health / health promotion.

4. A Review of the Literature / Context (approx. 1200 words)
This section should include a review of the current literature and should identify the extent and quality of the existing research carried out in your project area. It should demonstrate that you know the most important literature in the area, indicate why further research is required (identify gaps in the current research) and how the findings may be applied.

5. Aims and objectives (approx. 150 words)
The general aim of the project should be clearly stated and the objectives listed.

6. Ethical Considerations (approx. 300 words)
Your research proposal should identify the relevant ethical issues and describe how you are going to safeguard the welfare and dignity of the participants. Consider issues such as informed consent and confidentiality.

7. Method (approx. 550 words)

This section deals with the study design and should include:

• Number of subjects/ participants to be studied and the rationale for this
• Sampling methods – how the participants will be selected
• Inclusion and exclusion and reasons

Recruitment of Subjects/ Participants

Explain what strategies you will use and why

Study design – quantitative e.g. randomised controlled trial or qualitative e.g. case study.

Details and description of any Intervention if appropriate

Method(s) of data collection, tools and measurement to be used
Method(s) of data analysis

8. Anticipated Research Outcomes (approx. 200 words)
State what these are.

9. Identification of the strengths & weaknesses of the research proposal (approx. 250 words)

10. Work Plan / Gantt chart (place in an appendix) (no word count)

11. References (no word count)
A full list of references used must be included and formatted in the Harvard style

When you have finished you should make sure that your proposal answers the following questions:

• Have you explained the research question and defined the aim and objectives.
• Is the research design clear?
• Have you defined the sample clearly (participants)?
• Have you defined the sample size?
• Have you explained your sampling strategy?
• Have you clearly defined what information you will be collecting?
• Have you considered how the data will be analysed?
• Have you discussed the relevant ethical considerations?
• Have you made a time management plan?