L

• Research


  A search for knowledge through the application of scientific procedures
• Types of research studies

  • Exploratory or formulative
  • Descriptive
  • Diagnostic
  • Hypothesis-testing
  • Applied
  • Pure or basic
  • Empirical

  
• Research proposal


  A written plan for a research study before it is carried out
• Process for developing a research proposal

  1. Preliminary sorting of ideas

  2. Further organization of ideas and arguments

  3. Write the proposal and revise the organizational framework
• Sections of a research proposal


  • Objective
  • Justification
  • Introduction
  • Background/Review of literature
  • Research question/Hypothesis
  • Methodology
  • Time frame and work schedule
  • Personnel needed/available
  • Facilities needed/available
  • Ethical approval/Departmental approval
  • Budget

  
• Objective


  The clearly stated, specific, achievable and measurable goal of the proposed study
• Introduction


  Introduces the problem to be studied and explains its importance and relevance
• Background/Review of literature


  Reflects an extensive review of existing knowledge on the topic, including gaps
• Research question/Hypothesis


  What the study aims to prove and how it will be proven
• Components of research methodology

  • Study design
  • Study population/Sampling specifications
  • Sample size
  • Instrumentation
  • Specific procedures
• Study design


  The specific plan or protocol for conducting the study to achieve the objective
• Study population/Sample specifications


  Description of the population, how subjects will be selected, and randomization process
• Instrumentation and procedures


  Details of how exposures, outcome variables and other variables will be measured, and how data will be processed and analysed
• Facilities


  The important facilities required/available for the study, such as computers, laboratories, and special equipment
• Personnel


  The primary investigators, co-investigators, and their qualifications and roles
• Research proposals should consider safety and environmental hazards
• Research impact and significance

  How the research problem helps address other interesting problems, and the ethical considerations