What is a research proposal?

The purpose of the research proposal is to identify and formulate questions that arise from

nursing practice and to design a research project to study the identified problem. The goal of

a research proposal is to present and justify a research idea you have and to present the

practical ways in which you think this research should be conducted. Research proposals

contain extensive literature reviews and must provide persuasive evidence that there is a need

for the proposed research study. In addition to providing rationale for the proposed research,

a proposal describes detailed methodology for conducting the research consistent with

requirements of the professional or academic field and a statement on anticipated outcomes

and/or benefits derived from the study.

Directions:

You will be required to write a research proposal to be submitted in week 7. This may be

either a qualitative or quantitative research proposal. The proposal should be a 6–10 pages

plus appendices, cover page, and reference page. In week 8, you will present your proposal to

your classmates via video presentation.

This week, you will submit a topic for your research proposal and presentation as well as the

research questions you will be utilizing for your proposal and presentation. Your instructor

must approve your research questions and topic for your proposal.

Submit your journal assignment and include the following:

• Research topic for the proposal and presentation
• Research questions for the proposal and presentation

Note: Once approved, any changes to your topic or research questions should be approved by

your instructor.

Part II: Research Proposal Paper—Due Week 7

Directions

Write a research proposal using your clinical question formulated earlier in the course that was

approved by your instructor. This may be either a qualitative or quantitative research proposal.

Your proposal must include APA formatting. The proposal should be a 6–10 in length plus

appendices, cover page, and reference page.

Introduction

• Clearly stated problem and purpose of the study
• Independent and dependent variables
• Definition of terms
• Assumptions, hypothesis, or questions (depending on research type)

Theoretical Framework

• Description of the theoretical framework to be utilized
• Identification of the concepts to be explored
• Rationale for choosing framework

Review of the literature

• At least 4 scholarly sources included
• Appropriateness of the review and the proposal focus
• Inclusion of primary or secondary sources

Methodology

• Description of study type (quantitative or qualitative)
• Description of study design
• Rationale for the use of the selected design
• Inclusion of sample size, type, sampling method, inclusion/exclusion criteria,

setting, data collection method (instrument), and data collection process

• Method for Protection of Human Subjects (consent)
• Questionnaire and consent forms must be included as appendices

Data Analysis

• Data analysis method is appropriate for study design.
• Method of data analysis is clearly stated.
• Method for displaying findings is stated.

Applicability to Nursing

• Research focuses on a problem significant to nursing.
• Research would contribute to nursing knowledge.
• Proposal is complete so that another researcher could replicate the study.
• Statement about areas of nursing that would benefit from this study.

Part III: Research Proposal Presentation—Due Week 8

Directions:

This week, you will submit your presentation using the Kaltura recording tool within

Blackboard. See the Getting Started with Kaltura link listed under the Resources area in

your course menu to learn how to use this tool. Record a 6–8 minute presentation to give a

summary, explanation, and rationale of your research proposal. In your presentation, be sure to

include the following:

• Introduction
• Theoretical framework
• Review of the literature
• Methodology
• Data analysis
• Applicability to nursing
• Conclusion
• References slide

Your presentation must include both audio and visual components and be professional in nature

• Part I: Submit Topic and Research Questions—Due Week 2 What is a research proposal?
• Directions:
• Part II: Research Proposal Paper—Due Week 7
• Directions
• Introduction
• Theoretical Framework
• Review of the literature
• Methodology
• Data Analysis
• Applicability to Nursing
• Part III: Research Proposal Presentation—Due Week 8 Directions: