Research Problem Definition & Proposal Writing paper

RESEARH PROBLEM DEFINITION: 

RESEARH PROBLEM DEFINITION SA Prathapar Research Methodology

Why define the Research Problem? : 

10/27/2011 Research Proposal Development 2 Why define the Research Problem? Defining your destination before beginning a journey. It determines, what you will do, will it withstand scientific scrutiny, how you will do it, and what you may achieve!

How is a research problem selected?: 

10/27/2011 Research Proposal Development 3 How is a research problem selected? Researchers interest in a topic National or agency priorities Urgency of an issue Availability of research funds Availability of supervision

Steps in defining research problems: 

10/27/2011 Research Proposal Development 4 Steps in defining research problems Identify a broad topic Identify a narrow topic within the broad topic Raise questions Formulate objectives Use action-oriented words - To demonstrate; To evaluate; To measure…

Identifying Broad Topics: 

10/27/2011 Research Proposal Development 5 Identifying Broad Topics Think of the BIG PICTURE What is the problem you are trying to solve? Think of something you like to learn more about Consult text books, journal or your supervisor Pick one based on: Interest and relevance Magnitude of work involved Level of expertise yours and your advisors

Examples of Broad Topics: 

10/27/2011 Research Proposal Development 6 Examples of Broad Topics Optimizing productivity of land and water resources Ensuring Food Safety & Security Sustaining Agricultural & Marine Environments

From Broad Topic to Narrow Topic: 

10/27/2011 Research Proposal Development 7 From Broad Topic to Narrow Topic Examples of a narrow topic: Liver disease in Goat Greenhouse Agriculture Milk Quality Greywater reuse potential in Oman When selecting a narrow topic think how it can contribute towards solving the BIG PROBLEM!

Problem Tree – Keep asking Why?: 

10/27/2011 Research Proposal Development 8 Problem Tree – Keep asking Why? Food Insecurity Low Labor Productivity Low Land Productivity Unskilled Labor Water Scarcity Unsuitable Crops Poor Soil Inefficient Irrigation Lack of crop varieties adapted to climate Inefficient Water harvesting Unsuitable Climate Farming Patterns do not Return nutrients Farmers can’t afford fertilizers Farmers unaware of best practices

Proposal Writing: 

Proposal Writing

Sections: 

10/27/2011 Research Proposal Development 10 Sections Title Introduction additional sub sections if necessary Objectives Materials & Methods additional sub sections if necessary A tentative time table A budget .

Title: 

10/27/2011 Research Proposal Development 11 Title Specific & Short This forms the first impression about your research If vague – Reader will be cynical

Introduction: 

10/27/2011 Research Proposal Development 12 Introduction Convince the reader that you have identified a research problem, worthy of investigating. Start very general – Broad Topic Highlight the concept Practical significance Reduce it to a narrow topic by Raising questions, and Stating answers from literature for most. Establish Rationale: Research is necessary questions for which there is no answer yet.

Objectives: 

10/27/2011 Research Proposal Development 13 Objectives Provide a clear statement of the overall question- General objective Follow it with action oriented tasks - Specific objectives. If more than one specific objective state them sequentially

Methodology: 

10/27/2011 Research Proposal Development 14 Methodology State it explicitly Enough detail for the reader to follow First give an overall summary of your study design and methodological approach. Then provide the methodology for each specific objective. Describe the specific design (what will you do and how, number of replicates, etc.), the materials and techniques that will be used, and the feasibility of these techniques. Use literature to support design, materials & techniques Need not repeat standard procedures – but give a reference.

References: 

10/27/2011 Research Proposal Development 15 References List all references In alphabetical order

GANTT Chart (Time line): 

10/27/2011 Research Proposal Development 16 GANTT Chart (Time line) Task Quarter1 Quarter2 Quarter3 Quarter4 Survey Test GWT Analyze data Write Thesis

Budget: 

10/27/2011 Research Proposal Development 17 Budget SUMMARY OF FUNDS REQUESTED (RO) Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 TOTAL Capital Equipment 7500 7500 Recurrent Items 8000 6000 16000 30000 Use of University Facilities 1000 1000 1000 3000 Local Travel Costs 1000 1000 1000 3000 Publication Costs 500 500 2500 2600 Miscellaneous 2000 2000 2000 6000 TOTAL 12500 18000 22500 53000