Preparing a Research Plan

Purpose of plan Detailed description. Written plan helps illustrate aspects. Anticipate potential problems.

General considerations Ethics. Laws have been enacted. No harm done. Privacy issues. Deception of participants. Gaining entry to site.

Gaining entry Consult required procedures for school system. (Superintendent or school board) Researchers must be prepared to describe: –Nature of research –Its major benefits –Involvement of school personnel

Quantitative plan Introduction, method section, data analysis description, and a time schedule. Introduction – topic, review of related literature, and a hypothesis statement with variables. Method – Research approach is defined (i.e. Causal-comparative).

Method (continued) Research participants – number, source, characteristics, and derived population. Instruments – measures, instruments, and approaches to be used. Design – strategies used (basic structure and goals of study).

Procedure Steps followed. Strategy in selecting sample; procedure and timing of pretest described. Exactly what will occur in the study. Assumptions or limitations. Precise – someone else could execute study.

Data analysis Techniques to analyze study data. A number of factors determine technique. –How are groups formed? –How many groups? –How many variables studied? –Particular data collected?

Time Schedule Major activities and expected completion dates. Allow for more time than expected. Budget needs must be specified (equipment, materials).

Qualitative plan Much less structured than quantitative. Research will be responsive to the context and setting. Some pre-proposal fieldwork to better understand setting (some disagree).

Qualitative plan Title section –Provides a frame of reference for reflection. Introduction –Study purpose. –Illustrated within a larger problem or policy. –Initial questions to be investigated. –Related literature to describe problem.

Qualitative plan Purpose of Research section –Brief; easily retained by researcher and reader. Framing the study –Relevancy of study to a frame of reference. –How will study address current problem or reflect theory?

Qualitative plan Literature review –Describe theories and assumptions relative to research. –Suggest possible educational practices to address educational need. Research procedures –Overall approach / why appropriate. –Researcher’s role / fits in with participants.

Qualitative plan Data collection methods –Examples are provided. –Convince reader collection method is reputable. Data management –Papers piled to the ceiling. –What will become of field notes, videotapes, audio, etc.