Cover Page: A sample is provided on the web. The cover page must include the name of the program and whether the application is for master’s or doctoral research; the title of the project; thesis/dissertation title; student’s name, e-mail address, and department; expected date of graduation; faculty advisor’s name, department, campus address, telephone, and e-mail address; amount of request; anticipated start date; and anticipated end date. In 250 words or less, provide a lay abstract describing your project. This abstract should be written so that it is easily understood by the average reader.
Contents: Include page numbers for the required sections outlined here.
Project Description: The project description should contain the following components:
- Introduction: Clearly introduce the topic of the project in broad terms. The objective(s) of the proposed project should be stated, including the hypotheses or specific research questions to be addressed.
- Rationale and Significance: Present the rationale
behind the proposed research (why this work is
being done). State how the research addresses the
mission of OARDC and the degree-granting unit.
Present the current status of research in this field.
Summarize and cite the most significant peer reviewed
published work in this field.
Research Methods: This section must include these subsections:
- Design and Research Approach: Provide a detailed description of the research approach. State the overall experimental design, including statistical model, if necessary.
- Methods: An outline of the methods/techniques that will be used.
- Interpretation: Explain the means by which data will be interpreted.
- Means of Applying Results: Indicate how results will be communicated to stakeholders/clients.
- Pitfalls and/or Limitations of the Proposed Research.
- Schedule of Activities: Provide an outline of activities and an indication of the time period they will be performed.
References: This section should list only those articles, books, or reports that are cited in the proposal. References must be presented in an accepted journal format.
Budget and Budget Justification: All proposals must include an itemized budget. This budget should indicate materials, supplies, travel, and other expenses required to complete the research. A separate column should be included for each year of the project. Salaries, stipends, tuition, and fees cannot be included in the budget. If your department is providing supplemental funds, a separate column should indicate the amount and how those funds will be used.
The budget justification is a detailed summary explaining how the requested funds will be used and must explain the need for the funds requested in each category. A sample budget and budget justification is available on the web page.
Location, Facilities, and Equipment: Research projects are not restricted to the Columbus or Wooster campuses. However, they must be conducted under the guidance of your faculty advisor. A short explanation of where the research will be conducted and what equipment and facilities will be available to do the research must be given.