Task:
Produce a research proposal document to answer the research question you developed in conjunction with your tutor.
Scope:
This assessment task requires you to develop a clear and focused research proposal to demonstrate your understanding of existing quantitative research evidence, research methodology and methods, critical thinking skills and communication skills.
Readings:
Read all relevant sections of the suggested text books and consult the additional content uploaded to FLO.
Structure:
Title:
Must adequately describe the purpose of the study and include the chosen research methodology.
Background / Literature Review (~500 words): This section must include an introduction to the research topic that explains to the reader why it is significant. It should demonstrate your understanding of the field of research and identify a ‘gap’ that your project aims to fill.
Research objectives (200 words):
• Problem statement: Outline the problem that is addressed by the study.
• Research Question: Present and define the question using PICO(T) (population, intervention, comparison/control, outcome, Time/type)
• Purpose / aim of study: succinctly describe why the study is being conducted – what is the goal? This is the “so what” of the research. Why does it matter?
• Hypothesis- Provide a hypothesis or null hypothesis and make a prediction, what do you expect to find?
Research Methodology (600 wds):
• Design: Present the research methodology, and outline the strategy in a coherent and logical way, to effectively address the research problem and hypothesis
• Setting / Sample: Outline the physical, social or cultural site in which the study will be conducted, and who the participants of the study will be
• Recruitment Strategy: How will participants be recruited for the study?
• Data collection methods/materials: How will data be collected? What materials will be used? I.e., consider use of appropriate standardised questionnaires.
• Procedures: What steps or actions will be taken to complete the investigation, and how will you reduce/eliminate bias.
Data and Analysis (300 words):
Describe the data that will be collected and how it will be analysed (consider appropriate statistical analysis). Include description of potential bias and how this will be reduced or eliminated. This should be described in the context of the research methodology chosen to investigate this problem.
Ethical considerations (300 words):
What are the major ethical considerations for your research project? How will you address them?
Expected Outcomes (100 words):
What do you anticipate you will find from this project, based on all that you have read about the topic, at the time of writing, and how do you think it will apply to practice
References: A reference list should be provided in the APA (7th) style
Learning Outcomes:
LO1: Demonstrate knowledge of and application of observational/descriptive research design through conduct of a health related survey
LO2: Assess the ethical rigour of a research proposal
