Abla How to Prepare a Proposal

How to Prepare a Research Proposal

By Abla G. Khalifa

Professor Child HealthNational Research Center

The research processThe two basic questions are:

1. What to investigate? Why?

2. How to investigate it? Why?

Research DesignHow will the

research achieve its stated objectives?

BenefitWhat will the

research contribute to existing knowledge?

The IssueWhat problem does

the research address?

Essential IngredientsEssential Ingredients

OUTLINE1.1. What? The Research IdeaWhat? The Research Idea2.2. Where? The Research SponsorWhere? The Research Sponsor3.3. Proposal ElementsProposal Elements4.4. Your Secret WeaponYour Secret Weapon5.5. DO’s and DON’T’s (mostly DON’T’s…)DO’s and DON’T’s (mostly DON’T’s…)6.6. Speaking of Budget…Speaking of Budget…7.7. Reviewing ProposalsReviewing Proposals

TWO MAIN TYPES OF FUNDED RESEARCH

1. Research you really want to do: Find sponsor!Find sponsor!

2.2. Topics some Topics some sponsorsponsor wants to see done wants to see done: : Respond to RFPRespond to RFP

Several dimensions for classifying research proposals:

1. Content: Basic vs. applied2. Time Frame: Short-term vs. long-term3. Scope: Program vs. project4. Teaming: Single PI vs. multiple investigators5. Selection: Competitive vs. sole source6. Client: Scientific vs. “mission agency”7. Other: Exploratory, Seed, Renewal…..

All of the above affect emphasis of the proposal, and what it needs to convey.

Idea

Research question(s)

Conceptual model & hypotheses

Data needs

Data collection

Methodologies

Theory should

inform all stages.

Basic outline of a research protocol

Title of the research project Project Summary Statement of the problem (scientific justification) Justification and use of the results (final objectives, applicability) Theoretical framework (argumentation, possible answers, hypothesis) Research objectives (general and specific)

Basic outline of a research protocol

Methodology : Type of study and general design Universe of study, sample selection and size,

unit of analysis and observation. Selection and exclusion criteria Proposed intervention (If Applicable) Data collection procedures, instruments used,

and methods for data quality control Procedures to ensure ethical considerations in

research with human subjects

Basic outline of a research protocol

Plan for analysis of results Methods and models of data analysis according to types

of variables Programs to be used for data analysis

Bibliographic References Timetable Budget Annexes (Data collection instruments, elaboration on methods and procedures to be used, and more.)

Review of Available LiteratureIt prevents you from duplicating work that has been done before. find out what others have reported on the problem you want to study. become more familiar with the various research approaches that might be used in your study. provide you with convincing arguments for why your particular research project is needed.

Possible sources of informationPossible sources of information

Individuals, groups, and organizations.Published information (books, articles, indexes, abstract journals).Unpublished information (other research proposals in related fields, reports, records, computer data bases)

Where can we find these sources?

key person (researcher, decision maker or community member) who is knowledgeable on the topicspeakers speakers on your topic at conferences on your topic at conferences that may be useful to contact; that may be useful to contact; Libraries Libraries in universities, research in universities, research institutions, the Ministry of Health, institutions, the Ministry of Health, International Organizations (WHO,FAO..)International Organizations (WHO,FAO..)

Where can we find these sources?

bibliographies and reference lists in bibliographies and reference lists in keykey papers and books to identify relevant papers and books to identify relevant references; references; indexes (e.g. Index Medicus) and abstract journals ,which are available in libraries either as hard copies or in computerized form. Requesting a Requesting a computerized literature searchcomputerized literature search (e.g. Medline , Agricultural line etc….)(e.g. Medline , Agricultural line etc….)

References that are identified:

Should first be skimmed or read. Then summaries of the important information in each of the references should be recorded on separate index cards or as computer entries. Finally the literature should be included in your protocol.

Research ObjectivesObjectivesThe OBJECTIVES of a research project summaries

what is to be achieved by the study.The general objective of a study states what

researchers expect to achieve by the study in general terms.

Specific objectives should systematically address the various aspects of the problem as defined under ‘Statement of the Problem’ and the key factors that are assumed to influence or cause the problem. They should specify what you will do in your study, where and for what purpose.

HYPOTHESES Based on your experience with the study problem, it might be possible to develop explanations for the problem, which can then be tested. If so, you can formulate hypotheses in addition to the study objectives.A HYPOTHESIS is a prediction of a relationship between one or more factors and the problem under study that can be tested.

The hypothesesThe hypotheses““The principle intellectual instrument in The principle intellectual instrument in research”. It's a key in the scientific method. research”. It's a key in the scientific method. DefinitionDefinition: “A reasonable scientific proposal”. : “A reasonable scientific proposal”. “An educated guess”. “An educated guess”. The hypothesis posits the expected The hypothesis posits the expected relationship between some variables.relationship between some variables.Two requirements: Two requirements: – Must fit known factsMust fit known facts– Be testableBe testable

Facts vs. hypothesesThe hypothesis is based on known facts, but takes it a step further, often by combining facts and thereby creating (possible) links. Fact 1: Many farmers are credit constrained.Fact 2: Soil conservation often requires cash investments.Hypothesis: Credit constraints make farmers invest less in soil conservation.

Facts vs. hypothesesThe hypothesis is based on known facts, but takes it a step further, often by combining facts and thereby creating (possible) links. Fact 1: Many farmers are credit constrained.Fact 2: Soil conservation often requires cash investments.Hypothesis: Credit constraints make farmers invest less in soil conservation.

Do all theses need to have Do all theses need to have hypotheses?hypotheses?

NoNo, but most of them would be better if , but most of them would be better if the research is organized around them! the research is organized around them! What’s the difference between research What’s the difference between research question and hypotheses? question and hypotheses? – Might be smallMight be small– Hypotheses often more specific, and each Hypotheses often more specific, and each

research question will have several research question will have several hypotheses. hypotheses.

A suggestion A good approach and balance between

the three first components of the proposal: – one grand research idea,– a few (maximum 4) research questions,– some hypotheses, at least one, maximum

3-4, linked to each research question. But, there is a limit on the total number of hypotheses (probably not more than 6-8).

TITLE of the StudyWrite the title Write the title lastlastWhy?Why?Your Title is a mini-AbstractYour Title is a mini-Abstract

TITLE of the Study The title should be in line with your general

objective. Make sure that it is specific enough to tell the reader what your study is about and where it will be calculated. It is important to It is important to specify what population or universe will be specify what population or universe will be investigatedinvestigatedEx:Ex:: : Effects of the program for roomingEffects of the program for rooming--in at in at

home on breasthome on breast--feeding indicatorsfeeding indicators: : Experimental test with lowExperimental test with low--risk primiparous risk primiparous women attended at El-galaa Maternal women attended at El-galaa Maternal Hospital in CairoHospital in Cairo

Project Summary The abstract should give a clear idea to the reader of the central question that the research is intended to answer and its justification. It should specify the hypotheses (if applicable) and the research objectives. the abstract should briefly describe the methods and procedures laid out in the chapter on methodology.

Statement of the Problem

Magnitude, frequency, and distribution (affected geographical areas and populations. ethnic and gender Probable causes of the problem: What is the current knowledge of the problem and its causes? Is there consensus? Is there controversy? Is there conclusive evidence?

Statement of the Problem

Possible solutions: In what ways have solutions to the problem been attempted? What has been proposed? What are the results?

Unanswered questions: What remains to be answered? What areas have not been possible to understand, determine, verify, or test?

Justification and Use of the Results

How does the research relate to the priorities of the Region and the country?What knowledge and information will be obtained?What is the ultimate purpose that the knowledge obtained from the study will serve?How will the results be disseminated?How will the results be used, and who will be the beneficiaries?

Plan for Analysis of ResultsMethods and Models of Data Analysis according to Types of Variables

- how the variables will be measured (quantitative and/or qualitative) ,

- the analytical models and techniques (statistical, non-statistical, or analytical techniques for non-

numeric data, etc.) .- a preliminary scheme for tabulating the data

(especially for variables that are presented numerically).

Programs to Be Used for Data Analysis Briefly describe the software

packages that will be used and their anticipated application ( ex :SAS, SPSS ).

DO’s and DON’T’sDO’s and DON’T’s1.1. Be constructive (diplomatic) in reviewing others’ work; Be constructive (diplomatic) in reviewing others’ work;

don’t blast all previous work, don’t be dismissive and don’t blast all previous work, don’t be dismissive and definitely don’t single out anyone with scorn. definitely don’t single out anyone with scorn. Chances Chances are they are reviewing your proposal.are they are reviewing your proposal.

BAD: BAD: All previous studies are worthless because they failed to recognize the All previous studies are worthless because they failed to recognize the effect of X on Y. Chen and Smith (1998) tried but their approach was effect of X on Y. Chen and Smith (1998) tried but their approach was simply wrong. Ours is the first study to address this question correctly.simply wrong. Ours is the first study to address this question correctly.

BETTER: BETTER: Previous studies have made important contributions to this Previous studies have made important contributions to this challenging problem, however none of the published studies appear to challenging problem, however none of the published studies appear to have completely accounted for the effect of X on Y. A pioneering effort in have completely accounted for the effect of X on Y. A pioneering effort in this direction is described by Chen and Smith (1998), highlighting the this direction is described by Chen and Smith (1998), highlighting the need for additional investigation of the system properties when the full set need for additional investigation of the system properties when the full set of interacting factors are incorporated in the model. of interacting factors are incorporated in the model.

DO’s and DON’T’s (ctd.)DO’s and DON’T’s (ctd.)2.2. Avoid vacuous generalities (and clichés). Use specific Avoid vacuous generalities (and clichés). Use specific

language to the extent possible. Ask yourself: Is any language to the extent possible. Ask yourself: Is any meaning lost if this sentence/paragraph is removed? meaning lost if this sentence/paragraph is removed? Read critically, play devil’s advocate.Read critically, play devil’s advocate.

BAD: BAD: Transportation is a very important need for human society, and traffic Transportation is a very important need for human society, and traffic congestion is very big problem everywhere, especially in recent times.congestion is very big problem everywhere, especially in recent times.

BETTER: BETTER: Transportation expenditures account for over 5% of domestic GDP, Transportation expenditures account for over 5% of domestic GDP, according to an estimate prepared by the General Accounting Office according to an estimate prepared by the General Accounting Office (1997). Delays associated with peak-period traffic congestion in the (1997). Delays associated with peak-period traffic congestion in the Houston area account for….Houston area account for….

DO’s and DON’T’s (ctd.)DO’s and DON’T’s (ctd.)3.3. Do not assume that your reader/reviewer knows the problem you Do not assume that your reader/reviewer knows the problem you

are addressing as well as you do, or that they are equally familiar are addressing as well as you do, or that they are equally familiar with your perspective or methodology. Do not take a shared view with your perspective or methodology. Do not take a shared view of the problem and its challenges for granted.of the problem and its challenges for granted.

4.4. Try not to be flippant or arrogant…DO NOT use language like: Try not to be flippant or arrogant…DO NOT use language like: ““It is well knownIt is well known…”, “…”, “it is obviousit is obvious”… or “”… or “it is trivial to showit is trivial to show…”. …”. It is like telling the reviewer “Anyone with half a brain could tell It is like telling the reviewer “Anyone with half a brain could tell you that…” If it is that obvious then you may not need to dwell on you that…” If it is that obvious then you may not need to dwell on it, and if it is not (more likely), then just state and explain.it, and if it is not (more likely), then just state and explain.

BETTER: “BETTER: “It is generally accepted in the literatureIt is generally accepted in the literature…”…”““Most standard textbooks (e.g. Topak and Srinivasan, 1975) Most standard textbooks (e.g. Topak and Srinivasan, 1975) include a proof of…”include a proof of…”

Typical mistakes:Too much on:– background– other studies– (theories)

Too little on what the project is about: – research questions– Methodologies. If not sure: write something and be

specific: not: “I will use a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods”

Weak on:– Research questions and hypotheses not specific

enough– Covers too much – “can she really do this?”

THANK YOU