Chapter 15

Question 1

What is a research protocol?

Answer 1

A detailed handbook describing all the actions that will be taken during the implementation of the research plan.

Question 2

For the collection of new data from individuals, the researcher needs to:

Answer 2

1) Identify an appropriate way to sample and recruit participants
2) Develop a questionnaire and other data collection tools
3) Select methods for gathering and recording responses from participants
4) Prepare an application for a research ethics review committee

Question 3

Most research protocols include a detailed schedule for the plant research project. Therefore, it is helpful to:

Answer 3

1) Create a list of all the steps from planning to study through the dissemination of results
2) Create a calendar that shows when each of these steps is expected to be initiated and completed
3) Identify fixed deadlines that must be met.
4) Agree with collaborators on intermediate deadlines for research tasks that will help the product stay on track towards timely completion and will ensure that no important fix deadlines are missed.
5) Set up regular meeting times for the research team.

Question 4

What can be very helpful for visually displaying the research timeline?

Answer 4

A Gantt chart.

Question 5

True or false:
The internal due dates set by the research team will need to be somewhat flexible, because predicting how long some steps will take can be difficult.

Answer 5

True.

Question 6

Research projects tend to proceed most smoothly when:

Answer 6

All research team members have a shared understanding about each contributor’s roles and responsibilities.

Question 7

What should a research protocol include in terms of team members?

Answer 7

1) Names of people who have accepted responsibility for particular tasks
2) The dates they have agreed to work on those assignments
3) The mechanisms that will be used to encourage careful and on-time completion of those items
4) A process for resolving conflicts

Question 8

One researcher should act as the primary investigator and to accept responsibility for guaranteeing that:

Answer 8

1) The protocol is followed
2) The budget is properly managed
3) Any adverse outcomes are immediately reported to the institution’s research ethics committee

Question 9

Who should be the primary investigator?

Answer 9

The person doing the greatest amount of work OR The senior employees

Question 10

For all study designs, the protocol should:

Answer 10

Anticipate likely dilemmas or areas of confusion and address them as completely as possible

Question 11

What should a research protocol include in general?

Answer 11

1) The procedures that will be used for data collection and analysis
2) The anticipated date of completion for each of the steps in the research process
3) Details about the responsibilities of each member of the research team
4) The mechanism for updating any part of the research plan, if revisions arise after approval of the initial protocol (after ethical approval)

Question 12

A strong protocol:

Answer 12

Provides enough detail that another researcher could easily replicate the study AND that the entire method section of any paper that will result from the project could be written before data collection begins.

Question 13

What should you make sure of before initiating data collection?

Answer 13

That all preparations have been finalized.