10 research prop

8/7/2019 10 Research Prop

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Writing a ResearchWriting a Research

ProposalProposalDr Heidi ProbstDr Heidi Probst


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Aims of this presentationAims of this presentation

What is a research proposal?What is a research proposal?

Why do you write research proposals?Why do you write research proposals?

Who are the likely audiences for your researchWho are the likely audiences for your research

proposals?proposals? How will different audiences influence theHow will different audiences influence the

presentation of the proposal?presentation of the proposal?

What features make a good and bad researchWhat features make a good and bad research

proposal?proposal? How can you optimise the impact of yourHow can you optimise the impact of your

proposal?proposal?


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By the end of this presentationBy the end of this presentation

you will...you will... Have an understanding of the format of aHave an understanding of the format of a

research proposalresearch proposal

Be aware of the attributes that make a goodBe aware of the attributes that make a goodquality research proposalquality research proposal

Be aware of the different requirements forBe aware of the different requirements fordifferent audiences of research proposalsdifferent audiences of research proposals

Have considered the factors that will increaseHave considered the factors that will increasethe quality of your own final proposal and itsthe quality of your own final proposal and itsability to gain favourable approval at variousability to gain favourable approval at variouscommittees who will need to look at andcommittees who will need to look at and

approve your proposal.approve your proposal.


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Guidance NotesGuidance Notes Audit is a project which seeks to measureAudit is a project which seeks to measure

existing practice against evidence basedexisting practice against evidence basedstandards.standards.

A Project is service evaluation if it seeks toA Project is service evaluation if it seeks toestablish existing practice or the views of usersestablish existing practice or the views of usersand staff, where the findings may not beand staff, where the findings may not be

universally applicable.universally applicable. A project is research if it seeks to establishA project is research if it seeks to establish

new knowledge and its findings may benew knowledge and its findings may begeneralised.generalised.


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Guidance NotesGuidance Notes A research project requires ethical approval if it takesA research project requires ethical approval if it takes

place on NHS property or uses NHS facilities orplace on NHS property or uses NHS facilities orinvolves;involves;

Patients, users, relatives or carersPatients, users, relatives or carers Data of past or present patientsData of past or present patients Organs or other bodily materials of past and presentOrgans or other bodily materials of past and present

ptspts Foetal material and IVFFoetal material and IVF The recently deadThe recently dead NHS staff recruited by virtue of their professionalNHS staff recruited by virtue of their professional

role.role.


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About research proposals...About research proposals... Why write one?Why write one?

Who are the likely audiences?Who are the likely audiences?


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Why write a researchWhy write a research

proposal?proposal? To act as a map to guide your researchTo act as a map to guide your research To ensure that you have a researchable question andTo ensure that you have a researchable question and

appropriate methodology to address that questionappropriate methodology to address that question

Astatement of the purpose and plan of the research

Astatement of the purpose and plan of the researchprojectproject

Details how the study is to be carried outDetails how the study is to be carried out

Incorporates any practical and ethical issues whichIncorporates any practical and ethical issues whichneed to be addressedneed to be addressed

To ensure that you have taken account of theTo ensure that you have taken account of theresource requirements to undertake your researchresource requirements to undertake your research

Accountability funding governanceAccountability funding governance

To inform other stakeholders of your intentionsTo inform other stakeholders of your intentions


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The Types of ProposalThe Types of Proposal Aproposal for a quantitative orAproposal for a quantitative or

qualitative or mixed methodsqualitative or mixed methods

investigationinvestigation Aproposal for an extended review ofAproposal for an extended review of

the literature or systematic review.the literature or systematic review.

The headings used will be dependentThe headings used will be dependenton the type of proposal that ison the type of proposal that isundertakenundertaken..


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Who is your audience?Who is your audience? YouYou

Your supervisorYour supervisor

Funding bodiesFunding bodies Research committeesResearch committees

Research governanceResearch governancecommittees including ISRcommittees including ISR(what is this? click here to find out)(what is this? click here to find out)

ManagersManagers The researched (ie yourThe researched (ie your

subjects)subjects)

What are they looking for?

Independent Scientific Review

If aproject requires NHS ethics approvalitis usually arequirementthat theproposal has beenassessedindependently bytworeviewers.

If your projectis partof aneducationalqualificationyourUniversitywillusuallyhave systems inplacetoundertakethis for you.

If youareapplyingfor researchfundingoftenthefundingprocess willrequirereports fromatl east2 reviewers.

Your localR+D Departmentmaybeableto arrangeforanindependentscientific review for you,alternativelythroughtheNHS ethics review process theethicscommitteewillsendout your proposalfor ISR.


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ISRISR-- What are they looking forWhat are they looking for

from my proposal?from my proposal? Primarily they are reviewing the scientific quality of the work.Primarily they are reviewing the scientific quality of the work.1.1. Has an area/problem/issue been identified?Has an area/problem/issue been identified?

2.2. Is it significant?Is it significant?

3.3. Is there a gap in current literature? Is the reviewIs there a gap in current literature? Is the reviewextensive/informative/clear?extensive/informative/clear?

4.4. What is the aim of the project? Does the research questionWhat is the aim of the project? Does the research questionfollow? Is it clear, doable?follow? Is it clear, doable?

5.5. Has the project been well planned? Is the designHas the project been well planned? Is the design

appropriate? Has reliability/validity/trustworthiness beenappropriate? Has reliability/validity/trustworthiness beenconsidered?considered?

6.6. Has researcher bias been considered?Has researcher bias been considered?

7.7. Is the timescale well considered and practical?Is the timescale well considered and practical?

8.8. Has the funding for the project be adequatelyHas the funding for the project be adequatelyconsidered.Etcconsidered.Etc


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ISRISR-- What are they looking forWhat are they looking for

from my proposal?from my proposal?9.9. Does the researcher or project team haveDoes the researcher or project team have

the appropriate qualifications to undertakethe appropriate qualifications to undertake

the work?the work?10.10. Does the researcher have the appropriateDoes the researcher have the appropriate

access to subjects?access to subjects?

11.11. Are the information sheet/consent formsAre the information sheet/consent forms

appropriate?appropriate?12.12. Has data analysis been adequatelyHas data analysis been adequately

considered?considered?


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What are the EthicsWhat are the Ethics

Committee Looking for?Committee Looking for? How are participants to be recruited?How are participants to be recruited?

How will safety of participants be assured?How will safety of participants be assured?

Is the design culturally sensitive?Is the design culturally sensitive? Are there opportunities for equality in recruitment?Are there opportunities for equality in recruitment?

Confidentiality, anonymityConfidentiality, anonymity

Data protectionData protection

User Involvement? This is crucial and it is worthUser Involvement? This is crucial and it is worthconsidering user perspectives in the design stage asconsidering user perspectives in the design stage aswell as having user representation on the projectwell as having user representation on the projectteam.team.


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FundersFunders-- what do they lookwhat do they look

for?for?Value for moneyValue for money-- can your project producecan your project produce

results efficiently.results efficiently.

Is the research topical and relevant within theIs the research topical and relevant within the

current NHS/social care environmentcurrent NHS/social care environment-- politicalpoliticalcontext? Does it fit with national researchcontext? Does it fit with national researchpriorities? Mention the research priorities thatpriorities? Mention the research priorities thatfit with your project.fit with your project.

Is it designed well? Scientific quality.Is it designed well? Scientific quality. Potential for follow on projects?Potential for follow on projects?

What impact will the research have? Does itWhat impact will the research have? Does ithave the potential to change practice?have the potential to change practice?

Improve outcomes?Improve outcomes?


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FundersFunders-- what do they look for?what do they look for?contdcontd

Think about mentioning professionalThink about mentioning professionalresearch priorities the SCoR have a listresearch priorities the SCoR have a list

of current research priorities look atof current research priorities look atthese and identify how your study fitsthese and identify how your study fitswith those listed.with those listed.

Also consider DoH research priorities,Also consider DoH research priorities,how does your proposed study fit withhow does your proposed study fit withthese national priorities.these national priorities.


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What makes a good researchWhat makes a good research

proposal?proposal? Sticking to the rules eg guidelines for presentation etcSticking to the rules eg guidelines for presentation etc

Importance of the research / justificationImportance of the research / justification

Demonstrated ability to do the workDemonstrated ability to do the work Robustness of the research methodsRobustness of the research methods

Quality of presentationQuality of presentation typos / formatting etctypos / formatting etc

InnovationInnovation

Well organised proposal that is simple, and logicalWell organised proposal that is simple, and logical

Research team have evidence of a good track recordResearch team have evidence of a good track record

The budget is reasonable, believable and justified, withThe budget is reasonable, believable and justified, withrational arguments for including consumables, equipmentrational arguments for including consumables, equipmentand other itemsand other items


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Be creativeBe creative

Think of a good ideaThink of a good idea

Make the reader think "why didn't IMake the reader think "why didn't Ithink of that"think of that"

Good proposals are often simpleGood proposals are often simple

proposals!proposals!


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WRITE.... NOW...WRITE.... NOW... Proposals take timeProposals take time

Writing organises your thoughtsWriting organises your thoughts

Assume your audience know nothing of yourAssume your audience know nothing of yourfieldfield

Know where your audience are coming fromKnow where your audience are coming from

Avoid writing with 'attitudeAvoid writing with 'attitude

Avoid writing in the first personAvoid writing in the first person Remember you are proposing an ideaRemember you are proposing an idea-- itit

shouldnt come across as though you haveshouldnt come across as though you havealready completed the work.already completed the work.


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What are the common sections ofWhat are the common sections of

a Proposal?a Proposal? TitleTitle SummarySummary AimsAims Research QuestionsResearch Questions End PointsEnd Points Significance of the researchSignificance of the research BackgroundBackground Method (clear here for sub sections)Method (clear here for sub sections) Timeline (Gantt Chart)Timeline (Gantt Chart) Project ManagementProject Management Dissemination strategyDissemination strategy Ethics and Research GovernanceEthics and Research Governance CostsCosts ReferencesReferences

Method Sub sections

Study design

Inclusion/exclusion criteria

Sampling and recruitment strategy

Reliability and Validity or Trustworthiness

and Authenticity.

Data Analysis


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TitleTitle A simple statement which describes theA simple statement which describes the

study, should be confined to onestudy, should be confined to one

sentence, try to include the aim of thesentence, try to include the aim of thestudy and the outcomes.study and the outcomes.

HintHint Leave the title till last, it will beLeave the title till last, it will be

easier to formulate a concise statementeasier to formulate a concise statementwhen you have written your aims.when you have written your aims.


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SummarySummary This is a bit like an abstract for anThis is a bit like an abstract for an

article and helps to summarise for thearticle and helps to summarise for the

reader the purpose of the study and thereader the purpose of the study and thepossible outcomes.possible outcomes.

The next slide gives an example of aThe next slide gives an example of a

summarysummary

1.0 Summary

This study examines job turnover (Intentions to Leave) in the radiation therapy

workforce. High vacancy rates and an unsatisfied workforce significantly limit

the access of cancer patients to appropriate care that has deleterious effects on

health outcomes through delays in treatment. This study will address this

significant problem through a longitudinal prospective investigation of the

impact of workload, task complexity and unmet career expectations on

Intentions to Leave. The study will initially draw on the model proposed by

Janssen et al [1], that job turnover intention is highly correlated with emotionalexhaustion and unmet career expectations. In addition the study will extend the

knowledge base on workforce planning in this profession through the

development of a rigorous workload measurement instrument that can be

utilised internationally.

The study aims to develop a tool for measuring radiation therapists activity,based on a validated method for measuring Linear Accelerator productivity

(Basic Treatment Equivalent, BTE). This tool will be used to investigate the

impact of task complexity and work overload on therapists intention to leave.


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What is the purpose of theWhat is the purpose of the

background section?background section? Who will benefit?Who will benefit?

What is the context of the investigation?What is the context of the investigation?Service/politicalService/political

Why do you want to investigate it?Why do you want to investigate it?

What is the value of the investigation?What is the value of the investigation?

What has already been published?What has already been published?

Critical review of the published literatureCritical review of the published literature How will your study build on publishedHow will your study build on published

literature? And why are you best placed toliterature? And why are you best placed toundertake the work.undertake the work.


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Aims

Aims Need to be clear, doable, specific.Need to be clear, doable, specific.

Move on to the next slide to see anMove on to the next slide to see anexample of some project aims.example of some project aims.

Example Aims

1. To identify the factors that influence RadiationTherapists intention to leave their current post or leave

the profession, investigating the factors behind the

differences in vacancy levels between 2 NHS regions

(identified from the DoH 2002/2003 statistics[2] as oneof the best and one of the worst regions in terms of

vacancy rates).

2. To determine the characteristics of the work

environment and conditions of service that can bechanged to enhance therapists work satisfaction, and

reduce turnover.


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The Research QuestionThe Research Question Probably the most difficult part of theProbably the most difficult part of the

research design.research design.

You have to conceptualise the areaYou have to conceptualise the areaunder study and formalise into wordsunder study and formalise into wordsthe exact question under study.the exact question under study.

For each aim you have identified thereFor each aim you have identified thereshould be 1 or 2 research questionsshould be 1 or 2 research questionsthat are clearly linked.that are clearly linked.


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Example Research QuestionsExample Research Questions WhatWhat aspectsaspects ofof aa radiationradiation therapiststherapists workwork areare thethe mostmost

influentialinfluential inin causingcausing aa personperson toto leaveleave theirtheir job?job?

What aspects of radiation therapy contribute to therapists workWhat aspects of radiation therapy contribute to therapists workmotivation?motivation?

Try to ensure your research questions reflect the complexity of theTry to ensure your research questions reflect the complexity of the

topic area. For example, a question with a simple yes /no answertopic area. For example, a question with a simple yes /no answerin a qualitative study will not reflect the complex interplay ofin a qualitative study will not reflect the complex interplay ofissues that surround human behaviour or human interaction.issues that surround human behaviour or human interaction.


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MethodMethod Things to considerThings to consider What design will be adopted, you need to have a clear wellWhat design will be adopted, you need to have a clear well

argued rationale for choosing this approach with reference toargued rationale for choosing this approach with reference to

relevant research texts or previous research.relevant research texts or previous research. Will subjects be Randomised if not explain why or limitationsWill subjects be Randomised if not explain why or limitations

If the study is a qualitative study what sampling approach is toIf the study is a qualitative study what sampling approach is tobe used and why?be used and why?

Inclusion/exclusion criteria for subjectsInclusion/exclusion criteria for subjects

How will subjects be referredHow will subjects be referred

NonNon--conformanceconformance-- how will you deal with cases that donthow will you deal with cases that dontconform to the prescribed intervention or protocol.conform to the prescribed intervention or protocol.

Where you can, support your approach with evidence from theWhere you can, support your approach with evidence from theliteratureliterature


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Data Collection andA

nalysisData Collection andA

nalysis Consider in detail how the data will beConsider in detail how the data will be

collected, who is best placed to collectcollected, who is best placed to collect

data? Will they produce bias indata? Will they produce bias inrecording data? What if they are off?recording data? What if they are off?Who will stand in?Who will stand in?

In what format should data beIn what format should data berecorded?recorded?


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DataA

nalysisDataA

nalysis It is vital that you consider at the outset what type ofIt is vital that you consider at the outset what type of

analysis you would like to undertake, failure to do soanalysis you would like to undertake, failure to do socould mean you record the data in an inappropriatecould mean you record the data in an inappropriate

form.form. For qualitative studies describe the method ofFor qualitative studies describe the method of

analysis and make sure it fits with any philosophicalanalysis and make sure it fits with any philosophicalperspectives described earlier.perspectives described earlier.

HintHint-- try analysing some data in the expected form,try analysing some data in the expected form,set up a data base so you are clear how you needset up a data base so you are clear how you needthe data to be recorded, and try a statistical test,the data to be recorded, and try a statistical test,have you got the right level of data?have you got the right level of data?


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Ethical considerationsEthical considerations You need to consider two factorsYou need to consider two factors

1.1. TheThe ethical implicationsethical implications of yourof your

researchresearch ie how will it impact onie how will it impact onyour participants?your participants?

2.2. TheThe processesprocesses of research governanceof research governance

and ethical approval that you need toand ethical approval that you need tocomply withcomply with ie which committees doie which committees doyou need to go throughyou need to go through


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Ethical ConsiderationsEthical Considerations What might be the ethical implicationsWhat might be the ethical implications

of your study?of your study?

How will you protect participantsHow will you protect participantsconfidentiality?confidentiality?

Who will benefit from your study?Who will benefit from your study?


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Ethical ConsiderationsEthical Considerations Any research involving patients,Any research involving patients,

questioning hospital staff, or use ofquestioning hospital staff, or use of

hospital property will require ethicalhospital property will require ethicalapproval by the local research ethicsapproval by the local research ethicscommittee.committee.


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RiskA

ssessmentRiskA

ssessment Will any of your subjects suffer any detrimentWill any of your subjects suffer any detriment

as a result of inclusion or exclusion in youras a result of inclusion or exclusion in your

study?study? Consider inequality between researcher andConsider inequality between researcher and

participant, will potential participants perceiveparticipant, will potential participants perceivepressure to participate?pressure to participate?

Consider unanticipated consequences of theConsider unanticipated consequences of theresults, they may be politically sensitive.results, they may be politically sensitive.


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Informed ConsentInformed Consent Consider Informed ConsentConsider Informed Consent

What is informed?What is informed?

Usually written consent form is requiredUsually written consent form is required

Usually contains a number ofUsually contains a number ofstatements for participants to agree to.statements for participants to agree to.

Informed consent is a process thatInformed consent is a process thatinvolves good quality informationinvolves good quality information


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Time lineTime line Identify ALL time issues...Identify ALL time issues...

Consider how time is to beConsider how time is to be

allocated,allocated, Gantt chartsGantt charts click hereclick here

Allow 2Allow 2 3 months to prepare3 months to prepare

and clear all ethics andand clear all ethics andgovernance processes.governance processes.

Exampl

Gantt Chart

Weeks

Click to next sli

e forcodes


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Research PersonnelResearch Personnel

Who will do the work?Who will do the work?

When will they do the work?When will they do the work? Other supportOther support statistics,statistics,

administrationadministration


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Other costsOther costs

TranscribingTranscribing

TransportTransport AdministrationAdministration

TapesTapes

TechnologyTechnology Software costsSoftware costs


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Budget

Budget

Should be a logical progression fromShould be a logical progression from

your time and resource input.your time and resource input. Are there alternative forms of funding?Are there alternative forms of funding?

Make sure your project will fit yourMake sure your project will fit your

budget.budget.


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Dissemination of the resultsDissemination of the results

Who cares?Who cares?

How will they know about the results.How will they know about the results. Think about the audiences that need toThink about the audiences that need to

know the results and the best way toknow the results and the best way to

inform them.inform them.

Identified target audiences:

The Board of the College of Radiographers (CoR) and the Council for the Society of Radiographers (SoR).

Council for Clinical Oncology at the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR).

Hospital Trust managers (including Human resources managers).

Clinical Oncologists.

Radiation Therapists.

Policy makers within the Department of Health. Workforce confederations.

Users or carers

Dissemination

Publication of the studies findings within peer-reviewed National and International journals

(including Radiography and Health Service Research and Policy sources) will be an important facetof the dissemination of findings to Clinical Oncologists, Radiographers, Health Service policy

makers and Radiation Therapists.

Meetings with the CoR/SoR Board and Council, Council for Clinical Oncology at the RCR, and

Workforce Confederations to present the findings should ensure relevant decision-makers are aware

of the research.


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ReferencesReferences Choose style according to the rules forChoose style according to the rules for

the relevant committee, funding bodiesthe relevant committee, funding bodies

may stipulate in their rules whichmay stipulate in their rules whichreferencing type you should use.referencing type you should use.

Accurate, up to date, relevant, dontAccurate, up to date, relevant, dont

miss any out of your reference list.miss any out of your reference list.


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FormattingFormatting

Comply with style requirementsComply with style requirements

Be professional in your presentationBe professional in your presentation Use a spell checkerUse a spell checker

Get someone to look over your workGet someone to look over your work

before you submit.before you submit.


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AProposal for a SystematicAProposal for a Systematic

Review of the LiteratureReview of the Literature How does this differ from a primary projectHow does this differ from a primary project

proposal?proposal?

1.1. Headings are slightly differentHeadings are slightly different

2.2. Within the method need to identify a clearWithin the method need to identify a clear

search strategy.search strategy.3.3. Ethical considerations are about researcherEthical considerations are about researcher

bias.bias.

Search Strategy

Databases

Keywords

Inclusion/Exclusion criteria

Filtering Method

Assessment ofstudy quality/validity

Method for logging reviewed articles.

Limitations


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Final ReminderFinal Reminder What makesWhat makes

proposals uncompetitive or weak?proposals uncompetitive or weak? Project aims are unclearProject aims are unclear

Poorly defined research questionPoorly defined research question

A lack of innovationA lack of innovation

The design is flawedThe design is flawed

The project is unlikely to lead to the stated outcomesThe project is unlikely to lead to the stated outcomes

The project has a so what factor, for example it mayThe project has a so what factor, for example it maynot lead to any changes or improvements in patientnot lead to any changes or improvements in patient

care or there may be no societal benefit apparentcare or there may be no societal benefit apparentfrom the proposed outcomes.from the proposed outcomes.

Timeframe and milestones are unachievableTimeframe and milestones are unachievable

10 research prop

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