Posted: April 15th, 2015

Research Proposal

HEADINGS FOR YOUR RESEARCH PROPOSAL

I. Abstract (10 points)
A brief synopsis of the proposed research stating concisely the study objectives
and methods to be used. Approximate length 200-300 words. To be placed on
the first page directly behind the cover page.

II. The Research Objective (30 points)
Introduction–Statement of the Problem: The problem that the intended research
will address is included here and stated in such a way that its importance is apparent to the reader. Make sure the problem is not too broad or complex that it cannot be explored in this paper.

Definitions: Clear, concise statements describing key terms. Define the context of the study and the dependent and independent variables. Definitions describe parameters.

Delimitations: Describe any special limits or requirements for the study or the participants.

Theoretical Rationale: Research should be based in a theoretical framework (a nursing framework is preferable). Make the case for using the chosen theory as it applies to the problem or question.

Problem Statement/Research Question: Problem statements express the dilemma or troubling situation that needs investigation and that provides a rationale for a new inquiry. A problem statement identifies the nature of the problem that is being addressed and its context and significance. A problem statement is not merely a statement of the purpose of the study. It is a well-structured formulation of what it is that is problematic, what it is that “needs fixing,” or what it is that is poorly understood. Problem statements, especially for quantitative studies often have most of the following six components:

1. Problem identification: What is wrong with the current situation?
2. Background: what is the context of the problem that readers need to understand?
3. Scope of the problem: How big a problem is it; how many people are affected?
4. Consequences of the problem: What is the cost of not fixing the problem?
5. Knowledge gaps: What information about the problem is lacking?
6. Proposed solution: What is the basis for believing that the proposed study would contribute to the solution of the problem?

Research questions (sometimes called the problem statement) present the idea to be examined in the study and is the foundation of the research study. The hypothesis (specific to quantitative research) attempts to answer the research question. The hypothesis specifies the independent and dependent variables and the anticipated relationship between them. Hypotheses can be directional or non-directional. Try to avoid null hypotheses.

Need for the Study–Significance of the Problem: The proposal needs to describe clearly how the proposed research will make a contribution to knowledge. The proposal should include the expected generalizability of the research, its contribution to theory, its potential for improving nursing practice and patient care, and possible applications of the knowledge to be gained.

III. Review of Related Literature (20 points)
How does the intended research build on what has already been done in an area? Synthesis of the literature should strengthen the author’s arguments concerning the significance of the study, orient the reader to what is already know about the problem, and indicate how the proposed research will augment that knowledge. Look for literature that supports the stated problem and each of the variables to be investigated. Using original source research from peer-reviewed nursing journals is essential.

IV. Method (10 points)
The explanation of research method should address the research objectives. There should be a description of the research design, the study population and frame, sample description, instruments used, specific procedures and analytic strategies should be discussed along with rationale for the methods, methodological problems, and strategies to handle such problems.

V. Work Plan (10 points)
Discussion centers on the management of the flow of work on the research
project. The sequence of tasks to be performed, anticipated length of time required for their completion, and personnel required for their accomplishment. How will data be collected? What instruments will be used (validity and reliability, scoring). This plan indicates how realistic the researcher has been in designing the study. How will the data be analyzed? The key personnel and their qualifications should be described here as well as documenting the extent to which special facilities are required by the project. Access to libraries, data processing equipment, instrumentation, computers, etc. should be described to reassure advisors/sponsors that the project will be able to proceed as planned. Indicate any institutional allocation of space, equipment or services. Permission to conduct the study, use the facilities, tap into the population, use the instruments, etc. must be included in the Appendix.

VI. Budget (10 points)
Project activities are translated into monetary terms. This is a statement of how
much money will be required to accomplish various tasks for the project.

VII. Use of APA formatting (10%) A word about style—APA (6th edition) format must be used. Your paper will not be accepted unless it is in that format. If you have questions about APA formatting, please meet with me before mid-semester. Bibliography and Appendices are included in this evaluation.

FINDING INFORMATION FOR YOUR PROPOSAL

YOU WILL NEED TO gather background documentation in three areas:
• Concept,
• Program
• Expenses.

The concept is the main idea driving your proposal. It must be well articulated to reinforce the direction of the proposal. You will need background data that will provide a well documented, compelling argument that presents a convincing case for your proposal.

The program includes: a discussion of what your proposal is about; what your plan for accomplishing it is; how you plan to accomplish it; how long will it take to accomplish (your time table); what you hope to find; how will you evaluate your results.

The expenses are outlined in broad terms in your budget. The budget includes information regarding staff/volunteers, supplies, space, etc.– what will you need to complete your research? You must account for every aspect of the cost of completing your research. Is the research you propose cost effective?

You must have at least 7 original sources. Only peer-reviewed articles from peer-reviewed journals are acceptable. Use of meta-analysis articles, internet resources, or Wikipedia is not appropriate for this research proposal. Articles should be current; not more that 5 years old unless the article is the only one of its kind, is an original resource, or is pertinent to the proposal. All references and resources must be included in the bibliography including organizations, dictionaries, or interviews with experts. Certainly, you can download peer-reviewed journal articles via the library/internet, but treat a bibliographic reference as if you acquired the article directly from the original journal. It is not necessary to include the date and accession number from the internet for this paper. If you have questions, it is best to ask for assistance. You will need to print copies of the Reference Page. You will need one page for every reference you use. This is part of the preparation work that you will be sharing with your work group and me.

WRITING TIPS

• Do not use person pronouns such as “I”, “me”, or “we”.
• Double-space the entire paper. Do not double-double space when beginning a new heading.
• Use 1” margins top, bottom, left and right.
• Use Times or Times New Roman font, size 12.
• The text of the paper should be 9-10 pages in length excluding the cover page, abstract, bibliography and appendices. Text exceeding 10 pages will not be read or included in grading.
• An example of formatting a paper can be found in the OWL at Purdue.
• Work at synthesis of information using your own words.
• Documentation is essential throughout the paper.
• Avoid using too many or lengthy quotes.
• Be sure to include all required headings and place the appropriate information under each heading.

THE PAPER SHOULD BE ABOUT FALLS OF THE PATIENTS IN THE HOSPITALS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF HOURLY ROUNDINGS ON THE PATIENTS. YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR OWN POPULATION TO WRITE ABOUT (I THINK THAT ONCOLOGY PATIENTS ARE THE BEST TO USE). THE RESEARCHE SHOULD BE QUALITATIVE. PLEASE REVIEW THE WORKSHEET BELOW, THAT’S WHAT THE PROFESSOR APPROVED.