source: http://www.public.asu.edu/~ckime -
MST-FSA APPLIED RESEARCH PROJECT – PROSPECTUS
The applied research project should address a practical problem that exists on a fire department (preferably your own) or in the fire service in general. Complete the following form by filling in the blanks. Keep your response to one page – single-spaced. We will review this together and then use it as a guide to develop the project proposal.
Title of the Project:
Problem statement: In one sentence describe the problem you want to address with this project.
Purpose Statement: In one sentence state the purpose of this project. Then answer the following questions. Why do you want to do this project? What will this project accomplish? Who will benefit? How will they benefit? When will they benefit?
Research Questions: Develop 3-5 research questions. These questions need to be well thought out, precise, concise, and focus on the problem. This is a very important part of the development process since they will drive the project and the methods used to research the project.
Research Methods: What methods do you intend to use. Will you use quantitative or qualitative research methods (or both)? How will you analyze the data you collect? This section should address the way you intend to collect your data.
After we get the prospectus completed we will assemble your committee members. The topic you choose may direct us toward particular professors who are most likely interested in the same general areas of research that you are addressing. This is just guide but might give you a better idea of what we need to get your project underway. The next step is to write the project proposal, followed by the research and then writing it up. You will defend the proposal and then at the end you will defend your project.