Research Methodology: Writing a Scientific Research Proposal

1. Research Methodology: Writing a Scientific Research Proposal • Dean Sherzai MD, MAS • Ayesha Z. Sherzai, MD, MAS

2. Writing a research proposal Formulating a research problem Conceptualize research design Selecting a sample Collecting and processing data Introduction A Quick Glance

3. A research proposal has three main points: • Explanation of proposed research (what will be done) • Methods and techniques to be employed (how it will be done) • Novelty and importance of the study (why it should be done)

4. Organization • Title • Abstract • Introduction and Review • Research Hypothesis • Material and Methods • Conclusion and Justification • Bibliography

5. Title • Provide a specific summary of the proposed work • Minimal words, clear language

6. Abstract • One paragraph • Description of the hypothesis and the goals of the experiment • Readers can quickly assess the basic premise of your proposal

7. Introduction • Say it in the first paragraph! Readers can be impatient • “In the proposed study, we seek to examine...”

8. Review of the literature • Lengthiest part of proposal • Begin with basics, narrow the focus to pertinent proposed work • Use plenty of primary sources of information: Textbooks, journal articles, website (with caution!) • Cite appropriately

9. Identification of the knowledge gap • State what we do not know from reading the existing fund of knowledge • Justification for starting the project

10. Research Hypothesis • What is the hypothesis that you are testing? • What are the questions that you seek to answer? • Based on what is known in this field, explain what you expect to see and hope to show through your result

11. Material and Methods • Dictated by the nature of your research • Describe your data source, process of collection in detail • Describe the statistical analysis to be used, limitations

12. Conclusion and Justification • Explicitly state how your proposed research will advance knowledge • What are the far-reaching effects? Will your study potentially change practices or policies? Why is it that your research deserves funding?

13. Bibliography • Include all the resources that were used in the writing of the paper • Follow your guidelines for formatting

14. Bibliography • Example: • Agosti C, Borroni B, Akkawi NM, Bordonali T, Padovani A. Acute myocardial infarction presenting with transient global amnesia. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2006; 6: 1004. • Jain S, Ton TG, Boudreau RM, et al. The Risk of Parkinson Disease Associated with Urate in a Community-Based Cohort of Older Adults. Neuroepidemiology. 2011; 4: 223-229.

15. A note on sources, paraphrasing and citations • Terse, clearcut, no artistic enhancement • Avoid quoting directly • Read the article, put it down, write it in your own words • Citations: Author, year

16. A note on voice • Active voice (“I” or “We”) • Switch between active and passive voice to avoid repetition

17. Important Points • Organized, well-written, concise, complete proposal = easier to conduct experiment • Good writing when paired with a thorough understanding of the subject matter is a valuable skill to possess