Writing a Research Proposal: Methodology Section
Basic Descriptive Stats
(more common) - mean, median, mode, etc. simply describing what is or what the data shows
If using a previously existing survey..
- cite sources - get permission to use - may adapt existing survey but must explain how/why; need permission
Inclusion criteria
- clearly defined in an objective manner - provides ability to reproduce inclusion decision precisely
Non standardized questionaires
- created for prelim studies about a novel variable or population - no instrument exists to meet the need - typically limited to descriptive studies - not used in experimental / outcome studies - no or limited reliability / validity background
Data Collection: Process/Procedural
- outlines what will happen in study - the order in which it will happen - the timeline according to which it will happen
Developing a new survey..
- validity / reliability issues - pilot studies ; trouble shooting
Data Analysis
- what program will be used for data entry - how will the data be analyzed once collected - may be one or more analysis procedures
Data collection 2 parts: how will it be collected?
1) instrument 2) process/procedural
For mail out, please limit your sample size to
1,000
Data Analysis (2)
1. Basic Descriptive Stats 2. Inferential Statistics -
Data Collection identifies key activities required to perform research: (6)
1. How will participants be recruited? permission 2. How will surveys be sent & returned (email, mail, phone) 3. Instructions to participants 4. Informed consent procedures 5. Who will administer / how are they trained 6. Who / Where will data be maintained and secured (IRB requirement at least 6 yr)
Data Collection Approaches (9)
1. Observation 2. Interviews 3. Self report measures 4. Standardized tests 5. Contextual/environmental assessment 6. Focus groups 7. Biometric measures 8. Document/record views 9. Surveys
Methods Outline (the 5 headers)
1. Research design 2. Participants 3. Data Collections - instrument(s) description - process/procedures and timeline 4. Data Analysis 5. Limitations of the Study
Participants in Methodology Section
1. Thoroughly describe the people taking part in the study 2. Identify sampling procedure - ACCESS is key 3. Explain process of participant recuriment 4. Proposed sample size (#) 5. Identify any inclusion or exclusion criteria
explains in detail how the data will be collected
Data Collection Process/Proceduraes
estimated dates for implementing and completing key activities (sending surveys, return deadlines) IRB implications
Expected Timeline (apart of Data Collection process)
Methods section in a proposal should be in what tense?
FUTURE
All studies have?
LIMITATIONS
Data Collection Procedures
any form of data collection
In Research Design, state
choice of particular research strategy as appropriate for answering the research question(s); broad overarching methodological statement(s) e.g. this descriptive research study will collect quantitative data using a written survey design for _________. or This study will use a pretest/posttest experimental design with random assignment to a control or a treatment group to determine the effectiveness of xanax.
Assessments
detailed developer information
Limitations
explain factors that might reduce the generalizability of study results, discuss potential weak points or criticisms of study
REMEMBER: Accomplishing research aims requires..
information requests on the variables of interest
Methodology is sometimes called
materials and methods
"heart" of the proposal
methodology
detailed action plan, clear and workable
methodology
accounts for exactly how research will be completed; section should be clear and detailed enough for another researcher to repeat the research
methods section
With data collection instrument..
only a description (outline) in narrative -- actual instrument as appendix, if appropriate
What tense do you use in a manuscript?
past tense
Data Collection: Instruments
questionnaires, assessments, databases
accuracy may be affected by circumstance of data collection
reliability
Think of this as your intro section to the methods section/chapter
research design
Inferential Statistics
t-tests, anova, regression, chi square, correlations trying to reach conclusions that extend beyond the immediate data alone
Data analysis procedures should be clearly linked to
the research design, purpose, and primary aims
whether data collected actually represents variable(s) under study
validity