How to write research proposal

DR AIDA JAFFARLECTURER

FAM MED DEPARTMENT

Outline

• To understand importance of research proposal

• To understand the content of research proposal

• To know how to present research proposal http://researchstudies.co.nz/researchers/articles/how-to-present-a-research-proposal/

Importance of proposal

1. To demonstrate that you are capable of independent critical thinking and analysis

2. To show that you are capable of communicating your ideas clearly.

http://www.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityofexeter/

Research proposal: content

• Title• Introduction• Objectives• Literature review• Methodology• Gannt chart• Budget

http://thesishelpdesk.com/

What is the topic?

• Clinical issues• Research gap• Suggestion from – previous studies– readings

http://thesishelpdesk.com/

Title

• Does your title briefly and precisely indicate the focus of the research?– Clue to the readers– Important key words– Precise and simple describing the thesis

Introduction

1. Introduce the area of research2. Review key publications3. Any gap in the knowledge4. Hypothesis5. Clinical importance and its benefits6. Justification7. Aims and objectives

http://www.ed.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.58205!/fileManager/HowToWriteProposal.pdf

Literature review- function

1. To avoid "reinventing the wheel". 2. Gives credits to previous researcher. 3. Demonstrates your knowledge of the research problem. 4. Demonstrates your understanding of the theoretical and

research issues related to your research question. 5. To be able to critically evaluate relevant literature and to

integrate and synthesize the existing literature.6. Provides new theoretical insights or develops a new model

as the conceptual framework for your research.

Paul T. P. Wong, Ph.D., C.Psych. How to Write a Research Proposal

Literature review-problems

• Lacking organization and structure • Lacking focus, unity and coherence • Being repetitive and verbose• Failing to cite influential papers • Failing to keep up with recent developments • Failing to critically evaluate cited papers • Citing irrelevant or trivial references • Depending too much on secondary sources

Paul T. P. Wong, Ph.D., C.Psych. How to Write a Research Proposal

Good vs Poor Lit Review

• A ‘good’ literature review…..

1. …is a synthesis of available research

2. …is a critical evaluation3. ….. has appropriate

breadth and depth4. ….. has clarity and

conciseness5. ….. uses rigorous and

consistent methods

• A ‘poor’ literature review is…..

1. …..an annotated bibliography

2. ….. confined to description

3. ….. narrow and shallow4. ….. confusing and

longwinded5. ….. constructed in an

arbitrary wayhttp://www.ais.up.ac.za/med/tnm800/tnmwritingliteraturereviewlie.htm

Objectives

• General objective: main objective• Specific objectives.

Start with: To determine, to identify, to explore and etc.

Please refer to Academic phrasebank..http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/

Methodology

• Study design• Research setting• Sampling: sampling frame, sampling method, inclusion

and exclusion criteria, sample size calculation• Study tools or instruments: questionnaires,

instruments (calibrated and validated)• Study flow• Statistical analysis• Ethical consideration

www.bluefinsolutions.com

Hilary Glasman-Deal: science research writing for non-native speakers of English

15

Gantt Chart June 2013 -

January 2014

February 2014

March 2014 - June 2014

June 2015 -November 2015

September 2015 -November 2015

December 2015 - March 2016

April 2016

May 2016

Preparation of thesis proposal

Presentation of thesis proposal

Preparation & Submission of thesis application to ethics committee

Data collection

Data analysis

Report writing

Submission of thesis

Presentation of thesis

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Estimated CostITEMS ESTIMATED COST

Stationery (Paper, Pen, Pencil) RM 100

Photocopy RM 300

Pendrive RM 40

Journal printing RM 100

CISS Questionnaire in English & Malay RM 500

TOTAL RM 1040

Common mistakes• Failure to provide the proper context to frame the research question. • Failure to delimit the boundary conditions for your research. • Failure to accurately present the theoretical and empirical contributions by

other researchers.• Failure to stay focused on the research question. • Failure to develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed

research. • Too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues. • Too much rambling -- going "all over the map" without a clear sense of direction.

(The best proposals move forward with ease and grace like a seamless river.) • Too many citation lapses and incorrect references. • Too long or too short. • Failing to follow the APA style. • Slopping writing.

Paul T. P. Wong, Ph.D., C.Psych. How to Write a Research Proposal

www.postgrad.com

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING….

•Be systematic•Be organize•Be calm•Be on schedule

Data collection and analysis

Avoid cheating!

Must understand the analysis and their meaning.

Save the data!

Meeting with supervisor

Challenges…

Mentally fitFocusPreparation

NO PLAGIARISM!

www.pyrczak.com

ALL THE BEST