The Summative Assessment Will Be In The Form Of A 4000 Word
The Summative Assessment Will Be In The Form Of A 4000 Word Research P
The summative assessment will be in the form of a 4000-word research proposal. The proposal should include as a minimum: Background, literature review/rationale, aims and objectives, research question or hypothesis, research methodology, methods, consideration of ethics, governance issues, validity / reliability / trustworthiness and reflection on your role in the process.
The following is a suggested structure for the work:
Title
A clear title for the research protocol which clearly addresses the variables and concepts that are being researched.
Background
An outline for the key drivers and need for the research proposal. This may include key political, professional, clinical and service user drivers for the research project.
Literature review
A critical discussion of the research literature that forms the foundations for your proposal. This will inform the rationale for the research project and explore how it builds on existing knowledge and/or practice. Your critical reading and summarising of the literature will show what is known, as well as what is not yet known about your particular topic.
Aims and Objectives
A clearly articulated outline of the aims and objectives of the research proposal which will clearly derive from the literature review.
Research Question / Hypothesis
Clearly defined question(s) that are specific to the study to provide data that will offer answers. The research question or hypothesis will also indicate the kind of empirical evidence which you are proposing to collect. It will frame the boundaries of the research project (what it is / isn’t about).
Methodology
This will provide the philosophical and theoretical orientation of the research project that will inform the study design and the methods used to collect data. This needs to build on the literature review, in that the methodological approach you adopt needs to clearly help answer your research question(s).
Methods
Discuss what is explored in the 'doing research' and 'analyzing research data' parts of the module. Cover sampling and recruitment strategies, inclusion and exclusion criteria, data collection methods and process for analyzing the data. Explore issues of reliability and validity with regard to empirical data and the research process, and the feasibility of carrying out the research.
This section will also include a consideration of the key ethical concerns associated with the study together with the strategies and processes that will be implemented to address those concerns. These may relate to issues of confidentiality, anonymity, capacity and consent, vulnerable populations etc. Governance issues will relate to organizational and political processes that govern the research processes.
Discussion
This includes a critical reflection on your role in the research process, a commentary on your development as a researcher, and strategies you will implement to conduct the research project.
Paper For Above instruction
The following research proposal aims to explore [specific topic], addressing critical gaps in current knowledge and practice within [field/sector]. By examining [variables/concepts], the study intends to provide insights that can inform policy and improve outcomes. The proposal systematically outlines the background, literature review, research questions, methodology, methods, ethical considerations, governance, and reflective components necessary for robust research in this area.
Introduction and Background
In recent years, [field/sector] has witnessed significant developments driven by [political, professional, clinical, service user factors]. For instance, policy reforms emphasizing [specific policies], clinical innovations such as [technological or methodological advances], and increasing demands from service users for [specific services or outcomes] have shaped the landscape. These drivers underscore the urgent need for research that evaluates the effectiveness of current practices and explores new approaches to improve [specific outcomes]. The background section contextualizes these factors, highlighting gaps in current knowledge and the importance of addressing these through rigorous research.
Literature Review
A critical review of existing literature reveals a complex picture of [topic]. Many studies, such as [Author, Year], have shown that [key findings], while others, like [Author, Year], have highlighted limitations including [limitations]. Notably, gaps persist regarding [specific issues], which hampers full understanding of [specific aspect]. The literature underscores the importance of exploring [related variables or contexts], as evidenced by recent research emphasizing [trends or gaps]. This review informs the rationale for the proposed study by identifying areas where empirical evidence remains scarce or inconsistent, thus justifying the need for further investigation.
Aims and Objectives
The primary aim of this research is to [main aim], with specific objectives including: (1) to examine the relationship between [variable A] and [variable B], (2) to assess the impact of [intervention or factor], and (3) to explore stakeholders’ perceptions of [issue]. These objectives derive directly from identified gaps in the literature and are designed to generate actionable insights that can improve [practice/policy].
Research Question / Hypothesis
The central research question guiding this study is: "How does [variable] influence [outcome] in [context]?" Based on this, the hypothesis posits that [specific formulation, e.g., increased levels of variable X are associated with better/worse outcomes]. This question aims to collect evidence on [specific aspect], providing clarity on causal relationships and informing future interventions.
Methodology
The study adopts a [philosophical stance, e.g., pragmatist, interpretivist, positivist] paradigm, underpinning a [qualitative/quantitative/mixed-methods] approach. This orientation aligns with the aim to [explore/measure/understand] [aspect]. The methodology integrates [specific theories or frameworks], ensuring coherence with the review findings. The design will be [cross-sectional, longitudinal, experimental, etc.], chosen to best answer the research question by enabling [specific data collection and analysis].
Methods
Sampling will target [population], with inclusion criteria specifying [criteria], and exclusion criteria defining [criteria]. Recruitment strategies will involve [methods], such as [advertisements, purposive sampling, random sampling]. Data collection will utilize [tools, e.g., surveys, interviews, observations], with recruitment continuing until sufficient data are obtained to achieve saturation or statistical power. Data analysis will involve [statistical tests, thematic analysis, content analysis], and measures will be taken to ensure reliability and validity, including [triangulation, pilot testing, inter-rater reliability]. Ethical considerations will include obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and protecting vulnerable groups.
Governance issues entail adherence to organizational policies, ethical review board approval, and compliance with data protection regulations. Feasibility aspects have been assessed by considering resource availability, timeline, and access to participants.
Discussion and Reflection
This research reflects a critical engagement with my role as a researcher, acknowledging potential biases and articulating strategies for objectivity, such as reflexivity and peer debriefing. Throughout the research process, I aim to develop as a reflective practitioner, learning from challenges and adapting methodologies accordingly. The discussion will also address how the study contributes to the broader field of [field], and how findings might influence policy or practice. Personal growth as a researcher involves enhancing skills in ethical negotiation, methodological rigor, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring robust and ethically sound research outcomes.
References
- Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of the study. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pages. DOI or URL
- Another Author, C. C. (Year). Title of the book. Publisher.
- Third Author, D. D., & Fourth, E. E. (Year). Title of article. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pages.
- Fifth Author, F. F. (Year). Title of report or policy document. Organization or Publisher.
- Sixth Author, G. G., & Seventh, H. H. (Year). Title of relevant thesis or dissertation. University.
- Eighth Author, I. I. (Year). Title of online resource. URL
- Ninth Author, J. J. (Year). Methodological approaches in public health. Journal Name, Volume, pages.
- Tenth Author, K. K. (Year). Ethical considerations in healthcare research. Journal Name, Volume, pages.
The proposed study will contribute valuable empirical evidence to [field], advancing understanding and informing future interventions, policies, and practice improvements. Ethical integrity, methodological rigor, and reflective practice underpin the research design, ensuring its robustness and relevance.