Evaluate the strength of your proposal, anticipating problems that might arise and how you would address these. Do you envisage any limitations to the research?

Abstract

A concise statement of your intended research of no more than 100 words. This is a synopsis of your proposal.

Background

• The context of the proposed project including policy drivers if appropriate
• The rationale for the proposed research.
• Describe your lit review methods- keywords used, databases etc. Interpret the body of evidence –what do we know? What don’t we know? From the literature can we hypothesise an idea? It can be useful to do a literature summary table and put it in as an appendix. Identify the gap and how your proposed research will fill it
• Demonstrate your familiarity with the relevant field

 

Research question/hypothesis (if appropriate), Primary outcome (aim) and secondary outcomes (objectives) of the project

 

Methodology

 

Design

Outline the approach you will use to answer your question (Qualitative, quantitative, ethnographic, critical theory etc.) explaining the reasons for your choices.

 

Sample

Explain your sampling strategies (who what how) and discuss whether ethical approval is required.

 

Methods / Procedures

What are your outcome measures? Exactly how are you going to carry out the method of enquiry? What procedures will you undertake to collect your data? Who will undertake them? Include where / what / who. If the intervention is very complex and uses up too many words you may need to write a protocol with the finer detail and attach it as an appendix. If you are undertaking measures then include a section on outcome/process measures – again who what where? Show that they were conducted in a reliable/valid way.

 

Data analysis

How and who will analyse the data? You need to be specific about what you are going to do with the data. How will it be presented in the report?

 

Discussion

Evaluate the strength of your proposal, anticipating problems that might arise and how you would address these. Do you envisage any limitations to the research? Could something go wrong in the practical application and how will you negate these issues? Will you be able to sufficiently recruit? What do you envisage will be the impact of your findings on your practice? Can these findings be transferable to a wider population. Will there still be research gaps? What would be the next step? The proposal should demonstrate the originality of your intended research. You should therefore explain why your research is important (for example, by explaining how your research builds on and adds to the current state of knowledge in the field or by setting out reasons why it is timely to research your proposed topic). Discuss the impact of your project

References

 

Appendices:

Timescale

Costs

Evidence table