Policy Press
5 Topics and proposals
Abstract
A good research project is built on solid foundations and this chapter begins with some advice on choosing a research or evaluation topic. Information is provided about how to refine your topic into a question followed by a discussion of how to use your research question to guide your data collection. Consideration is then given to how much data is needed and whether it should be quantitative or qualitative. An outline of sampling techniques follows including probability and non-probability sampling. Next, the issue of what constitutes evidence for research is discussed including the ‘hierarchy of evidence’. Guidance on writing a proposal is provided including a suggested list of contents and this is followed by some information about research funders. The chapter concludes with an update of the case studies followed by exercises, discussion questions and a debate topic.
Abstract
A good research project is built on solid foundations and this chapter begins with some advice on choosing a research or evaluation topic. Information is provided about how to refine your topic into a question followed by a discussion of how to use your research question to guide your data collection. Consideration is then given to how much data is needed and whether it should be quantitative or qualitative. An outline of sampling techniques follows including probability and non-probability sampling. Next, the issue of what constitutes evidence for research is discussed including the ‘hierarchy of evidence’. Guidance on writing a proposal is provided including a suggested list of contents and this is followed by some information about research funders. The chapter concludes with an update of the case studies followed by exercises, discussion questions and a debate topic.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures, tables and boxes ix
- About the author xi
- Acknowledgements xii
- Introduction 1
- Overview of research 19
- Research and evaluation ethics 31
- Methodologies, approaches and theories 43
- Topics and proposals 63
- Managing your research or evaluation project 79
- Background research 101
- Secondary data 123
- Primary data collection: conventional methods 135
- Primary data collection: creative methods 155
- Quantitative data analysis 173
- Qualitative data analysis 187
- Writing for research and evaluation 203
- Disseminating research and evaluation 223
- How can research create positive change? 239
- Conclusion 249
- Job titles of interviewees 253
- Sample record-keeping grid 254
- Notes 255
- References 257
- Further reading 265
- Glossary 275
- Index 283
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures, tables and boxes ix
- About the author xi
- Acknowledgements xii
- Introduction 1
- Overview of research 19
- Research and evaluation ethics 31
- Methodologies, approaches and theories 43
- Topics and proposals 63
- Managing your research or evaluation project 79
- Background research 101
- Secondary data 123
- Primary data collection: conventional methods 135
- Primary data collection: creative methods 155
- Quantitative data analysis 173
- Qualitative data analysis 187
- Writing for research and evaluation 203
- Disseminating research and evaluation 223
- How can research create positive change? 239
- Conclusion 249
- Job titles of interviewees 253
- Sample record-keeping grid 254
- Notes 255
- References 257
- Further reading 265
- Glossary 275
- Index 283
