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Developing a Research Proposal for Qualitative Research: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a research proposal for qualitative studies can seem like a huge task. This guide will help you step by step. From understanding the basics to writing the final proposal, we will cover everything you need to know. By the end, you will have a clear plan to follow.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the basics of qualitative research is important for a strong proposal.
• A clear research question guides your study and ensures it stays on track.
• Choosing the right methods and being ethical are key parts of your research design.
• Recruiting the right participants and using proper sampling methods are crucial.
• Analyzing data carefully and presenting your findings clearly is essential.

Understanding the Foundations of Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is essential for exploring complex social phenomena. It provides an in-depth understanding and rich data analysis, complementing quantitative research. Choosing the right research methodology for your Ph.D. thesis is crucial for obtaining meaningful results.

Formulating a Research Question

Identifying the research problem.

The first step in formulating qualitative research questions is to have a clear understanding of what you aim to discover or understand through your research. How much do we know about the problem? What are the gaps in our knowledge? How would new insights contribute to society or clinical practice? Why is this research worth doing? And who might have an interest in this topic?

Using the SPIDER Tool

The SPIDER tool is a useful framework for defining the research question. SPIDER stands for Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, and Research type. This tool helps in highlighting the gap in knowledge that your research aims to address. It ensures that your research question is focused and researchable, whether through primary or secondary sources.

Ensuring Feasibility and Relevance

After formulating the question(s), you must consider how you will answer it. Answering the question(s) will depend on the question, the design, and the research type. Your research question should be feasible to answer within a given timeframe and specific enough for you to answer thoroughly.

Designing the Research Methodology

After formulating your research question, you must consider how to answer it. Answering the question will depend on the question itself, the design, and the research type.

Selecting Appropriate Methods

Choosing the right methods is crucial. Each design method has pros and cons, and the selection depends on the question, the participants, and the time scale. For example, if you're looking at the experiences of someone who's had severe trauma or exploring a sensitive topic, a one-to-one interview is probably the most appropriate method to respect privacy.

Data Collection Techniques

Data collection is a vital part of your research design . You need to clearly explain your data collection methods so readers understand how you will conduct your study. This section should provide enough detail for readers to evaluate its validity and reliability. Poorly articulated research design can lead to misunderstandings and questions about your study's credibility.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations are paramount in qualitative research. You must ensure that your study respects the rights and dignity of participants. This includes obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality, and being sensitive to the needs and vulnerabilities of your participants. Addressing these ethical issues is not just a formality but a fundamental part of your research design.

Recruiting and Sampling Participants

Defining the target population.

When defining your target population, it's crucial to set clear criteria that align with your research objectives . Quality over quantity is essential; recruiting the right participants ensures the integrity of your study. Sometimes, you might not reach your planned sample size, but it's better to have fewer participants who meet your criteria than to compromise your results.

Sampling Strategies

There is no magic number for how many people you should recruit for qualitative research. The sample sizes are usually smaller than in quantitative research and will depend on many variables. When writing a research proposal, provide justification and rationale for your chosen number of participants. Considerations include the scope of your study and the depth of data you aim to collect.

Recruitment Procedures

Recruitment can be done online via social media or through advertising posters in outpatient clinics. Choose the most convenient method that will link you to the most suitable people. For example, a social media advert might be ideal for a study on e-health, as your cohort should be comfortable using computers. Researchers should avoid directly approaching potential participants to prevent any feeling of obligation to take part. Instead, use a gatekeeper who can act as a go-between to advertise the study to potential participants who meet the criteria.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Coding and thematic analysis.

When we analyze qualitative data , we need systematic, rigorous, and transparent ways of manipulating our data in order to begin developing answers to our research questions. Coding is a crucial first step in this process. It involves labeling segments of data with codes that represent themes or patterns. Using software tools can make this task more efficient and help maintain consistency.

Ensuring Rigor and Trustworthiness

To ensure the rigor and trustworthiness of your analysis, you should employ strategies such as member checking, triangulation, and maintaining an audit trail. Member checking involves sharing your findings with participants to verify accuracy. Triangulation uses multiple data sources or methods to confirm findings. An audit trail documents the research process in detail, providing transparency.

Presenting Findings

Presenting your findings in a clear and organized manner is essential. Use direct quotes from participants to illustrate key themes and provide evidence for your interpretations. Tables can be helpful for summarizing data and highlighting important points. Remember to discuss the implications of your findings and how they contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

Writing the Research Proposal

When preparing a research proposal, it is essential to follow the specific guidelines provided by your institution or program. Some institutions may have additional requirements, such as excluding references, figures, or timelines from the page limit.

Structuring the Proposal

A research proposal is a document that describes the idea, importance, and method of the research. The format can vary widely among different higher education settings, different funders, and different organizations. When thinking of the research proposal, it's your tool to sell the research to probably an ethics committee or a research funder, so you want to show them why your research is important to be done. Here are some prompting questions to help with writing the background:

• What is the main problem or question your research aims to address?
• Why is this research important?
• What are the key objectives of your study?

Writing the Literature Review

The title of your research proposal can be different from the publishing title. It can be considered a working title that you can revisit after finishing the research proposal and amend if needed. "The title" should contain keywords of what your research encompasses, such as:

• The main topic of your research
• The specific aspect you are focusing on
• Any key terms or concepts

Developing a Timeline

When thinking about how to start thesis , setting clear goals, utilizing online databases, conducting interviews, and collecting relevant data are key steps. The length of your research proposal can vary. Make sure to include a timeline that outlines the major milestones of your research project. This can help you stay on track and ensure that you meet all deadlines.

By following these tips for researching and organizing your thesis , you can create a strong and compelling research proposal.

Addressing Ethical and Practical Issues

Informed consent.

When conducting qualitative research, obtaining informed consent is crucial. Participants must be fully aware of the study's purpose, procedures, and any potential risks. Mastering the interview process includes ensuring that participants understand their rights and can withdraw at any time without penalty.

Confidentiality and Anonymity

Protecting the privacy of participants is a key aspect of ethical research. Researchers must take steps to ensure that data is stored securely and that identifying information is kept confidential. This includes using pseudonyms and removing any details that could reveal a participant's identity.

Dealing with Practical Challenges

Qualitative research often involves addressing sensitive topics, which can present practical challenges. Researchers need to be prepared to handle emotional responses and provide support if needed. Additionally, defining the research scope clearly can help in managing time and resources effectively.

When tackling ethical and practical issues, it's important to have the right tools and guidance. Our step-by-step Thesis Action Plan is designed to help you navigate these challenges with ease. Whether you're struggling with sleepless nights or feeling overwhelmed, our resources are here to support you. Don't let stress hold you back any longer. Visit our website to learn more and take the first step towards a smoother thesis journey.

In conclusion, developing a qualitative research proposal is a detailed and thoughtful process that requires careful planning and consideration. By following the steps outlined in this guide, researchers can ensure that their proposals are comprehensive and well-structured. This not only helps in gaining approval from review boards but also sets a strong foundation for conducting meaningful and impactful research. Remember, the key to a successful research proposal lies in clarity, coherence, and a thorough understanding of the research topic. With dedication and attention to detail, anyone can master the art of crafting a qualitative research proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a qualitative research proposal.

A qualitative research proposal is a document that outlines the idea, importance, and methods of your research. It helps to plan out how you will collect and analyze non-numerical data.

Why is it important to have a research question?

Having a research question is important because it guides your study. It helps you focus on what you want to find out and keeps your research on track.

What is the SPIDER tool?

The SPIDER tool is a method used to define a research question in qualitative research. It stands for Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, and Research type.

How do you ensure the ethical considerations in qualitative research?

To ensure ethical considerations, you need to get informed consent from participants, protect their confidentiality, and make sure your study does no harm.

What are some common data collection techniques in qualitative research?

Common data collection techniques include interviews, focus groups, and observations. These methods help gather detailed and in-depth information.

How do you present your findings in a qualitative research proposal?

You present your findings by coding the data and identifying themes. Then, you explain these themes and what they mean in relation to your research question.

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7 Writing a proposal

• Published: May 2018
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When researchers plan to undertake qualitative research with a pilot or full RCT they write a proposal to apply for funding, seek ethical approval, or as part of their PhD studies. These proposals can be published in journals. Guidance for writing a proposal for the qualitative research undertaken with RCTs has been published, and there is existing guidance for writing proposals in related areas such as mixed methods research. In this chapter, existing guidance is introduced and built upon to offer comprehensive and detailed guidance for writing a proposal for the qualitative research undertaken with an RCT. There are challenges to writing these proposals and these are discussed and potential solutions proposed.

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Designing a Research Proposal in Qualitative Research

• First Online: 27 October 2022

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• Md. Ismail Hossain 4 ,
• Nafiul Mehedi 4 &
• Iftakhar Ahmad 4  

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The chapter discusses designing a research proposal in qualitative research. The main objective is to outline the major components of a qualitative research proposal with example(s) so that the students and novice scholars easily get an understanding of a qualitative proposal. The chapter highlights the major components of a qualitative research proposal and discusses the steps involved in designing a proposal. In each step, an example is given with some essential tips. Following these steps and tips, a novice researcher can easily prepare a qualitative research proposal. Readers, especially undergraduate and master’s students, might use this as a guideline while preparing a thesis proposal. After reading this chapter, they can easily prepare a qualitative proposal.

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What Should Be Avoided During Qualitative Research?

Designing a qualitative research project.

What is Qualitative in Research

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Hossain, M.I., Mehedi, N., Ahmad, I. (2022). Designing a Research Proposal in Qualitative Research. In: Islam, M.R., Khan, N.A., Baikady, R. (eds) Principles of Social Research Methodology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-5441-2_18

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Writing Your Qualitative Methods in a Proposal

Hello Qualitative Mind,

We continue talking about writing qualitative research proposals, and hopefully setting you up for success with your own proposals. One of the areas you need to detail in a qualitative research proposal is methods. Writing your qualitative methods commonly feels like walking the line: you need to provide enough details yet demonstrate you’ll be flexible and responsive to your qualitative data. Moreover, it’s hard not to wonder how much qualitative expertise a reviewer committee will have and, as such, how much you need to explain your sample size and sampling strategy, for example.

While we cannot control who the reviewers will be, we will strive to do the best we can on our side of things. Over the years, I’ve learned a few key things about writing qualitative methods for proposals that helped me to be more comfortable with the task without losing the flexibility and creativity I strive to have as a qualitative researcher. Here are the key elements of a methods section and what they mean to me:

Methodological coherence: I describe qualitative methods, approaches, data collection, and data analysis strategically. Although we are often limited by the number of words we can use and/or available space, we need to offer the reviewer enough details about the research setting, sampling and recruitment strategies, data collection, and data analysis. This is when we need to think about methodological cohesion and assume a savvy qualitative reviewer might adjudicate your project. What does this mean? If you are claiming you will be conducting phenomenological research to explore individuals’ lived experiences, and recruiting approximately 25 individuals for focus groups, you might have just raised your reviewers’ eyebrows (and lost a few points). Your expected sample size is too big and the method of data collection is not congruent with phenomenology. A qualitative reviewer would quickly notice that, and red flag your methods.

Qualitative research can change once a project starts and the researcher needs to be responsive.

However, qualitative research can change once a project starts and the researcher needs to be responsive. So what to do?

Rigor Description: What strategies are planned regardless of unplanned changes? How will you strive for concurrent data collection and analysis? What records will you keep, e.g., a journal with field notes, audio-recorded debriefings? How will you practice reflexivity? What external supports and expertise will you have as you move along with your project? Thinking of these questions, and describing them in a paragraph, can demonstrate to your reviewer that even though you are  penciling in certain methods, you will be using strategies that may cause you to revisit your methods, and make changes when needed.

Responsiveness in qualitative research: In my opinion, rigor and responsiveness go together so if you thoughtfully demonstrate the former, you are also thinking about the latter. This tells a reviewer that you know qualitative inquiry well enough the be covering important topics in your methods.

In addition, many funding agencies want researchers to outline what they will do with the results/findings. So at the end of your methods or under an “expected outcomes” subheading, try to discuss what you envision for knowledge translation/mobilization. I think qualitative researchers have almost a natural advantage when it comes to knowledge translation because our work is relational and full of possibilities for creative, meaningful, community-led mobilization. Aim high when thinking where your research results will go, and the impact they might have.

Now you have two posts outlining both the key aspects of writing the literature review and methods for qualitative research proposals. The next one will be about supports for writing and reviewing qualitative research proposals before you click the submit button in whatever platform your university or funding agency uses!

Maira Quintanilha

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The qualitative research proposal

Affiliation.

• 1 School of Nursing Science, North-West University, South Africa. [email protected]
• PMID: 19653539
• DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v31i4.1062

Qualitative research in the health sciences has had to overcome many prejudices and a number of misunderstandings, but today qualitative research is as acceptable as quantitative research designs and is widely funded and published. Writing the proposal of a qualitative study, however, can be a challenging feat, due to the emergent nature of the qualitative research design and the description of the methodology as a process. Even today, many sub-standard proposals at post-graduate evaluation committees and application proposals to be considered for funding are still seen. This problem has led the researcher to develop a framework to guide the qualitative researcher in writing the proposal of a qualitative study based on the following research questions: (i) What is the process of writing a qualitative research proposal? and (ii) What does the structure and layout of a qualitative proposal look like? The purpose of this article is to discuss the process of writing the qualitative research proposal, as well as describe the structure and layout of a qualitative research proposal. The process of writing a qualitative research proposal is discussed with regards to the most important questions that need to be answered in your research proposal with consideration of the guidelines of being practical, being persuasive, making broader links, aiming for crystal clarity and planning before you write. While the structure of the qualitative research proposal is discussed with regards to the key sections of the proposal, namely the cover page, abstract, introduction, review of the literature, research problem and research questions, research purpose and objectives, research paradigm, research design, research method, ethical considerations, dissemination plan, budget and appendices.

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How to write a research proposal?

Department of Anaesthesiology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Devika Rani Duggappa

Writing the proposal of a research work in the present era is a challenging task due to the constantly evolving trends in the qualitative research design and the need to incorporate medical advances into the methodology. The proposal is a detailed plan or ‘blueprint’ for the intended study, and once it is completed, the research project should flow smoothly. Even today, many of the proposals at post-graduate evaluation committees and application proposals for funding are substandard. A search was conducted with keywords such as research proposal, writing proposal and qualitative using search engines, namely, PubMed and Google Scholar, and an attempt has been made to provide broad guidelines for writing a scientifically appropriate research proposal.

INTRODUCTION

A clean, well-thought-out proposal forms the backbone for the research itself and hence becomes the most important step in the process of conduct of research.[ 1 ] The objective of preparing a research proposal would be to obtain approvals from various committees including ethics committee [details under ‘Research methodology II’ section [ Table 1 ] in this issue of IJA) and to request for grants. However, there are very few universally accepted guidelines for preparation of a good quality research proposal. A search was performed with keywords such as research proposal, funding, qualitative and writing proposals using search engines, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus.

Five ‘C’s while writing a literature review

BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

A proposal needs to show how your work fits into what is already known about the topic and what new paradigm will it add to the literature, while specifying the question that the research will answer, establishing its significance, and the implications of the answer.[ 2 ] The proposal must be capable of convincing the evaluation committee about the credibility, achievability, practicality and reproducibility (repeatability) of the research design.[ 3 ] Four categories of audience with different expectations may be present in the evaluation committees, namely academic colleagues, policy-makers, practitioners and lay audiences who evaluate the research proposal. Tips for preparation of a good research proposal include; ‘be practical, be persuasive, make broader links, aim for crystal clarity and plan before you write’. A researcher must be balanced, with a realistic understanding of what can be achieved. Being persuasive implies that researcher must be able to convince other researchers, research funding agencies, educational institutions and supervisors that the research is worth getting approval. The aim of the researcher should be clearly stated in simple language that describes the research in a way that non-specialists can comprehend, without use of jargons. The proposal must not only demonstrate that it is based on an intelligent understanding of the existing literature but also show that the writer has thought about the time needed to conduct each stage of the research.[ 4 , 5 ]

CONTENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The contents or formats of a research proposal vary depending on the requirements of evaluation committee and are generally provided by the evaluation committee or the institution.

In general, a cover page should contain the (i) title of the proposal, (ii) name and affiliation of the researcher (principal investigator) and co-investigators, (iii) institutional affiliation (degree of the investigator and the name of institution where the study will be performed), details of contact such as phone numbers, E-mail id's and lines for signatures of investigators.

The main contents of the proposal may be presented under the following headings: (i) introduction, (ii) review of literature, (iii) aims and objectives, (iv) research design and methods, (v) ethical considerations, (vi) budget, (vii) appendices and (viii) citations.[ 4 ]

Introduction

It is also sometimes termed as ‘need for study’ or ‘abstract’. Introduction is an initial pitch of an idea; it sets the scene and puts the research in context.[ 6 ] The introduction should be designed to create interest in the reader about the topic and proposal. It should convey to the reader, what you want to do, what necessitates the study and your passion for the topic.[ 7 ] Some questions that can be used to assess the significance of the study are: (i) Who has an interest in the domain of inquiry? (ii) What do we already know about the topic? (iii) What has not been answered adequately in previous research and practice? (iv) How will this research add to knowledge, practice and policy in this area? Some of the evaluation committees, expect the last two questions, elaborated under a separate heading of ‘background and significance’.[ 8 ] Introduction should also contain the hypothesis behind the research design. If hypothesis cannot be constructed, the line of inquiry to be used in the research must be indicated.

Review of literature

It refers to all sources of scientific evidence pertaining to the topic in interest. In the present era of digitalisation and easy accessibility, there is an enormous amount of relevant data available, making it a challenge for the researcher to include all of it in his/her review.[ 9 ] It is crucial to structure this section intelligently so that the reader can grasp the argument related to your study in relation to that of other researchers, while still demonstrating to your readers that your work is original and innovative. It is preferable to summarise each article in a paragraph, highlighting the details pertinent to the topic of interest. The progression of review can move from the more general to the more focused studies, or a historical progression can be used to develop the story, without making it exhaustive.[ 1 ] Literature should include supporting data, disagreements and controversies. Five ‘C's may be kept in mind while writing a literature review[ 10 ] [ Table 1 ].

Aims and objectives

The research purpose (or goal or aim) gives a broad indication of what the researcher wishes to achieve in the research. The hypothesis to be tested can be the aim of the study. The objectives related to parameters or tools used to achieve the aim are generally categorised as primary and secondary objectives.

Research design and method

The objective here is to convince the reader that the overall research design and methods of analysis will correctly address the research problem and to impress upon the reader that the methodology/sources chosen are appropriate for the specific topic. It should be unmistakably tied to the specific aims of your study.

In this section, the methods and sources used to conduct the research must be discussed, including specific references to sites, databases, key texts or authors that will be indispensable to the project. There should be specific mention about the methodological approaches to be undertaken to gather information, about the techniques to be used to analyse it and about the tests of external validity to which researcher is committed.[ 10 , 11 ]

The components of this section include the following:[ 4 ]

Population and sample

Population refers to all the elements (individuals, objects or substances) that meet certain criteria for inclusion in a given universe,[ 12 ] and sample refers to subset of population which meets the inclusion criteria for enrolment into the study. The inclusion and exclusion criteria should be clearly defined. The details pertaining to sample size are discussed in the article “Sample size calculation: Basic priniciples” published in this issue of IJA.

Data collection

The researcher is expected to give a detailed account of the methodology adopted for collection of data, which include the time frame required for the research. The methodology should be tested for its validity and ensure that, in pursuit of achieving the results, the participant's life is not jeopardised. The author should anticipate and acknowledge any potential barrier and pitfall in carrying out the research design and explain plans to address them, thereby avoiding lacunae due to incomplete data collection. If the researcher is planning to acquire data through interviews or questionnaires, copy of the questions used for the same should be attached as an annexure with the proposal.

Rigor (soundness of the research)

This addresses the strength of the research with respect to its neutrality, consistency and applicability. Rigor must be reflected throughout the proposal.

It refers to the robustness of a research method against bias. The author should convey the measures taken to avoid bias, viz. blinding and randomisation, in an elaborate way, thus ensuring that the result obtained from the adopted method is purely as chance and not influenced by other confounding variables.

Consistency

Consistency considers whether the findings will be consistent if the inquiry was replicated with the same participants and in a similar context. This can be achieved by adopting standard and universally accepted methods and scales.

Applicability

Applicability refers to the degree to which the findings can be applied to different contexts and groups.[ 13 ]

Data analysis

This section deals with the reduction and reconstruction of data and its analysis including sample size calculation. The researcher is expected to explain the steps adopted for coding and sorting the data obtained. Various tests to be used to analyse the data for its robustness, significance should be clearly stated. Author should also mention the names of statistician and suitable software which will be used in due course of data analysis and their contribution to data analysis and sample calculation.[ 9 ]

Ethical considerations

Medical research introduces special moral and ethical problems that are not usually encountered by other researchers during data collection, and hence, the researcher should take special care in ensuring that ethical standards are met. Ethical considerations refer to the protection of the participants' rights (right to self-determination, right to privacy, right to autonomy and confidentiality, right to fair treatment and right to protection from discomfort and harm), obtaining informed consent and the institutional review process (ethical approval). The researcher needs to provide adequate information on each of these aspects.

Informed consent needs to be obtained from the participants (details discussed in further chapters), as well as the research site and the relevant authorities.

When the researcher prepares a research budget, he/she should predict and cost all aspects of the research and then add an additional allowance for unpredictable disasters, delays and rising costs. All items in the budget should be justified.

Appendices are documents that support the proposal and application. The appendices will be specific for each proposal but documents that are usually required include informed consent form, supporting documents, questionnaires, measurement tools and patient information of the study in layman's language.

As with any scholarly research paper, you must cite the sources you used in composing your proposal. Although the words ‘references and bibliography’ are different, they are used interchangeably. It refers to all references cited in the research proposal.

Successful, qualitative research proposals should communicate the researcher's knowledge of the field and method and convey the emergent nature of the qualitative design. The proposal should follow a discernible logic from the introduction to presentation of the appendices.

Financial support and sponsorship

Conflicts of interest.

There are no conflicts of interest.

1. in a Qualitative Research Proposal You Would Not Expect to See A

1. In a qualitative research proposal you would not expect to see a...... a) Research question b) Research aim c) Hypothesis d) Operational definition

2. Which of the following statement is not true? a) A research proposal is a document that presents a plan for a project b) A research proposal shows that the researcher is capable of successfully conducting the proposed research project c) A research proposal is an unorganized and unplanned project d) A research proposal is just like a research report and written before the research project

3. After identifying the important variables and establishing the logical reasoning in theoretical framework, the next step in the research process is...... a) To conduct surveys b) To generate the hypothesis c) To focus group discussions d) To use experiments in an investigation

4. The fundamental characteristic of the scientific method is ______a) Theories b) Empiricism c) Replication d) Evaluating data

5. According to Goodstein's (2000) "evolved theory of science ," which of the following is not a characteristic of scientific inquiry? a) Scientists make observations that are accurately reported to other scientists and the public so others can replicate the methods and obtain the same results. b) Science flourishes when there is an open system for the exchange of ideas in which supporters and those who disagree with an idea can report their research and it can be evaluated by others. c) Research studies must be reviewed by peers before they become a part of the scientific literature. d) Scientists search for observations that support ideas popular to others and viewed by other scientists as publishable.

6. The main advantage of producing a written research proposal is------a) Informs all interested parties b) Helps with credibility c) Helps the institution d) Helps keep people employed

7. The one which will always appear in a research proposal is...... a) Business objective b) Research objective c) Marketing objective d) Creative objective

8. Good research proposals will always-...... a) Consider all possible research that had previously been done on the topic b) Provide respondent names and addresses c) Focus on the Harvard style d) Focus on addressing the research objectives

9. The proposal's literature review is important because-—— a) It is expected by the university b) The tutor insists upon it c) It looks authoritative d) It shows that you are knowledgeable about the literature that relates to your research topic

10. The proposal section which intended to describe the purpose with a full statement of the research question is------a) Literature review b) References c) Introduction d) Proposed Method

11. Which of the following statement is not true? a) A research proposal is a document that presents a plan fora project b) A research proposal shows that the researcher is capable of successfully conducting the proposed research project c) A research proposal is an unorganized and unplannedproject d) A research proposal is just like a research report and writtenbefore the research project

12. The statement of purpose in a research study should------a) Identify the design of the study b) Identify the intent or objective of the study c) Specify the type of people to be used in the study d) Describe the study

13. The research participants are described in detail in...... section of the research plan a) Introduction b) Method c) Data analysis d) Discussion

14. The Method section of the research plan typically specifies ------a) The research participants b) The apparatus, instruments, and materials for the research study c) The planned research procedures d) all of the above

15. The interactive, computer-based information system that collects data on transactions and operations is...... a) Transaction processing system b) Decision support system

c) Executive information system d) Expert system

16. One of the following is not the three main components in a decision support system...... a) Communications b) Dialogue c) Model d) Data

17. To explain, predict, and/or control phenomena are the goal of ------a) Tradition b) Inductive logic c) Deductive logic d) The scientific method

18. The purpose of a literature review is to-...... a) Help you find out what is already known about this area b) Identify any inconsistencies or gaps in the literature. c) Demonstrate an awareness of the theoretical context in which the current study can be located d) Find what is already known, identify gaps,and demonstrate awareness

19. The scientific method is preferred over other ways of knowingbecause it is more......

a) Reliable b) Systematic c) Accurate d) All of the given options

20. According to Burrell & Morgan (1979) one of the following is not a paradigm within business research methods is...... a) Radical structuralist b) Radical positivist c) Functionalist d) Interpretative

21. After you locate a source, you should write down all the details of the reference, except...... a) Full names of the authors b) Titles c) Volumes d) Price

22. The basis of Scientific Method is...... a) To test hypotheses in conditions that is conclusive to its success b) To formulate a research problem and disprove the hypothesis c) To formulate a research problem, test the hypothesis in carefully controlled conditions that challenge the hypothesis. d) To test hypotheses and if they are disproved, they should be abandoned completely.

23. The facts that should be collected to measure a variable, depend upon the------a) Conceptual understanding b) Dictionary meaning c) Operational definition d) All of the above

24. The word 'Research' means------a) A lab experiment b) A report. c) A systematic enquiry d) A procedure

25. If a researcher is studying the effect of using laptops in hisclassroom to ascertain their merit and worth; he is likelyconducting...... type of research a) Basic b) Applied c) Evaluation d) Experimental

26.The reasons for consulting handbooks, yearbooks, encyclopedias, or reviews in the Initial stages of identifying a research topic is...... a) They are readily available b) They provide an overview of the issues related to a topic

c) They are primary sources d) They avoid reporting statistical data so one can interpret the results more easily.

27. Qualitative and Quantitative Research are the classification of research on the basis of...... a) Use of the research b) Time dimensions c) Techniques used d) Purpose of the research

28. The application of the scientific method to study of business problems is called...... a) Inductive reasoning b) Deductive reasoning c) Business research d) Grounded theory

29. The research method is not applicable under...... a) Healthcare b) Business c) Government offices d) Imaginary worlds

30. In an article it is most beneficial to read------a) References

b) Methods c) Introduction d) Figures

31. Which of the following is not a function of clearly identified research questions? a) They guide your literature search b) They keep you focused throughout the data collection period c) They make the scope of your research as wide as possible d) They are linked together to help you construct a coherent argument

32. An operational definition is— a) One that bears no relation to the underlying concept b) An abstract , theoretical definition of a concept c) A definition of a concept in terms of specific, empirical measures d) One that refers to opera singers and their work

33. Basic research can also be called as------a) Practical research b) Fundamental Research c) Action research d) Assessment research

34. In the research process, the management question has the following critical activity in sequence...... a) Origin, selection, statement, exploration and refinement b) Origin, statement, selection, exploration and refinement c) Origin, exploration, selection, refinement, and statement d) Origin, exploration, refinement, selection and statement

35. The meaning of a good research does not mean ------a) Purpose clearly defined b) Research process detailed c) Research design thoroughly planned d) Findings presented ambiguously

36. Every research proposal, regardless of length should include two basic sections. They are—— a) Research question and research methodology b) Research proposal and bibliography c) Research method and schedule d) Research question and bibliography

37. The purpose of the research proposal is...... a) To generate monetary sources for the organization b) To present management question to be researched and its importance c)To discuss the research efforts of others who have worked on related management question. d) Both b and c

38. A proposal is also known as a...... a)Work plan b) Prospectus c) Outline d) All of the above

39. Secondary data can almost always be obtained more quickly and at a lower cost than...... data. a)Primary b) Tertiary c)Collective d)Research

40. The quality of a research to produce almost identical results in successive repeated trials reflects its...... - a) Reliability b) Validity c) Accuracy d) None of the above

41. What should a market researcher do once he or she has defined the problem and the research objectives? a) Collect the information

b) Budget for information collection c) Develop the research plan d) Sample the population

42. Business research is a systematic inquiry that provides information to guide business decisions. This includes the following except...... a) Reporting b) Descriptive c) Explanatory d) Predictive studies

43. Which of the following should not be a consideration in writinga proposal? a) Understanding the purpose behind the request for proposal b) Understanding the problem situation c) The appearance/form of the proposal d) Responding to every element exactly as specified by theclient

44. The step-by-step account of what the researcher and participants did during the research study is provided in...... a) Introduction b) Abstract c) Procedure d) Design

45. Which of the following is an example of deception in business research? a) The obtaining of company material without permission b) The researcher representing their research as being about a different topic c) The researcher wearing a disguise during an observation d) The researcher failing to ask permission to interview someone

46. Which one of the following is not a characteristic of scientific method? a) Deterministic b) Rationalism c) Empirical d) Abstraction

47. A research problem is feasible only when- a) It is researchable b) It is new and adds something to knowledge c) It has utility and relevance d) All of these

48. Hypothesis cannot be stated in ...... a) Null and question form terms b) Declarative term c) General terms d) Directional terms

49. The validity and reliability of a research will be at stakewhen ------a) The author who is the source of information is biased,incompetent or dishonest b) The incident was reported after a long period of time from that of its occurrence c) The researcher himself is not competent enough to draw logical conclusions d) All of the above

50. After a researcher has stated the specific problem to be studied in an experiment, he must then develop a ------a) Theory b) Conclusion c) Hypothesis d) Summary of the data

Unit 2 : Research Design

1. Research hypotheses are ______a) Formulated prior from review of the literature b) Statements of predicted relationships between variables c) Stated such that they can be confirmed or refuted d) Both b and c

2. Hypotheses in qualitative research studies usually ______

a) Are very specific and stated prior to beginning the study b) Are often generated as the data are collected, interpreted, and analyzed c) Are never used d) Are always stated after the research study has been completed

3. Research in which the researcher uses the qualitative paradigm for one phase and the quantitative paradigm for another phase in known as ______a) action research b) basic research c) quantitative research d) mixed method research

4. Qualitative research is often exploratory and has all of the following characteristics except------a) it is typically used when a great deal is already known about the topic of interest. b) it relies on the collection of non numerical data such as words and pictures c) it is used to generate hypotheses and develop theory about phenomena in the world d) it uses the inductive scientific method

5. The opposite of the variables is a) A constant b) An extraneous variable c) A dependent variable d) A data set

6. A variable that is presumed to cause a change in another variable is called as ………..

a) Categorical variable b) Dependent variable c) Independent variable d) Intervening variable

7. A condition of characteristics that can take on different values or categories is called …….. a) a constant b) a variable c) a cause-and-effect relationship d) a descriptive relationship

8. The quantitative research is best described by------a)the collection of non numerical data b)an attempt to confirms the researcher's hypotheses c)research that is exploratory d)research that attempts to generate a new theory

9. ______allow a researcher to examine the degree and directionof the relationship between two characteristics or variables. a) Correlational designs b) Quasi-experimental designs c) Confounding variables d) Experimental designs

10. A dependent variable refers to...... a) The experimental condition b) The variable which shows us the effect of the manipulation. c) The variable being manipulated or varied in some way by the researcher d) A variable with a single value which remains constant in a particular context

11. Variables are...... - a) the main focus of research in science. b)something that can vary in terms of precision c) something that we can measure d) all of the above

12. The sort of variable manipulated by the researcher is -...... a) Dependent. b) Co-dependent c) Independent d) All variables are manipulated by the researcher

13. The null and alternative hypotheses divide all possibilities into- a) two sets that overlap b) two non-overlapping sets c) two sets that may or may not overlap d) as many sets as necessary to cover all possibilities

14...... is true of the null and alternative hypotheses. a) Exactly one hypothesis must be true b) both hypotheses must be true c) It is possible for both hypotheses to be true d) It is possible for neither hypothesis to be true

15. The form of the alternative hypothesis can be: a) one-tailed b) two-tailed c) neither one nor two-tailed d) one or two-tailed

16. The alternative hypothesis is also known as the: a) elective hypothesis b) optional hypothesis c) research hypothesis d) null hypothesis

17. A Type II error is also known as a______. a) False positive b) False negative c) Double negative d) Positive negative

18. A Type I error is also known as a______. a) False positive b) False negative c) Double negative d) Positive negative

19.______is the failure to reject a false null hypothesis. a) Type I error b) Type II error c) Type A error d) Type B error

20. Which of the following statements is/are true according to the logic of hypothesis testing? a) When the null hypothesis is true, it should be rejected b) When the null hypothesis is true, it should not be rejected c) When the null hypothesis is false, it should be rejected d) Both b and c are true

21. A literature review requires a) Planning b) Good & clear writing c) Lot of rewriting

d) All of the above

22. Conducting surveys is the most common method of generating...... a) Primary data b) Secondary data c) Qualitative data d) None of the above

23. A list of questions which is handed over to the respondent, who reads the questions and records the answers himself is known as the...... a) Interview schedule b) Questionnaire c) Interview guided. d) All of the given options

24. Exploratory research addresses one of the following types of question. a) If b) How c) Why d) What

25. Hypothesis test may also be called as: a) Informal test

b) Significance test c) Moderating test d) T-test

26. The interview in which questions are already prepared is called a) Telephonic interview b) Personal interview c) Unstructured interview d) Structured interview

27. The group that does not receive the experimental treatment condition is the______. a) Experimental group b) Control group c) Treatment group d) Independent group

28. There is a number of ways in which confounding extraneous variables can be controlled. Which control technique is considered to be the best? a) Random assignment b) Matching c) Counterbalancing d) None of the above

29. A cell is a combination of two or more____in a factorial design. a) Research designs b) Research measurements c) Dependent variables d) Independent variables

30. A factorial design is one in which____. a) Only one independent variable is studied to determine its effect on the dependent variable b) Only two independent variables are simultaneously studied to determine their independent and interactive effects on the dependent variable c) Two or more independent variables are simultaneously studied to determine their independent and interactive effects on the dependent variable d) Two dependent variables are studied to determine their interactive effects

31. A researcher is interested in the effects of a preschool program on later school performance. Because she is concerned that socio-economic-status (SES) is a potential extraneous variable in her study, she picks^&tyldren to study who are only from low SES homes. The control technique she used in this study was- ---- a) Matching b) Random assignment c) Holding the extraneous variable constant d) Statistically controlling the extraneous variable

32. The directors of a graduate program in educational research wish to see what types of jobs their graduates take after they finish their program. They randomly sample students from the program and have them fill out questionnaires with items asking about the types of jobs

they have had. They also are asked to describe the roles they play in their current positions. This project is best described as having what kind of objective—- a) Descriptive b) Predictive c) Explanatory d) None of the above

33. The variable the researcher matches to eliminate it as an alternative explanation is called a______variable.

a) Matching b) Independent c) Dependent d) Partial

34. Which of the following is not a longitudinal design? a) Panel b) Cross-sectional c) Trend d) Both a and c are longitudinal designs

35. In qualitative research, differences among types of purposive sample have to do with----- a) Representativeness. b) Timing during the study. c) Individual variability.

d) All of the above.

36. Data analysis in qualitative research, as contrasted with quantitative research, is generally— a) Theatrical rather than applied. b) Applied rather than theatrical. c) Deductive rather than inductive. d) Inductive rather than deductive.

37. Qualitative researchers view changes in procedures during a study as...... a) A weakness b) Frustrating c) A good thing d) To be avoided

38. Conclusions from qualitative research are------a) Less certain than from quantitative research b) Of little practical use c) Seldom defensible d) Of descriptive value only.

39. The validity poses a problem for qualitative research because— a) Because the measurement of validity implies that there is something fixed which can be measured

b) Because the validity of interviews cannot be measured c) Because validity is only an issue in quantitative research d) Because there isn't any quantitative data on which to assess validity

40. The weakness of quantitative research is------a) Provides precise, numerical data b) The researcher's categories that are used might not reflect local constituenciesunderstandings c) Testing hypotheses that are constructed before the data are collected d) Can study a large number of people

41. A study in which quantitative and qualitative data are collected at the same time is a...... a) Concurrent mixed method design b) Mixed method design c) Sequential mixed method design d) Cross-sectional mixed method design

42. The starting point for a literature search is------a) Tertiary data b) Primary data c) Secondary data d) Some other data

43. The researcher is usually interested in supporting --—- when he or she is engaging in hypothesis testing. a) The alternative hypothesis b) The null hypothesis c) Both the alternative and null hypothesis d) Neither the alternative or null hypothesis

44. The cutoff the researcher uses to decide whether to reject the null hypothesis is called the— a) Significance level b) Alpha level c) Probability value d) Both a and b are correct

45. Of type I and type II en\r, one which traditionally regarded as more serious is a) Type I b) Type II c) They are equally serious d) Neither is serious

46. Smaller p-values indicate more evidence in support of...... a) the null hypothesis b) the alternative hypothesis c) the quality of the researcher d) further testing

47. A null hypothesis can only be rejected at the 5% significance level if and only if— a) a 95% confidence interval includes the hypothesized value of the parameter b) a 95% confidence interval does not include the hypothesized value of the parameter c) the null hypothesis is void d) the null hypotheses includes sampling error

48. A developmental research design that examines agedifferences at only one point in time is called the______method. a) Cross-sectional b) Longitudinal c) Single-case d) Sequential

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• Qualitative and Quantitative Research are the classification of research on the basis of......
• Data analysis in qualitative research, as contrasted with quantitative research, is generally—
• The main advantage of producing a written research proposal is-------
• The one which will always appear in a research proposal is.......
• The proposal section which intended to describe the purpose with a full statement of the research question is-----------
• Every research proposal, regardless of length should include two basic sections. They are——
• The purpose of the research proposal is..........
• Hypotheses in qualitative research studies usually _ ______
• Qualitative research is often exploratory and has all of the following characteristics except- -------
• In qualitative research, differences among types of purposive sample have to do with-----