Writing a research proposal

A research proposal refers to the description of what the researcher wants to investigate, why it’s important, and how the research will be done. The format of a research proposal varies between fields and from institution to institution.

Writing a research proposal is a critical step in the research process for several reasons:

• Securing Funding: Research proposals allow nurses to request financial support or grants to conduct their proposed studies. This funding is vital for obtaining necessary resources, such as equipment, materials, and personnel, required for the research.
• Guiding Research: A research proposal acts as a roadmap for the researcher. It outlines the plan and steps to be followed throughout the research effort, helping nurses stay focused and organized as they conduct their studies.
• Meeting Certification Requirements: Research committees often require a well-structured proposal before approving studies involving human or animal subjects. Writing a research proposal ensures that the necessary ethical considerations and safeguards are in place before the research begins.
• Generating New Ideas: The process of writing a research proposal stimulates critical thinking. Nurses often gain deeper insights into their chosen topic and generate new ideas during the proposal-writing stage.
• Establishing Feasibility: A research proposal forces nurses to consider the practical aspects of their projects. It helps in estimating the time, resources, and effort required, ensuring that the research is feasible within the available constraints.
• Educational Requirement: Many tertiary education programs in Uganda require students to write research proposals as a prerequisite for embarking on a research project or dissertation. This prepares nurses for the rigorous research process ahead.
• Anticipating Limitations: Writing a research proposal encourages nurses to identify potential limitations and challenges that may arise during the study. This proactive approach allows for better planning and strategizing to overcome these obstacles.

The proposal consists of a title/topic, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, a reference list, and an appendix with a budget schedule and other relevant information such as a questionnaire and a map of the study area. The numbering should reflect the guideline numbering.

The proposal shall consist of a Title page, Preliminary Pages, and three Chapters, which include:

PRELIMINARY PAGES

Pages that come before the main body, and are numbered in roman numerals except the Title Page which is not numbered

• Title Page
• Declaration Page
• Abstract
• Copyright Page
• Authorization Page/Approval page
• Dedication
• Preface or Acknowledgement (if applicable)
• Table of Contents
• List of Figures
• List of Tables
• Definition of terms
• Abbreviations

This page confirms the originality of the research work. It is a formal statement by the student that the work is their own and has not been submitted elsewhere.

On this page, the following individuals sign:

• Student: NURSES REVISION signs and dates.
• Supervisor: SR. (Supervisor) signs and dates.

I, NURSES REVISION declare that the work present in this proposal is my original work and has not been presented anywhere else before. I therefore present it as a partial requirement for the award of a Diploma in Nursing.

Signature............................................ Date ............................................................

STUDENT'S NAME: NURSES REVISION

Signature ............................................. Date ............................................................

SUPERVISOR: SR. ------------------

This section signifies the official approval of the research proposal by relevant authorities. It confirms that the proposal meets the required standards and is ready for submission.

On this page, the following individuals sign and provide details:

• Chairperson IRC: Signa re (Signature), Name: cha Irene, Date.
• Research Supervisor: Signature, Name: S1 a Florence, Date.
• Principal: Name: Ms Angujeru DD, Date.
• Candidate: Signature, Name: `i Julius, Date.

We the undersigned with guidance of the IRC hereby approve the research proposal entitled “determinants of nutritional status among children under five years at Busolwe Hospital, Butaleja district” conducted by . Julius for submission to Uganda Health Professions Assessment Board

Chairperson IRC	Research Supervisor
Sign	Signature
Name Irene	Name: Florence
Date	Date
Principal	Candidate
Name: Ms Angujeru	Signature
Name	Name: Julius
Date	Date

This document formalizes the supervisor's commitment to guide and support the student throughout the research study. It outlines their responsibilities and dedication to the process.

On this page, the following individuals sign:

• Supervisor: ONG GRACE signs.
• Principal: The Principal (witnessed by Mr AWIO JUS) signs.

I ONG GRACE hereby agreed to serve as a supervisor of the research study for AKITENG DEBORAH. I pledged to commit myself, devoted time, provided all the necessary guidance, and act professionally throughout the process of the study.

ONG GRACE

(Supervisor)

Signature: ........................................

Witnessed by:

Mr AWIO JUS

(Principal)

Signature: ........................................

This section provides a comprehensive list of abbreviations and acronyms used within the research proposal, along with their full definitions, ensuring clarity and ease of understanding for the reader.

SDG:

Sustainable Development Goals

WHO:

World Health Organization

UNICEF:

United Nations Children's Fund

UDHS:

Uganda Demographic and Health Survey

DHIS:

District Health Information System

MUAC:

Mid Upper Arm Circumference

UNAP II:

Uganda Nutrition Action Action Plan II

UBOS:

Uganda Bereau of Statistics

FAO:

Food and Agricultural Organization

LMIC:

Low and middle income countries

GMP:

Growth monitoring and promotion

This section defines crucial terms and concepts used throughout the research proposal, ensuring a common understanding and avoiding ambiguity.

Determinants:

Factors that decisively affect the nature of outcome of something.

Nutrition:

The scientific study of food and nourishment, including food composition, dietary guidelines and the role of various nutrients.

Malnutrition:

Is the nutritional imbalance that can be caused by deficiencies

Anthropometry:

Refers to the measurement of human individual

Stunting:

Is when the child's height is below the recommended level for age

Wasting:

Is when the child's weight is below the recommended level for their height

Each chapter presents details as guided below:

MAIN BODY
• a) Chapter One - Introduction
• b) Chapter Two - Literature review
• c) Chapter Three - Methodology

This Chapter shall be structured as follows:

• 1.0 Introduction: It should introduce the summary of the Chapter in one (1) paragraph.
• 1.1 Background: It should be concise and precise with a maximum of two (2) pages.
• 1.2 Problem Statement: This should be half a page.
• 1.3 Purpose of the study: Clearly state the overall aim of the research.
• 1.4 Specific objectives: These should be 2-3 SMART objectives.
• 1.5 Research questions: Questions that the study aims to answer, directly linked to the specific objectives.
• 1.6 Justification: Rationale for conducting the study. It states the reason(s) why a researcher chooses to focus on the topic in question.
• 1.7 Significance: This explains the importance or contribution to academic knowledge, especially the impact of the study on a research field. It also highlights who benefits from the research findings and how they benefit.

This Chapter shall have 3-5 pages and it shall be arranged as follows:

• 2.0 Introduction: This shall not be more than half a page.
• 2.1 Body: This section shall be 3-5 pages.

Chapter three (3) shall be structured as follows:

• 3.0 Introduction: It should introduce the summary of this Chapter in one paragraph.
• 3.1 Study design: This must include the rationale (e.g., descriptive, experimental, qualitative).
• 3.2 Study setting: This must include the rationale (e.g., location, type of facility).
• 3.3 Study population: Description of the target group for the research.
• 3.4 Sample size determination and its justification: Use simple scientific methods for calculation.
• 3.5 Sampling method/procedure: This must include the rationale (e.g., random, stratified, convenience).
• 3.6 Inclusion and exclusion criteria: Define who will and will not be part of the study.
• 3.7 Study variables: Identification and definition of the independent and dependent variables.
• 3.8 Research instruments/tools: Description of questionnaires, interview guides, observation checklists, etc.
• 3.9 Data collection method/procedure: Detailed steps on how data will be gathered.
• 3.10 Data management and analysis: How data will be organized, cleaned, and statistically or qualitatively analyzed.
• 3.11 Quality Assurance: Validity and Reliability measures for the study.
• 3.12 Ethical considerations: Discussion of informed consent, confidentiality, beneficence, non-maleficence, etc.
• 3.13 Limitations to the Study: Potential weaknesses or constraints of the research.
• 3.14 Dissemination of study findings: How the results will be shared (e.g., publications, presentations).

• Appendix 1: Work plan
• Appendix 2: Budget
• Appendix 3: Consent form
• Appendix 4: Data collection tools or instruments
• Appendix 5: Maps showing location of the study area

• a) The research proposal shall be developed by the Trainee with the guidance of the allocated Research Supervisor
• b) The research proposal shall be submitted by the Trainee to the IRC in preparation for the Trainee’s defence meeting and subsequent approval,
• c) Upon approval, the Chairperson shall together with the Principal, Research Supervisor and Trainee append their signatures in the form prescribed by the UNMEB Academic Research Guidelines. A copy of this form shall be attached to the final report;
• d) Upon approval of the Trainee’s research proposal, an introductory letter shall be issued to the Trainee by the Principal, which he / she presents to the study area;
• e) The Introductory letter issued by the Principal should be signed in triplicate (three copies). Where one copy is submitted to the authorities of the study area, one copy is kept on the IRC file and one copy is attached to the final report copy.