The Research Paln is the initial planning of every scientific project. In this plan, the researcher defines the focus and details the steps wich will guide the development of the project: what will be studied, why, what for, how, and when.
Check the structure of a research plan and the guidelines according to the kind of research:
Research Plan Structure
THEME
It is the aspect of the topic the student wants to deal with, prove or develop.
JUSTIFICATION
A Project Research Plan justification should intend to convince on the reason to conduct it and its relevance to society or to some individuals who may benefit from the research.
It is in the justification where the researcher must state why and to whom the information is useful; what the contributions are and what decisions may be made from the data produced.
The justification enhances the importance of the theme to be studied, justifies the necessity of conducting the research and forwards to the problem formulation.
It is necessary to state that there are other studies which emphasize the importance of the theme of the research and they must be referenced.
THE PROBLEM
The problem has its origin on a situation that generates questions about the theme which can be defined by the researcher´s own life experiences or suggested by professionals who deal with the theme. Once the problem is identified, a specific question is made and answered by the researcher. In this way, a study focus is established in order to answer the question. There must likely be an answer to the question which must be obtained through scientific, technological or of engineering methodology.
THE HYPOTHESIS
The hypothesis is a possible answer to the question established in the problem of the Research Plan. According to Bello (2009, p.23), a hypothesis is a pre-solution for the problem mentioned in the research theme chosen.
Depending on the option of the methodology, the research plan must not necessarily establish the hypotheses. For survey or technological research, for example, hypothesis is not a formal mandatory item.
OBJECTIVES
The definition of the objectives determines what the researcher wants to achieve with the research project and should correspond to the proposed question.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC REVIEW
In this stage the researcher seeks for and reviews bibliographic material that will support the theme of the research project, such as books, scientific articles, magazines, newspapers, technical norms, legislation, etc…
METHODOLOGY
The methodology is the description of the strategy to be used, in which all the steps and procedures are mentioned in order to conduct and achieve the objectives of the research project.
After making the choices, it is necessary to make a detailed description of how the research will be conducted (how data will be obtained, questionnaires, interviews, samples, etc) and how the analysis of the data will be done. Include a timetable, the resources and the evaluation.
TIMETABLE
It is an appropriate plan of the period of time the researcher will have to conduct the project, specifying the activities to be accomplished.
ANALYSIS OF DATA
It must show how the analysis and the evaluation of the data will be done and what they will be compared to – if they will be compared to a norm or to the results of another author or to another type of research; if a statistical method will be used; if the results are positive or negative.
REFERENCES
The reference of the documents effectively quoted is a mandatory item when elaborating the project.
At least, list five main references (for example, newspapers or scientific magazines articles, books, Internet sites, etc.) from your bibliographical research. If you have used vertebrate animals, give one additional reference about animal care.
Research with Humans
Detail all the procedures, include what was asked to the research participants.
Describe the potential risks and how they can be minimized.
Describe the sample (research participants) studied:
Include research questionnaires (if used):
Describe any physical activities or procedures (if done) and assess the risks critically:
Discuss briefly the POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVES to the use of vertebrate animals. Present a detailed justification for the use of these animals.
Explain any potential impacts, or the contributions this project may bring.
Describe all the procedures used:
– Include methods that will be used to minimize any discomfort (pain, wound or other discomfort) to the animal during the experimentation.
– Detail drugs dosage and chemicals concentration.
Describe the numbers (quantity, species, sort, age, etc.). Include a justification for the quantity planned for the research.
Describe the cage where the animal will stay, and its daily care.
Describe what will happen to the animal after the end of the experimentation.
