An research plan is focused on the research aim and lists processes and arrangements which need to be undertaken to complete the research. In academic and official terms the research plan is frequently called a study protocol.
Study protocols can be shared with organisations, funders, and collaborators to ensure mutual
understanding of the research. A study protocol follows a standardised form which makes it readable and easy understandable to all parties involved in the process of the research cycle.
Understanding the Components of a Research Plan
Some of the main stages of the research plan include the rationale, the design and methods, participant recruitment strategy, ethical considerations, data protection and dissemination.
Each of these stages require careful consideration to ensure time is not wasted when the plan is executed. For example, ethical considerations can be a very time consuming and may need to be approved by an external organisation, such as the NHS.
From Rationale to Dissemination
The rationale needs to flow from to the background literature review and explain in simple terms why is the study worth doing. This may be to find new knowledge or to improve the existing state of affairs. The design and methods include details of what exactly will the research team and the participants do when the data is collected.
The participant recruitment section outlines participant characteristics and how are they asked to take part. The data protection strategy ensures valuable information stays as safe as possible. The dissemination strategy outlines steps which can be taken to ensure findings reach the intended population.
Communicating Effectively in Your Research Plan
When developing the research plan its always useful to keep in mind the audience that will be reading the plan. Some of the reviewers may not be experts in your field of research, so write in simple terms to make sure they understand you.
Be clear about what is your research actually aiming to achieve and the benefits of the potential findings. This will help your readers to understand your plan. Be honest about the risks of your research – this will demonstrate your understanding and improve maturity of the protocol.
PDF Example and Template
Underneath you will find a research plan example which will help you prepare a draft plan or prepare for a meeting. Bear in mind that the example may need to be adapted for the specific purposes of your research idea.
Download the PDF Example here:
If you have limited experience of preparing a research plan and are thinking of scaling up, or just need a bit of help or a chat about your plan, you can contact me or another academic experts to arrange a meeting.
