PRACTICE
The latest step-by-step practical guide...
HOW TO...
W
riting a research
proposal may be the
most challenging
part of the research
process – the document must
systematically recommend how
your study will be conducted
(Hollins-Martin and Flemming,
2010). It is the key to gaining ethical
approval, grant application success
and academic qualification.
Yet the question is often asked:
‘What will a research proposal
contain and what should it look like?’
First of all, it is important that you
are passionate about the research
topic, have a vested interest in it, and
that it will add to the profession’s
body of scientific knowledge.
Discuss your idea with an
experienced researcher too, prior
to starting your proposal.
The proposals must be succinctly
written and clearly chronicle facts,
it must craft a convincing line of
reasoning and an argument for study
approval (Marshall, 2012).
Ask the questions:
1. What is the research about?
2. Why is it important?
3. What is the process that will be
taken to accomplish project goals
and objectives?
4. What will the project cost?
5. Who is the best person to conduct
this study? (Marshall, 2012).
32
Write a
research
proposal
Simple steps to follow:
1
Read the criteria
for your proposal
If a format for writing is
given, use it. Check grammar, word
count and remember format and
brevity are important (12-point font,
legible and with a generous margin
will make the proposal easier to
read and comment on) to keep the
reviewer more engaged. Find a peer
or colleague to proofread the proposal
before submission, they may find a
flaw that you have overlooked. Submit
on time, or the work may be declined.
2
Underpin the
study with a
research question
This enables you to choose the title
and design for your project and
identify the appropriate methodology
to answer the question of interest.
While the idea of the subject may be
in your mind, the question must be
Valerie Finigan
covers all aspects
of what a research
proposal needs to
include and where to
begin when writing it.
focused and manageable to enable you
a purposeful and planned approach.
The title you choose for the
study should be used consistently
throughout all regulatory documents
(ethical approval consideration,
proposal and any grant applications).
The title needs to draw the attention
of the reviewer, so make it succinct
and exciting.
3
The abstract
4
Introduction section
A brief description of your
research proposal, the
abstract should be a summary of the
entire project. It includes a statement
of the purpose of your research and
a brief description of its study design
and methodology.
Within the introduction
you should include some
background information about your
topic that is appropriate and to the
point. Here you convey the main
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8
Provide a
timeline
Finish with a request for
ethical approval to allow
you to conduct the research. Ethical
approval has the remit of protecting the
dignity and rights of participants and
of facilitating ethically sound research
(Manning, 2004). It is important that
you conduct the study in accordance
with the organisation’s local research
policies and governance procedures.
Don’t forget to thank the committee
and academic teams for their time
and consideration.
Dr Valerie Finigan, midwife, Pennine Acute
NHS Hospital Trust
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Identif
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SIMPLE STEPS
TO WRITING
A RESEARCH
PROPOSAL
na
lys
et
he
ose the method
Produce a
flowchart that gives an
overview of the entire
project and demonstrates
how different parts of
the study interconnect to
produce the end results
– a unique contribution
to the evidence base.
This will determine if the
study can be completed
9
A
Methods refer to the
‘techniques or procedures
used to gather and analyse data related
to the research question or hypotheses’
(Jonker and Pennink, 2010; HesseBiber and Leavy, 2008). Methodology
outlines the sample, setting,
procedures, materials, data collection
and description, human subjects,
institutional review and consent
forms. In essence, the methodology
is the blueprint of the study, where
each aspect of the research design is
described in sequence.
The chosen methodology must
be the best formula to answer the
research question and must be
coherent with the researcher’s
theoretical perspective (Dykes, 2004).
Research methodology can be selected
from two areas, either quantitative
(deductive) or qualitative (inductive).
Both approaches are appropriate
within maternity care, as both have
strengths and weaknesses; they can
be used simultaneously in a study
with both methods being conducted
Conclude the proposal
ar
ch
6
The methodology
Conduct an extended and
comprehensive literature review
to provide a rationale for the study.
Assess primary and secondary
sources of literature and include
‘grey’ literature where appropriate.
The work of other researchers can
underpin your proposal, identifying
the current limitations of knowledge
and demonstrating the benefits your
study can offer. No topic is entirely
new, it may be your approach or the
angle that makes your study unique.
The review should be timely, relevant,
directly relate to the study and:
Help you to find out what is already
known about the subject area
See what methodology and
methods other researchers have used
to answer similar questions
Help you to refine
your research question,
choosing an appropriate
research strategy
Enable you to develop a
theoretical framework to
underpin your research.
se
The goal is the broad
statement describing what it is hoped
will be accomplished as a result of the
research. The objective is the more
specific statements that describe
the detailed outcomes of the study,
which can be measured qualitatively,
quantitatively, or by both methods.
7
Positioning
the research
in the allotted time for your academic
institution or funding body. If you
meet challenges on the way, don’t be
afraid; make them clear, refashion the
plan, identify alternative approaches
that enable you to achieve your goals.
Remember, research is a journey; a time
in which the researcher and researched
learn from each other.
Re
vie
5
Outline the goal
and objectives
in the same rigorous, systematic and
transparent manner (Dykes, 2004).
are the findings
Prep
idea of your research and why the
systematic inquiry is important.
Define the significance of the study
to the population it has relevance
for; such as midwifery, health care,
policy-makers, and commissioners.
data
t
ut
yo
Carr
he
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