PREPARING A RESEARCH PLAN - 2011 MBBS HONOURS PROGRAM
(WORKSHOP 3B)
Jenny Zhang
Research Fellow School of Medicine The University of Queensland
INTRODUCTION
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
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.
Example: Socioeconomic position and utilisation of preventive health services among adult in general population
RESEARCH PROBLEM, STUDY PURPOSE
Identifying a research problemo Specifying a problem-o Justifying ito Suggesting the importance of the study Write up a “Statement of the problem” (Figure
2).
Purpose of the Study o 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
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 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 conductedo Refine or redefine research questions o Provide a rationale for the proposed study
METHODOLOGY
Study Design
Primary data and secondary data
Quantitative and qualitative method
Cohort study, Case-control study, Cross-sectional study
Data Collectiono Identifying and selecting individuals for a study and
study sites o Choosing a sampling method o Data collection method
- Choosing a type of surveys Interviews, self-administered questionnaires
o Selecting measurement instruments o Data entry and data management Data Analysis
EXPECTED OUTCOMES 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 2011 2012 Key dates
Activities 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11
12
1 2 3 4 5 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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