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The qualitative research proposal
H Klopper, PhD; iVIBA o ^ o *u A^
Professor, School of Nursing Science, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), South Afnca
Key words: Proposal, Qualitative Abstract: Curationis 31(4): 62-72
Research, Attributes, Qualitative Qualitative research in the health sciences has had to overcome many prejudices and
Process a number of misunderstandings, but today quaUtative research is as acceptable as
quantitative research designs and is widely funded and published. Writing the
proposal of a quaUtative study, however, can be a challenging feat, due to the emergent
nature of the qualitative research design and the description of the methodology as
a process. Even today, many sub-standard proposals at post-graduate evaluation
committees and application proposals to be considered for funding are still seen.
This problem has led the researcher to develop a framework to guide the qualitative
researeher in writing the proposal of a qualitative stiidy based on the following
research questions : (i) What is the process of writing a qualitative research proposal?
and (ii) What does the structure and layout of a qualitative proposal look like? The
purpose of this article is to discuss the process of writing the qualitative research
proposal, as well as describe the structure and layout of a qualitative research proposal.
The process of writing a qualitative research proposal is discussed with regards to
the most important questions that need to be answered in your research proposal
with consideration of the guidelines of being practical, being persuasive, making
broader links, aiming for crystal clarity and planning before you write. While the
stinctiare of the qualitative research proposal is discussed with regards to the key
sections of the proposal, namely the eover page, abstract, intiroduction, review of the
literature, researeh problem and research questions, research purpose and objectives,
research paradigm, researeh design, research method, ethieal considerations,
dissemination plan, budget and appendices.
Background and study is therefore a challenge, as the
quaUtative researcher "designs studies
introduction by conducting them - as opposed to
Morse (2003:833) points out that conducting studies by design"
qualitative methodology is used when (Sandelowsld & Barroso, 2003:781),
little is known about a topic, the Quantitative researchers generally
research context is poorly understood, believe they know what they do not
the boundaries of a domain are ill- know (i.e. knowing the type of
defined, the phenomenon under knowledge they expect to obtain by
investigation is not quantifiable, the doing a study and then striving to
nature of the problem is not clear, or obtain it). A qualitative researcher, by
the researeher suspeets that the contrast, enters the study "not
Correspondence address: phenomenon needs to be re-examined. knowing what is known" (i.e. not
ProfHCKlopper Researchers need a clear picture of the knowing the phenomenon that will
School of Nursing Science issues and questions that they want to drive the inquiry forward) (Loiselle,
North-West University investigate, as well as ideas of how Profetto-McGrath, Polit & Beelc,
they are going to go about investigating 2004:208). The qualitative proposal
Tel: (018)2991829/1830 them, but always with an openness of writer can therefore only antieipate how
Fax:(018)2991827 mind to improvise, revise and adjust. the study will proceed. Qualitative
Email: Hester.Klopper@nwu.ac.za Writing a proposal for â qualitative researeh begins by accepting that tliere
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is a range of different ways of making known about the phenomenon to be between four types of audiences and
sense of the world (that the truth is only studied; yet it is expected to wdte how their different expectations, namely
valid in a specific context) and is data analysis will be done when the data academic colleagues, policy-makers,
concerned with discovering the is not hiown. However, it is imperative practidoners and lay audiences. For
meanings seen by those who are being that the researcher must convince the proposal acceptance the audience will
researched and with understanding proposal evaluadon committee or be the members of the proposal
their view of the world rather than that funding agency reviewers in order to evaluation committee or/and the
ofthe researcher (Jones, 1995:2) be allowed to proceed with the study. funding agency reviewers.
In response to this situadon, Morse
Problem statement and Field (1996:35) remark that "clearly, The University of Jyväskylä provides
Qualitative research in the health developing a rigid plan for a qualitative guidelines to their post graduate
sciences has had to overcome project, including detailed plans for students and indicate that they should
prejudice and a number of data coUecdon and analysis, becomes distinguish between the following
misunderstandings. Some of the impossible when wddng qualitadve audiences (http://wvvTv.jyu.fi/hum/
misunderstandings include the beliefs proposals". Unlilce positivist research, laitokset/kielet/oppiaineet_kls/
that qualitative research is "easy"; and there is no single accepted framewodc englanti/rese arch/postgrad/
the "stigma of the small sample". for a qualitadve research proposal. To insti-ucdons, accessed 31/07/2008):
However, by now we know that present an acceptable proposal means
qualitative research experts make these shifting away from one's own concems (i) the research community that it
misinterpretations redundant and and thinking about the questions that addresses (i.e. those doing research on
iitelevant as more and more qualitative the reader(s) or reviewer(s) of the similar or related quesdons); and / or
studies are funded, and results are research proposal will be asking (ii) to a community of practitioners who
pubhshed widely. Notwithstanding the (Silverman, 2000:113). These questions work with the kinds of problems or
fact that qualitative research is now as do not necessarily differ from the questions that your study addresses
acceptable as quandtative research questions asked in quantitative (e.g. language teachers, text producers,
designs, sub-standard proposals at research, but will alert one to the professionals who design language /
post-graduate evaluation committees or possible questions that will be asked. communication training, etc.); and /or
application proposals to be considered The questions a research proposal (iii) to the broader social community or
for funding are sdll seen. Writing the must answer, are: (i) Why should society as a whole (e.g. does your
proposal of a qualitative study is anyone be interested in my research? research address questions that are
challenging due to the emergent nature (ü) Is the research design credible, important for particular groups of
of the quahtative research design and achievable and carefully explained—in people or questions which are
the description of the methodology as other words, is it logical? (iii) Is the cun'cntly debated in society?)
a process. In response to the nature of researcher capable of doing the
health care practices that focus on research? (Bottorff, 2002:7). Silverman Be persuasive
patient care, there is an increased (2000:113 -117) suggests that the Morse (1994:226) explains that "the first
tendency to investigate phenomena researcher (whether qualitative or principle of grantmanship (and for that
from a qualitative perspective. quandtative) answers these questions matter approval of your proposal) is to
Therefore the following quesdons can properly. This can be achieved by recognize that a good proposal is an
be asked: (i) What is the process of focusing on the following guidelines: argument... the proposal must take a
wdting a qualitadve research proposal? be practical, be persuasive, make case to the proposal evaluation
and (ii) What docs the structure and broader links, aim for crystal cladty and committee or funding agency that the
layout of a qualitative proposal look plan before you write. research question is interesting and
ülíe? that the study is important. Thus the
Be practical proposal must be written persuasively."
Purpose Indicate to the members ofthe proposal As a researcher you must be balanced,
The purpose of this article is twofold, evaluation committee or funding with a realisdc understanding of what
i.e. the process of writing the quahtative agency reviewers how yo\ir research you can achieve (Silverman, 2000:114).
research proposal will be discussed, will address the identified research To be persuasive implies that "you
followed by a description of the problem or solve an issue, for example, must convince other people, like other
structure of a qualitative research staff morale orpatients' perceptions of researchers, research funding
proposal, including examples from quality of care. Research that concems agencies, educational insdtutions, and
qualitative studies (where relevant). practical problems cannot be shrugged supervisors that your research is worth
off even if the researcher is proposing spending scarce resources on. You
Process ofthe qualitative to do a purely academic piece of convince people ofthe value of your
research with no expectation that it will work by showing them how your
proposal be read outside the university research will make a difference to the
Qualitative researchers often find community (Silverman, 2000:114). The world, or by identifying a dilemma in
themselves in a "catch-22" situadon. audience is therefore very important existing theory which yoxjr research will
They have intentionally selected a when prepadng the proposal. Strauss help resolve" (Higson-Smith, Parle,
qualitative research design, as little is and Corbin (1990:237-239) differentiate Lange ÄTothill, 2000:5).
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Make broader links framework should be applied within the immediately catcbes attention.
The researcher should demonstrate in uniqueness of each study. Introduce the question and what it is
the proposal the understanding ofthe that you want to know or understand,
broader implications of tbe proposed Cover page and explain the interest in the topic
research (Silverman, 2000:114-115). Formal documents usually bave a cover (Heath, 1997:1). Tbe introduction must
Morse (1994:227) suggests that one page. The format of the cover page is get tbe attention of the reader and
way of acbieving this is to "place the often provided by tbe proposal convince him/her of the value of the
problem in context to show, for evaluation committee or tbe flinding study, or, as Sandelowski (2002:9)
instance, that wben we understand agency. Ifno format is provided, create describes it, it must "set tbe stage". At
this, we will be able to work on that". a cover page and include the following the beginning of the proposal the
For example, indicate how your (Morse & Field, 1996:39-40): significance of the study should be
research will improve practice or Title of the proposal. stated and it must be made clear why
influence policy. Name and affiliation ofthe tbere is a need for the study
researcher (principal (Sandelowsld, 2002:9). Burns and
Aim for crystal clarity investigator) and add Co- Grove (2005:667-668) provide questions
The aim ofthe researcher sbould be for investigators (if relevant). that can be used to assess the
clearly stated, in simple language that The affiliation will include the significance of tbe study: (i) Wbo has
describes tbe researcb in a way that an interest in the domain of inquiry?
type of degree, for example (ii) What do we already know about
non-specialists can comprehend. Master in Public the topic? (iii) What has not been
Morse (1994:227) argues that tbe Administration, as well as the answered adequately in previous
researcher sbould resist the temptation name ofthe university where research and practice? And (iv) How
to lapse into pure jargon, as "some of tbe study will be conducted. will this research add to knowledge,
the reviewers will be from other Lines for tbe signatures ofthe practice, and policy in tbis area?
disciplines, and the proposal writer researcher as well as the Furthermore, tbe introduction sets the
should assume nothing and explain university authorities. scene and puts the research in context
everything". Silverman (2000:115) Contact detail information - (Bumard, 2004:175). When writing for
gives advice to tbe researcher and address, phone and fax an international audience, it is
states that tbe proposal sbould be numbers, and e-mail address. important to place the research in an
concise, using sbort, simple sentences. intemational context.
Plan before you write Abstract Review of the literature
Remember the saying "If you fail to The abstract is a synopsis of tbe
plan, you plan to fail." It is important proposal; yet it is important that it is Relevant literatuie should be cited tbat
that the vmter plans the process, as the comprehensive enough to inform the demonstrates the need for the reseai'cb
proposal should not only demonstrate evaluators or reviewers, and to study in such a manner tbat it
tbat it is based on an intelligent introduce the project (Morse & Field, convinces the evaluators or reviewers
understanding ofthe existing literature, 1996:40). It should include a short that the study is worthwhile. "Literature
but it must also show that the wiiter introduction to the research problem, consists of all written sources relevant
has thought about tbe time needed to tbe research question, research to the topic you have selected" [or the
purpose and objectives, followed by pbenomenon under investigation]
conduct each stage of tbe researcb the researcb design and research (Bums & Grove, 2005:93). It is often a
(Silverman, 2000:116). Time method. Tbe abstract is usually 250- chaËenge to include all relevant or most
management is embedded in the 300 words long, but tbis is often supportive literature as data, knowledge
planning process. The proposal will dictated by tbe committee guidelines and information availability expand
also be judged on the researcher's or the funding agency. First daily in the digitally enhanced
account ofhow time will be used. Arber impressions count, and this is also true knowledge environment, doubling
(1993:35) notes that one needs "to for the abstract, as this will be tbe first every eighteen months in 2008. It is
adopt a systematic and logical part tbat tbe reviewers read. It is therefore suggested that the researcher
approach to researcb, tbe key to wbicb advisable to leave the writing of the critique previous research, and
is the planning and management of your abstract until tbe end, as it will be easier demonstrates how the present study
time". Attention is given to timelines to write after you have clarity of tbe will clarify or compensate for
frirtber on in the manuscript. research process. The inclusion of no shortcomings in previous research and
more than five keywords is advisable bow tbe study will add to tbe existing
Structure of the at the end of the abstract. Structure body of knowledge. The literature
can be given to the abstract by adding review provides a theoretical context
qualitative proposal headings, i.e. Background, Aim for the study, but is not a conceptual
The key sections of a qualitative (Purpose and specific objectives). Data framework, as it does not diive tbe
proposal are listed below and attention Source, Metbod, Results and study or provide an outline for tbe
will be paid to each. As explained Conclusion, followed by Keywords. analysis (Morse & Field, 1996: 41).
above, tbis framework is meant to guide Apart from simply offering an account
the qualitative researcber, but is not Introduction of the researcb tbat has been carried
intended to be used as a recipe. The Begin witb something interesting tbat out previously, tbe autbor should
describe how he or she searched the research problem is a synthesis of the service delivery changed as
hterature. This involves describing the introduction and literature review; in health policy changed?
computer search engines used and the other words, it is a "diagnosis " of the How do concrete actors make
keywords entered into those engines problem. The problem can be broad, sense of /respond to /
(Bumard, 2004:175). For example: but must be speeific enough to accomplish the activity/
"Searches were performed using the convince the reviewers that it is worth policy that play a key role in
following resources: Nexus database. focusing on (Bottorff, 2002:11). The their lives? "Concrete
South African Journal database or section on the research problem must actors " are historically and
SAePublications, international conclude with the research question to geogi'aphically situated
journal databases (EBSCOhost and be answered. The research question(s) people, organisations, and
ScienceDirect), boolcs, dictionaries, should be how questions. The institutions.
theses and dissertations from the following format is suggested to Example: How do primary care
North-West University library and structure research questions for workers respond to shortages
inter-library loans" (Knobloch & qualitative studies (but it is also relevant of personnel in rural clinics?
íGopper, 2008:6). to quantitative studies) (http:// How is the artefact /tool/
ñlebox.vt.edu/users/nespor /design, policy used by concrete
The literatui-e review is not necessarily accessed 17 May 2004): actorsl "Artefacts, tools, and
a separate heading, as it could be How has/have the activity/ policies" are used in more or
integrated in the introduction, relations changed as the less their everyday meanings,
providing a rationale for the planned activity/relations has/have although "tools and
study. Bums & Grove (2005:95) point changed? "Activities " refer artefacts " should be thought
out that the puipose and the timing of to relatively long-term, on- of as encompassing
the literature review could vary in going, collective social technologies.
qualitative research, based on the type endeavours (for example Example: How is the primary
of study to be conducted. Table 1 studying at university, living health care policy
summarises the purpose of the a healthy lifestyle, raising a implemented by different
literature review in qualitative research. family, etc.). "Relations " refer health professions?
to on-going systems of What happens to the system
Research problem (and research relations organised around of relations when the activity
question) gender, ethnic group, age, or takes place?
In this section the researcher answers between the role players in a Example: What happens to
the question: "What is the problem? " formal organisation, for the quality of care of patients
Sandelowslci (2002:9) suggests that example worker/supervisor; from a low income status if
numbers should be used to document student/lecturer; health care they cannot access health
the extent and nature of the problem. professional/patient. care?
As research is a logical process, the Example: How has health In summary, the research
questions clearly delineate
Table 1. Purposes of the literature review in qualitative research the research (sometimes with
(Burns & Grove, 2005:95). sub-questions), and the
scope of the research
questions(s) needs to be
lype of qualitative research Purpose of the literature review manageable within the time
frame and context of the study
Phenomenological research Compare and combine findings from (Bottorff, 2002:11).
the study with the literature to Research purpose and
determine eurrent knowledge of a
phenomenon objectives
Grounded theory research Use the literature to explain, support, The research purpose (or goal, or aim)
and extend the theory generated in the gives a broad indication of what the
study researcher wishes to achieve in the
research. The research purpose is a
concise, clear statement of the specific
Ethnographical research Review the literature to provide a goal of the study (Bums & Grove, 2005:
background for conducting the study, 71). The purpose usually indicates the
as in quantitative research type of study to be conducted, i.e.
identify, describe, explain, or predict.
Historical research Literature is reviewed to develop Mouton and Marais (1994:51; also
research questions and is a source of compare Mouton, 1996:103) presents a
data classification of different types of
research studies to present "a more
systematic picture of different kinds of
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