The progress I would anticipate would be to complete a draft of Chapter 1 (the introduction) and begin on either Chapter 3 (the method which to me was easier) or Chapter 2 (the literature review) with a potential of submitting for IRB approval (think of the IRB submission as a Concept Paper or Prospectus at the level of detail) depending upon progress. This outline of a Concept Paper maybe of help collect your thoughts for the IRB submission, or at a minimum give you some things to consider. Outline for Concept Paper Example 1. Title of the study with the type of the study identified 2. Introduction a. Basic information of interest about the topic b. Statistics to show the importance nationally/internationally c. a statement which identifies the major sections of the paper 3. Problem Statement a. The problem is… b. The background of the problem is… c. The importance of the problem is… d. The extent of the problem is… e. Those impacted by the problem are (identify and describe) f. The gap in the literature is… 4. Purpose Statement a. The purpose of this ___ study is… b. The study is necessary… c. ____ will happen (or continue to happen) at the research site if the research is not conducted. d. The proposed study will contribute to the knowledge base by… e. (identify the geographical location and target population) f. As a result of the study ___ should happen. g. The research report will be shared with… 5. Research Questions 6. Significance a. Why is your study useful b. What potential value will it provide upon completion 7. Hypotheses (if applicable) a. Hypotheses b. Null hypotheses 8. Methodology a. Purpose restated b. Rational for design? c. Sample size d. Participation criteria e. Research instruments f. Procedures g. Confidentiality h. Code and house data 9. Alignment (not needed as section but good to think through) a. You need to close the paper, like your opened it. Give a sentence which reminds the reader of the major components of the concept paper (past tense of the last sentence of your introduction) You cannot simply restate the major components, you have to provide evidence they are aligned. b. How does the purpose of the study address the problem? c. How are the problem and purpose related? d. How will the methodology address the research questions? e. How will the theoretical framework guide the research? 10. References
