Lecture 5

This is what you will learn during this class:

Learning Objectives 

1. Identify and describe data collection tools and instruments relevant to your research proposal.

2. Explain the role of supporting research technologies and how they enhance data collection and analysis.

3. Address ethical considerations related to your research, ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines.

4. Develop a comprehensive data management plan that includes data storage, security, and sharing practices.

5. Engage in constructive peer review by providing thoughtful feedback on peers' data collection plans and instruments.

6. Utilize feedback to improve their research proposal, focusing on refining data collection methods and addressing any identified ethical concerns.

Step 1. In-Class Assignment: Methods Focus

Duration: 80 minutes

Objective: To develop a detailed plan for the methods section of a research proposal with a clear focus on data collection tools and instruments, supporting research technologies, ethical considerations, and data management considerations. I would like to ask you to write a 3-page paper addressing all of these points (adhere to these formatting guidelines).

Assignment Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Brief Overview: Introduce the purpose of the assignment and emphasize the importance of a well-developed methods section in a research proposal.

• Learning Goals: Focus on detailing data collection methods, supporting technologies, ethical considerations, and data management.

2. Independent Work (70 minutes)

• Part 1: Data Collection Tools and Instruments

  • Task: Students will select a research question from their proposal or create a new one. They will describe the specific tools and instruments they plan to use for data collection. This could include surveys, experiments, interviews, or observational tools.

  • Students should describe in detail how each tool will be used to gather data, including any specific instruments (e.g., types of surveys, equipment for experiments) and their relevance to the research question.

• Part 2: Supporting Research Technologies

  • Task: Identify and describe any supporting technologies or software that will be used in the research. This could include data analysis software, digital tools for data collection, or online platforms. Make sure to adhere to the scientific method where you identify the manufacturer, version, year etc.

  • Students should explain how these technologies support their data collection and analysis processes and why they are appropriate for their research.

• Part 3: Ethical Considerations

  • Task: Outline the ethical considerations related to their chosen methods. This includes obtaining informed consent, ensuring participant confidentiality, and addressing any potential risks or biases.

  • Students should consider and describe how they will handle ethical issues in their research, including any specific protocols or safeguards.

• Part 4: Data Management Considerations 

  • Task: Develop a plan for managing the data collected, including data storage, security, and handling. Students should also consider how they will ensure data quality and integrity.

  • Students should outline procedures for data storage, backup, and access control, as well as strategies for maintaining data accuracy and reliability.

You may use the suggested CIHR Operating Grant Template (adopted from the University of Toronto):

Instructions

As you begin constructing the research methods portion of your grant proposal, it is essential to focus on the key components outlined in the modified CIHR Operating Grant Template. Your methods section of the proposal (this is the only part of the template that you need to pay attention to at this point) should consist of a maximum of three pages, centered around a single, specific aim. 

Detail your research methods, emphasizing:

• data collection techniques, 

• the supporting technologies you plan to use, 

• ethical considerations related to your study, and 

• your approach to data management. 

Remember to align your methods with your aim. Use clear subheadings to organize your content.

CIHR Operating

TITLE of Research Proposal

Suggested template for organizing CIHR operating grant

1. SIGNIFICANCE AND OVERALL HYPOTHESIS
   One page. Provide a brief background, setting out the problem and its relevance or significance clinically and/or to healthcare. Then explain how the problem can be solved or ameliorated by research, including the ultimate goal or purpose of the research. A real-world problem exists for which research can propose a solution.
   Your hypothesis is the foundation or the basis of your application. Examples: Analogs to chemokine receptors can inhibit HIV infection. Nicotine and opiates work through similar neuronal substrates to provide their motivational effects.

2. OBJECTIVES
   Half page. Provide the objectives of the proposal, that is, the measurable specific results that you propose to achieve. Objectives should be SMART—specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound.

3. BACKGROUND
   Two pages. Provide background, literature summary, generalities of previous work, including your own, as it relates to this project, and explain specific terms.

4. PROGRESS AND EXPERIMENTAL PLANS
   One page. Provide specific details of progress and plans.

5. SPECIFIC AIMS
   Half page. Define Aim 1 – Aim 2 – Aim 3 –. Your specific aims are the individual objectives of your project, what you want to accomplish step-by-step.

6. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
   Six pages (for you it will be 3). Provide a brief summary of research design and methods. Aim-by-aim, give details about progress and experimental plans. Use sub-headings for each specific area of research. With each aim, provide expected results and significance. Always provide alternatives in case research takes an unexpected turn.

7. TIME CONSIDERATIONS, EXPECTED RESULTS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
   Third of a page. Provide some details.

8. SUMMARY AND CONCLUDING REMARKS
   Third of a page. Explain the significance and impact of the research.

REFERENCES:

Step 4: Homework: 

Research Proposal

• By Monday (October 7), please submit the finalized methods of your research proposal here (Group 1 and Group 2), as well as submit the written assignment electronically on Canvas.

• On Friday (October 11), I will check the folder and assign 2 reviewers per each grant proposal. These reviewers will use the assessment rubric to assess the proposals. Note that each of you will assess two proposals. 

Note that the marks for this assignment will be an average of the two assessments you receive from your peers.

Presentations

• • Summarize the key components in a 10-minute presentation.

  • Submit the slides electronically to this folder by next Monday

Assessment Rubric