Description

Research Proposal + a Questionnaire

Part A-Research Proposal-using quantitative approach

A short proposal on a particular topic using quantitative research approaches.

The proposal should include:

1. A brief introduction on the topic and a short literature review;

2. The research questions and investigations;

3. A description of the methodology to be used and how it will be contextualized (including issues of piloting, sampling, and data collection methods);

4. An explanation of how data will be analysed and interpreted;

5. Identification of ethical issues and how these will be addressed;

6. Reference to reliability and validity issues as well as any possible limitations.

Proposed Title:

Kindly indicate a working title for your research project. Be as specific as much as possible.

1.       Abstract:

Kindly provide a summary of approximately 250 words highlighting the proposed research topic, aims and methodology. What is the study about? Be direct and straightforward. Avoid long and in depth descriptions. Sentence 1 (what is the research about?): This research study tries to explore / delves into … Sentence 2 (the aim for the research): In so doing the research tries … Sentence 3 (how will your research be carried out / methodology): The data will be collected through quantitative research by the use of questionnaires of 250 people. Sentence 4: Offer recommendations for the way forward. An abstract does not include references.
 

2. Research Question/s

Kindly provide a clear and focused research question upon which the study will be conducted. This is in direct contact with: 1. Title 2. Main dissertation objective à Make sure that the research questions you provide can be answered through the research you will carry out. You can have 1 research question or 10 research questions. This depends solely on you. The more questions you pose, the more answers you’ll have to provide. This will guide you when analysing the research data. Ideal research questions = 3 … up to a maximum of 5.

1.       Literature Review (500 words)

Provide a background of the context in which your study takes place through an indication of the relevant literature including key concepts and theory. Back your argument by literature. Do not go too much in detail and stick to the word count. Always use latest literature possible as it offers a stronger validity to your research. Make sure the literature review is related to the research questions. I.E. the literature review helps you to start answering your research question as you are backing your argument by others’ research. Be selective with what you quote.

 3.Proposed Methodology (250 words)

Provide a description of the design of the project and the methods you will adopt as well as highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the methods to be employed. You may also wish to consider the constraints that may be encountered including issues of access to subjects and resources.

A description of the methodology to be used and how it will be contextualized (including issues of piloting, sampling, and data collection methods); If you are using questionnaires only, but including open ended questions, you are using a quantitative methodology but will be including a mixed method approach through the use of different questioning technique (yes and no as well as how/why/open ended questions).

4. An explanation of how data will be analysed and interpreted;

5. Ethical Considerations

Outline the key ethical considerations that may arise in the proposed research and how these will be addressed.

1. How will you protect the identity of who will be participating in your research? This includes both names as well as place of work. Will use pseudo names to protect identity.

2. Give participant the will to choose whether to be involved in the research or not. Hence, issue information letter (stating what the research is about and why) and issue all with a consent form. This is usually included in the invitation letter.

3. If a participant signed a consent form but half way through retracts her/his acceptance, you must accept such decision and provide a safe exit clause. If this happens, all data collected from this person will be deleted from the research.

Write these in bullet form:

Before: What would be your actions to safeguard ethics? 1. You obtain the necessary permission from necessary authorities to conduct the research. E.g. state school – principal and HOS permission (in writing through and invitation letter and a consent form), MEDE permission (which can be obtained once all principals and HOS have signed and given permission). Ethics form from IFE must be filled in and submitted as well. At that point, you are free to start the research.

During: What would be your actions to safeguard ethics? 1. Safeguard identity through pseudo names. 2. Send individualised consent forms to each and every participant. 3. Each participant will be given a safe exit clause.

After: What would be your actions to safeguard ethics? 1. What will happen to the data collected. Where will you store it? It must e stored in a safe inaccessible place (external hard disk safeguarded by a password). 2. Raw data will be kept for ____ years. Afterwards, this will be deleted and leave no trace. 3. Once the research result is out, all participants will be given a short synopsis that you are proposing for their particular setting.

Suggested Bibliography

Provide a list of key texts related to your research study.  List also all books or journals that you did not use in the literature review but you used anyway.

Part B -Questionnaire