Research Proposal

Course objectives

Aims

• After the research proposal the student is able to:
• formulate a research question and accompanying hypotheses;
• find relevant scientific literature;
• link theoretical models to the research question;
• select a correct experimental design;
• select correct statistical analyses;
• make a feasible planning/time schedule;
• consider good research aspects (ethical aspects, data storage/handling);
• handle feedback.

The student can form an opinion on:

• research gaps: what do we know and what needs to be explored?
• current research models regarding the research topic of the thesis;
• operationalize hypotheses in an experimental set-up.

Communication

After the research proposal the student can:

• write a research proposal (abstract, introduction, research question, hypotheses, methods, statistical analyses, time plan, ethical section and references);
• reflect on their own product and professionally provide and handle feedback.

Learning skills

After the research proposal the student is able to:

• reflect on own capability regarding research and writing skills;
• adequately incorporate and react on feedback;
• to set up research in line with the Good Research Practice guidelines;
• can manage their own (part of) the upcoming thesis trajectory.