Research Proposal
The Research Proposal is a complete description of the intended research, developed under the supervision of the assigned supervisor. Through the full proposal, the student needs to demonstrate convincingly that the study will make a contribution to a public health issue or problem. The full research proposal must be between 5 and 10 pages and should present the following:
*Title
*Brief Introduction
*Background and statement of the problem (this in the light of a thorough literature review)
*Research question or hypothesis, aim and objectives
Study design (type of study)
Study population and sampling
Data collection methods and instruments
Data analysis methods – if applicable statistical planning must be fully addressed, or the candidate should provide evidence that statistics are not required.
Mechanisms to assure the quality of the study – e.g. control of bias, safe storage of data
*Study period - Timetable for completion of the project
Participants in the study – all people involved in the study, and the role they play, should be identified.
Ethical considerations
Resources required for the study, including budget if applicable
References
Appendices (copy of questionnaire, consent forms, etc.)
Draft proposal: The minimum requirements are identified with an asterisk (*)
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Research topic/title* An initial working title should be provided and should describe the content and direction of your project or a research question.
For example: A template for assisting research students in the development of a research proposal.
Introduction*
Problem Statement *
Overview
Purposes: Expand on the topic/question by describing what you hope to accomplish, and the desired outcomes (especially the practical or theoretical benefits to be gained)
Scope: Describe such things as the time you will invest, when the field work will take place, the number of participants, and the number of interviews you will conduct
Research Question/Hypothesis
Aim and objectives* What do you want to know, prove, demonstrate, analyse, test, investigate or examine? List your project aims in a logical sequence.
For example: The aim of this project is to:
a) Provide an outline of a research proposal
b) Enable a prospective student to prepare a research proposal
Background* What is already known or unknown? Set the scene. [Describe the context of the proposed research, making it clear how this context will allow you to accomplish your stated purposes]
Theoretical framework: Briefly identify and explain the theoretical framework you will use to guide your investigation, how it fits your purpose and its implications for the research methods
Methodology
- How do you anticipate you will achieve these aims?
- What do you need? (specify any special equipment, software or material)
- Can you access necessary data or expertise?
- Do you require particular resources?
- Are there barriers or pitfalls?
- Does the project involve human ethics, animal ethics or safety implications?
- Is travel or fieldwork required? If so, where to, how long and at what intervals?
- (if possible) Describe in detail the steps you will take in attempting to answer your research question
Expected outcomes, significance or rationale
- Why is it important?
- What do you expect it will deliver?
- What are the expected outcomes?
- Establish the importance of your project by highlighting its originality or why it is worth pursuing. Highlight the benefits, positive expected outcomes or innovative applications of knowledge.
Timetable* Indicate the timeframe for each broad stage considering literature surveys, data collection, production, modelling, review, analysis, testing, reporting, chapter and thesis writing, and thesis submission date.
Limitations: Describe conditions beyond your control that place restrictions on what you can do and the conclusions you may be able to draw
Delimitations: Describe the boundaries of the study that you determine
References
[List all references cited that are not on the course reading list]