Developing Research Questions and Drafting a Research Proposal

This assignment tests your skills in developing research questions and drafting an initial research outline proposal.

For this assignment, you are going to outline two primary research ideas one using a quantitative research design and the other using a qualitative design. The topics for these are of your own choice.

This assessment contributes 60% of your module mark. Marks available for each section are shown in brackets.

Each outline should include:

1.A brief review of the relevant literature and clear rationale for the research question including:

A clear background for the research that establishes the area of interest and/or problem to be addressed (20%).

A clear rationale that makes clear why this proposed work needs to be undertaken (20%).

2.A clear, well-structured and well-defined research question that is answerable using the proposed study design. The best answers will also include appropriate study objectives (10%).

3.A proposed study design including:

Data collection (20%). This should include a clear method of data collection appropriate to the question, outline details of recruitment, the sample and any inclusion/exclusion criteria, and any ethical considerations.

Data analysis (10%). This should include an outline of the proposed method of data analysis, i.e. what variables are you looking at, are you looking for differences, correlations, modelling, themes etc. Where relevant the preparation of data for analysis should be described. The best answers will include specific details of statistical tests and qualitative considerations where appropriate.

A critical discussion of the appropriateness of this study design to address the research question (20%). This should include a discussion of why an alternative study design would be unsuitable to answer the research question.

You are required to state your word count for each proposal upon submission. The word count includes everything in the main body of the text (including headings, citations, quotes, lists, etc.). The list of references, appendices and footnotes are NOT included in the word count. Any content above the upper limit will not be marked. After marking, assignments will be de-anonymised and the word counts checked. If you are found to have been untruthful regarding your word count this may be investigated as a professional issue.

Do not answer the questions on this sheet and then submit it. Provide a separate word document with the answers in order and numbered.

Appropriate reference to the literature must be made throughout.

Submit your answers through Turnitin by the deadline (23:59, 25th April 2021). Any late submissions will be subject to University policy (see the Module or Assessment Handbook). Any requests for extensions or extenuating circumstances must applied for using the online application.  

The assignment is intended to address the following learning outcomes:

1. Develop clear and workable research questions
2. Critically appraise the strengths and limitations of study designs frequently employed in dental health care research
3. Recognise and avoid plagiarism in scientific writing, and use appropriate plagiarism detection, referencing and citation software

Shows ability to identify and select from a wide range of high quality, credible and relevant academic sources. Gives a concise account of key knowledge in the area that is current, accurate and critical.

Able to cite and reference consistently and accurately using the Harvard system.

Shows ability to identify a range of high quality, credible and relevant academic sources. Gives a concise account of knowledge in the area that is current and accurate. Provides some critique of the sources.

Able to cite and reference accurately using the Harvard system.

Shows ability to identify many good quality, and relevant sources. Gives an account of knowledge in the area that is accurate. Critique of the sources is limited. Able to cite and reference accurately using the Harvard system.