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