Introduction – Writing a Research Proposal and Research Dissemination
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, students will be able to:
- Explain the purpose of a research proposal and why it’s needed before conducting a study.
- Identify the key components of a proposal, including front matter, abstract, introduction, literature review, aims, methodology, ethics, timelines, budget, references, and appendices.
- Draft a clear abstract that aligns with the proposal and communicates rationale, aims, methods, and significance.
- Distinguish between quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches and when to use each.
Welcome to Chapter 10: Writing a Research Proposal and Research Dissemination
In this chapter, we will focus on the components of writing an effective research proposal. We will begin by discussing what a research proposal is, what its goals are, and the various components of a research proposal. We will also examine a 15-step approach to writing a research proposal.
Key Terms to Know
Research proposal: A structured plan that explains what a researcher plans to study, why the study is important, and how the research will be conducted.
Abstract: A brief summary of a research proposal or study that communicates the problem or rationale, aim, methods, and expected outcomes or significance.
Rationale: The explanation of why a research study is needed or important, including the problem it addresses and its significance.
Feasibility: The extent to which a proposed study is realistic and possible to complete given the available time, resources, participants, skills, and supports.
Ethical considerations: The protections and procedures used to ensure that research is conducted responsibly, and participant’s rights, safety, privacy, and informed consent are protected.
Dissemination: The purposeful process of sharing research findings with the people, groups, or communities who can use or benefit from the information.
Audience: The specific people or groups for whom research findings are intended, such as nurses
Knowledge translation: The process of moving research findings toward uses in practice, education, policy, or decision-making so that evidence can contribute to meaningful change.
References
- Intellectual property of Dr. Florriann Fehr/TRU Open Press CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
A structured plan that explains what a researcher plans to study, why the study is important, and how the research will be conducted.
Something that is intangible or theoretical and not directly observable. Feelings, ideas, or concepts. For example: anxiety, health, quality of life.
The explanation of why a research study is needed or important, including the problem it addresses and its significance.
Whether a study can realistically be completed with available time, resources, participants, and expertise.
The protections and procedures used to ensure that research is conducted responsibly, and participants' rights, safety, privacy, and informed consent are protected.
The systematic evaluation of research evidence to determine its quality, trustworthiness, relevance, and applicability to practice.
The specific people or groups for whom research findings are intended, such as nurses, researchers, policymakers, health-care organizations, or community members.
The process of moving research findings toward uses in practice, education, policy, or decision-making so that evidence can contribute to meaningful change.