Keys to Writing an Effective Proposal

Elements of the Research Proposal Title Abstract Study Problem Relevance of the Project Literature Review Specific Study Objectives Research Methods Study design Subjects Inclusion/exclusion criteria Sampling Recruitment plans Method of assignment to study groups Data collection variables: outcomes, predictors, confounders measures/instruments procedures Intervention Statistical considerations sample size data analysis Ethical Considerations Work Plan Budget ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- Keys To Success To Writing A Good Proposal Overall Quality of the Study Good research question Appropriate research design Rigorous and feasible methods Qualified research team Quality of the Proposal Informative title Self-sufficient and convincing abstract Clear research questions Scholarly and pertinent background and rationale Relevant previous work Appropriate population and sample Appropriate measurement and intervention methods Quality control Adequate sample size Sound analysis plan Ethical issues well addressed Tight budget Realistic timetable Quality of the Presentation Clear, concise, well-organized Helpful table of contents and subheadings Good schematic diagrams and tables Neat and free of errors Adapted from Hulley & Cummings ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- Literature Review A critical summary of research on a topic of interest, generally prepared to put a research problem in context or to identify gaps and weaknesses in prior studies so as to justify a new investigation. Keys to Success Thorough and complete Logical Recent Original research Primary sources Critical appraisal Building case for new study ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- Study Rationale Has the study been done before? Will the study benefit patients advance understanding or influence policy? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- Study Problem (Study Purpose) Broad statement indicating the goals of the project. Examples: What are problems related to unplanned cesarean deliveries? Is colonoscopy accessible to all Canadian health care consumers? Keys to Success Clear Relevant Logical Documented ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- Objectives/Research Questions/Hypotheses Identifying the research problem and developing a question to be answered are the first steps in the research process. The research question will guide the remainder of the design process. Research Objectives A clear statement of the specific purposes of the study, which identifies the key study variables and their possible interrelationships and the nature of the population of interest. Research Question The specific purpose stated in the form of a question. Hypotheses A tentative prediction or explanation of the relationship between two or more variables. A prediction of the answer to the research question. Examples: The purpose of this study is to determine the major physiologic psychosocial and lifestyle concerns of women two weeks and eight weeks after an unplanned cesarean delivery. Does the administration of analgesic by nurses vs. by patients themselves affect pain intensity during the first postoperative recovery day in older adults? Patients residing in rural areas of Alberta are less likely than urban patients to undergo a colonoscopy within 18 months of a curative resection for colorectal cancer. Functions Provide reviewers with a clear picture of what you plan to accomplish. Show the reviewers that you have a clear picture of what you want to accomplish. Form the foundation for the rest of the proposal. Will be used to assess the adequacy/appropriateness of the study\'s proposed methods. Keys to Success Clear and consistent. Key concepts/constructs identified. Includes the independent and dependent variables (if applicable). Measurable. Hypotheses clearly predict a relationship between variables. Relevant or novel

简而言之：一般写research proposal分3大块：

第一:introduction (background)，介绍这类技术的背景与前景, 还有现在已有的解决方案，简单的分析一下它们的优点和缺点。这一节，你可以充分向你的未来导师展示你对该行业的知识与热情，以及独到的见解。这个非常重要。

第二，research proposal。在这一节里，你需要列一个非常详细的研究方案，告诉你导师你一开始打算如何做，心中有什么想法，你的这些想法一旦实现会得到怎么样怎么样的好处。你最好的列出你的time table，第一年做什么，第二年做什么，第三年做什么。 你的未来导师通过这个了解到你是一个有思想，有计划的人。

第三，conclusion。凡事都会有结论，这块最难些，多看些 academic paper吧，没什么好办法。

申请PHD，一定要把research proposal写好，这是一个挑战也是一个机会，他是你唯一的想你未来导师表达你的思想的途径，是你唯一的说服他“把钱拿出来”的途径。