Deck 5: Writing the Research Proposal

Question 1

Experienced writers of research proposals typically:

A)plan to make revisions to the first draft of the proposal.
B)do not need to make revisions to the first draft of the proposal.
C)make revisions to the first draft of the proposal only if they are requested by a reviewer.
D)may need to edit the first draft of the proposal for typos, but not content.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

In ______ research proposal(s), a specific research problem is clearly stated at the outset of the proposal.

A)both quantitative and qualitative
B)neither quantitative nor qualitative
C)a quantitative
D)a qualitative

Answer 2

A

Question 3

In ______ research proposal(s), a specific plan for how the data will be handled is clearly laid out in the document.

A)both quantitative and qualitative
B)neither quantitative nor qualitative
C)a quantitative
D)a qualitative

Answer 3

A

Question 4

There are unique challenges associated with conducting research on data that are already in existence (e.g., historical research).Discuss some of these unique challenges, pointing out pitfalls the researcher should be careful to avoid.

Question 5

When explaining how the data are to be analyzed and interpreted:

A)it is best to provide only a general plan as things will probably change over the course of the study anyway.
B)it is best to be as detailed as possible so all contingencies related to analysis and interpretation can be anticipated.
C)it is impossible to be highly detailed until one has the actual data in hand.
D)an overly specific plan may bias the analyses or interpretation, impairing the validity of the study.

Question 6

A proposal for a qualitative study typically includes these elements in this order:

A)an explanation of how the findings will fit with the larger literature, a statement of the purpose of the study and its guiding questions, a management plan, an explanation of theoretical and methodological grounding.
B)a statement of the purpose of the study and its guiding questions, an explanation of how the findings will fit with the larger literature, an explanation of theoretical and methodological grounding, a management plan.
C)a statement of the purpose of the study and its guiding questions, an explanation of theoretical and methodological grounding, an explanation of how the findings will fit with the larger literature, a management plan.
D)a statement of the purpose of the study and its guiding questions, an explanation of theoretical and methodological grounding, a management plan, an explanation of how the findings will fit with the larger literature.

Question 7

According to the textbook, the most effective research proposals:

A)are a brief outline of the study you intend to conduct without an excess of detail.
B)justify the study to be conducted by explaining how it will contribute to the professional literature.
C)are detailed and straightforward explanations of the research problem and methodology.
D)include an autobiographical section that explains how the researcher became interested in the research topic.

Question 8

Three of the following are elements in the proposal revision process.Which one is NOT?

A)Reconsider the feasibility of what you are proposing to do.
B)Carefully assess the logic and organization of the information in the document.
C)Avoid breaks of 24 hours or more as the material will get too "cold" in your mind.
D)Seek feedback from knowledgeable others.

Question 9

A proposal for a quantitative study typically includes these elements in this order:

A)a statement of the problem, a review of the literature, an explanation of the means for collecting data, a description of how the study will be conducted.
B)a review of the literature, a statement of the problem, an explanation of the means for collecting data, a description of how the study will be conducted.
C)a review of the literature, a statement of the problem, a description of how the study will be conducted, an explanation of the means for collecting data.
D)a statement of the problem, an explanation of the means for collecting data, a review of the literature, a description of how the study will be conducted.

Question 10

In ______ research proposal(s), specific hypotheses regarding findings are often stated.

A)both quantitative and qualitative
B)neither quantitative nor qualitative
C)a quantitative
D)a qualitative

Question 11

Research proposals that ______ are commonly judged to be of higher quality than proposals that do not.

A)favor straightforward vocabulary
B)employ complex sentence structure
C)favor a highly esoteric vocabulary
D)rely on the reader to draw inferences

Question 12

The research proposal is best thought of as:

A)a general and flexible outline of how the research problem is to be investigated.
B)"Plan A," with the expectation that "Plan B" or even "Plan C" will become necessary as the study unfolds.
C)a detailed and firm contract between the researcher and others who are involved in the research project (participants, supervisors, funding agencies, etc.)
D)a document that is written for others (internal review boards, funding agencies)and is of little value to the researcher.

Question 13

When writing the proposal, you should assume that the reader:

A)will know which data analytic techniques are appropriate for your study without a detailed explanation.
B)is an expert in the area you are addressing and will be familiar with common issues, variables, instruments, etc.
C)can discern for him/herself what the importance of the study is.
D)knows nothing about the proposed project, so all the details must be thoroughly explained.

Question 14

Issues of feasibility are central to a well-planned research project.Discuss how feasibility issues come into play when deciding on the sampling plan.

Question 15

Proposals for ______ studies include a methodology section.

A)qualitative
B)quantitative
C)both quantitative and qualitative
D)neither quantitative nor qualitative

Question 16

In ______ research proposal(s), the review of literature comes late in the document in conjunction with interpretation of data.

A)both quantitative and qualitative
B)neither quantitative nor qualitative
C)a quantitative
D)a qualitative

Question 17

Issues of feasibility are central to a well-planned research project.Discuss how feasibility issues come into play when choosing the measurement instruments or techniques.

Question 18

In regard to quantitative research proposals, novice researchers often find it very challenging and tedious to explain in detail how the data will be analyzed and interpreted in their study.Explain why it is essential that the researcher not cut corners in this section of the proposal.

Question 19

In regard to the style you will use for headings and subheadings in the research proposal:

A)there are no special formatting requirements unless the document is a thesis or dissertation.
B)all disciplines recognize the major formal styles, so it is a matter of personal choice.
C)the writer is free to show creativity as long as s/he is consistent throughout the document.
D)disciplines often dictate the use of specific formal styles, so you must find out what the expectations are.