Writing Research Proposals and Research Reports

1. Writing Research Proposals and Research Reports Meeting 8

2. Writing Proposals • This document convinces the client that the research is needed. • It is a comprehensive compilation of what, why, how, when, where and how much. • Visuals are recommended but not required. • The report is divided into 8 sections

3. 1. Proposal Introduction Establishes the purpose and importance of the research • Short statement establishes area of concern and arouses interest • States purpose • Provides rationale for study with logical argument and documentation • Written in third person

4. 2. Research Question Includes the question to which you need answers to develop the client’s campaign • Can be general or specific questions • Include limitations that might hinder the project (budget, subjects)

5. 3. Scope Here you discuss the background of the problem to include: • What do we already know? • How does this problem relate to what we already know or do? • Why is this method of investigation better than others?

6. 4. Procedures This is a plan for the careful and systematic observation of events that explain the following items. • Identification and description of the target segment and sampling methods • Data gathering techniques and design • Explanation of data analysis • Proposed time schedule

7. 5. Budget Itemize costs that will be incurred, including but not limited to: • Remuneration for subjects • Cost of professional data collectors • Cost of outside research company if used • Equipment or facilities costs

8. 6. Conclusion and 7. Reference Sections 6. Restate the necessity of the research 7. Present the cull citations for any data or quotations cited in the introduction or scope sections

9. 8. Supplementary Material Items that provide the reader with more detail without interrupting the flow of the proposal such as: • Specifications for equipment • Instructions for subjects • Subject consent form • Raw date from secondary sources or related research • Proposed time schedule for executing research

10. Writing Research Reports • Qualitative research reports are presented in storytelling fashion that is easily understood by the creative team • Reports are written immediately after the research is conducted for immediacy • Reports are segmented into six readable sections

11. Report Segments 1-3 • Preview - introduces background, situation, location and time of investigation. • Purpose and method - state study objectives and a brief explanation of how you went about them; your role. • Narrative - story that describes and defines the field and its context. Interview testimonials (verbatims) and controversial information are included here.

12. Report Segments 4-6 4. Issues - Develop a few key issues researched and your understanding. 5. Description - Additional information on specific issues that include documentation and triangulation. 6. Assertions - Make your point with interpretation and summation that persuades the reader of the importance of your discovery.