I - Research Proposal
Title: Use of cluster analysis (or data mining) to identify the impact of social media in online marketing strategies.
Abstract (just 100-150 words) should include:
- Very short background
- Research question / problem
- Why it is important to solve the problem?
- What kind of methodology (no detail)
- Who will be benefitted by this?
- Conclusion
Introduction (Longer version of abstract) should include:
- Background
- Problem statement (3-4 sentences)
- Elaborate research question
- Significance
- Methodology
- Result
- Structure of rest of the report (like: in next section we will be talking about literature review...)
Literature Review
Analysis and synthesis
Methodology
- Connection between variables
- Data collection methods
- Research designs
- Ontology
- Epistemology
- Quantitative / qualitative
- Population / sample size
- Participants
- Survey / interviews/ questionnaire
- Interpretations of results (techniques)/ thematic analysis/ grounded theory
Discussion / result (future implications)
Conclusion
References
- Range of articles: books, journals, etc)
- Range of yrs: last 10-15 yrs should also be included with new ones
- Variety of books
II - Application for HREC Approval (Standard)
1. PROJECT DETAILS
Project title: Data Warehousing & Successful Implementation in
2. RESEARCHERS
3. LAY DESCRIPTION
Provide a brief outline of the project describing in everyday, jargon-free language the key aspects of the research (e.g., who will be participating, what information will be collected and by what means, what participants will be required to do, etc.) and the key research aims. The lay description must be in everyday, jargon-free language that is comprehensible by the average educated layperson. Define any technical terms or discipline-specific phrases, and use the full form of all acronyms the first time they are used. (300 words max.)
4. RESEARCH AIMS & SIGNIFICANCE
State the aims, key research questions, and significance of the project. Where relevant, state the specific hypothesis to be tested. Also provide a brief description of the relevance of your proposed project to current research; (supported by a literature review and references) - refer to National Statement 1.1c, a justification as to why your research should proceed, including an explanation of any expected benefits to the community and its potential to contribute to existing knowledge.
5. FUNDING & FINANCIAL BENEFITS
Researchers should include any source of funding (e.g., departmental, commercial, non-commercial, governmental) The HREC will consider whether there is a conflict of interest.
6. MULTI CENTRE RESEARCH
Other HREC Approvals
The principal researcher is responsible for informing each HREC of all other sites at which the research is being proposed or conducted; disclosing to each HREC any previous decisions regarding the research made by another HREC; and informing each HREC of whether the protocol is presently before another HREC.
7. EXTERNAL APPROVALS
If your research involves participants from other organisations (e.g. educational institutions, companies, agencies, collectives), you may need to obtain authorised approval before approaching participants, eg: Department of Education and Training, School Principals, School Councils (for research involving Government schools); Catholic Education Office (Catholic schools); School Boards (Independent schools); Senior Officers (Commercial or Government entities); Elders (Aboriginal communities); or Representative bodies (Collectives). Copies of approval letters must be attached to this application or, if pending at the time of submission, forwarded to HREC when available. Some authorities may decline to provide permission letters until ethics approval has been granted. In such cases, you should submit your application to the HREC for provisional approval pending receipt of the documentation.
8. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Provide an outline of the proposed method, including details of data collection techniques, tasks participants will be asked to do, the estimated time commitment involved, and how data will be analysed. If the project includes any procedure that is already established and uses accepted techniques please include a description of the procedure. (500 words max).
9. RECRUITMENT OF PARTICIPANTS
Participant Details
Describe your proposed recruitment strategy to source target participants. Provide the number and age range, giving a justification of your proposed sample size. Include details of statistical power of the sample where appropriate. To ensure the requirements for consent are met, refer to the National Statement Chapter 2.2 General requirements for consent:
10. BURDENS OF RESEARCH (RISK & RISK MANAGEMENT)
This section raises the issue of your duty of care toward research participants. To what risks are participants subjected? What will you do should an emergency occur, or should a participant become upset or distressed? What is your risk management strategy?
11. Risk Management Procedures
Identify as far as possible all potential risks to participants (e.g. physical, psychological, social, legal, economic) associated with the proposed research. Explain what risk management procedures will be put in place. Any potential risks should be outlined in the Plain Language Information Statement (PLIS) along with contact details of an appropriately qualified organisation for participant reference in case of distress, eg: Lifeline
12. INCENTIVES FOR PARTICIPATION
Note that while participants may, in certain circumstances, be paid or reimbursed for their inconvenience and time, the payment should not be of an amount that risks inducement to participate, thus potentially biasing the project's results. If rewards are to be used, all participants are to receive the reward.
13. CONSENT
Dependent or Unequal Relationships
The consent of a person to participate in research must not be subject to any coercion. Research involving those in dependent or unequal relationships (e.g., teacher/student, manager/employee, parent/child, doctor/patient) may compromise a participant's ability to give consent that is free from any form of pressure (real or implied) arising from this unequal power relationship. The HREC therefore recommends that, where possible, researchers should choose participant cohorts where no dependent relationship exists. However, if the researcher believes that research involving people in dependent relationships is purposeful and methodologically defensible, the HREC will require additional information explaining why this is so and how any risks inherent in the dependent and unequal relationship will be managed. The HREC will also need evidence to show that participants have been reassured that refusal to participate will not result in any discrimination or penalty. Applicants should note that reasons of convenience will not normally be considered adequate justification for conducting research in situations where dependent relationships exist.
14. DISCONTINUING PARTICIPATION
15. INFORMATION PROTECTION (DATA; STORAGE; SECURITY)
Confidentiality
Please give attention to implications for compliance with legislative requirements including, for example, Guidelines Approved under Section 95A of the Privacy Act 1988, produced by NHMRC, and Statutory Guidelines on Research Issued for the Purposes of Health Privacy Principles produced by the Office of the Health Services Commissioner.
16. Dissemination of Results
Explain when, how, where and to whom results will be disseminated, including whether participants will be provided with information on the project's findings or outcomes.
17. LEGAL ISSUES
Does the project involve subject matter or conduct that may give rise to legal vulnerability of participants or researchers?
18. CHECKLIST OF ATTACHMENTS
Please check that the following documents are attached to your application. Applicants should note that where questionnaire or interview questions are submitted in draft form, a copy of the final documentation must be submitted for final approval when available.
Attachment:- Assignment.rar