Develop a research plan based on the formulated research question to identify the knowledge gaps

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Learning Objectives Assessed: 1-7

1 Analyse the contribution of qualitative and quantitative research designs to inform clinical practice
2 Effectively use data management skills to clean, organise both qualitative and quantitative data in relation to an identified clinical issue
3 Critique qualitative and quantitative research exemplars to identify and control for risks to research rigour
4 Understand the considerations in designing a data analysis plan and apply a data analysis plan to quantitative and qualitative data sets
5 Demonstrate skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis using manual and software supported techniques
6 Interpret the outcomes of qualitative and quantitative data analysis
7 Synthesise the findings and appraise the strengths and limitations of the qualitative and quantitative research exemplars to inform clinical practice

Task Description:

The student will develop a research question based upon an identified gap in knowledge in their chosen field. They will then develop a research plan to address this identified gap. The research project may be purely hypothetical or the beginning of a genuine project you would like to undertake in your workplace. This assessment may be based upon the literature review from 7305.

Aim:

The aim of this research proposal is for students to conceptualize a research hypothesis based upon their review of the literature and identify an appropriate methodology to address their hypothesis. From this the student will develop a simple analysis plan identifying the correct software and statistical tests to apply to the potential data or if qualitative in nature the most appropriate research tradition and method of data generation. Students will also be asked to nominate potential research funding sources and their chosen method of dissemination of their results.

Assessment details and format:

The body of the research proposal will follow the following subtitles:

Title: Your research question

Abstract: Includes a summary of relevant background information/literature that informs your question and briefly, what you plan to study and how you plan to achieve your results.

Methodology: What research design is appropriate to answer your research question eg RCT, mixed methods, cohort design etc? How will you source participants? Calculate or justify how many participants you will need to demonstrate strength in your results. How will you collect data from these participants eg interview, blood test, survey, observation, focus group etc?

Ethics: What ethical considerations does your project have? Which ethics committee would you need to apply to in order to undertake your project?

Analysis Plan: What software will you use to analyse your data and why is this appropriate? What statistical tests would you apply to the data if the distribution was parametric or non-parametric? What type of graphical output would be appropriate for your data? If qualitative then which method of analysis will you use? Provide detail on your probable approach.

Budget: Provide an estimated budget including necessary equipment, nursing hours required for data collection and analysis etc. Identify likely sources of funding for your project. Who would you apply to for funding for your project? Please use a table to detail your estimated costs.
Dissemination of results: At what workshop or conference would you hope to present your project? Which journal would you submit your results to? Who is the journal’s primary audience? Are similar projects published in this journal? What is the impact factor of your chosen journal?

You will need to consider the following in your research proposal

Your research question is reasonable in terms of your work environment and current knowledge base
Your research question is informed by the existing (or lack thereof) literature on the subject and your background demonstrates a succinct analysis of the subject
Demonstrated understanding of research methodologies by selection of the most appropriate design for your project
Consideration of any ethical implications of your project
Demonstrated understanding of the appropriate software and statistical tests to apply to your potential data
A well-considered budget including the costs of all foreseeable expenses in your project. Include 25% on costsfor all labour (this covers all leave loadings). Include any costs associated with the dissemination of your results including conference registration, travel and accommodation (estimates are ok!) In kind costs such as electricity, computers and incidental printing are typically covered by an employer. Postage costs for 10+ surveys would not be covered in kind so the stationary and postage would need to be budgeted.

Word count: 2500

Resources:

Additional details:

Font:Calibri 12, Times New Roman 10 or Arial 10
Referencing:APA or Vancouver referencing format is to be used