Developing Research Proposals

Writing a research proposal is one of the most important tasks facing academics, researchers and postgraduate students. Yet there is a good deal of misinformation and a great lack of guidance about what constitutes a good research proposal and what can be done to maximise one′s chances of writing a successful research proposal. Denicolo and Becker recognise the importance of developing an effective research proposal for gaining either a place on a research degree programme or funding to support research projects and set out to explore the main factors that that proposal writers need to attend to in developing successful proposals of their own. Developing Research Proposals will help readers to understand the context within which their proposal will be read, what the reviewers are looking for and will be influenced by, while also supporting the development of relevant skills through advice and practical activities. This book: Explores the nature and purpose of different kinds of proposals Focuses on the actual research proposed Discusses how best to carry out and structure the literature review Examines the posing and phrasing of research questions and hypotheses Looks at how methods and methodology should be handled in a proposal Discusses the crucial issues of planning, strategy and timing in developing targeted proposals Denicolo and Becker draw together the key elements in the process of preparing and submitting a proposal and concludes with advice on responding to the results, successful or not, and their relevance to future proposals. The Success in Research series, from Cindy Becker and Pam Denicolo, provides short, authoritative and accessible guides on key areas of professional and research development. Avoiding jargon and cutting to the chase of what you really need to know, these practical and supportive books cover a range of areas from presenting research to achieving impact, and from publishing journal articles to developing proposals. They are essential reading for any student or researcher interested in developing their skills and broadening their professional and methodological knowledge in an academic context.

Successful research requires effective and thorough preparation. In this expanded and updated Second Edition of Developing Effective Research Proposals Keith Punch offers an indispensable guide to the issues involved in proposal development and in presenting a well-considered plan for the execution of research. Dealing with both qualitative and quantitative approaches to empirical research across the social sciences, the Second Edition comprehensively covers the topics and concerns relevant to the subject and is organized around three central themes: What is a research proposal, who reads proposals and why? How can we go about developing a proposal? and What might a finished proposal look like? New features of this edition include: -Expanded sections covering research strategy, research planning and academic writing -Examples of successful research proposals from across the social science disciplines -A more comprehensive discussion of ethics -A brand new glossary and chapter summaries The Second Edition will be welcomed by all those preparing or evaluating research proposals, and will be invaluable across all areas of social science, both basic and applied, and for students undertaking quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method studies.

Pam Denicolo and Lucinda Becker recognize the importance of developing an effective research proposal for gaining either a place on a research degree program or funding to support research projects and set out to explore the main factors that that proposal writers need to attend to in developing successful proposals of their own. Developing Research Proposals will help readers to understand the context within which their proposal will be read, what the reviewers are looking for and will be influenced by, while also supporting the development of relevant skills through advice and practical activities.

Pam Denicolo and Lucinda Becker recognize the importance of developing an effective research proposal for gaining either a place on a research degree program or funding to support research projects and set out to explore the main factors that that proposal writers need to attend to in developing successful proposals of their own. Developing Research Proposals will help readers to understand the context within which their proposal will be read, what the reviewers are looking for and will be influenced by, while also supporting the development of relevant skills through advice and practical activities. The authors draw together the key elements in the process of preparing and submitting a proposal and concludes with advice on responding to the results, successful or not, and their relevance to future proposals.

A research proposal is a plan that a candidate submits to gain approval for post-graduate research. Although it is a typical requirement for any research in higher education, it has failed to receive the attention it deserves from the academic community as a procedure of systematic teaching and learning. This book provides a support framework with step-by-step guidance about what constitutes a good research proposal and what can be done to maximize one’s chances of writing a successful application. It also presents advice and practical activities to enhance skill development, and shows how success is within reach if we are willing to face our flaws and grasp how to use the available information productively and persuasively.

This two-volume set presents a course outline, in modular format, that deals step-by-step with the development of a Health Systems Research (HSR) proposal and field testing (Part 1) and with data analysis and report writing (Part 2).

This is your step-by-step guide on how to write successful research proposals in the health sciences, whether it is for a thesis or dissertation review committee, an ethical review committee or a grant funding committee. Using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research approaches, follow the journey of Liang and Natasha, two fictional researchers who will help you complete your proposal alongside reading the chapters. This practical guide includes top tips from the authors, read-reflect-respond activities and examples of project plans to equip you with all the tools you need to succeed with your research proposal.

Learn how to write a successful research proposal with this user-friendly, step-by-step guide. Research Proposals provides practical advice on how to deal with the seven basic questions that any research proposal needs to answer: • What is it all about? • What do we already know? • What do we need to find out? • How will we get the necessary information? • What will it cost and how long will it take? • Is the research socially acceptable? • What will be produced? This is a valuable resource for students who need to conduct a research project as part of their studies and anyone who wants to submit an application for research funding. The new edition is perfect for master’s students planning a dissertation, undergraduate students approaching their final year project, and PhD students applying for acceptance onto a doctoral programme. "This is an insightful and easy to use guide for students and researchers. It will support creating a research proposal for both academic programme assignments and for preparation for conducting research. The logical format is useful and very clear to read. There is an excellent appendix providing a specimen research proposal with commentary boxes highlighting the important points." Dr Alaster Scott Douglas, Reader in Education & Professional Practice, University of Roehampton, UK “Everything that you need to know about how to put together a research proposal is in this book. It’s the perfect guide for students and early career researchers who are writing a research proposal and have not had much experience. Impressive in its clarity and common sense, Denscombe’s practical guide tells you not just what to do but why as he takes you step by step through the process. The book is crammed with useful tips, helpful examples, effective graphics, and a great checklist appendix. Highly recommended!” Rosalind Edwards, Professor of Sociology and co-director of the ESRC National Centre for Research Methods, University of Southampton, UK “This is a highly practical book about the art of communicating why your research ideas are worthwhile, feasible and should be supported. It takes away any mystery about the process and so instils confidence.” Melanie Nind, University of Southampton, UK