How to write a protocol for research project

How to write a protocol for research project:

Research is the systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data to answer a certain question or solve a problem.

Prime step in research is identifying the problem or gap i.e research question is developed. Then the research methodology is developed keeping research question in mind  and the relevant  matter is collected, analysed and the data generated is then interpreted accurately.

Purpose of writing protocol:

The purpose of writing a protocol is

• To clarify the research question
• To compile existing knowledge
• To formulate  a hypothesis and objectives
• To decide about a study design
• To clarify ethical considerations
• To apply for funding
• To have a guideline and tool for the research team

A good protocol,should be able to answer the following questions

i) Is it adequate to answer the research question(s), and achieve the study objective? ii) Is it feasible in the particular set-up for the study?

Iii) Does it provide enough detail (methodology) that can allow another investigator to do the study and arrive at comparable conclusions

contents of the research protocol:

1. research title
2. research objectives
3. research question
4. methodology
5. project summary

Research title:

Title of the research should be in such a way that it must be Accurate, short, concise. Title should be self descriptive, must make the main objective clear, should  mention the target population.

Title should be in such  a way that when reader reads your research article it should be very clear and must give a reader give an idea on what the research is all about what can be expected in the research

for instance “Incidence of TB in HIV- infected children in North Uganda 2007-2008“

in this research title it is very clear that the article is all about occurrence of TB in HIV- infected children during year 2007-08 in north uganda.

Similarly when writing a research question one should be very careful, must make sure that title is self explanatory.

Research objectives:

The formulation of objectives will help to focus the study (narrowing it down to essentials), avoid the collection of data which are not strictly necessary for understanding and solving the problem you have identified and organize the study in clearly defined parts or phases

Research Objectives should be:

Logical and coherent

Feasible

Realistic, considering local conditions

Defined in operational terms that can be measured

Phrased to clearly meet the purpose of the study  (relevant).

Objectives should be stated in action verbs that illustrate their purpose:

i.e. “To determine…, To compare..., To verify..., To calculate...,To reduce..., To describe..., etc.

Research question:

Research question should address 

Why is the research needed?

What is the relevance of the results?

The purpose of stating the research question or research problem is to 

Prevents duplication of work which has been done, Clarifies what others have found addressing the problem, familiarizes with potential methodologies and methodological errors and Should convince, that the research is needed.

Research statement Should be a convincing statement for the need to do this research

In order to approve your research project and support with funding one should be able clearly demonstrate importance of the research, future advantages of the research,how will the results be used, and who will be the beneficiaries,  how the results will benefit community or science or any appropriate area and how useful will the research information will be. Research statement Should be a convincing statement for the need to do this research

Methodology:

It is an important aspect  of the protocol. It Presents a detailed strategy, how the objectives are achieved.

Methodology should be realistic and organised. But when writing methodology in your research protocol one should provide only brief summary on how the research objectives are achieved. One should always make sure that methodology should be in such a way that the research question is answered and justified.

In methodology, we demonstrate tools used for data collection, research data measurement tools, data analysis and interpretation tools

Project summary:

Project summary must be concise and precise. It should give a overview of what the research is all about. It should cover the project from different facets..

Project summary should be

Concise, one page (about 300 words)

Stands on its own – no reference to protocol content

Summarises central elements (rationale,  methodology, populations, time frame, expected outcomes). 

Having your project plan ready and organised will be of great advantage to individual.

Project plan determines or provides information on how the project is managed,how the team or individual organised the project, how time frames are set. What are the responsibilities and how are they shared. Project plan can help one to trace the progress of the project.