PREPARING A
RESEARCH PLAN
- 2011 MBBS HONOURS PROGRAM
(WORKSHOP 3B)
Jenny Zhang
Research Fellow
School of Medicine
The University of Queensland
INTRODUCTION
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The research plan forms the basis of the research project
and the subsequent work leading up to the preparation of the
thesis.
Purpose of writing a research plan is to
- aid the researcher in his or her thought process
- ensure research questions or hypotheses are relevant
- the literature review is representative of existing studies
- the research design is appropriate for addressing questions
- (A well-written research plan) guide investigators through
the research process (Figure 1)
- lead to an easier final report after the research has been
completed.
OUTLINE OF RESEARCH PLAN
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The title
Statement of research problem
Purpose of the study
The research questions or hypotheses
Literature review (gap and rationale)
The methodologies that will be used to investigate the
questions or hypotheses
Expected outcomes
Ethical consideration
Timeline for the total project and thesis writing,
including dates when key objectives should be met
THE TITLE
Be concise
 Contain the key words of your topic
 Give the reader an idea of the sample and
variables involved in the study
 Change the title at any time and confirmed at
your final stage of the study.
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Example: Socioeconomic position and utilisation of
preventive health services among adult in
general population
RESEARCH PROBLEM, STUDY PURPOSE
Identifying a research problem
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Specifying a problemo
Justifying it
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Suggesting the importance of the study
Write up a “Statement of the problem” (Figure 2).
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Purpose of the Study
Identifying research aim (the purpose of
statement -overall direction or focus of the
study) and objectives (specific goals that
researchers plan to achieve)
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
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Seek to inform the reader about an issue (has not been
studied and add to the existing literature)
Often are used in descriptive studies
One or more, but no more than 3 or 4
Examples:
Is any relationship between socioeconomic position and the
preventive health services utilization ?
What factors influence on the relationship between SEP and
the use of the health services?
HYPOTHESES
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A statement of the expected relationship between the
variables under study.
Generally used if the research is more experimental or
explanatory than descriptive in nature.
One or more, but no more than 3 or 4
Examples:
There is correlation between GPA and academic
performance (a correlation study)
Average iron status will be different for children whose
family cooks in iron pots compared to children whose family
cooks in aluminum pots (an experimental study)
LITERATURE REVIEW
A review of the literature is essential in justifying
and supporting the design of an effective research
study.
From the LR, Researchers learn/help
o What studies have already done
o How and why studies were conducted
o Refine or redefine research questions
o Provide a rationale for the proposed study
METHODOLOGY
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Study Design
Primary data and secondary data
Quantitative and qualitative method
Cohort study, Case-control study, Cross-sectional study
Data Collection
Identifying and selecting individuals for a study and study
sites
Choosing a sampling method
Data collection method
- Choosing a type of surveys
Interviews, self-administered questionnaires
Selecting measurement instruments
Data entry and data management
Data Analysis
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
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A statement in the research plan of what the researchers is
intended to achieve in the study
Written statements of specific, measurable, realistic
statements of goal attainment
Examples:
“The study will develop valid and reliable scales to measure the
factors on the relationship between SEP and the use of health
services.”
“This research will provide, in the Australian context, evidence
that will underpin better selection and educational practices in
Australian medical schools, leading ultimately to a better
prepared and more professionally behaved medical workforce.”
RESEARCH TIMELINE
Year/m
Activities
2011
4
5
6
7
8
9
2012
10
11
12
1
2
3
4
5
Key dates
6
7
8
Assessment
Oral Presentation
27-29/04
Literature review
29/06/2011
Thesis submission
20/07/2012
Research Process
Research questions
Study design
Literature review
Ethics application
Data collection
Data analysis
Thesis writing
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Write a research plan before your research
commences, as a guide
 Prepare your oral presentation based on your
research plan –make easier
 Read the relevant information- the list of
references
 Good Luck!
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