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Key Elements of a Research Proposal

If you need a review of study design components, view the resources below.

Review the Key Elements page of the Research Methods Knowledge Base website at http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/guideelements.php

Key Elements of a Research Proposal

Background / purpose / rationale of the study

Literature review

Hypothesis/key questions

Research objectives

Research methods

• Study design

• Statistical bias

• Procedures/timeline

o Specific steps to be taken to complete the study

o Instruments/data collection methods

o Outcomes

• Proposed data analysis plan

o Statistical analyses planned

o Power analysis if appropriate

• Data safety monitoring if appropriate

Study participants

• Description of participates

• Recruitment of participates

• Confidentiality/human subject’s protection/legal-ethical issues (if appropriate)

• Sampling / rationale

o Inclusion/exclusion criteria

o Number of subjects

Statistical Analysis (only if applicable)

Anticipated Results and Potential Pitfalls

Implications for Practice

Adapted from “Key Elements of a Social Science Research Proposal: Statement of Research Plan” by the Office of Research at Northwestern University at www.research.northwestern.edu