WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

INTRODUCTION

Written document specifying the research content before project commences

Communicates research problems, its significance, planned procedures for solving the problems

i.

It is written for various reasons Presenting a brief plan before data collection in front of the professor

ii.
iii.

University requirement
Funding agencies

OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL PREPARATION

Clear idea of researchers plan Explanation of how and when various tasks are to be accomplished Determines the capability of the researcher for the proposed plan Evaluation criteria for proposals i. Importance of research question ii. Its theoretical relevance iii. Adequacy of research methods iv. Availability of appropriate personnel and facilities v. budget

GENERAL GUIDELINES PREPARING RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Proposal content General tips on proposal presentation

PROPOSAL CONTENT
Following the Format of institution Filling the kit of funding association or agencies a. Abstract b. Statement of the problem c. Significance of the problem d. Background of the problem e. Objectives f. Methods g. The work plan h. Personnel i. Facilities j. Budget

a. ABSTRACT

Brief synopsis Helps as frame of reference Should be 200 300 words in length Concise study objectives and methods to be used

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Addressing the research problem Statement should say the importance Should not promise more than can be produced

Broad and complex problems unlikely to solve

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROBLEM

Explain how proposed research makes contribution to knowledge

i. ii. iii.

Indicates Generalizability

Contribution to theory
Potential for improving nursing practice & patient care

iv.

Possible applications or consequences of the knowledge to be gained

BACKGROUND OF THE PROBLEM

How intended research builds on what has already done in an area

Must strengthen the authors arguments concerning the significance of the study

Orientation of the reader what is already known about

the problem

Indicate

how

proposed

research

augment

the

knowledge

Serve as a demonstration of the researchers command of current knowledge in a field

OBJECTIVES

Provides clear criteria against the research methods Stated as research hypothesis Conceptual frame work fit the variables of the study Avoid use of null hypotheses

No possibility of hypotheses in descriptive and

exploratory studies

In that case frame the objectives in question form

METHODS

Thorough research methods will give knowledge on application of research objectives

a. b. c. d. e. f. g.

Thorough method section includes

Description of the sampling plan Instrumentation Specific procedures Analytic strategies

Rationale for methods

Potential methodological problems Intended strategies for handling the problems

THE WORK PLAN

Plan of managing the work Work plan sequence to complete the task Anticipated length of time for the completion

Personnel required for the completion

It indicates how realistic and thorough the

researcher is in designing the study

PERSONNEL
Addressing Funding agencies Qualifications description

of

the

key

project

personnel

Competencies of project director and other team

members

FACILITIES
Requirement of special facilities Access to physiologic instrumentation, libraries, data processing equipments computers, special

documents or records

Reassurance of sponsors of advertisers Willingness of the institute in case of any need like space provision, equipment, services or data

BUDGET
Project activity in monetary terms How much money need for various tasks Well conceived work plan helps for preparation of

budget

Difficulties in detailing budget indicates inadequacy insufficiently developed budget

GENERAL TIPS ON PROPOSAL PRESENTATION

No exact steps to follow But some advise will minimize anxiety and frustration

Following tips are especially relevant to funded

research project

I. II. III.

Review a successful proposal Pay attention to reviewers criteria Be judicious in developing a research team

IV.
V.

Justify and document the decisions

Arrange for a critique for a proposal

I. REVIEW A SUCCESSFUL PROPOSAL

Accepted written proposals Referring journals, proposals Attending

Reading
Reading grants magazines

II. PAY ATTENTION TO REVIEWERS CRITERIA

Funding agencies provides criteria of reviewers

Criteria may be list of questions, or specification of points to different aspects

As an Eg National Institute of Child Health and human development funded some project related to fertility regulation using the following evaluating criteria

Conceptualization of the problem ( 0 30 points) Project staff qualifications and availability ( 0 15 points)

Data sources and analysis ( 0 20 points)

Review of analysis of literature ( 0 15 points) Facilities and equipment ( 0 10 points)

III. BE JUDICIOUS IN DEVELOPING A RESEARCH

TEAM

Funding agencies weighs the qualification of the researcher

Needs 3 brilliant theorists Compensate gaps and weakness by use of consultants

No need of too many managers

Unwise to have 5 or more top level professionals

IV. JUSTIFY AND DOCUMENT THE DECISIONS

Proposal sometime fails because of poor confidence, inadequate thought, rationale for decisions

Decision must be made carefully, minding the cost and benefits

Problem selected, population studied

personnel working in project, analytic procedures

Decision involves in

Size of the sample, data collection procedures to be used

Use of comparison, control of extraneous variables,

ARRANGE FOR A CRITIQUE FOR A PROPOSAL

Before formal submission review the draft by other person

Consultant participation in development of draft

FUNDING FOR THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Government funding Private funding