Writing the Research Proposal

Writing the Research Proposal

Outline of a Research Proposal

The Front Matter

What Should Be in a Research Abstract?

Main Headings in a Research Proposal Abstract

Activity: Drafting Your Abstract, Step by Step

Dr. Fehr’s Tips for Creating an Abstract:

Linking the Abstract and the Proposal

Exercise for Students

Main Components of Proposal

Choosing the Right Approach: Quantitative, Qualitative, or Mixed Methods

Note on Timelines in Your Proposal

What can go into a Research Budget?

Media Attributions

References

Key Proposal Component Examples

Mixed-Methods Research Proposal Components Example

Budget Example

jobando; ffehr; gregsonk19; stavingai23

Student writing and editing a research proposal on a computer with notes around — **Figure 10.1** Research proposals outline the purpose, methods, and significance of a study (Intellectual property of Dr. Florriann Fehr/TRU Open Press CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Here is an example of an outline of a research proposal. In this section we will explore the components and how to go about writing a research proposal.

The front matter

The title of the proposal.
The names and affiliations (institutions) of the principal investigator (lead researcher) and the co-investigators.
The email addresses and phone numbers of the investigators
Sometimes the abstract goes here too, or above the introduction (depends on the format request)

The main content

Abstract
Introduction
Literature review
Aims and objectives
Methodology
Data management and analysis
Ethical consideration
Timelines
Budget
References
Appendices

Before a researcher starts the main sections of a research proposal, they need to get the front matter right (what is the title that aligns with the research idea, does it make sense and revisit it to make sure it aligns with what the research proposal wants to do). This includes the title of the study, the name of the main researchers and any co-researchers, the school or hospital the researchers are affiliated with and how people can contact the main corresponding researcher. Think of it as the “cover page” that tells readers who is doing the study. Once that is done, the abstract is the next step. The abstract is a short summary that explains what the study is about, how the researchers plan to do it, and why it matters. Here’s an example of a qualitative front matter and then an abstract for a study on workplace bullying in nursing, with notes to help you understand each part. Here is a title example, which should identify the population, the research idea and context.

Front Matter

Title – Concise, clear, descriptive, includes population and context

Investigators & Affiliations – Names, school, contact info

Abstract – 250–300 words; includes rationale, aim, methods, expected outcomes

Keywords – 3–5 terms describing your study

Title Example:
Exploring the Experiences of New Nurses Facing Workplace Bullying in Canadian Acute Care Hospitals

Note that the title clearly identifies the population (new nurses), the phenomenon (workplace bullying), and the context (Canadian acute care hospitals). Keep it concise and descriptive.

An abstract is a concise summary of your study that gives readers a quick overview. Even though it’s short (usually 250–300 words), it should clearly explain:

1. Why the study is important – the problem or issue you are addressing.

2. What you plan to study – your research question or aim.

3. How you will study it – your methods and participants.

4. What you hope to find or contribute – potential outcomes or significance.

Think of the abstract as a mini-version of your whole proposal, it lets someone quickly understand what your study is about and why it matters.

Many journals and funding bodies prefer a structured abstract, though some just want a concise paragraph. The typical headings (or content areas) are:

1. Background / Rationale

Why the study is important.
Context for the problem

2. Aims/Research Question

What the study intends to investigate.
Could be a clear research question or hypothesis.

3. Methods / Design

Study design (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods).
Participants, setting, sampling.
Data collection methods (survey, interviews, observation).

4. Expected Outcomes / Results

What you anticipate learning or discovering.
Don’t need actual results if it’s a proposal.

5. Significance / Implications

Why the study matters for nursing practice, policy, or future research.

Instructions: Use your own research idea (it could be your PICOT question, a clinical question, or a topic you’re curious about). Work through the table below and fill in each section with 1–2 sentences. This will help you see what belongs in an abstract before writing the full paragraph.

Abstract Section	Guiding Question	Student Notes / Draft
Background / Rationale	Why is this topic important? What problem does it address?
Purpose / Aim	What do you plan to study or find out?
Methods	How will you do the study? (Design, participants, data collection)
Results / Expected Outcomes	What do you think you might find? (If qualitative, what themes might emerge?)
Significance / Implications	Why do these results matter for nursing practice, patients, or policy?

Keep sentences short and focused, most abstracts are 250–300 words.
Use clear, use simple language, remember your audience might not know all the technical details (for example: granting agency, lay person on an ethics board).
Be realistic: if your study hasn’t been done yet, you can write “expected outcomes” instead of actual results.
Check your draft: does it tell someone why your study matters and how you’ll do it?

Once you’ve drafted your abstract, it’s important to think of it as a mirror of your proposal. The abstract is often the first part of your proposal that reviewers, ethics boards, or potential funders will read. It should succinctly reflect the key components of your study: the rationale, aim, methods, and expected significance.

Key Points to Emphasize:

1. Alignment: Check that each element in the abstract matches what is written in your proposal. For example, your stated research aim in the abstract should exactly match the aim in your Aims & Objectives section.

2. Clarity and Consistency: Make sure the methods described in the abstract reflect what you detail in the methodology section. If you mention a survey and interviews in your abstract, those methods need to be fully described later in the proposal.

3. Iterative Refinement: Writing the abstract early can help you clarify your thoughts, but you may need to revise it after the proposal is complete. As you expand your literature review, refine your methods, or clarify your outcomes, the abstract should be updated to reflect these changes.

4. Audience Awareness: Remember who will read the abstract. Ethics boards, grant reviewers, and faculty all need a clear snapshot of the study. Make sure the abstract communicates enough for them to understand the purpose, methods, and importance of your research without reading the full proposal.

After drafting the abstract, review each section of your proposal. Ask yourself:

Does the introduction in the proposal support the rationale in the abstract?

Are the methods in the abstract fully consistent with the methodology section?

Do the expected outcomes and significance in the abstract reflect the goals in your Aims & Objectives?

Update your abstract to ensure it accurately and clearly represents your full proposal.

When writing the main content of your research proposal, you will include several key components. The introduction provides the background, context, and explains why the study is important. The literature review summarizes current evidence and identifies gaps in knowledge. Your research question or aim should be clear, specific, and measurable, and you may include objectives or sub-questions to clarify the scope of your study. The methodology section describes your study design (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed), the setting and participants (including inclusion and exclusion criteria and recruitment methods), the data collection instruments and procedures, and your plan for analyzing the data, whether using statistical methods or thematic analysis. Be sure to include ethical considerations, such as informed consent, confidentiality, participants’ right to withdraw, and adherence to TCPS2 guidelines. A timeline or Gantt chart helps organize your steps and ensures feasibility within available resources and time. You should also outline your budget and resources, include all references in APA format, and attach any relevant appendices, such as interview guides, surveys, or consent forms. Examples of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods proposals can help you see how these components come together in practice, such as a quantitative proposal examining the effect of bedside handoff on patient and nurse outcomes in a Canadian hospital.

Main Content

Introduction – Background, context, and why the study matters

Literature Review – Summary of current evidence, identify knowledge gaps

Research Question / Aim – Clear, specific, measurable

Objectives / Sub-questions – Optional, but help clarify scope

Methodology

Study design (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed)

Setting and participants (inclusion/exclusion criteria, recruitment method)

Data collection instruments and procedures

Data analysis plan (statistics or thematic analysis)

Ethical Considerations – Informed consent, confidentiality, right to withdraw, TCPS2 compliance

Timelines / Gantt Chart – Step-by-step schedule, feasible within resources and time

Budget / Resources – Estimate costs and materials needed

References – APA format, current evidence

Appendices – Supporting documents (interview guides, surveys, consent forms)

The following tables illustrate how the components of a research proposal come together in practice. We provide examples for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies so you can see how the same structure adapts to different research approaches and questions.

This table summarizes the key components of a quantitative research proposal examining the effect of bedside handoff on patient and nurse outcomes in a Canadian hospital setting.

Table 10.1: Components of a Quantitative Research Proposal – Effect of Bedside Handoff on Patient Safety in Acute Care (Intellectual property of Dr. Florriann Fehr/TRU Open Press CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Section	Purpose	Key Tips	Example in Nursing Context
Title	Clearly communicates focus	Keep concise, descriptive	“Effect of Bedside Handoff on Patient Safety in Acute Care”
Abstract	Summarizes proposal	250–300 words, clear aims, methods, significance	Include objectives, methods, and expected outcomes
Introduction	Sets context and rationale	Show why study is important	Rising rates of patient falls in Canadian hospitals
Literature Review	Demonstrates knowledge	Summarize current evidence, identify gaps	Evidence on bedside handoff reducing errors
Aims & Objectives	What you hope to achieve	Specific, measurable	Reduce fall incidents by 15%
Methodology	How research will be conducted	Specify design, sampling, intervention	Pre-post intervention study in a 30-bed medical unit
Data Analysis	How results will be evaluated	State statistical or qualitative methods	Paired t-test for fall rate comparison
Ethical Considerations	Protect participants	Include consent, confidentiality	Ethics approval from hospital REB
Timelines	Planning & feasibility	Include Gantt chart if possible	6-month intervention, 1-month analysis
Budget	Resource planning	Include staffing, materials	Funding for handoff training sessions
References	Support claims	APA style, current evidence	Latest Canadian nursing research articles
Appendices	Supporting materials	Questionnaires, recruitment scripts	Survey instrument for patient satisfaction

To help you visualize how all the pieces of a qualitative research proposal fit together, the table below breaks down each component using an example focused on new nurses’ experiences with workplace bullying in Canadian hospitals. By examining this table, you can see how each component—from the title and abstract to ethical considerations and appendices—works together to create a coherent, feasible, and ethical research plan. Think of it as a roadmap that guides your thinking, ensures you address all essential aspects, and strengthens your ability to communicate the importance and design of your study to others, including ethics boards, faculty, or potential funders.

Table 10.2: Components of a Qualitative Research Proposal – New Nurse Experiences with Workplace Bullying (Intellectual property of Dr. Florriann Fehr/TRU Open Press CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Proposal Component	Description	Example in Context of New Nurse Bullying Study
Title	Concise and descriptive	“Exploring the Lived Experiences of New Nurses Experiencing Workplace Bullying in Canadian Hospitals”
Investigators & Affiliations	Names, institutions, contact info	Lead: Florriann Fehr, TRU School of Nursing; Co-investigators: Ime Stavinga, Katie Gregson.
Abstract	~250–300 words summary	Summarizes study purpose, qualitative approach, participants (new nurses), data collection (interviews), expected insights on coping strategies and organizational support
Introduction	Background, significance	Highlights prevalence of workplace bullying in healthcare, its impact on nurse retention, patient safety, and professional development
Literature Review	Relevant previousresearch	Reviews existing studies on nurse bullying, workplace stress, new graduate transitions, gaps in qualitative insights
Research Question(s)	Central guiding question(s)	“How do new nurses experience and cope with workplace bullying in Canadian hospitals?”
Sub-Questions	Optional, more focused	– “What forms of bullying do new nurses encounter?” – “How do new nurses perceive organizational support?” – “What coping strategies are most effective?”
Methodology	Overall design approach	Qualitative, phenomenological design to explore lived experiences
Setting & Participants	Where study takes place and participant criteria	Canadian hospitals; nurses within their first 12 months of practice; purposive sampling
Data Collection	Instruments and procedures	Semi-structured interviews (30–60 min), reflective journals, optional focus groups
Data Analysis	How data will be interpreted	Thematic analysis using Braun & Clarke’s six-step approach; NVivo software for coding
Ethical Considerations	Consent, confidentiality, risks	Informed consent, anonymity, sensitive topic support (counseling referral), ethics approval from institutional review board
Timelines	Step-by-step schedule	Recruitment (1 month), data collection (3 months), analysis (2 months), write-up (1 month)
Budget & Resources	Estimated costs	Transcription services, NVivo license, participant honoraria, travel if multiple hospital sites
References	APA-style citations	Studies on nurse bullying, qualitative methods, Canadian healthcare workforce
Appendices	Supporting documents	Interview guide, recruitment materials, consent forms

Mixed methods can provide a richer understanding of complex issues, such as workplace bullying in nursing, by capturing both the extent of the problem (quantitative) and the lived experiences of nurses (qualitative).

However, it’s important for students to understand that mixed methods are not always necessary. Some teachers in a research course might want a student to only focus on one method (to best understand the process) and research questions may be best addressed with only one method. For example, some questions require a purely quantitative design, such as measuring the prevalence of bullying, its correlation with stress scores, or its impact on turnover intentions. Other questions may be best suited to a qualitative design, such as exploring new nurses’ personal experiences of bullying, coping strategies, and workplace dynamics.

Mixed methods must be done carefully:

Clearly justify why both methods are required. Don’t mix methods just for the sake of it.

Plan how the qualitative and quantitative data will be integrated in analysis and reporting.

Allocate enough time and resources, since collecting and analyzing both types of data is more demanding.

Address ethical considerations for both components, including confidentiality for interviews and anonymity for survey responses.

The key takeaway: choose the research method that best answers your question. Mixed methods can provide a comprehensive picture, but a single-method approach can often be more practical and rigorous when carefully executed.

The following table illustrates a research proposal using a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews.

Table 10.3: Components of a Mixed-Methods Research Proposal – Workplace Bullying in Nursing (Intellectual property of Dr. Florriann Fehr/TRU Open Press CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Section	Purpose	Key Tips	Example in Nursing Context
Title	Clearly communicates the focus	Keep concise, descriptive	“Impact of Workplace Bullying on Job Satisfaction Among Canadian Acute Care Nurses”
Abstract	Summarizes the proposal	250–300 words, include aims, methods, significance	Summarize aim (assess prevalence and impact), method (survey + interviews), and potential outcomes (recommendations for interventions)
Introduction	Sets context and rationale	Show why study is important	Bullying affects nurse retention, patient safety, and workplace culture in Canadian hospitals
Literature Review	Demonstrates knowledge of topic	Summarize current evidence, identify gaps	Evidence on bullying prevalence in nursing; gaps in effective interventions in Canada
Aims & Objectives	Define what you hope to achieve	Specific, measurable	Aim: Identify how bullying affects stress and turnover intentions among nurses. Objectives: measure frequency, identify sources, explore coping strategies
Methodology	Describe how research will be conducted	Include design, participants, intervention	Mixed-methods: online survey for quantitative data + semi-structured interviews for qualitative insights
Setting & Participants	Context of the study	Specify location, inclusion/exclusion	Registered nurses in two Canadian acute care hospitals; inclusion: >6 months experience
Sampling Method	Ensure representative participants	Explain recruitment	Purposive sampling for interviews; convenience sampling for survey
Data Collection Instruments	Describe tools and measures	Use validated tools where possible	Workplace Bullying Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, interview guide
Data Analysis	How results will be evaluated	State statistical/qualitative methods	Quantitative: descriptive statistics, correlation; Qualitative: thematic analysis
Ethical Considerations	Protect participants	Ensure consent, anonymity	REB approval, secure storage of data, option to withdraw at any time
Timelines	Planning & feasibility	Include Gantt chart if possible	3 months data collection, 1 month analysis, 1 month report writing
Budget	Resource planning	Include staffing, materials	Costs for survey software, transcription, potential incentives for participants
References	Support claims	APA style, recent evidence	Canadian Nursing Association reports, peer-reviewed studies on bullying in nursing
Appendices	Supporting materials	Questionnaires, recruitment scripts	Survey questions, interview guide, recruitment poster

A timeline shows how you will organize and schedule the different stages of your research project. It helps ensure your study is feasible within the time and resources you have and gives reviewers confidence that your plan is realistic. You can use a Gantt chart or a simple step-by-step schedule to outline each phase. Include time for recruitment, data collection, data analysis, and writing up your results. Be sure to consider possible delays and plan accordingly.

Examples for the Qualitative Bullying Proposal shown in a table earlier in this Chapter:

Recruitment of Participants: 1 month – Identify and invite new nurses in Canadian hospitals who meet the inclusion criteria.

Data Collection: 3 months – Conduct semi-structured interviews (30–60 minutes each) and optional focus groups.

Data Analysis: 2 months – Transcribe interviews and analyze themes using NVivo software.

Write-up and Reporting: 1 month – Prepare final report, including findings, discussion, and implications for nursing practice.

Concise Narrative Timeline

Month 1: Recruit new nurses and obtain consent.

Months 2–4: Conduct interviews and focus groups.

Month 5: Transcribe and organize data for analysis.

Months 6–7: Analyze data, identify themes, and write the final report.Step-by-Step Timeline

Table Version of a Proposal Timeline (once Ethics is approved):

Phase	Duration	Description
Recruitment of Participants	1 month	Invite new nurses, confirm consent, schedule interviews
Data Collection	3 months	Conduct semi-structured interviews and optional focus groups
Data Transcription	1 month	Transcribe recorded interviews for analysis
Data Analysis	2 months	Thematic analysis using NVivo software
Write-up & Reporting	1 month	Prepare final report with findings, discussion, and recommendations

Visual Timeline Version

For a visual you could also do this, similar to a Gantt chart, you can put the information into a table and shade in the areas of activity for a better visual understanding:

Research Budget for Undergraduate Projects

A research budget outlines the estimated costs required to complete a project. For undergraduate research, budgets are usually small and focused on essential items needed for data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Preparing a budget helps plan resources, justify funding requests, and show project feasibility.

Common Categories in a Small Undergraduate Research Budget:

Supplies & Materials – Items needed for experiments, surveys, or data collection (e.g., lab reagents, stationery, printing costs).
Participant Costs – Incentives for participants, travel reimbursements, or tokens of appreciation.
Equipment – If any specialized equipment is required and not already available (usually small items like a sensor, data logger, or software license).
Travel – Transportation costs for fieldwork or attending relevant meetings/conferences (short-distance or local only for undergrad projects).
Software & Technology – Statistical software, online survey tools, or data storage subscriptions.
Dissemination – Printing posters, abstract submission fees, or open-access fees if presenting or publishing results.

Note: For small projects, some categories may not be needed, and costs should be kept minimal.

The following budget provides a preliminary, illustrative estimate of costs for this small-scale, one-semester qualitative study on new nurse experiences with workplace bullying. It reflects typical expenses for participant incentives, transcription support, software for data analysis, and minor travel and printing needs, while assuming access to university resources where possible. For example, participant honoraria acknowledge the time and effort of interviewees, transcription services facilitate accurate data analysis, and NVivo software supports thematic coding. Travel and printing costs are minimal, reflecting local site visits and small-scale document needs. When preparing a budget for a granting agency, it is important to provide justification for each cost, ensure estimates are realistic and reasonable, note any available university resources that reduce expenses, consider participant safety and ethical requirements, include a small contingency for unexpected costs, and ensure the overall budget aligns with the project’s scope and timeframe.

Proposed Budget – Exploring New Nurse Experiences with Workplace Bullying

Item	Quantity	Cost per Item	Total Cost	Notes
Participant honoraria (gift cards)	10	$15.00	$150	Incentive for participating in interviews
Transcription services	5 hours	$25/hour	$125	Outsourcing transcription of audio-recorded interviews
NVivo software license	1 semester	$80	$80	For thematic coding and qualitative analysis
Printing & stationary	–	–	$20	Recruitment flyers, consent forms, journal materials
Travel (local hospitals)	3 trips	$15/trip	$45	Mileage/parking for researcher site visits
Total Estimated Budget			$420

Remixed from:

An Introduction to Research Methods for Undergraduate Health Profession Students by Bunmi Malau-Aduli and Faith Alele (2023), published under a CC BY NC 4.0 license.
- Chapter 6.5 Writing a Research Proposal

Figure 10.1 Research proposals outline the purpose, methods, and significance of a study is by Resarch Assistant Ime Stavinga and is subject to the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license.
Dr. Fehr [avatar] by Research Assistant Katie Gregson on Canva using Canva AI image creation https://www.canva.com/ai-assistant/ is subject to the Canva Pro Content License.

Proposal Actions, post- ethics approval (if needed)

Recruitment

Data Collection

Transcription

Data Analysis

Write up Findings

Alele, F., & Malau-Aduli, B. (2023). 6.5 Writing a Research Proposal. An Introduction to Research Methods for Undergraduate Health Profession Students. https://jcu.pressbooks.pub/intro-res-methods-health/chapter/6-5-writing-a-research-proposal/