Preparing and evaluating a research plan

1
Chapter 3

• Preparing and evaluating a research plan

2
Definition of research plan

• A research plan is a detailed description of the
  procedures to be used. The plan includes
• Justification for hypotheses
• Detailed presentation of research steps to be
  followed in collecting and analyzing data.

3
Purpose of research plan

• Forces researcher to carefully think about every
  aspect of the study.
• Facilitates both internal and external evaluation
  of the study.
• Provides detailed procedures to guide the conduct
  of the study.

4
General considerations

• Ethics of research
• National Research Act of 1974
• Proposed research activities using human
  participants must be reviewed and approved by an
  authorized group prior to conducting the study.
• Participants must freely agree to participate
  (informed consent).

5
General considerations

• Ethics of research
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
  (Buckley Amendment)
• Protects privacy of students educational records
• Data may not be used without consent
• Anonymity and confidentiality

6
General considerations

• Ethics of research
• Deception

7
General considerations

• Ethical issues in qualitative research
• Unanticipated and unreviewed ethical issues will
  arise.
• Researchers are often personally involved and
  engaged with the context and participants.
• Observation of illegal or unethical behavior.