synopsis and reserach proposal write up.pptx

what is research proposal or synopsis

1. Course Title: RESEARCH PLANNING & SCIENTIFIC WRITING Course Code: BCH-609 Credit Hours: 3(3-0) Teaching Faculty: Dr. Tanzila Sahar Department of Biochemistry GCWUF

2. Research proposal /Synopsis write up Elements of Research proposal

3. What is a research proposal? A research proposal sets out the broad topic you would like to research (substance), what the research would set out to achieve (aims and objectives), how you would go about researching it (methodology), how you would undertake it within the time available (outline plan) and what the results might be in relation to knowledge and understanding in the subject (potential outcomes).

4. Purpose of a Research Proposal Research proposal is intended to convince others that you have a worthwhile research project and that you have the competence and the work-plan to complete it. The purpose of a proposal is to sell your idea to the funding agency. This means that the investigator must convince the funding agency that: The problem is significant and worthy of study The technical approach is novel and likely to yield results The investigator and his/her research team is/are the right group of individuals to carry out and accomplish the work described in the research proposal.

5. A research synopsis is a short outline of what your research thesis is and all the steps you propose to follow in order to achieve them. It gives a clear view of what the research aims at achieving and within what time frame. It also helps you stay focused and makes the research work generally less tedious. This explains why your synopsis should be approached with clarity, systematically with unambiguous sentences. Synopsis

6. Synopsis Research is a systematic investigation into reality to gain knowledge . Synopsis is the beginning! It is an absolute requirement for official purposes : Must be short, succinct but informative It is your representative, which is going to defend your research study!

7. Format For Writing A Synopsis Goal of a research proposal or synopsis is to present and justify the need to study a research problem and to present the practical ways in which the proposed study should be conducted. The format for writing a synopsis varies from institution to institution and among disciplines. Research synopsis contain extensive literature reviews. They must provide persuasive evidence that a need exists for the proposed study. In addition to providing a rationale, a proposal describes detailed methodology for conducting the research consistent with requirements of the professional or academic field and a statement on anticipated outcomes and/or benefits derived from the study's completion.

8. H ow to write a research proposal? You need to learn what goes into writing a successful proposal This presentation will give you step-by-step directions regarding synopsis writing Learning Targets: How to choose a topic? How to write a synopsis or introductory statement? Understand the plagiarism and acceptable plagiarism Learn how to use “parenthetical notations/ citation” Bibliography & proper format Parenthetical citations are citations to original sources that appear in the text of your paper or synopsis. This allows the reader to see immediately where your information comes from. Parenthetical citation are when you refer to, summarize, paraphrase, or quote from another source.

9. The bibliography appears at the end. A bibliography is a list of works on a subject or by an author that were used or consulted to write a research paper, book or article. It can also be referred to as a list of works cited. The main purpose of a bibliography entry is to give credit to authors whose work you've consulted in your research. It also makes it easy for a reader to find out more about your topic by delving into the research that you used to write your research proposal. It is usually found at the end of a book, article or research paper but short references are also added between the text, where relevant information cited in short form like author name and publishing year . For example For single author ref; (Sahar, 2020) For two authors ref; (Sahar and Mahwish , 2020) For more than two authors ref; (Sahar et al. 2020)

10. Elements of a Research Synopsis In preparing your synopsis, you should restrict the size of your research area in line with the length of dissertation required by the university . Basic elements of synopsis are; Title Abstract Introduction (including Statement of Problem, Purpose of Research, and Significance of Research) Aims and Objectives Review of the Related Literature Methodology References (An alphabetical order should be followed)

11. T i t l e Choosing a research topic or title (i.e., getting started) is perhaps the most difficult part of writing a synopsis. Ensure that your proposal title includes important 'key words' that will relate your proposal to the specific field of study (focus area). The title should be short, and describes what your research is about. It should also give an indication of your approach or key question. Your title should summarize your topic So, It should be comprehensive to reflect the main contents and subjects of the research plan to be undertaken by the student.

12. Abstract Abstract should summarize the significance (need) of the work, the hypothesis and major objectives of the project, the procedures to be followed to accomplish the objectives, and the potential impact of the work. The abstract must be written in a single paragraph. This section must start with the first 2-3 sentences about the importance of research study. It is a summary of a body of information It justify the need to study a research problem and to present the practical ways in which the proposed study should be conducted. Consist of limited number of words.

13. Introduction Brief, Precise but adequate! Background of the study Statement of the problem Research Objectives Research questions Significance of the study Scope of the study An overview of the rest of the study.

14. Introduction This section must include a brief overview of the terms include in the title of the research work and the related study. What work (if any) already exists in this area? What are its strengths and deficiencies? How would further work advance our knowledge of the wider area of study? Is an entirely new area of study being opened up? - Why is this important? Numbering and addition of References, if any should start from here. The primary purpose of an introduction is to frame the synopsis for its readers. It should provide: brief description of the topic problem statement as to why the topic is worth researching or why it could be found interesting.

15. B a ck g r o u n d o f t h e s t ud y “The introduction is the part of the synopsis that provides readers with the background information for the research study . Its purpose is to establish a framework for the research, so that readers can understand how it is important ”.

16. S t a t e m e n t o f t h e P r oble m     “The problem statement describes the context for the study and it also identifies the general analysis approach ”. A problem statement is a clear description of the issue(s), it includes a vision, issue statement, and method used to solve the problem. A problem statement expresses the words that will be used to keep the effort focused and it should represent a solveable problem.

17. . Need of the Project A paragraph in introduction section must explain the why this study needed or important. Explain how the problem emerged. Give some background information on the issue you are going to research to substantiate the need for the problem resolution . You should necessarily mention the purpose of your research proposal. Mentioning the significance of the problem will add value to your research project. It should not be made a general literature review.

18. Significance of the Study   Indicate how your research will refine, revise, or extend existing knowledge in the area under investigation. Note that such refinements, revisions, or extensions may have either substantive, theoretical, or methodological significance. Think pragmatically (i.e., cash value). This can be a difficult section or paragraph to write. Think about implications— how results of the study may affect scholarly research, theory, practice, educational interventions, curricula, counseling, policy.

19. Aims and Objectives This portion will include the outline of the research work to be performed . Your synopsis should explain why the selected topic is worthy of further exploration. To be written in order of importance!

20. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES     The OBJECTIVES of a research project summaries what is to be achieved by the study. Objectives should be closely related to the statement of the problem. The general objective of a study states what researchers expect to achieve by the study in general terms. It is possible (and advisable) to break down a general objective into smaller, logically connected parts. These are normally referred to as specific objectives. Specific objectives should systematically address the various aspects of the problem as defined under ‘Statement of the Problem’ and the key factors that are assumed to influence or cause the problem. They should specify what you will do in your study, where and for what purpose .

21. Review of Literature This is an important section. Before writing this portion, the student should search for relevant research articles from different sources, like library, scientific journals, data bases, internet, major supervisor, senior students and others actively working in her selected area/topic of studies. But the student must be critical in selection of relevant research papers, their review and integration. It is recommended that student(s) must study at least 20-50 original research papers before starting writing of synopsis and must have copies of such papers with them.

22. Review of the Related Literature •  “ The review of the literature provides the background and context for the research problem. It should establish the need for the research and indicate that the writer is knowledgeable about the area ”.   The literature review accomplishes several important things . It shares with the reader the results of other studies that are closely related to the study being reported . It relates a study to the larger, ongoing dialogue in the literature about a topic, filling in gaps and extending prior studies.

23. It provides a framework for establishing the importance of the study, as well as a benchmark for comparing the results of a study with other findings. It “frames” the problem earlier identified. In a research proposal , the literature review is generally brief and to the point. Be judicious in your choice of exemplars—the literature selected should be pertinent and relevant . Select and reference only the more appropriate citations. Make key points clearly and succinctly. Review of Literature

24. Literature review Four guide questions: • What is the present state of knowledge regarding the topic under consideration? • How are the studies related to the one being proposed? •What is the quality of the studies reviewed? •How will the proposed study contribute to the existing literature?

25. Materials and Methods/Methodology This section should contain elaborative experimental methods, analytical procedures and statistical techniques to be followed, each supported with appropriate and authenticated literature citations . To demonstrate that you are aware of the research methods used to study this topic. To justify the research method and approach you have taken or your study. To explain and justify the method of data collection and analysis.

26. Methodology Design of the study Population and sampling Research Instruments Pilot study Instrument Reliability and Validity Method of Data Collection Plan of Data Analysis

27. R e s ea r c h D e s ig n Design – a description of the approach to be used to reach objectives. Clearly indicate the methods of data collection either within a quantitative or qualitative methodology; as well as the techniques for data collection, e.g. questionnaires, and measurement (the validation of the techniques ). Indicate whether field workers will be used to collect data and whether computer programmes will be employed to analyse the data.

28. S a m plin g Sampling may include blood sample, microorganisms and agro-industrial wastes etc. A population can be defined as including all people or items with the characteristic one wishes to understand Population sampling refers to the process through which a group of representative individuals is selected from a population for the purpose of statistical analysis.

29. Apparatus and/or Instruments In this subsection of the method section you describe any apparatus and or instruments you propose to use in your research study. The following information should be included : General description of the apparatus or instruments. Variables measured by instruments. Reliability and validity of instruments. Why the instruments or apparatus are used. Reference indicating where apparatus or instruments can be obtained.

30. Pilot study This section is very important in your research study. In this subsection you should mention where your study will carry out. Name and description of methods will be employed along with references. Whole scheme of research study will be discuss or mention.

31. Data Collection   Outline the general plan for collecting the data. This may include survey administration procedures, interview or observation procedures. Include an explicit statement covering the field controls to be employed. If appropriate, discuss how you obtained data .

32. Data Analysis    Various statistical and computational tools are used for data analysis. Specify the procedures you will use, and label them accurately (e.g., ANOVA If coding procedures are to be used, describe in reasonable detail. If you triangulated (using more than one method to collect data on the. same topic) , carefully explain how you went about it. Communicate your precise intentions and reasons for these intentions to the reader. This helps you and the reader evaluate the choices you made and procedures you followed. Indicate briefly any analytic tools you will have available and expect to use . Provide a well thought-out rationale for your decision to use the design, methodology, and analyses you have selected.

33. Reference s •The title can be Bibliography/ or References or literature cited . To list alphabetically all the reference materials that have been cited in the text of the synopsis. ••References need to contain all works cited in the text. •References should consistently follow one recognizable system. •Consideration of where you will find information to support your arguments should go hand in hand with thinking about methodology. •You are not expected to have an in-depth knowledge of all existing sources but you will find it difficult to outline your arguments without reference to at least some. •Where sources are used, they should be listed at the end of the synopsis and you should be prepared to discuss them when asked.

34. References • Reference style vary from institution to institution and from journal to journal Usually it follow the following points or information • If from Text Book: Author/s of the Chapter, Name of the chapter , eds : editor’s names, in the Name of the Text Book, by Publisher’s Names, at Place of Publication, No. of the edition, year of publication, Page no. ………. e.g. • Katz M. , Ferrante FM; Nociception: in Ferrante FM, Vade Boncouer TR ( eds ) : Postoperative Management of Pain: Churchill Livingstone ,New York, 2nd edition, 1993: 17-20. • References from Journal: Author/s of the article, Title of the article , Name of the Journal, year of Publication, Volume, Issue/Number, Page Number e.g. • Rosne r H, Rubin L, Kestenbaum A. Gabapentin adjunctive therapy in neuropathic pain states. Clin J Pain, 1996; 78, 12: 56-8. • All the references to be compiled in this manner

35. References GCWUF-Format Following points should be kept in mind while enlisting references. i . References should be arranged alphabetically according to author and then according to the year. ii . In case of j ournal, a complete reference includes author(s ) name, year of publication, complete title of the paper, and reference to journal including journal name, volume, issue number and page numbers. iii. The number of the issue of the volume of a journal may not be given, unless paging of each number starts from 1 or issue number may be given in all the references consistently . iv. Names of journals and number of their volumes should not be underlined . v. In case of book, the name of the author(s), year of publication, title, edition and complete address of the publisher must be given and should not be underlined.

36. References GCWUF-Format vii. The word ‘ References’ may be used in preference to ‘ Literature Cited’. viii. The title must appear exactly as it does on the first page of article or the title page of the book. ix. For titles of scientific papers, only the first letter of the first word is capitalized. (exceptions are proper names, scientific names or certain other words which are capitalized always). x. The family name of the first or sole author precedes the initials or given names. The names of co-author(s) follow in normal order and are separated by comma. For example Authaors list: Tanzila Sahar, Muhammad Anjum Zia, Munir Ahmad Sheikh1 and Shaukat Ali Reference Writing style : Sahar, T., M. A. Zia, M. A. Sheikh and S. Ali.

37. References GCWUF-Format xi. When the reference is the proceedings of a symposium etc. and the author to be cited is the editor, it may be indicated as such in parenthesis. xii. References except of publication by Government department or other organization for which no author is known, may be listed as Anonymous. xiii. In case of publications of organizations, learned societies or Government department, the name of the organization, Government department, Ministry or Division be given in place of author, if no author is indicated in the publication. xiv. Work of authors, whether individual or joint should be discussed under different topics or headings in the review, i.e. integration and analytical treatment. xv. There are many systems of writing References in vogue in various sciences and journals. With this end in view, a model list is given below to be followed for uniformity in the in the synopsis or thesis preparation.

38. References GCWUF-Format It is important that the students should go to the primary sources of information and an effort always be made to obtain the information from original articles published in a journal or a reprint obtained from the author. The tendency to cite the literature from abstracting journals is neither enough nor in scientific spirit. In only unavoidable circumstances, the secondary source of information may be utilized or when the original article is in a language other than English. Secondary reference(s) should be written in parenthesis after quoting primary reference without the main heading.

39. Format of Listing References Journal article Sahar , T., M. A. Zia, M. A. Sheikh and S. Ali . 2015 . Hyper-production of glucose oxidase (GOX) from Aspergillus niger by using chemical mutagenesis. Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology . 9(2):963-972. Arshad , M. and Z. A. Zahir . 2004. Kinetics of effects of trace elements and electron complexes on 2 – Keto – 4 – methyl thiobutyric acid – dependent biosynthesis of ethylene in soil . Letters in Applied Microbiology. 39(1): 306 – 309 . Zubair , A.C. 1992. Freezing and its effect on chemical and biological roperties of the soil. Adv. Soil Sci. 18(1): 59-79 . Books D . L. Nelson and M. M. Cox. 2017. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 7th edition. Worth Publishers, New York . Dissertation or thesis Sahar, T. 2015. Molecular Evaluation of Glucose Oxidase Gene from mutant derived Aspergillus niger . Ph.D thesis , Uni. of Agri. Fsd . Pakistan.

40. SPECIFICATIONS FOR B.S/ M.A/ M.Sc./ M.S/M.Phil./ Ph.D. Synopsis Synopsis should be prepared and printed n A-4 size Time new roman language is used For text, 12 font size is used Page numbers in Arabic numerals shall be situated in the center, 2.5 cm from the bottom of the paper.

41. SPECIFICATIONS FOR B.S/ M.A/ M.Sc./ M.S/M.Phil./ Ph.D. Synopsis Typing Directions Font No. and face: Title heading font is 16 Times New Romans. Heading font within text is 14 Times New Romans. Subheading font within text is 12 Times New Romans. A font No. of 12 with Times New Romans Regular Font face be used in text. Striking over letters or words is not acceptable. No corrections by pen or pencil are to appear in the Synopsis Margins (Top, Bottom, and Right) of about 2.54 cm (1.00 inches) and Left 3.05 cm (1.20) are to be maintained.

42. SPECIFICATIONS FOR B.S/ M.A/ M.Sc./ M.S/M.Phil./ Ph.D. Synopsis Typing Directions The text must be typed on 1.5 line space and each full page must contain 25-30 lines. The tables are to be typed on single line space. The titles of tables, columns, rows and figures must be typed on single space. Always use the standard abbreviations, once spelled at the first place of appearance; if new abbreviation is coined, it must be followed consistently throughout the text. It is advisable to prepare a list of abbreviations and place before the Acknowledgement. The units of measurement as per the SI System of Units must be followed. The figures in a table must be uniform with respect to digits after decimal but this level may be different in different tables.

43. Ethical / Legal Consideration Human research participants need: Informed consent Voluntary participation Restricted use of deception Debriefing Confidentiality

44. Time Schedule This section indicates time require for the study In some cases it thoroughly explain the time needed for different purposes. Indicates exactly what will be done The sequence of the various activities Specify the tasks, it is important that the proposed task structure includes all of the activities necessary for completing the project. Planning a viable schedule for carrying out the tasks is often as important as developing a comprehensive list of tasks. In case of synopsis only require or specific time is mentioned. Tasks are not mentioned