Doctor of Clinical Practice Programme

Research Proposal Guidance (summative assessment 1)

This research proposal constitutes assignment 1 for the Designing and Implementing Research unit. It is not possible to give precise guidance on the target size/ word count since proposals are likely to vary considerably in the amount of material to be presented. However the proposal should be no more than 3,500 words (+/- 10%), excluding references and appendices.

The grade awarded for the research proposal will be pass or fail.

A pass grade will be awarded for project proposals that are sound in design and meet the criteria stated on the assessment form. However, gaining a pass for this assignment should not necessarily be seen as an end point, which prevents further refinement of the research plans in discussion with your supervisors.

A 'fail' grade will be awarded when not all criteria have been met and/or there are major issues, which have not been addressed adequately.

Guidance on proposal preparation and structure

Either

1.Using an existing template

With guidance from your supervisor you are encouraged to use a research proposal template from a recognised funding body such as the Department of Health, Research Councils etc to structure your research proposal. Reference must be made to the source of the template.

Please note - Templates for submissions to Ethical Committees are not acceptable.

Or

  1. Alternatively you may choose to use the headings on the following page.

Doctor of Clinical Practice Programme

Research Proposal Template

Suggested headings for use if a template from a recognised funding body has not been selected

  1. Short title of project

Full title of project:

  1. Aims and objectives of project
  1. Scientific background - including a selection of relevant literature
  1. Brief outline of project - study design
  1. Operational definitions, if appropriate
  1. Methodology
  • Methodological approach and justification
  • Sampling strategy
  • Method of selecting sample

-including sample size (and statistical power if appropriate)

-recruitment, inclusion and exclusion criteria

-gaining consent

-maintaining confidentiality and anonymity

  • Data collection

-Pilot study or exploratory work

-Main study

  1. Ethical issues - what particular ethical problems or considerations do you consider to be important or difficult with the proposed study?
  1. Equipment
  1. Data analysis
  1. Time line
  1. Expected contribution of research to practice, and dissemination strategies
  1. References
  1. Appendices

-copies of previously Validated instruments to be used (if appropriate)

-other material as appropriate

Research proposal assessment guidance

Name of student:

PART A: Please indicate by ticking the appropriate box, how well the proposal meets the criteria specified. In order to pass the criteria must be fully met.

Criteria fully met / Criteria not met
Title
1 / The title is an accurate reflection of the study / The title does not accurately reflect the study
Operational Definitions
2 / Operational Definitions given if appropriate / Operational Definitions not given as appropriate or absent
Introduction
3 / Shows that the enquiry has a clear focus on practice / The enquiry fails to focus on practice
4 / Puts the need for exploration of the issue(s) into context /
The need for the study not put into context
Background (supporting literature)
5 / Presents an appropriate selection of relevant literature and justifies the need for study / Background literature isnarrow and/or shallow, too broad, irrelevant, the need for the study is unclear
6 / Critically evaluates the scope and significance of the literature / Uncritical approach
7 / Develops a coherent argument by integration of sources / Fragmented, unstructured presentation
Methodology
8 / Clearly states research questions/aims/hypotheses / Research questions/aims/hypotheses unclear
9 / Describes precisely and in detail the methodology to be followed including its rigour and appropriateness / Methodology not described clearly or critically
10 / Provides a clear plan for appropriate data collection, presents specimens of tools to be used / Plan for data collection unclear, tools not appropriate to the task, all specimens of tools not presented
11 / Appropriate approaches for analysis are identified / Analysis inappropriate, sketchy or unfocused
Ethical Considerations
12 / Demonstrates appreciation of the effects of the study on the sample population, the researcher and the environment / Effects of intervention or enquiry not fully considered
13 / Presents details of the consent process and procedure for data handling / Lack of clarity regarding consent and data handling procedures
Structure and Presentation
14 / Content demonstrates a connection between each of the key elements of the proposal / Content is muddled and haphazard
15 / References are full and accurate / Sources are unacknowledged or incorrectly given
16 / Style is scholarly / Style does not demonstrate appropriate level of scholarship

Signed (Supervisor 1):Date: ______

Supervisor's Name (print):

Signed (Supervisor 2):Date: ______

Supervisor's Name (print):

Agreed Decision: PASS / FAIL

Doctor of Clinical Practice

Assessment of Research Proposals

PART B

Student Name:

Feedback to Student:

Signed (Supervisor 1):Date:______

Supervisor's Name (print):

Signed (Supervisor 2):Date:

Supervisor's Name (print):