Sample Research Project Proposal for a Qualitative Study

Below is a sample research project proposal in APA style titled: “Exploring the Ethics of Gene Editing Technologies.” This example is intended to help college students write better research proposals.

APA Research Proposal: Ethics of Gene Editing

You can also read the final research paper on this topic.

Research Project Proposal Outline: Ethics of Gene Editing

Here is the outline for this sample qualitative research project proposal:

1. Introduction
   1. Background and context
      • Historical development of gene editing technologies
      • Significance of gene editing in medicine, agriculture, and research
   2. Research problem and rationale
      • Ethical considerations in gene editing
      • Importance of addressing ethical issues alongside technological advancement
   3. Research questions and objectives
      • Main research questions to be addressed
      • Specific research objectives
2. Literature Review
   1. Historical overview of gene editing technologies
   2. Ethical frameworks and theories
      • Utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics
      • Their application in the context of gene editing
   3. Case studies of notable gene editing controversies
   4. Public perception and awareness of gene editing ethics
3. Theoretical Framework
   1. Selection of ethical framework
      • Rationale for using a pluralistic ethical framework
      • Utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics in context
   2. Conceptual definitions
      • Defining key ethical concepts relevant to gene editing
      • Clarifying the ethical terrain of the research
4. Methodology
   1. Research design
      • Qualitative research approach
      • Data collection methods (interviews, focus group discussions, content analysis)
   2. Sampling
      • Selection of key stakeholders (scientists, bioethicists, policymakers, healthcare professionals)
      • General public and community representatives
   3. Data analysis: Qualitative data coding and thematic analysis
   4. Ethical considerations
      • Informed consent, confidentiality, and data handling
      • Ethical guidelines adherence
5. Timeline
   • Research project phases and estimated durations
   • Milestones and deadlines for data collection, analysis, and report writing
   • Expected timeline for each research component
6. Budget
   1. Estimated budget for the research project
      • Personnel and researcher compensation
      • Travel expenses for interviews and focus group discussions
      • Data analysis software and tools
      • Administrative costs
   2. Sources of funding and budget allocation
   3. Justification of expenses
7. Expected Findings
   1. Anticipated research outcomes
   2. Potential contributions to the field
   3. Relevance to existing literature and ethical discourse
8. Conclusion
   1. Summary of the research proposal
   2. Acknowledgment of research limitations
   3. Importance of addressing these limitations
   4. Recommendations for Future Research
      • Suggested areas for future research
      • How this study lays the foundation for further exploration
9. References: List relevant sources cited in the proposal
   1. Anderson, L. (2019). Ethical considerations in gene editing research: A bioethicist’s perspective. Journal of Bioethics, 15(2), 117-132.
   2. Bredenoord, A. L., et al. (2018). Responsible innovation in human germline gene editing: Background document to the recommendations of ESHG and ESHRE. European Journal of Human Genetics, 26(7), 937-938.
   3. Brown, E. (2019). Informed consent and autonomy in human germline gene editing. Ethics in Science & Technology, 5(1), 45-56.
   4. Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2017). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage publications.
   5. Cyranoski, D. (2018). CRISPR-baby scientist fails to satisfy concerns over ethics. Nature, 564(7735), 13.
   6. Jones, R. (2018). Scientists’ perspectives on ethical considerations in gene editing research. Journal of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, 16(1), 23-31.
   7. Funk, C., & Hefferon, M. (2018). Public views of gene editing for babies depend on how it would be used. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2018/07/26/public-views-of-gene-editing-for-babies-depend-on-how-it-would-be-used/
   8. Ishino, S., et al. (1987). Nucleotide sequence of the iap gene, responsible for alkaline phosphatase isozyme conversion in Escherichia coli, and identification of the gene product. Journal of Bacteriology, 169(12), 5429-5433.
   9. Jinek, M., et al. (2012). A programmable dual-RNA–guided DNA endonuclease in adaptive bacterial immunity. Science, 337(6096), 816-821.
   10. Miller, S. (2020). Ethical dilemmas in the clinical application of gene editing technologies. Journal of Medical Ethics, 46(5), 309-316.
   11. Smith, J. (2020). Unintended consequences and ethical considerations in gene editing. Journal of Ethics in Biotechnology, 13(2), 87-102.
   12. Taylor, K. (2020). The He Jiankui case: Lessons for ethical oversight of gene editing. The Journal of Ethics in Biotechnology, 14(1), 45-59.
   13. Williams, P. (2017). Policymaking and ethical considerations in regulating gene editing technologies. Policy & Society, 36(3), 243-259.
10. Appendices
    • Informed consent forms for interviews and focus group discussions
    • Sample interview and focus group question guides