5. Background and preliminary studies a. identify the context and background of the study b. refer to the important literature relevant to the topic and cite key references dealing with each of the...

5.    Background and preliminary studies

a.    identify the context and background of the study

b.    refer to the important literature relevant to the topic and cite key references dealing with each of the variables/issues

c.    show how results in the research literature are related to the study and identify differences in findings

d.    critique the literature and indicate how the proposed study relates to other research and the contribution it may make to gaps in existing knowledge

6.    Subjects—inclusion and exclusion criteria

a.    outline who the subjects will be, where they will be recruited from (study setting), how they will be identified and how they will be recruited to participate in the study – justifications for these decisions need to be made

b.    state the number of subjects that will be recruited and how this will be/was determined

7.    Study plan and design

a.    study design and rationale for choosing that design

b.    methods used to collect data or evidence

c.    tasks (if any) to be assigned to participants

d.    the order in which various procedures will be used

e.    the timing of different procedures

f.    data gathering instruments to be used (enclose copies in an appendix) and issues of validity

g.    identify any assumptions made in the study

h.    indicate awareness of any potential limitations

8.    Outcomes