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1Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Chapter 28
Writing Research Proposals
2Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Research Proposal
Written plan identifying Research problem Research purpose Methods
Written for Institutional review board approval process Funding request Sometimes to request intramural approval to
conduct study Formally written, concise
3Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Writing a Research Proposal
Involves Developing ideas logically Determining the depth or detail of the proposal’s
content Identifying critical points in the proposal Developing an aesthetically appealing copy
4Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Developing Ideas Logically
An organized argument establishing background, a plan, and the expected outcome
All steps well justified Online guides for proposal development
available
5Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Determining the Depth of a Proposal
Dictated by the group/institution to which the proposal will be submitted
Hospitals usually post requirements online Universities provide lists of requirements
6Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Identifying Critical Points
Highlight in bold and italics Headings, tables, or graphs Detail
Background/significance of research problem Purpose Methodology/research design Research production plans
7Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
An Aesthetically Appealing Proposal
Formatted according to specifications; APA if not otherwise specified
Submit online, in person, or by mail, as specified
Neat Without spelling, punctuation, or grammar
errors Ask a peer to read and critique
8Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Content of a Research Proposal
Varies according to the purpose of the proposal: Student proposal: for university permission to
conduct research For institutional review board permission to
conduct research A competitive request for funding
9Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Content of a Student Proposal
Purpose: to communicate planned projects to Faculty and members of university or agency IRBs
Written to satisfy requirements for a degree Format and contents usually specified by
faculty
10Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Format of a Student Proposal (Cont’d)
More detailed than a funding proposal Often consists of the first few chapters of the
student’s thesis/dissertation Title should accurately reflect the planned
study’s design and methods
11Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Content of a Quantitative Research Proposal
Table of contents—usually rather detailed Three or four chapters:
Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Literature review Chapter 3: Framework (sometimes combined with
chapter 2) Chapter 3 or 4: Methods and procedures
12Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Introduction
Research problem—includes background information
Purpose statement, based on the research problem And the need for the study (justification)
Usually includes Conceptual definitions and operational definitions
of variables Assumptions
13Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Review of Relevant Literature
Overview of essential information Theoretical (conceptual literature) Empirical (actual related research)
Master’s thesis: usually a limited literature review
Doctoral dissertation: an exhaustive literature review
Reiteration of how proposed study will fill research gap
14Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Literature Review
First purpose is to let the reader know What has Already been done What methodologies have been used before What is known or suspected What has been disproven
Second purpose is to build a logical trail of evidence
15Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Literature Review (Cont’d)
Narrative or pinch table Sometimes critiques individual studies Sometimes synthesizes previous studies as a
group
16Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Framework
Theoretical explanation of how study concepts are connected
Conceptual definitions included here, if not in introduction
Must be coherent with the study variables and study measurements
Map or design optional Middle-range (practice) theories often used For doctoral dissertation, Alternative theories
considered may also be required
17Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Methods and Procedures
Description of the design/general strategy for conducting the study
Sometimes a map or diagram of the design Operationalizations of variables (if not in
introduction) Pilot study information (if any)
18Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Methods and Procedures (Quasi-Experimental and Experimental Studies)
Describing how research situation will be structured
Detailing treatment to be implemented Explaining how effect of treatment will be
measured Specifying variables to be controlled and
methods for controlling them
19Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Methods and Procedures (Quasi-Experimental and Experimental Studies)
(Cont’d) Identifying uncontrolled extraneous variables
and determining their probable impact on the findings
Subject assignment plan Exploring strengths and weaknesses of
design
20Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Methods and Procedures
Identification of target population and accessible population Inclusion and exclusion criteria Rationale for these sample criteria Expected sample size/sampling method Justification for sample size (power analysis, if
performed)
21Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Methods and Procedures (Cont’d)
Identification of study setting Agency name Description of the setting Advantages and disadvantages Letter of support from site
22Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Methods and Procedures (Cont’d)
Ethical considerations Protection of human subjects Risks and benefits The consent form (in appendix) Protection of clients served by the agency Protection of the agency (if applicable) Signed authorization form (per HIPAA) Security of data after obtained
23Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Methods and Procedures (Cont’d)
Data collection plan What data are to be collected Process for collecting data Who will collect data (consistency, if more than
one person collecting) How the data will be collected Data collection schedule Special equipment Data security/methods of data storage
24Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Methods and Procedures (Cont’d)
Data analysis Techniques used to summarize data and answer
research questions Organized by study questions Statistical tests and levels of significance Very limited projection of results and conclusions
• Study limitations
• How the findings will be shared, applied
Budget and timetable
25Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Content of a Qualitative Research Proposal
Structure is university-dependent Usually includes
Introduction Research philosophy and general method Applied method of inquiry Current knowledge, limitations, and plans for
communication of study findings
26Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Qualitative Introduction
Research problem—includes background information
Problem statement, based on research problem And need for the study
Usually conceptual definitions here Usually assumptions here Evolution of study and significance to nursing
practice, patients, health care system, and/or health policy
27Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Philosophical and Conceptual Foundation and General Methods Rationale for use of this method The philosophy, its essential elements, and its
assumptions Provision of a theoretical perspective for
study that influences focus of study, data collection and analysis, and articulation of findings
28Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Method of Inquiry
Tentative plan for study Site and access Sample Sampling plan Approximate sample size and how final size will be
determined
29Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Method of Inquiry (Cont’d)
Ethical concerns Protection of human subjects Risk minimization Consent Protection of data
30Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Method of Inquiry (Cont’d)
Data collection How and by whom data will be collected What will constitute “data” Where data will be collected What interview questions (if any) will be used If multiple persons collecting data, how they will be
trained Data storage
31Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Method of Inquiry (Cont’d)
Data analysis plan If simultaneous collection and analysis, state this Identify any software program to be used
32Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Current Knowledge Base, Limitations, and Plans for Communication of Study
Summarizes and documents all literature reviewed for the study
Might be the second chapter, and might follow data analysis (method-specific)
Establishes significance of study, parallel research
Anticipated limitations of the proposed study Communication plans, budget, timetable
33Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Content of a Condensed Proposal
For clinical agencies, funding institutions Same pieces but shorter in length Review of the literature much more brief Theoretical framework much more brief, or
even absent Usually documentation of researcher’s
background and ability to perform study Substantiation of support from hospitals,
clinics, universities, and so forth
34Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Content of a Preproposal
Short document that explores the funding possibilities
Like a query letter with more detail Letter of transmittal Short proposal for research Personnel Facilities Budget
Sent to Many funding sources
35Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Seeking Approval for a Study
Institutional review Justification for conduct of the study Ethical considerations Impact of the study on the reviewing institution
Most committees require verification of clinical access (nurse manager, medical director, or both)
36Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Approval Process
All studies require permission from somebody To determine process, access web sources
First Obtaining approval from both a university and
a hospital might take up to eight weeks
37Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Co-Authorship
Established before submission of the proposal anywhere
First author should be the person who does the most amount of work, in the study
Students should ask faculty whether they expect co-authorship
38Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Approval Process (Cont’d)
Nurses conducting research in an agency where they are employed must seek approval only at that agency
Graduate students Thesis/dissertation committee University IRB Agency IRB
39Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Preparing Proposals for Review Committees
University: use online resources, or thesis or dissertation chair, for information
Clinical agency: use online resources, and clarify with personnel in institutional review office
40Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Preparing Proposals for Review Committees (Cont’d)
Clinical institutional review considerations: Scientific merit Protection of human rights Congruence of the study with the agency's
research agenda Impact of the study on patient care
41Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Social and Political Factors (University)
When choosing a committee, match participants for their knowledge base and potential contribution to the final product
Known ability to work well with one another is extremely desirable
42Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Social and Political Factors (Clinical Site) (Cont’d)
For clinical research, elicit cooperation of staff Talk up the planned research and its possible
clinical applications If possible, ask staff nurses for input/wisdom Talk up positive effect of research on magnet
status, if that is a consideration
43Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Verbal Presentation of a Proposal
Thesis or dissertation proposal—part of the academic process
Most clinical agencies require researchers to meet with IRB to discuss proposals
Neat business attire Rehearse: practice, practice, practice
44Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Verbal Presentation of a Proposal (Cont’d)
Usually, committee will ask questions such as Tell us about your study. Why is your study necessary/valuable? What other literature is out there? What are the study limitations? Why did you choose this method?
Say thank you
45Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Revising a Proposal
Before the study Do what is needed to gain access Argue only about things that potentially affect the
study results Adhere to all negotiated agreements
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