Writing Health Research

Proposal
By
Prof. Yousria Badawy
 The proposal is the detailed plan of the research study
Why every research study should have a written
proposal?
A research proposal is a detailed description of a proposed study designed to investigate a
given problem
To tell the reader what is it that we want to research, what is the question that we want to
answer, and how this question will be investigated and answered
Assists the investigators to clarify their thoughts and to think about all aspects of the study
It provides you with guidebook and a map if a team (not a single investigator) is working
on the research
Is essential if the study involves research on human subjects or is on experimental animals,
in order to get the institution’s ethical approval

Is an essential component of a research proposal submitted for funding

 Basic components of a research proposal
Abstract
Title of research proposal
Introduction , background , rationale of the project and
literature review
The objectives of the trial or study, its hypotheses or
research questions, its assumptions, and its variables
A structured methodology
Plan for analysis of collected data (Results)
Plan for Discussing results (Discussion) and Conclusion
References
 1- Title of the research protocol
A good title should be short, accurate, and concise, not too long or too short
(5-15 words or not more two lines). Title should not contain name of the
college (ISNC), if necessary, instead could mention as "private higher
education institution in Jeddah/KSA"
The title should include :
1- Description of the question and the purpose of work performed

2- The study variables (dependent and independent) and the

outcome of interest (what you will measure in the research)
2- The target population (whom you will be investigating)
3- Place (where you will do the research)
 Abstract
It is a brief summary of approximately 300 words

It should include the main research question, the rationale

for the study, the hypothesis (if any)
Methods : Descriptions of the method may include the
design, procedures, the sample and any instruments that will
be used.
Expected reuslts or outcome and future implications of the
study
It should stand on its own, and not refer the reader to points
in the project description
 Introduction
The introduction provides the readers with the background information. Its purpose is to establish
a framework for the research, so that readers can understand how it relates to other research. The
introduction should consist of the background, justification, objectives and expected outcome

It should answer the question of why the research needs to be done and what will be its relevance.
It puts the proposal in context

The introduction typically begins with a statement of the research problem in precise and clear
terms. The statement of the problem is the essential basis for the construction of a research
proposal (research objectives, hypotheses, methodology, work plan and budget

It allows the investigator to describe the problem systematically, to reflect on its importance, its
priority in the country and region and to point out why the proposed research on the problem
should be undertaken (justification)or rationale. Indicate gaps
Expected outcome: The potential benefits of the research to subjects and to others. The expected
benefits of the research to the population, including new knowledge that the study might generate
 Introduction section should include:
1- Background: The context of the study

2- Rationale / Justification and gaps: Why are you proposing this study,
what it aims to add in the existing knowldege
3- Objective and variables : The main aim of the study ( it should be
refelected in the research title) (dependant ad inepedent variables should
be identified)
4- Research Question / Hypothesis: What is the main question and or
hypothesis you think the proposed study will answer / or test?
5- Expected outcome (Preliminary suppositions and implications) : The
iiustration of your outcome in relation to the explanatory viraibles
6- Opertional definitions of key terms
 Introduction (background and problem/purpose
statement) Why do need to do ths study?
Describe the problem Provide some general background

Explan why the problem Justfy for the reader why this is an
is important important issue to research
Provide the reader with context by
What do we know about providing a brief outline of what is
the problem? known
Further justfy your research by
What do not we know showing gaps in our understanding of
about the problem?
the problem
 Objectives
Objectives: Research objectives are the goals to be achieved by conducting the research. They may be
stated as ‘general’ and ‘specific’.

The general objective of the research is what is to be accomplished by the research project, for example, to
assess whether or not a new vaccine should be incorporated in a public health program.

The specific objectives relate to the specific research questions the investigator wants to answer through
the proposed study and may be presented as primary and secondary objectives, for example:
Primary: To determine the degree of protection
that is attributable to the new vaccine in a study Secondary: To identify the cost-effectiveness of this
population by comparing the vaccinated and programme.
unvaccinated groups.
The objective of research is usually to determine the effect of changes in one or more independent
variables on one or more dependent variables.

Define them in operational (active) terms that can be measured

 Obectives should be:

• Logical and coherent

• Feasible
• Realistic, considering local conditions
• Defined in operational terms (active) that can be measured
• Phrased to clearly meet the purpose of the study (relevant)
S (Specific)
M (Measurable)
SMART objectives: A (Achievable)
R (Relevant)
T (Time bound)
 Variables
During the planning stage, it is necessary to identify the key variables of the study and
their method of measurement and unit of measurement must be clearly indicated.

Four types of variables are important in research:

Variables that are manipulated or treated in a study in order to see what

effect differences in them will have on those variables proposed as being
Independent dependent on them. The different synonyms for the term ‘independent
variables variable’ which are used in literature are: cause, input, predisposing factor,
risk factor, determinant, antecedent, characteristic and attribute.

Dependent Variables in which changes are results of the level or amount of the
variables independent variable or variables. Synonyms: effect, outcome,
consequence, result, condition, disease.
 Con. Variables
Confounding or intervening variables: variables that should be
studied because they may influence or ‘mix’ the effect of the
Confounding independent variables. For instance, in a study of the effect of
or intervening
variables measles (independent variable) on child mortality (dependent
variable), the nutritional status of the child may play an
intervening (confounding) role
variables that are so often of relevance in investigations of groups
Background or populations that they should be considered for possible
variables: inclusion in the study. For example sex, age, ethnic origin,
education, marital status, social status etc.

The objective of research is usually to determine the effect of changes in one or

more independent variables on one or more dependent variables
 Literature review
At the proposal writing stage, you would have performed a comprehensive survey of the
literature. The literature review presents the current state of knowledge on your topic
obtained through the literature survey. (Critical analysis of existing research)
The purpose of a literature review is to critically engage with the literature and present it
in a way that sets up the study that is to be undertaken.

Do not cut and paste a set of abstracts that use similar research methods. Please note it is
not acceptable to ‘cut and paste’ from online sources

You should organize the literature review into themes according to the research objectives.

Organizing the literature review in this way allows the reader to gain an understanding of
the status of knowledge on the topic as relevant to the research objectives.
Writing up a strong literature review at this stage will not only make a stronger research
proposal but will also save you time on the long run as you would not need to work on
expanding and improving this section in the final research report.
 Study background versus Literature review

Study Background Literature review

The first part of introduction After the background in the

section introduction section
It ia a critical analysis of
It represents the context of
exsisting literature
the sudy
To have knowledge in the
To highlight the sinificance of area of research and identify
the study gaps
 Methedology
The methodology section has to be thought out carefully and written in full detail. This
section should clearly lay out how you intend to achieve your objectives . It is the most
important part of the protocol.

The methodology explains the procedures that will be used to achieve the
objectives.

In this section the operational definition for the variables used should be
specified in detail, along with the type of variables and the ways to measure
them.

In addition, the methodology should consider the study design and the
techniques and procedures used to achieve the proposed objectives.
 Methedology should include:
1. Design
2. Setting
3. Subject (participants)
- Inclusion criteria
- Exclusion criteria
4- Sampling technique
5-Sample size
6- Study instruments
7- Tools for data collection
8. Outcome measurements
9. Data analysis (Statistical
analysis
- Software proposed to be
used
- Statistical subroutines (Tests)
- Level of significance
 Methedology in details
The selection of the research strategy is the core of research design and is
probably the single most important decision the investigator has to make.
Stydy The choice of the strategy, whether descriptive, analytical, experimental,
design operational or a combination of these depend on a number of
considerations, but this choice must be explained in relation to the study
objectives. For the purposes of the undergraduate research project, most
students use a cross-sectional study design
Research The place (study setting state the location(s) in which you will carry out research with some descriptive
settings details )and time of study.

All the research subjects or participants to be studied (sampling frame) including inclusion and
Subjects
exclusion criteria
Sampling Sampling technique State your sampling method and describe how you will carry out your
technique sampling.
Sample Estimated sample size Estimate the sample size assuming that you will use a probability
size method of sampling
 Con.Methedology
Instruments are the tools by which the data are collected. For validated
questionnaires/interview schedules, reference to published work should be
Study given and the instrument appended to the proposal. For new a questionnaire
instrument which is being designed specifically for your study the details about preparing,
precoding and pretesting of questionnaire should be furnished and the
document appended to the proposal.
Data Provide details about your intended pilot study and your plans for data
collection collection

1. Using available information (records)

Most
2. Observation (checklist)
important
techniques: 3. Self-administered questionnaire
4. Interviewing (individual/group)
5. Measuring (all lab tests and other investigations)
 Con.Methedology
A short description of the protocol of data collection. For example, in a
study on blood pressure measurement: time of participant arrival, rest for 5
to 10 minutes, which apparatus (standard calibrated) to be used, in which
Example of room to take measurement, measurement sitting or lying down in position,
data collection how many measurements, measurement in which arm first (whether this is
going to be randomized), details of cuff and its placement, who will take the
measurement. This minimizes the possibility of confusion, delays and
errors.

Provide details about your data analysis plan, including the descriptive and
inferential statistical methods you will use. The description should include
Data
the design of the analysis form, plans for processing and coding the data
analysis and the choice of the statistical method to be applied to each data. Please
note that stating you will use SPSS to analyze your data is insufficient
 Ethical considerations and permissions
All research protocols in the biomedical field, particularly if it involves human subjects, must include a section
addressing ethical considerations. This includes two components:

1. The first is a written approval of the appropriate ethics review committee, together with a written form
for informed consent, where appropriate.
2. 2- The second is a special section, preferably in the format of a checklist, to address all possible ethical
concerns. Simply getting the ethical approval is not enough.

Follow the guidelines set by the Ethics Review Committee . use the templates provided by the college when
developing the informed consent forms
The Informed consent form (informed decision-making): A consent form, where appropriate, must be
developed and attached to the proposal. It should be written in the prospective subjects’ mother tongue and
in simple language which can be easily understood by the subject. The use of medical terminology should be
avoided as far as possible.
Special care is needed when subjects are illiterate. It should explain why the study is being done and why the
subject has been asked to participate. It should describe, in sequence, what will happen in the course of the
study, giving enough detail for the subject to gain a clear idea of what to expect.
 Timeframe of the study
Use Gantt chart
Explain what you will do and how long it will take?
Try to use the Gantt chart.
A Gantt chart is an overview of tasks/proposed
activities and a time frame for the same. You put
weeks, days or months at one side, and the tasks at
the other. You draw fat lines to indicate the period
the task will be performed to give a timeline for
your research study.
 Conclusion A summary of the key points of the proposal
Indicate how your research will refine, revise or extend existing
Significance of knowledge in the area under investigation. How will it benefit the
concerned stakeholders? What could be the larger implications of
the study your research study?
The proposal should end with relevant references on the subject.
All sources should be referred in the proposal. Is it done manually
References or you will use a software
Include the appropriate appendixes in the proposal. For example:
Interview protocols, sample of informed consent forms, cover
letters sent to appropriate stakeholders, official letters for
permission to conduct research. Regarding original scales or
Appendixes questionnaires, if the instrument is copyrighted then permission in
writing to reproduce the instrument from the copyright holder or
proof of purchase of the instrument must be submitted.
 Limitations and delimitations

What potential limitations do you forsee?

What are the potential bias?
Limitations Example : small sample size
Limited acsess to record

Delimitations are the characteristics that limit

the scope and describe the boundaries of the
study, such as the sample size, geographical
Delimitations location or setting in which the study takes
place, population traits
Examples: Schools of a certain region only
Children of certain age and below only