What is the difference between a quantitative research proposal and a quantitative research report? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. The proposal precedes the study and is written to obtain permission or clearance for the research to be funded, take place, be approved at the research site, and so forth.
b. They are identical.
c. The research proposal does not contain results or a discussion section.
d. The research report follows the study and includes both results of the study and a full discussion.
e. The research report contains a framework, but the proposal does not.

Answer 1

ANS: A, C, D
A research proposal is a written plan that identifies the major elements of a study, such as the research problem, purpose, and framework, and outlines the methods and procedures to conduct the proposed study. A proposal is a formal way to communicate ideas about a study to seek approval to conduct the study and obtain funding. Researchers, seeking approval to conduct a study, submit the proposal to a select group for review and, in many situations, verbally defend the proposal. Receiving approval to conduct research has become more complicated because of the increasing complexity of nursing studies, the difficulty involved in recruiting study participants, and rising concerns over legal and ethical issues. The research report includes four major sections or content areas: (1) introduction, (2) methods, (3) results, and (4) discussion of the findings. The introduction customarily contains both the literature review and the study framework.