How to Write a Research Proposal Synopsis Prof

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How to Write a Research Proposal (Synopsis) Prof. Dr. Syed Moazzam Nizami Director, Integrated

How to Write a Research Proposal (Synopsis) Prof. Dr. Syed Moazzam Nizami Director, Integrated Mountain Areas Research Center (IMARC) Email: director. imarc@kiu. edu. pk

Important Points • Most of the students Don’t Understand Research Proposal and & Its

Important Points • Most of the students Don’t Understand Research Proposal and & Its Importance • One`s research is only good as one`s Proposal • An ill conceived proposal dooms the research (even gone through Supervisory committee) • A good quality research Proposal not only impress the evaluator but also provide an evidence of your potential as researcher

Research Proposal A research proposal is intended to convince others that you have a

Research Proposal A research proposal is intended to convince others that you have a worthwhile research project and that you have the competence and the work -plan to complete it. Generally, a research proposal should contain all the key elements involved in the research process and include sufficient information for the readers to evaluate the proposed study.

Elements of Research Proposal /Synopsis (KIU) The Title Page , Approval Certificate and Table

Elements of Research Proposal /Synopsis (KIU) The Title Page , Approval Certificate and Table of Contents Abstract Introduction Review of Literature Methodology & Proposed Analysis of Data Limitations & Delimitation (If Any) List of References Appendices (If Any)

The Title of the Synopsis The title summarizes the main idea or ideas of

The Title of the Synopsis The title summarizes the main idea or ideas of your study. A good title contains the fewest possible words that adequately describe the contents and/or purpose of your research paper. The title is without doubt the part of a paper that is read the most, and it is usually read first. Important Video: https: //youtu. be/5 Phq. RWOb. Mew

Characteristics of a good Research Title ü A good Title Predicts the contents of

Characteristics of a good Research Title ü A good Title Predicts the contents of the research ü A good research title should be interesting to the reader ü It should reflect the tone of the writing. ü It should contain important keywords that will make it easier to be located during a keyword search.

Sample of Title page in KIU Synopsis Format

Sample of Title page in KIU Synopsis Format

Example of Title Imagine that you are researching meditation and nursing, and you want

Example of Title Imagine that you are researching meditation and nursing, and you want to find out if any studies have shown that meditation makes nurses better communicators. You conduct a keyword search using the keywords “nursing”, “communication”, and “meditation. ” You come up with results that have the following titles: 1. Benefits of Meditation for the Nursing Profession: A Quantitative Investigation 2. Why Mindful Nurses Make the Best Communicators 3. Meditation Gurus 4. Nurses on the Move: A Quantitative Report on How Meditation Can Improve Nurse Performance

Examples of Title: All four of these titles may describe very similar studies—they could

Examples of Title: All four of these titles may describe very similar studies—they could even be titles for the same study! As you can see, they give very different impressions. Title 1 describes the topic and the method of the study but is not particularly catchy. (Benefits of Meditation for the Nursing Profession: A Quantitative Investigation) Title 2 partly describes the topic, but does not give any information about the method of the study—it could simply be a theoretical or opinion piece. (Why Mindful Nurses Make the Best Communicators) Title 3 is somewhat catchier but gives almost no information at all about the article. (Meditation Gurus) Title 4 begins with a catchy main title and is followed by a subtitle that gives information about the content and method of the study. (Nurses on the Move: A Quantitative Report on How Meditation Can Improve Nurse Performance) Which one is Good? ?

Finally 1 Avoid unnecessary words and jargons. You want a title that will be

Finally 1 Avoid unnecessary words and jargons. You want a title that will be comprehensible even to people who are not experts in your field. 2 Make sure your title is between 5 and 15 words in length. 3 Follow University Synopsis format manual

How to write Abstract of the Synopsis? An abstract is a short summary of

How to write Abstract of the Synopsis? An abstract is a short summary of a longer work (such as a dissertation or research synopsis/paper). The abstract concisely reports the aims and outcomes of your research so that readers know exactly what the research is about. Write the abstract at the very end, when you’ve completed the rest of the text. There are four things you need to include: Your research problem and objectives Your methods Expected results Benefits of the study An abstract is usually around 150– 250 words, but there’s often a strict word limit, so make sure to check the requirements of the university or journal. ( FOR KIU Synopsis it is 250 words excluding Key words at end of Abstract)

Jotted down ü The function of an abstract is to describe, not to evaluate

Jotted down ü The function of an abstract is to describe, not to evaluate or defend, the research. ü The abstract should begin with a brief but precise statement of the problem or issue, followed by a description of the research method and design, the expected results and scope of study. ü The abstract should contain the most important key words referring to method and content: these facilitate access to the abstract by computer search and enable a reader to decide whether to read the entire research.

Example Note: Your abstract should read like an overview of your paper, not a

Example Note: Your abstract should read like an overview of your paper, not a proposal for what you intended to study or accomplish. Avoid beginning your sentences with phrases like, “This research will examine. . . ” or “In this research I will attempt to prove. . . ” Good abstract: Bad abstract: This study will look at the human genome project and its goals. I will prove that scientists have ethical and moral questions about genetic engineering because of this project. Begun in 1988, the human genome project intends to map the 23 chromosomes that provide the blueprint for the human species. The research has both scientific and ethical goals. The scientific goals underscore the advantages of the genome project, including identifying and curing diseases and enabling people to select the traits of their offspring, among other opportunities. Ethically, however, the project raises serious questions about the morality of genetic engineering. To handle both the medical opportunities and ethical dilemmas posed by the genome project, scientists need to develop a clear set of principles for genetic engineering and to continue educating the public about the genome project. https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=5 I 6 s. JRCv 150

Introduction of Synopsis An introduction is the initial part of a research paper and

Introduction of Synopsis An introduction is the initial part of a research paper and the part that a reader is likely to read first (at least when focusing deeply and reading your paper in detail). Hence, definitions, notions, and some other important information required for understanding the paper are presented/listed here. So your introduction must include: • Background information e. g. prevalence, statistics etc • Conceptual Definitions of the Constructs Under study • Brief overview of theories / Models linking the topic to the available body of knowledge • The theoretical framework you will base your research work on.

Statement of Problem Statement of the Problem Identify the research gaps and justify the

Statement of Problem Statement of the Problem Identify the research gaps and justify the conduct of the study It serves as a guide in formulating the specific objectives of the study

Significance/ Rational of the Study Significance / Rational of the Study It refers to

Significance/ Rational of the Study Significance / Rational of the Study It refers to justification, importance, and vital contribution of the findings of the study / research and its likely benefits. Why is it worth doing? While the particular topic and its context will determine a study’s significance and contribution of a study in terms of: 1. adding to the existing knowledge in the area; 2. policy considerations; 3. implications for practitioners etc.

Objective of the Study Objectives of the Study List down main objectives of the

Objective of the Study Objectives of the Study List down main objectives of the Study (preferably 2 -3) Clearly defined objectives enlighten the way the researcher has to proceed TIP! Your well-defined research objectives will help you identify the type of study you will do. Practical limitations and/or advice from your supervisor may require that you reformulate all or some of your objectives. Don’t worry; this is all part of the research process.

Note That:

Note That:

Finalizing Hypothesis of the study A hypothesis states your predictions about what your research

Finalizing Hypothesis of the study A hypothesis states your predictions about what your research will find. It is a tentative answer to your research question that has not yet been tested. For some research projects, you might have to write several hypotheses that address different aspects of your research question. A hypothesis is not just a guess — it should be based on existing theories and knowledge. It also has to be testable, which means you can support or refute it through scientific research methods (such as experiments, observations and statistical analysis of data). Watch video:

Writing Review of Literature It mainly consists of review of existing relevant and related

Writing Review of Literature It mainly consists of review of existing relevant and related research Subsections can be included based on the nature of your work. Presents relationships between different specific constructs the researcher wants to study i. e. specify the relationships between and among variables Correlates and predictors of outcome variable identified in research May consist of a combination of mathematical, graphical, and/or diagrammatical presentations Provide an overview of Indigenous Researches i. e. overview of relevant research done in Pakistan

Review of Literature The literature review serves several important functions: 1. Ensures that you

Review of Literature The literature review serves several important functions: 1. Ensures that you are not "reinventing the wheel". 2. Gives credits to those who have laid the groundwork for your research. 3. Demonstrates your knowledge of the research problem. 4. Demonstrates your understanding of theoretical and research issues related to your research question. 5. Shows your ability to critically evaluate relevant literature information. 6. Indicates your ability to integrate and synthesize the existing literature. 7. Provides new theoretical insights or develops a new model as the conceptual framework for your research. 8. Convinces your reader that your proposed research will make a significant and substantial contribution to the literature (i. e. , resolving an important theoretical issue or filling a major gap in the literature).

Problems in most of the “Review of Literature” section in Synopsis Most students' literature

Problems in most of the “Review of Literature” section in Synopsis Most students' literature reviews suffer from the following problems: Lacking organization and structure Lacking focus, unity and coherence Being repetitive and verbose Failing to cite influential papers Failing to keep up with recent developments Failing to critically evaluate cited papers Citing irrelevant or trivial references Depending too much on secondary sources Tips: Make use of subheadings to bring order and coherence to your review. For example, having established the importance of your research area and its current state of development, you may devote several subsections on related issues as: theoretical models, measuring instruments, cross-cultural and gender differences, etc.

Review of Literature As per KIU Format • It must be at least (3

Review of Literature As per KIU Format • It must be at least (3 -4 pages) (Size 12, Time New Roman. Single line) • Review of 20 -25 relevant research articles • It must be in Story form • No consideration for chronological order • Review articles (preferably during last 5 -10 years) • For review article give precise summary in 7 -10 lines describing study objective, methodology used and results revealed by the study

Methodology (Size 12, Time New Roman. Single line) a. . Research Design Specify whether

Methodology (Size 12, Time New Roman. Single line) a. . Research Design Specify whether descriptive, causal/explanatory, correlational, comparative, exploratory, evaluative or combination of two or more designs Design: Strategy & Frame work What strategy is proposed, quantitative or qualitative? If both quantitative/qualitative (mixed method) approaches are targeted then what would be the mixture of the proposed strategies.

Methodology contd…………………. a. Sample/ Participants The sampling strategy, especially whether it is probability (its

Methodology contd…………………. a. Sample/ Participants The sampling strategy, especially whether it is probability (its type), non probability (its type), or both and what claims will be made for the generalizability of findings. Inclusion / exclusion criteria of the sample How Sample will be recruited and approached What would be the Sample size and how the size will be determined

Methodology a. Data Collection Techniques / Assessment Measures Whether you will use already developed

Methodology a. Data Collection Techniques / Assessment Measures Whether you will use already developed Instruments (provide detail). Whether Instruments will be development, (give detail) Other ways of producing data (qualitative e. g. focus group discussion, interviews, texts etc) Material and method for observations

Methodology contd…………. a. Procedure How the data will be collected i. e. taking necessary

Methodology contd…………. a. Procedure How the data will be collected i. e. taking necessary approvals /permissions, logistic arrangements and assessment etc

Methodology a. Ethical Considerations: consent/access/and participants’ protection List down issues like informed consent, anonymity,

Methodology a. Ethical Considerations: consent/access/and participants’ protection List down issues like informed consent, anonymity, confidentiality of data, data storage, and the use of the results etc. � Other can be study specific like intervention and advocacy etc.

Analysis of the Data 3. Proposed statistical Analyses Indicate the most appropriate analysis used

Analysis of the Data 3. Proposed statistical Analyses Indicate the most appropriate analysis used for both quantitative (descriptive, inferential statistics) and qualitative data. � Mathematical expressions must be italicized and numbered accordingly � All models/equations must be properly numbered All major/key variables must be properly measured/categorized, indicating their specific units of measure. � The sources of formulas must be indicated in the text.

Limitations & Delimitations (if Applicable) Limitations refer to limiting conditions or restrictive weaknesses Delimitations

Limitations & Delimitations (if Applicable) Limitations refer to limiting conditions or restrictive weaknesses Delimitations refer to defining the limits or drawing the boundaries around the study, and showing clearly what is and what is not included

Plan of Research (The Gant Chart)

Plan of Research (The Gant Chart)

References (KIU Synopsis Format) Follow APA ( American Psychological Association) style for referencing of

References (KIU Synopsis Format) Follow APA ( American Psychological Association) style for referencing of Articles, Books, Proceedings, books chapter, Blogs etc Ensure to match list of references with those given in citations. WHY APA Style? APA Style provides clarity to papers on often complex topics. It makes papers easier to read and understand. . APA style can also help the author better organize their research and help the reader easily find information that is important for evaluating that research.

Expected Results Obviously you do not have results at the proposal stage. However, you

Expected Results Obviously you do not have results at the proposal stage. However, you need to have some idea about what kind of data you will be collecting, and what statistical procedures will be used in order to answer your research question or test you hypothesis.

APA Styles ( For details check synopsis manual For Books: Strunk, W. , Jr.

APA Styles ( For details check synopsis manual For Books: Strunk, W. , Jr. , & White, E. B. (2000). The elements of style (4 th ed. ). New York: Longman. In text: (Strunk & White, 2000) For Online Book: Reed, J. (1922). Ten days that shook the world. Project Gutenberg. Etext 3076. Retrieved January 12, 2004, from ftp: //ibiblio. org/pub/ docs/books/gutenberg/etext 02/10 daz 10. txt In text: (Reed, 1922) For Article: . Hansen, S. S. , Munk-Jorgensen, P. , Guldbaek, B. , Solgard, T. , Lauszus, K. S. , Albrechtsen, N. , et al. (2000). Psychoactive substance use diagnoses among psychiatric in-patients. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 102, 432– 438 Name up to six authors, then add “et al. ” In text: (Hansen, et al. , 2000) For Thesis: Gomez, C. (2003). Identifying early indicators for autism in self-regulatory difficulties. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Auburn. University, AL. In text: ( Gomez, 2003)

Appendices You can attach: Participant Information Sheet, Letter for permission, � Participant Consent form,

Appendices You can attach: Participant Information Sheet, Letter for permission, � Participant Consent form, Measuring instruments Interview guides, observational schedule, Assessment tools Example of pilot study or any other data/work already completed.

Failure in preparing Good Synopsis 1. Failure to provide the proper context to frame

Failure in preparing Good Synopsis 1. Failure to provide the proper context to frame the research question. 2. Failure to delimit the boundary conditions for your research. 3. Failure to cite landmark studies. 4. Failure to accurately present theoretical and empirical contributions by other researchers. 5. Failure to stay focused on the research question. 6. Failure to develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed research. 7. Too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues. 8. Too much rambling -- going "all over the map" without a clear sense of direction. (The best proposals move forward with ease and grace like a seamless river. ) 9. Too many citation lapses and incorrect references. 10. Too long or too short. 11. Failing to follow the APA style. 12. Slopping writing

Thanks & consult your supervisor for details

Thanks & consult your supervisor for details