- Main elements of the research protocol
- 1- Topic
- 2- Statement of the problem
- 3- Theoretical framework
- 4- Objectives
- 5- Hypothesis
- 6- Methodology
- 7- Analysis of the results
- References
The elements of the research protocol are the topic, the problem statement, theoretical framework, objectives, hypotheses, methodology and analysis of results.
A research protocol is a formal document in which a set of elements are reflected that allow us to know data, such as the budget of time and resources for the execution of the research and the scope it will have.
The protocol delimits the sections that an investigation must have in order for it to be considered to have been correctly carried out.
These protocols are investigations prior to the final report of an investigation and have the characteristic of defining variables and scientifically verifiable procedures.
A research protocol includes a description of the purpose and methodology or design of the research. The protocol should describe the who, what, when, where, how, and why of the research.
Main elements of the research protocol
1- Topic
It is the idea to investigate, the first step to start the work. Choose the topic with clarity and justification. It should be stated briefly and precisely with a suitable title.
2- Statement of the problem
Scientific justification of the reason for the research. It explains why research is needed to reach a conclusion or solve a practical problem.
It is expressed in the form of an affirmative paragraph. Its theoretical and practical importance, its scope and the research contributions are explained.
The background of the problem and the current situation are detailed. Previous studies are cited.
3- Theoretical framework
The context, current situation, trends, historical background, existing bibliography, and other research on the same topic are described.
4- Objectives
They are the goals that the research wishes to achieve. The objectives should be simple, specific, and stated before the investigation begins. There can be a primary or primary objective and multiple secondary objectives.
5- Hypothesis
It is a tentative report that proposes a possible explanation for the phenomenon or event under investigation. It is a prior assumption about the possible outcome of the investigation.
A useful hypothesis consists of a testable report that includes a prediction. It is tested how two variables can be related.
The hypothesis is not a data but an idea, a logical construction from the data that one has. At the end of the investigation the hypothesis can be confirmed or refuted.
6- Methodology
It is the most important section of the protocol. The methodology is the series of scientific methods and techniques that will be applied during the investigation, which guarantee that the results are valid.
It includes detailed information on the interventions to be carried out, the procedures to be used, the measurements that will be taken, the observations that will be made, the laboratory investigations, among others.
It is a way of systematizing the techniques and procedures that will be used during the development of the research. Guides research to meet scientific standards.
7- Analysis of the results
They define how the results obtained will be analyzed. Programs are used or variables are analyzed to reach the conclusion.
References
- Editor (2017) Key Elements of a Social Science Research Protocol. 12/01/2017. The University of Chicago. www.sbsirb.uchicago.edu
- Editor (2017) Recommended format for a Research Protocol. 12/01/2017. World Health Organization. www.who.int
- Office of vice president of research (2017) Institutional Review Board for Health Sciences Research. 12/01/2017. University of Virginia. www.virginia.edu
- Ignacio Gonzalez Labrador (2010) Component parts and elaboration of the investigation protocol and the work of termination of residence. www.scielo.sld.cu
- Research methodology in PHC.. Available at: www.bvs.sld.cu.