Show that you understand the current state of research on your topic.
The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.
One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.
Download our research proposal template
Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.
Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:
The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.
Your introduction should:
To guide your introduction , include information about:
As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.
In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:
Following the literature review, restate your main objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.
? or ? , , or research design? | |
, )? ? | |
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To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.
For example, your results might have implications for:
Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .
Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.
Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.
Download our research schedule template
Research phase | Objectives | Deadline |
---|---|---|
1. Background research and literature review | 20th January | |
2. Research design planning | and data analysis methods | 13th February |
3. Data collection and preparation | with selected participants and code interviews | 24th March |
4. Data analysis | of interview transcripts | 22nd April |
5. Writing | 17th June | |
6. Revision | final work | 28th July |
If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.
Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:
To determine your budget, think about:
If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Methodology
Statistics
Research bias
Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .
Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.
I will compare …
A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.
Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.
A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.
A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.
A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.
All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.
Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.
Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.
The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.
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Affiliation School of Heath and Sport Sciences, Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina, Bogotá, Colombia
Affiliation Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Continental, Lima, Peru
Affiliations Clinical Research Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China, School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
Published: September 19, 2024
Citation: Forero DA, Curioso WH, Wang W (2024) Ten simple rules for successfully carrying out funded research projects. PLoS Comput Biol 20(9): e1012431. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012431
Editor: Russell Schwartz, Carnegie Mellon University, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Copyright: © 2024 Forero et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work.
Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
Receiving research funding, from external or internal sources, is one of the most important and challenging tasks for investigators around the world [ 1 , 2 ]. There are many prestigious research funding organizations, such as the National Institutes of Health of the US (NIH), the National Health Service of the UK (NHS), the National Science Foundation of the US (NSF), the European Commission (EC), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), among many others. Although several scientific articles have provided important advice on how to write adequate research proposals and how to present them to be funded [ 3 – 5 ], how to become a principal investigator [ 6 ], and/or how to establish a laboratory [ 7 ], there is still a scarcity of articles addressing how to carry out research projects successfully and in an ethical way after the proposal has been granted.
Obtaining funding is usually the beginning of the research cycle [ 2 ] and an adequate implementation of the scientific activities, as proposed in the grant application, is of paramount importance for the generation of new knowledge, the preservation of scientific collaborations, and the academic advancement of the researchers [ 1 ].
In these Ten Simple Rules, we provide valuable recommendations for successfully carrying out funded research projects, from our perspective and experience as both researchers and peer reviewers. These Ten Simple Rules are focused on activities carried out after a grant is awarded and they will be particularly useful for junior researchers globally. Regarding the presentation order of these Ten Simple Rules, some of them involve activities that are sequential (such as Rules 5, 6, and 9) and others comprise actions in parallel (such as Rules 3, 4, and 7). A graphical overview of the proposed Ten Simple Rules is presented in Fig 1 .
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012431.g001
Usually, funding bodies generate a contract, or a similar document, with the defined deliverables of the research project, such as peer-reviewed publications, presentations, patent applications, training of students, and public outreach activities, among others. In many cases, the contract is sent to administrative offices in the institution of the principal investigator and, depending on the funder, the expected deliverables are previously defined in the call for applications. The contract, or a similar document, will be a key guide from the start of the project, as the timeline, and budget, of a proposal is focused on the generation of those deliverables and the achievement of the proposed research goals; considering those deliverables from an early stage of the project will be important for an adequate and successful execution. Commonly, the timeline of a research project is presented in a Gantt chart, describing the main activities and the corresponding months or weeks projected for their execution [ 8 ].
Commonly, the grant application involves researchers with specific roles, such as the Principal Investigator (PI, the person leading the project) and the coinvestigators, who are proposed as responsible for certain activities, such as evaluation of patients or animals or statistical analysis of data, based on their academic profiles and research experience. In large projects, there is a possibility of hiring a Project Manager (PM), who is responsible for coordinating multiple scientific and administrative tasks [ 9 ]. Each member of a research team should have clear responsibilities, in order to complete the expected tasks in the predefined timeline and to avoid conflicts between them; it is of particular relevance for multicenter studies or for projects with challenging topics or methods. Other roles involve external advisors, administrative staff or students, each with a specific participation in the research project. It is advisable to plan for contingencies related to team members, such as having standard procedures for handling transitions associated with the arrival or departure of staff. Details of authorship should be reviewed in advance, following international recommendations and taking into account the main principles of research integrity [ 10 ].
Adequate communication among members of a research team, and between sub teams, is a key aspect in a research project. Regular meetings facilitate the periodic presentation of advances, in addition to providing a platform for discussion and documentation of findings and of potential challenges. In addition, consultations with administrative personnel from institutional offices (such as those related to budget or research oversight) are also important. Meetings should have a well-structured agenda about key issues and their frequency should be balanced, in order to avoid having too many sessions and wasting the valuable time of researchers.
An early identification and management of issues, such as difficult situations in communication between the research team or failures in experiments, may avoid occurrence of larger problems in the future. In the context of multi-institutional and international collaborations (which have particular challenges in terms of needing further definitions of roles and responsibilities), online systems for videoconferencing are time efficient and cost effective approaches for project meetings, in addition to in-person meetings [ 11 ]. Other online resources and technological tools for project management and collaboration, such as instant messaging applications, could contribute to the generation of knowledge and facilitate communication between research team members and collaborators [ 12 ].
A research team should have a strong commitment to comply with scientific integrity principles and best practices [ 13 ], highlighting the requirement for establishing internal strategies that promote the continuous adherence to national and local ethical regulations, such as guaranteeing the confidentiality of clinical data from participants [ 14 ]. In an era of electronic publication and social media [ 15 ], failures of scientific integrity or occurrence of research misconduct are even more visible.
In this context, in addition to international guidelines, countries have different types of laws and local regulations related to ethical and research integrity aspects, which should be actively taken into account by the research team. In terms of research involving human subjects, 2 main aspects emerge: approval by an institutional research ethics committee, which is commonly required by funders before the start of the project, and the signing of informed consent forms by participants [ 16 ], a process that should be carefully monitored. Regarding research with animal models, approval by an institutional animal ethics committee is commonly required [ 17 ]. In addition, other legal and administrative permissions, such as those from external or public institutions, might be needed in certain cases.
A Scientific Integrity Consortium, composed by representatives from 27 institutions from the United States and Canada, has developed a set of 9 core principles and best practices for scientific integrity that every researcher should comply with [ 18 ]. Some of these principles, of interest for teams carrying out research projects, are requiring universal training on responsible research practices, encouraging reproducibility of research and strengthening scientific integrity oversight [ 18 ].
An adequate application of key statistical concepts, such as the calculation of sample sizes, is important not only for the analysis of results, but also for design and execution of research projects [ 19 , 20 ]. In this context, data analysis plans are common key components of grant applications, predefining aspects such as definitions of groups, key variables to be analyzed, and statistical tests to be used [ 21 ]. Many funders require data management plans and a previous Ten Simple Rules paper gave advice about its creation [ 22 ]. Following those predefined plans would facilitate an adequate analysis of data [ 23 ], avoiding “p-hacking” [ 24 ], among other inadequate practices. In multiple research areas, there has been a growth in carrying out preregistration of studies [ 25 , 26 ] and recently Lakens has provided recommendations about when and how to deviate from preregistrations [ 27 ]. In the era of Open Science, a research team must be aware that scientific journals may require them to share their data plans when submitting a derived manuscript [ 28 , 29 ].
The use of well-established methods for data collection, such as the employment of previously validated psychosocial scales [ 30 ] or well-known and reliable molecular methodologies, is key for obtaining high-quality research results [ 22 ]. A periodic monitoring of data quality is beneficial for research projects [ 31 ] and there are multiple approaches for doing so (such as the use of positive and negative controls or external standards, among others), depending on the specific methods used. As an example from molecular methods [ 32 ], a positive control is a sample known to have the feature of interest (such as a target for PCR amplification) and a negative control is a sample known as not having the feature of interest.
In some cases, the project might involve the creation, adaptation, or refinement of novel methods [ 30 ], which usually requires time and resources for their comparison with previous approaches. In many cases, an initial pilot phase [ 33 ] allows the identification of minor adjustments needed for data collection on a larger scale. In multicenter projects, it is advised that all participating sites employ the same protocols.
Misplacement, accidental damage, or loss of research data, such as results from phenotypic evaluations or molecular studies, would be catastrophic for any research project. In this context, strategies such as the use of Electronic Laboratory Notebooks [ 34 , 35 ], in addition to the frequent employment of multiple backups (in the cloud and in different computers) would avoid the loss of research data [ 22 ]. Constant backup of derivative files, with evolving versions of data analyses and manuscripts, is also recommended. An adequate structure of databases [ 36 ] involves their complete annotation and facilitates future data reanalysis. Another previous Ten Simple Rules article about digital data storage [ 29 ] would be a very useful resource for researchers. In addition, Boland and colleagues wrote an interesting paper about enabling multisite collaborations through data sharing [ 37 ].
Although there are differences between calls for applications and between funders, there are 2 main types of costs, direct and indirect. Direct costs are related to the specific needs of the project and commonly include categories such as personnel, consultations and subcontracts, equipment, supplies, and travel, among others [ 12 , 38 ]. On the other hand, indirect costs are funds to cover the research infrastructure of the institution [ 39 ].
Commonly, costs associated with personnel are some of the largest in a research budget and there are previous suggestions regarding the adequate selection, recruiting, hiring, and management of scientific personnel [ 9 ].
There are some previous recommendations regarding the implementation of the research budget, such as the need for its revisions after the notice of award, the importance of including projections of inflation in multiyear grants and taking into account the possibility of having increased costs for certain categories [ 40 ]. Of particular interest for certain world regions, such as the Global South, there is the common need of considering the increased costs and times related to importing certain equipment and reagents from abroad. In terms of project management, which involves multiple administrative aspects, certain aspects are key, such as the need for strategic planning, adequate communication, and frequent monitoring, among others [ 8 ]. Additional elements to take into account are the constant need for training on budget management for the PIs, the adequate communication between the PI and the Project Manager, and having frequent administrative support from the institution [ 38 ].
Final, and partial or progress, reports are major deliverables from research projects and their elaboration commonly involves a large amount of time and dedication. Partial or progress reports are quite useful for evaluating the performance of project activities in previous periods and adequately planning experiments and analyses for upcoming periods.
Final reports include a description and discussion of the results obtained and the perspectives for future studies, in addition to budget reports and generated deliverables. In many cases, it involves weeks of work and the participation of several researchers and support staff. Although its writing would need the involvement of all team members, the coordination of its elaboration is commonly a major responsibility of the PI (in close collaboration with the PM, when possible). As previously discussed, an adequate documentation of research procedures and findings would diminish the possibility that the departure of team members, among other unexpected events, negatively affect the elaboration of the research reports.
Publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals remains one of the main forms to communicate research findings [ 41 ]. Publishing your positive or negative results, avoiding an overinterpretation of actual research findings [ 42 ], facilitates that the international scientific community receives and discusses the results and conclusions from your project [ 43 ]. In addition to original articles, which are the primary form of publication for new research results, consider other types of articles such as reviews, viewpoints, perspectives, and special articles to disseminate your insights about a research topic. A recent Ten Simple Rules paper provided suggestions for writing Registered Reports [ 44 ], which are a type of research publication where the proposed methodology is peer reviewed prior to data collection, to avoid publication and reporting biases. It involves 2 stages: Stage 1, where the introduction and proposed methods and analysis plans are reviewed, and Stage 2, where the results and discussion are included and reviewed [ 44 ].
Following international standards for the reporting of studies, such as those from the EQUATOR Network [ 45 ], promotes an adequate presentation of research findings. From an Open Science perspective, deposition of open research data in public repositories promotes transparency of results [ 46 , 47 ] and facilitates replications of results and secondary analyses [ 48 ]. In this context, the FAIR Guiding Principles are important and involve the following aspects: being Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable [ 49 ]. Many funding organizations have policies with specific requests about research data sharing and some examples of these policies can be found at: https://sharing.nih.gov/data-management-and-sharing-policy (for the NIH, USA) and https://wellcome.org/grant-funding/guidance/data-software-materials-management-and-sharing-policy (for the Wellcome Trust, UK).
Public outreach is another major aspect of scientific research [ 50 ], particularly because scientific projects are commonly taxpayer-funded, among others. In this regard, appropriate communication of research results to the public is of paramount importance, which involves strategies such as talks or texts oriented for the communities, using an easily understandable language [ 51 ] and avoiding exaggeration or misrepresentation of the actual research findings [ 52 ]. In addition, communication of research results at national and international conferences [ 53 ], and to other major stakeholders, such as professional societies or associations of patients, is also recommended. Social media, infographics, and podcasts are evolving as useful tools for the dissemination of new scholarly material and resources [ 53 ]. Consequently, it is becoming increasingly important for research teams to undergo training in the effective dissemination and knowledge translation of their work [ 54 ].
Several of the Ten Simple Rules presented here are not exclusive to the process of carrying out funded research projects, as they are also necessary for other related scientific processes, such as the writing of grant applications or manuscripts. Scientific research is in constant evolution, and it is possible that in the near future, the execution of research projects also changes, taking into account aspects such as the increase of international mega-collaborations [ 55 ], the growth in the use of automated and high-throughput tools, including recent tools from generative artificial intelligence, and the constant need to verifying the integrity and quality of research findings [ 39 ], among others. Of particular importance, researchers should always carry out research projects with the highest standards of ethics and research integrity [ 56 ], avoiding negative practices, such as “Helicopter Research” [ 57 ], or gift or ghost authorship [ 10 ]. For the individual research teams, each new project is an opportunity to learn from both failures and successes, in order to refine and improve management strategies for future research initiatives. Finally, research institutions and groups should consider the need for frequent training activities related to multiple aspects of the execution of scientific projects [ 38 ].
The authors thank Leon Ruiter-Lopez (University of Pittsburgh, USA) for his help with a revision of the manuscript.
Plan to apply.
Plan ahead, assess funding opportunities, and take other early steps to prepare a solid grant application. Find guidance and advice on how to work with your organization, assess resources and teammates, identify a funding opportunity, check application policies, and lay out your timeline.
A successful grant application is a team effort. As part of your early planning process, talk to staff in your organization’s Office of Sponsored Research or equivalent.
Start to formulate a research idea, check for available resources, and consider potential teammates. This initial assessment helps inform your decisions for subsequent steps. You will finalize these choices later in the planning and writing process.
Your application must respond to a specific funding opportunity. Learn how to find the right opportunity, identify a suitable NIH institute, center, or office (ICO), get advice from NIH contacts, and figure out your application deadline.
Familiarize yourself with NIH policies and requirements that are relevant to your application’s area of science, award type, and other project characteristics.
Consider creating two timelines: one for your planned project, another for the application writing and preparation process. Allow plenty of time to draft the application, reread, and revise. Finalize your application well before your organization’s internal deadline.
Check online guidance and direct your questions to staff in your organization's sponsored programs office. If you still need assistance, find NIH contacts at Need Help?
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 24, 2024) — In August 2020, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine Office of Research launched 18 Alliance Research Initiative teams from five of the UK Research Priority Areas — substance use disorder, cardiovascular, diabetes and obesity, neuroscience and cancer — and other important emerging areas of science. Since then, some alliances have completed their research projects or transitioned to larger funding mechanisms due to their success and several new alliances have been added to the active roster.
One of the new alliances is the mHealth Application Modernization and Mobilization Alliance (MAMMA). mHealth, also called mobile health, refers to the utilization of mobile devices to aid in health care delivery. Established in 2023, MAMMA has been making significant strides in the realm of mobile health application research, leveraging the power of technology to conduct social and biomedical research via smartphone apps.
The overarching goal of MAMMA is to help researchers successfully integrate mobile technologies into their research methodologies, leveraging the power of technology to reach broader audiences, enhance data collection, and better inform patient care.
Mikhail Koffarnus, Ph.D., an associate professor of family and community medicine, and Carolyn Lauckner, Ph.D., an associate professor of behavioral science in the Center for Health Equity Transformation (CHET), serve as co-directors of the alliance. They support a large team of interdisciplinary researchers from the Colleges of Medicine, Health Sciences , Arts and Sciences , Fine Arts , Law , and Agriculture, Food, and Environment .
“One of the values of this alliance is bringing everybody together to share their expertise on this common problem,” said Koffarnus. “Without it, these individuals normally wouldn’t interact because they’re in completely different parts of the university.”
Monthly meetings serve as a cornerstone for knowledge sharing and collaboration within the alliance. These sessions provide a platform for researchers to present their progress, seek feedback, and discuss common challenges, such as regulatory hurdles, buying cell phones or navigating data privacy concerns.
Since its inception, the alliance has sponsored four significant pilot studies, each addressing different health challenges through innovative mobile solutions.
One of MAMMA’s first pilot awardees was Yuyao Sun, M.D., a clinical neurologist, who developed a project using a mobile app to track fat mass in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The app, connected to a Bluetooth smart scale, allows for remote monitoring of patient’s symptoms that are critical for disease management between regular doctor visits.
“She developed this idea in response to a need that she saw in her practice,” said Lauckner. “It’s really patient-responsive.”
Another alliance project, led by Jami Warren, Ph.D., associate professor in the UK College of Health Sciences, targets postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) patients by utilizing an app connected to a smartwatch to monitor and track their symptoms. By empowering patients with quantifiable data, the app enhances their ability to manage and communicate symptoms effectively with health care providers, which could potentially accelerate their diagnosis and treatment.
MAMMA awarded two additional pilot awards, co-sponsored by CHET, to projects utilizing mHealth applications to address health disparities.
Carrie Oser, Ph.D., a University Research Professor and the Di Silvestro Endowed Professor in Sociology, is working with MAMMA’s programmer to develop an app to support an intervention for people in recovery from substance use disorders who live in rural areas and may be experiencing challenges to their recovery. The app hopes to monitor symptoms, track social interactions, and help identify stressors that may trigger a return to use. It is especially beneficial to patients in rural areas who may lack regular access to supportive services or treatment.
Justin Huber, M.D., an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation, was inspired to pursue his project after witnessing a need among his patients. With an emphasis on helping patients regain mobility following a stroke, Huber was already working with patients in his lab to capture clips of their movement on video to analyze their recovery progress using a custom algorithm. Now, by utilizing an mHealth application, he hopes to make that level of care more accessible to other providers and to his patients. Using smartphones, the ultimate goal is to allow patients to record their movements at home, allowing Huber to digitally track their symptoms and recovery progression.
“We’re hopeful that this could have a real impact,” said Lauckner, “especially for rural patients who need rehabilitative services but may lack the means to come to the hospital frequently or have mobility issues that make traveling difficult.”
In addition to granting pilot funding awards, MAMMA offers recipients the invaluable resource of an in-house full-time application developer, Mitchell Embry, to help develop and maintain their mobile health applications over time.
This innovative approach not only helps jump-start researchers’ projects but also addresses a common barrier among physicians and biomedical researchers — access to coding and programming expertise — which is essential for developing effective and user-friendly mobile health interventions.
“Providing access to a full-time programmer for our researchers is basically unheard of,” said Lauckner. “But it’s been absolutely invaluable to our alliance.”
Looking ahead, the alliance aims to not only expand its impact through ongoing and future research projects but also advocate for more streamlined regulatory pathways and sustainable funding models to support researchers interested in mobile health research.
“The MAMMA Alliance has made tremendous strides in a short time,” said Becky Dutch, Ph.D., vice dean for research. “They are opening up new avenues of research for faculty across campus. Providing community, expertise and access to an experienced programmer for those awarded pilots allow the alliance to rapidly jump-start a new research program, apply for new funding and, most importantly, work to improve health across the Commonwealth and the nation.”
By championing these efforts, MAMMA is poised to support mobile health research innovation, ensuring that cutting-edge mHealth technologies benefit both researchers and the communities they serve.
Learn more about the Alliance Research Initiative .
Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number K01AA025305 and by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R21CA261844. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
UK HealthCare is the hospitals and clinics of the University of Kentucky. But it is so much more. It is more than 10,000 dedicated health care professionals committed to providing advanced subspecialty care for the most critically injured and ill patients from the Commonwealth and beyond. It also is the home of the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that cares for the tiniest and sickest newborns, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center and Kentucky’s top hospital ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
As an academic research institution, we are continuously pursuing the next generation of cures, treatments, protocols and policies. Our discoveries have the potential to change what’s medically possible within our lifetimes. Our educators and thought leaders are transforming the health care landscape as our six health professions colleges teach the next generation of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals, spreading the highest standards of care. UK HealthCare is the power of advanced medicine committed to creating a healthier Kentucky, now and for generations to come.
Enrollment open for uk college of education’s regional scripps spelling bee, register for the fall 2024 citizen police academy today, uk martin-gatton cafe study on food insecurity receives ‘paper of the year’ award, festival celebrates uk’s international community.
Table of contents
In the rapidly evolving world of academia, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how we approach writing and research. Among the tools available today, ChatGPT stands out as a versatile online research paper assistance capable of transforming how we draft and refine research papers. ChatGPT provides a special fusion of creativity and efficiency. It can be useful both for students under pressure to meet deadlines and experienced researchers looking to optimize the writing research papers process.
However, using this tool effectively requires more than typing a prompt! It entails knowing its potential, establishing precise goals, and following academic standards. The ease of writing the prompt misleads many users dissatisfied with the results. Users just need to learn how to utilize ChatGPT to write research papers!
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to maximize ChatGPT! After reading it, you will craft coherent and well-structured research papers. Dive in to discover how AI can become your co-author in the journey of academic writing!
We would like to give you a complete guide on how to work with AI tools. But before that, it’s essential to grasp ChatGPT’s strengths and limitations.
ChatGPT is a powerful AI tool designed to generate human-like text based on your prompts. It can assist in:
ChatGPT can significantly enhance your paper. However, it’s not a replacement for critical thinking, thorough research, or the nuanced understanding that a human writer brings.
When you use AI, you should be aware of originality and academic integrity. These aspects are two major issues for ChatGPT. Remember, this AI writes texts from the existing content. Although
ChatGPT can help you generate answers quickly, reviewing and editing the output carefully is crucial. Ensure it aligns with your unique voice!
Additionally, you’ll need to prove you didn’t plagiarize . To do that, check the AI-generated content against reliable plagiarism detection tools. This step is vital to ensure your research paper remains original and credible.
You can use ChatGPT to its full potential while avoiding frequent traps that could lower the caliber of your work. You just have to be aware of its possibilities and limitations! In the following parts, we’ll look at how to create a well-structured research report using ChatGPT ethically and responsibly.
It is time to use ChatGPT for writing research papers! It’s vital to lay the groundwork. The Chat GPT-generated text must complement your research and align with academic standards. Preparation is the key to making the most out of this powerful tool. A good start allows you to streamline the writing process and maintain the quality of your work.
Clearly outline your research questions and objectives. A well-defined goal will ensure that the content generated by ChatGPT remains aligned with your overall structure and purpose. | |
This step is crucial for informing ChatGPT about your field’s context and key findings. | |
Consider how ChatGPT can assist with different stages of the research process, from drafting the methodology section to organizing your literature review. | |
Integrate AI’s work with your own words and suggestions. Double-check the content against plagiarism detection tools to maintain academic integrity. | |
Organize your writing process by breaking down the paper into manageable sections, such as the introduction, literature review, methodology, and conclusion. It will help you type the right prompts for Chat GPT! |
Let’s start at the very beginning of the creation process. No, it is not about writing the introduction. It is about the ideas!
Selecting a compelling topic is one of the most challenging aspects of writing research papers. ChatGPT can be an invaluable resource in the brainstorming phase! Are you diving into chemistry, art, or philosophy? Chat GPT will help with anything! How to do that?
Start by asking ChatGPT for a list of potential research topics related to your field. For instance, if you’re focused on chemistry, you could prompt the AI to suggest interesting chemistry topics that align with current trends in the field.
Once you have a list of potential topics, evaluate each for feasibility and relevance. You can ask the AI to highlight key research findings or summarize scientific papers related to your specific topic. It gives you a clearer picture of what has already been explored and where there may be gaps in the literature.
Use ChatGPT to help refine your research question. You can input your preliminary suggestions and ask ChatGPT to generate variations or related questions, which can spark new perspectives or angles you hadn’t considered.
As you finalize your topic, think about how the insights generated by ChatGPT can be integrated into your research process.
Regarding research, ChatGPT can be a powerful tool that helps you gather valuable insights quickly. Research can often be time-consuming, especially when you’re sifting through numerous sources to find relevant information. ChatGPT simplifies this by generating text, synthesizing data, explaining concepts, or suggesting research directions. How should you research together with the Chat GPT? Follow these easy steps:
An effective outline is the backbone of any well-structured research paper. It helps organize your thoughts, ensuring that your arguments flow logically from one point to the next. Crafting an outline with the assistance of ChatGPT can be a game-changer. Especially when dealing with complex data or specific methodologies like case study analysis .
Chat GPT is an amazing tool to use while crafting your outline. It can:
When faced with a broad topic, it can be challenging to know where to start. ChatGPT helps by generating an outline that breaks down your topic into manageable sections. If you input key aspects of your research, ChatGPT will suggest an outline that includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and discussion.
Dealing with different info can be daunting. ChatGPT’s ability to process and generate content from large data sets can simplify this task. Generative AI can outline sections that require in-depth analysis, such as discussions on neural networks. ChatGPT generates subheadings and bullet points, breaking the concepts into digestible sections.
Once ChatGPT generates an initial outline, you can refine it to suit your needs better. This might involve adding or rearranging sections to ensure your research paper has a clear narrative. Using ChatGPT to craft an outline is not just about comfort! It’s about enhancing the quality of your academic writing. ChatGPT serves as a helpful tool that can elevate the overall structure of your research paper. Nevertheless, the final outline should reflect your work and understanding.
With a well-structured outline, the next step is writing the draft of your research paper. This phase involves expanding your outline into a full-fledged paper, where you develop your central argument, critically evaluate sources, and address your own research question. ChatGPT can be a valuable ally at this stage!
AI Can Develop the Core Argument | |
Address Research Questions with Chat GPT | |
Chat GPT Enhances Clarity and Coherence | |
Incorporated Domain Expertise | |
Finalize Your Draft |
Finally, you completed your initial draft. But it is not the end. The revision process begins. This phase is crucial for ensuring your research paper is coherent, properly cited, and adheres to academic standards.
As you near the end of the revision process, focus on polishing your draft to ensure it meets the highest standards of academic writing. This includes:
When using ChatGPT to help write your paper, it’s important to keep things honest. Plagiarism isn’t just a bad thing! It is a serious breach of scientific integrity. Therefore, your main goal should be to write a paper without plagiarism !
Even if ChatGPT outputs some great content, blend it with your ideas and give credit where it’s due. Think of ChatGPT as your research assistant, not the author of your paper. Always include only double-checked facts and rely on primary sources! You’ll maintain the originality and strength of your work and prevent plagiarism by doing this!
Finalizing your research paper is the last but certainly not least step. At this stage, conducting a comprehensive review of the entire document is important to ensure that every detail aligns with your research objectives. ChatGPT-generated content can significantly enhance your work. Still, the author acknowledges the importance of critically evaluating and refining this content.
You should carefully verify the accuracy of any data or claims presented. Use your knowledge base to cross-check facts and ensure your research is well-supported. This is also the time to ensure that all citations are correctly formatted and that the paper adheres to any required guidelines, such as APA. Remember to include real-world examples. It can provide accurate context and strengthen your arguments, making your research more compelling.
We hope now it is clearer how important it is to know how ChatGPT works. ChatGPT is a nice assistant when creating a research paper. This cooperation can be revolutionary. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to keep in mind that it’s only one step in the process!
The real magic happens when human authors take the lead and contribute their ideas, creativity, and critical thinking to the process. Even though you may have asked ChatGPT for assistance, ChatGPT can assist you with idea generation, cognitive organization, and text polishing. Yet, the finished work should always showcase your style and area of expertise.
Remember, you can write a research paper that really stands out! Especially when you combine the greatest aspects of both worlds — human creativity and AI support!
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Home » Research Methodology – Types, Examples and writing Guide
Table of Contents
Definition:
Research Methodology refers to the systematic and scientific approach used to conduct research, investigate problems, and gather data and information for a specific purpose. It involves the techniques and procedures used to identify, collect , analyze , and interpret data to answer research questions or solve research problems . Moreover, They are philosophical and theoretical frameworks that guide the research process.
Research methodology formats can vary depending on the specific requirements of the research project, but the following is a basic example of a structure for a research methodology section:
I. Introduction
II. Research Design
III. Data Collection Methods
IV. Data Analysis Methods
V. Ethical Considerations
VI. Limitations
VII. Conclusion
Types of Research Methodology are as follows:
This is a research methodology that involves the collection and analysis of numerical data using statistical methods. This type of research is often used to study cause-and-effect relationships and to make predictions.
This is a research methodology that involves the collection and analysis of non-numerical data such as words, images, and observations. This type of research is often used to explore complex phenomena, to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular topic, and to generate hypotheses.
This is a research methodology that combines elements of both quantitative and qualitative research. This approach can be particularly useful for studies that aim to explore complex phenomena and to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a particular topic.
This is a research methodology that involves in-depth examination of a single case or a small number of cases. Case studies are often used in psychology, sociology, and anthropology to gain a detailed understanding of a particular individual or group.
This is a research methodology that involves a collaborative process between researchers and practitioners to identify and solve real-world problems. Action research is often used in education, healthcare, and social work.
This is a research methodology that involves the manipulation of one or more independent variables to observe their effects on a dependent variable. Experimental research is often used to study cause-and-effect relationships and to make predictions.
This is a research methodology that involves the collection of data from a sample of individuals using questionnaires or interviews. Survey research is often used to study attitudes, opinions, and behaviors.
This is a research methodology that involves the development of theories based on the data collected during the research process. Grounded theory is often used in sociology and anthropology to generate theories about social phenomena.
An Example of Research Methodology could be the following:
Research Methodology for Investigating the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Depression in Adults
Introduction:
The aim of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing symptoms of depression in adults. To achieve this objective, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted using a mixed-methods approach.
Research Design:
The study will follow a pre-test and post-test design with two groups: an experimental group receiving CBT and a control group receiving no intervention. The study will also include a qualitative component, in which semi-structured interviews will be conducted with a subset of participants to explore their experiences of receiving CBT.
Participants:
Participants will be recruited from community mental health clinics in the local area. The sample will consist of 100 adults aged 18-65 years old who meet the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group.
Intervention :
The experimental group will receive 12 weekly sessions of CBT, each lasting 60 minutes. The intervention will be delivered by licensed mental health professionals who have been trained in CBT. The control group will receive no intervention during the study period.
Data Collection:
Quantitative data will be collected through the use of standardized measures such as the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Data will be collected at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Qualitative data will be collected through semi-structured interviews with a subset of participants from the experimental group. The interviews will be conducted at the end of the intervention period, and will explore participants’ experiences of receiving CBT.
Data Analysis:
Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and mixed-model analyses of variance (ANOVA) to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and patterns in participants’ experiences of receiving CBT.
Ethical Considerations:
This study will comply with ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects. Participants will provide informed consent before participating in the study, and their privacy and confidentiality will be protected throughout the study. Any adverse events or reactions will be reported and managed appropriately.
Data Management:
All data collected will be kept confidential and stored securely using password-protected databases. Identifying information will be removed from qualitative data transcripts to ensure participants’ anonymity.
Limitations:
One potential limitation of this study is that it only focuses on one type of psychotherapy, CBT, and may not generalize to other types of therapy or interventions. Another limitation is that the study will only include participants from community mental health clinics, which may not be representative of the general population.
Conclusion:
This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of CBT in reducing symptoms of depression in adults. By using a randomized controlled trial and a mixed-methods approach, the study will provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the relationship between CBT and depression. The results of this study will have important implications for the development of effective treatments for depression in clinical settings.
Writing a research methodology involves explaining the methods and techniques you used to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. It’s an essential section of any research paper or thesis, as it helps readers understand the validity and reliability of your findings. Here are the steps to write a research methodology:
Research methodology is typically written after the research proposal has been approved and before the actual research is conducted. It should be written prior to data collection and analysis, as it provides a clear roadmap for the research project.
The research methodology is an important section of any research paper or thesis, as it describes the methods and procedures that will be used to conduct the research. It should include details about the research design, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and any ethical considerations.
The methodology should be written in a clear and concise manner, and it should be based on established research practices and standards. It is important to provide enough detail so that the reader can understand how the research was conducted and evaluate the validity of the results.
Here are some of the applications of research methodology:
Research methodology serves several important purposes, including:
Research methodology has several advantages that make it a valuable tool for conducting research in various fields. Here are some of the key advantages of research methodology:
Research Methodology | Research Methods |
---|---|
Research methodology refers to the philosophical and theoretical frameworks that guide the research process. | refer to the techniques and procedures used to collect and analyze data. |
It is concerned with the underlying principles and assumptions of research. | It is concerned with the practical aspects of research. |
It provides a rationale for why certain research methods are used. | It determines the specific steps that will be taken to conduct research. |
It is broader in scope and involves understanding the overall approach to research. | It is narrower in scope and focuses on specific techniques and tools used in research. |
It is concerned with identifying research questions, defining the research problem, and formulating hypotheses. | It is concerned with collecting data, analyzing data, and interpreting results. |
It is concerned with the validity and reliability of research. | It is concerned with the accuracy and precision of data. |
It is concerned with the ethical considerations of research. | It is concerned with the practical considerations of research. |
Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer
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Step 1: Choose your topic. First you have to come up with some ideas. Your thesis or dissertation topic can start out very broad. Think about the general area or field you're interested in—maybe you already have specific research interests based on classes you've taken, or maybe you had to consider your topic when applying to graduate school and writing a statement of purpose.
Selecting a Topic of Interest. The first step in starting your research project is to choose a topic that genuinely interests you. Selecting a topic that excites you will keep you motivated throughout the research process. Begin by brainstorming broad areas of interest and then narrow them down to a specific niche.
Step 1: Lay Out the Facts. You have worked long hours on a research project that has produced results and are no doubt curious to determine what they exactly mean. There is no better way to do this than by preparing figures, graphics and tables. This is what the first LEAP step is focused on - diving into the results.
Start with an introduction that outlines the background and significance of your study. Follow this with a literature review that situates your research within the existing body of work. Next, detail your research design and methodology, explaining how you will collect and analyze data. Finally, include a timeline and budget if required.
Develop a thesis statement. Create a research paper outline. Write a first draft of the research paper. Write the introduction. Write a compelling body of text. Write the conclusion. The second draft. The revision process. Research paper checklist.
This article provides a comprehensive, research-based introduction to the major steps, or strategies, that writers work through as they endeavor to communicate with audiences.. Since the 1960s, the writing process has been defined to be a series of steps, stages, or strategies. Most simply, the writing process is conceptualized as four major steps: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing.
We've covered a lot of ground here. To recap, the three steps to writing a high-quality research paper are: To choose a research question and review the literature. To plan your paper structure and draft an outline. To take an iterative approach to writing, focusing on critical writing and strong referencing.
There are many ways to describe the process of researching a topic for a paper or a project. This description of the research process consists of ten actions across five stages. ... Write. Create your product, whether it's a research paper, a poster, a presentation, or something else. Draft your citations, and check your product against your ...
Table of contents. Step 1: Introduce your topic. Step 2: Describe the background. Step 3: Establish your research problem. Step 4: Specify your objective (s) Step 5: Map out your paper. Research paper introduction examples. Frequently asked questions about the research paper introduction.
Here is an explanation of each step: 1. Title and Abstract. Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research. Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal. 2.
How To Write A Dissertation: 8 Steps. Clearly understand what a dissertation (or thesis) is. Find a unique and valuable research topic. Craft a convincing research proposal. Write up a strong introduction chapter. Review the existing literature and compile a literature review.
Step 1: Identify and develop your topic. Selecting a topic can be the most challenging part of a research assignment. Since this is the very first step in writing a paper, it is vital that it be done correctly. Here are some tips for selecting a topic: Select a topic within the parameters set by the assignment.
A research project for students is an extended essay that presents a question or statement for analysis and evaluation. During a research project, you will present your own ideas and research on a subject alongside analysing existing knowledge. How to write a research report The next section covers the research project steps necessary to ...
Select the most appropriate investigative methods (surveys, interviews, experiments) and research tools (periodical indexes, databases, websites). Plan the research project. Retrieve information using a variety of methods (draw on a repertoire of skills). Refine the search strategy as necessary.
Research Project is a planned and systematic investigation into a specific area of interest or problem, with the goal of generating new knowledge, insights, or solutions. It typically involves identifying a research question or hypothesis, designing a study to test it, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions based on the findings.
Definition: Research Paper is a written document that presents the author's original research, analysis, and interpretation of a specific topic or issue. It is typically based on Empirical Evidence, and may involve qualitative or quantitative research methods, or a combination of both. The purpose of a research paper is to contribute new ...
This describes who the problem affects, why research is needed, and how your research project will contribute to solving it. >>Read more about defining a research problem. Step 3: Formulate research questions. Next, based on the problem statement, you need to write one or more research questions. These target exactly what you want to find out.
Step 1: Identify the Problem. Finding an issue or formulating a research question is the first step. A well-defined research problem will guide the researcher through all stages of the research process, from setting objectives to choosing a technique. There are a number of approaches to get insight into a topic and gain a better understanding ...
Step 1: Understand the Assignment and Set a Schedule. One of the biggest problems students have when beginning a research paper is that they don't understand the assignment. Make sure that if you have any questions you ask the professor, other students, or come into the Writing Center. Some specific details you should know are:
Research proposal examples. Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We've included a few for you below. Example research proposal #1: "A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management".
Setting Research Questions, Objectives, and Hypotheses. Step #4: Choosing the Study Design. Deciding on the Sample Design. Collecting Data From The Research Sample. Process and Analyze the Collected Research Data. Writing Research Report - Developing Research Proposal, Writing Report, Disseminating and Utilizing Results.
BookPDF Available. A GUIDE TO RESEARCH WRITING. May 2019. Publisher: paperback. ISBN: 9781099092008. Authors: David Annan. Swiss School Of Business and Management Geneva. Citations (3)
Rule 2: Define and assign responsibilities and roles of the research team members. Commonly, the grant application involves researchers with specific roles, such as the Principal Investigator (PI, the person leading the project) and the coinvestigators, who are proposed as responsible for certain activities, such as evaluation of patients or animals or statistical analysis of data, based on ...
Find writing advice on specific narrative attachments and sections, such as the Research or Program Plan, Specific Aims, Budget, Biographical Sketches, and more. Sample Applications and Documents. As you gain experience writing your own applications and progress reports, examples of how others presented their ideas can help.
Step 2: Develop a Hypothesis Based on the literature review, develop a hypothesis that a plant-based diet positively affects athletic performance in high school athletes. Step 3: Design the Study Design a study to test the hypothesis. Decide on the study population, sample size, and research methods.
Consider the scope of your project plan and goals carefully: Before you start writing the application, think about how the budget is related to your research plan. Everything in the budget must be reasonable and justified by the work you propose. Be realistic. Don't propose more work than can be reasonably done during the proposed project period.
As part of your early planning process, talk to staff in your organization's Office of Sponsored Research or equivalent. Consider Your Idea, Resources, and Collaborators. Start to formulate a research idea, check for available resources, and consider potential teammates. This initial assessment helps inform your decisions for subsequent steps.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 24, 2024) — In August 2020, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine Office of Research launched 18 Alliance Research Initiative teams from each of the five research priority areas — substance use disorder, cardiovascular, diabetes and obesity, neuroscience, and cancer — and other important emerging areas of science.
Define Your Research Objectives; Clearly outline your research questions and objectives. A well-defined goal will ensure that the content generated by ChatGPT remains aligned with your overall structure and purpose. Gather Existing Research; This step is crucial for informing ChatGPT about your field's context and key findings.
Here are the steps to write a research methodology: Start by explaining your research question: ... It should be written prior to data collection and analysis, as it provides a clear roadmap for the research project. The research methodology is an important section of any research paper or thesis, as it describes the methods and procedures that ...