Case 1 WOW, interesting!
What is a research proposal? What does it contain? How is it made?
- Creating a framework
- Highlighting what needs to be covered
Composed of:
1. Making up an introduction (relevancy: Social, academic, political)
2. Framing a research question and subquestions
3. Setting up the theoretical framework
4. Methods
5. Time schedule
6. Expected costs
What is a study protocol?
Is a funding proposal different?
o A proposal for funding?
What is a theoretical framework?
Examples, Models and Definitions
- ―A theoretical framework is a theoretical perspective. It can be simply a theory, but it can
also be more general -- a basic approach to understanding something. Typically, a theoretical
framework defines the kinds of variables that you will want to look at.‖
The research question will lead toward the framework.
A framework should be focused around the research question.
Problem statement vs Research question
- ―A problem statement is a concise description of the issues that need to be addressed by a
problem solving team and should be presented to them (or created by them) before they try to
solve the problem.‖
It is important to know examples and how to apply it.
Methods
A). Approach: Qualitative vs Quantitative / Applied / Exploratory / Descriptive / Explanatory
Intellectual curiosity / Basic
B). Design: Prospective vs Retrospective / Experimental / observational / Longitudinal
Meta-Analysis / Cohort / RCT / Retrograde
C). Measurements / Sampling
D). Reliability / validity
What are the components of a research proposal? (validity, reliability)
Framework:
- Introduction: Topic, empirical setting, research�question
- Theory: Identification of the relevant literature that the thesis contributes to.
- Methods: Methodology used for sampling, measuring, collecting and analyzing data.
- Timeline.
1
,What is a research proposal? What does it contain?
- Lays the framework of your thesis.
Aspects of a research question? What is has to contain?
- PICOT (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Time).
How to narrow down the topic to a research question?
- Role of informants/experts of the fields.
- Role of literature: find new context to previous studies, follow suggestions for future research,
etc.
Types of questions (lecture):
- Descriptive Research (What is going on?)
- Exploratory research (How is it going on?)
- Explanatory research (Why is it going on?)
2
, Neuman – Dimensions of research (Chapter 2)
Four dimensions of social research:
1. The distinction between applied and basic research, or the primary audience for and use of
research.
2. The purpose of doing research, or the goal of a study.
3. How time is incorporated into the study design.
4. The specific data collection technique used.
The dimensions simplify decision-making about research and they overlap in that certain
dimensions are often found together (e.g., the goal of a study and a data collection technique).
The dimensions elaborated:
1. Distinction between basic research and applied research
o Basic research = Research designed to advance fundamental knowledge about how the
world works and build/test theoretical explanations. Basic research is the source of most new
scientific ideas and ways of thinking about the world. The scientific community is its primary
audience.
o Applied research = Research designed to offer practical solutions to a concrete problem or
address the immediate and specific needs of clinicians or practitioners. The primary audience
3
What is a research proposal? What does it contain? How is it made?
- Creating a framework
- Highlighting what needs to be covered
Composed of:
1. Making up an introduction (relevancy: Social, academic, political)
2. Framing a research question and subquestions
3. Setting up the theoretical framework
4. Methods
5. Time schedule
6. Expected costs
What is a study protocol?
Is a funding proposal different?
o A proposal for funding?
What is a theoretical framework?
Examples, Models and Definitions
- ―A theoretical framework is a theoretical perspective. It can be simply a theory, but it can
also be more general -- a basic approach to understanding something. Typically, a theoretical
framework defines the kinds of variables that you will want to look at.‖
The research question will lead toward the framework.
A framework should be focused around the research question.
Problem statement vs Research question
- ―A problem statement is a concise description of the issues that need to be addressed by a
problem solving team and should be presented to them (or created by them) before they try to
solve the problem.‖
It is important to know examples and how to apply it.
Methods
A). Approach: Qualitative vs Quantitative / Applied / Exploratory / Descriptive / Explanatory
Intellectual curiosity / Basic
B). Design: Prospective vs Retrospective / Experimental / observational / Longitudinal
Meta-Analysis / Cohort / RCT / Retrograde
C). Measurements / Sampling
D). Reliability / validity
What are the components of a research proposal? (validity, reliability)
Framework:
- Introduction: Topic, empirical setting, research�question
- Theory: Identification of the relevant literature that the thesis contributes to.
- Methods: Methodology used for sampling, measuring, collecting and analyzing data.
- Timeline.
1
,What is a research proposal? What does it contain?
- Lays the framework of your thesis.
Aspects of a research question? What is has to contain?
- PICOT (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Time).
How to narrow down the topic to a research question?
- Role of informants/experts of the fields.
- Role of literature: find new context to previous studies, follow suggestions for future research,
etc.
Types of questions (lecture):
- Descriptive Research (What is going on?)
- Exploratory research (How is it going on?)
- Explanatory research (Why is it going on?)
2
, Neuman – Dimensions of research (Chapter 2)
Four dimensions of social research:
1. The distinction between applied and basic research, or the primary audience for and use of
research.
2. The purpose of doing research, or the goal of a study.
3. How time is incorporated into the study design.
4. The specific data collection technique used.
The dimensions simplify decision-making about research and they overlap in that certain
dimensions are often found together (e.g., the goal of a study and a data collection technique).
The dimensions elaborated:
1. Distinction between basic research and applied research
o Basic research = Research designed to advance fundamental knowledge about how the
world works and build/test theoretical explanations. Basic research is the source of most new
scientific ideas and ways of thinking about the world. The scientific community is its primary
audience.
o Applied research = Research designed to offer practical solutions to a concrete problem or
address the immediate and specific needs of clinicians or practitioners. The primary audience
3
