Kim Woods

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Th e latest step-by-step practical guide...

PRACTICE

32

Write a research proposal

HOW TO...

Valerie Finigan covers all aspects of what a research proposal needs to include and where to begin when writing it.

Writing 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 qualifi cation.

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 scientifi c knowledge.

Discuss your idea with an experienced researcher too, prior to starting your proposal.

Th e 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).

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 fi nd a fl aw that you have overlooked. Submit on time, or the work may be declined.

2 Underpin the study with a research question

Th is 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

focused and manageable to enable you a purposeful and planned approach.

Th e title you choose for the study should be used consistently throughout all regulatory documents (ethical approval consideration, proposal and any grant applications). Th e title needs to draw the attention of the reviewer, so make it succinct and exciting.

3 The abstractA 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.

4 Introduction sectionWithin 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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33rcm.org.uk/midwives

Midwives / Winter 2015 Practice

33

SIMPLE STEPS TO WRITING A RESEARCH

PROPOSAL

READ ON EBM

idea of your research and why the systematic inquiry is important. Defi ne the signifi cance of the study to the population it has relevance for; such as midwifery, health care, policy-makers, and commissioners.

5 Outline the goal and objectives Th e goal is the broad

statement describing what it is hoped will be accomplished as a result of the research. Th e objective is the more specifi c statements that describe the detailed outcomes of the study, which can be measured qualitatively, quantitatively, or by both methods.

6 The methodologyMethods refer to the ‘techniques or procedures

used to gather and analyse data related to the research question or hypotheses’ (Jonker and Pennink, 2010; Hesse- Biber 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.

Th e 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

in the same rigorous, systematic and transparent manner (Dykes, 2004).

7 Positioning the research 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. Th e work of other researchers can underpin your proposal, identifying the current limitations of knowledge and demonstrating the benefi ts your study can off er. No topic is entirely new, it may be your approach or the angle that makes your study unique. Th e review should be timely, relevant, directly relate to the study and:

Help you to fi nd 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 refi ne your research question, choosing an appropriate research strategy

Enable you to develop a theoretical framework to underpin your research.

8 Provide a timeline Produce a

fl owchart that gives an overview of the entire project and demonstrates how diff erent parts of the study interconnect to produce the end results – a unique contribution to the evidence base. Th is will determine if the study can be completed

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.

9 Conclude the proposalFinish 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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