研究计划：（RESEARCH PROPOSAL）是纯学术的，无须加入诸如个人经历、感情这些东西。它要求申请者要有一个明确的研究方案并对此有较好的掌握。这个计划必须是非常具体的，不能太宽泛。研究计划一般包括以下几点：
研究对象（TOPIC），即你想要解决的问题
研究此问题的意义
前人的研究状况即遗留的问题
研究方法（METHODOLOGY）
参考文献（BIBLIOGRAPHY）：这一点很重要，但往往会被忽视。
Introduction
To apply for admission to either the PhD programmes at the School of Creative Media
(SCM), each applicant is required to prepare a research proposal.
The proposal has to be written concisely and clearly to help the SCM School Graduate Studies
Committee (SGSC) make a judicious decision regarding the research project. The applicant may
consider the following aspects:
• Research topic, objectives and definitions;
• Relevance to the mission of the School;
• The state of the art in the proposed research;
• Its importance to the area of creative media;
• Research plan;
• The scope of the proposed research project.
It is highly recommended that you seek comments on your proposal by discussing it with a
faculty member whose expertise is closest to the topic of your research/or the faculty member
most likely to be involved in supervision before finalising it.
Contents of the Research Proposal
(a) Abstract
A clear statement of the aims of the research and why it is a worthy and/or interesting
topic. You also need to briefly define your methodology.
(b) Introduction
An outline of the research background of the topic should give an overview of existing
literature (critical discourses and similar studies), some current findings in the area, with
references, and the intended research to be proposed. Setting out the background will
help you to state clearly what you consider the research problem to be, what hypotheses
you wish to test, and what conceptual paradigms you want to use.
(c) Literature Review
A detailed list of related research (publication date, page numbers, volumes and
publishers, etc.) you have read and cited, with a brief assessment.
(d) Research Problems
From the background material stated above, it should be clear to a reader what the
research problem is, and what theory, questions (hypotheses), or phenomena you wish to
investigate.
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(e) Methodology
You need to explain the method you intend to use in the research. It should be clear to a
reader the methodology to be used, its sources, and its appropriateness for the purpose of
investigation. For qualitative and critical research, the “methodology” section should
also address the modeling process, theoretical debates and key concepts that would
advance knowledge and inform the investigation.
For example, you may describe how to model the problem, what you would do
differently from the more conventional methods, approaches that might lead to a better
outcome, how to collect your data, who might be the appropriate respondents, whether
you will use an established data base, case studies, experimental methods, open-ended
interviews, semi-overt participant observation, archival data, etc.
(f) Relevant research experience
The applicants should explain their previous research experience, if any, in relevant
areas.
(g) Bibliography/references
Length of the Research Proposal
Since the School is interdisciplinary in nature, we welcome applicants with backgrounds in
media art or digital-media technology. All proposals should be typed, double-spaced with 12 pt
font size, and include a list of references cited.
(1) Media Art:
a. For the MPhil degree programme, the proposal should be around ten pages.
b. For the PhD degree programme, the proposal should be around 30 pages.
(2) Media Technology:
a. For the MPhil degree programme, the proposal should be around four pages.
b. For the PhD degree programme, the proposal should be around eight pages.
The applicant should be reminded that the proposal is only the first step toward a potential
research degree. After being admitted, as with most research endeavours the candidate may
have to adjust the actual details in the proposed research during the course of the programme,
which will be a continuous process under the guidance of his/her supervisors.
需要注意的地方
Keys to Writing an Effective Proposal
Elements of the Research Proposal
Title
Abstract
Study Problem
Relevance of the Project
Literature Review
Specific Study Objectives
Research Methods
Study design
Subjects
Inclusion/exclusion criteria
Sampling
Recruitment plans
Method of assignment to study groups
Data collection
variables: outcomes, predictors, confounders
measures/instruments
procedures
Intervention
Statistical considerations
sample size
data analysis
Ethical Considerations
Work Plan
Budget
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Keys To Success To Writing A Good Proposal
Overall Quality of the Study
Good research question
Appropriate research design
Rigorous and feasible methods
Qualified research team
Quality of the Proposal
Informative title
Self-sufficient and convincing abstract
Clear research questions
Scholarly and pertinent background and rationale
Relevant previous work
Appropriate population and sample
Appropriate measurement and intervention methods
Quality control
Adequate sample size
Sound analysis plan
Ethical issues well addressed
Tight budget
Realistic timetable
Quality of the Presentation
Clear, concise, well-organized
Helpful table of contents and subheadings
Good schematic diagrams and tables
Neat and free of errors
Adapted from Hulley & Cummings
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Literature Review
A critical summary of research on a topic of interest, generally prepared to put a research problem in context or to identify gaps and weaknesses in prior studies so as to justify a new investigation.
Keys to Success
Thorough and complete
Logical
Recent
Original research
Primary sources
Critical appraisal
Building case for new study
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Study Rationale
Has the study been done before?
Will the study benefit patients advance understanding or influence policy?
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Study Problem (Study Purpose)
Broad statement indicating the goals of the project.
Examples:
What are problems related to unplanned cesarean deliveries?
Is colonoscopy accessible to all Canadian health care consumers?
Keys to Successhttp://www.wlunwen.com/
Clear
Relevant
Logical
Documented
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Objectives/Research Questions/Hypotheses
Identifying the research problem and developing a question to be answered are the first steps in the research process. The research question will guide the remainder of the design process.
Research Objectives
A clear statement of the specific purposes of the study, which identifies the key study variables and their possible interrelationships and the nature of the population of interest.
Research Questionhttp://www.wlunwen.com/
The specific purpose stated in the form of a question.
Hypotheses
A tentative prediction or explanation of the relationship between two or more variables. A prediction of the answer to the research question.
Examples:
The purpose of this study is to determine the major physiologic
psychosocial and lifestyle concerns of women two weeks and eight weeks after an unplanned cesarean delivery.
Does the administration of analgesic by nurses vs. by patients themselves affect pain intensity during the first postoperative recovery day in older adults?
Patients residing in rural areas of Alberta are less likely than urban patients to undergo a colonoscopy within 18 months of a curative resection for colorectal cancer.
Functions
Provide reviewers with a clear picture of what you plan to accomplish. http://www.wlunwen.com/
Show the reviewers that you have a clear picture of what you want to accomplish.
Form the foundation for the rest of the proposal.
Will be used to assess the adequacy/appropriateness of the study's proposed methods.
Keys to Success
Clear and consistent.
Key concepts/constructs identified.
Includes the independent and dependent variables (if applicable).
Measurable.
Hypotheses clearly predict a relationship between variables.
Relevant or novel
