Outline an idea for an original research project. This should be within the topic of health psychology and should not, to your knowledge, have been previously conducted. This need not be a project that you would undertake within an MSc, but is intended to demonstrate your ability to identify a research question and appropriate methodology. You should include in your outline a research question and a succinct description of how you would conduct the study.
Create a clear working title for your research project.
Introduce your proposal, identifying the subject for research in terms of theoretical issues and relevant empirical applications, and highlighting why you wish to pursue this project.
Review the relevant literature and theories relating to your proposed research area, showing that you clearly understand the key arguments that have been developed and the ideas and findings of key researchers working on the topic. This should demonstrate your familiarity with the subject area, and your ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
Summarise the central aims and questions that will guide your research.
Outline the research methods you will use, explaining how you will conduct your research. What form will the resources take? Where are they located? Will there be any problems of access?
Indicate your project strategy and timetable. What are the main project stages? What would the annual completion expectations be? What are the perceived challenges, and how will these be overcome?
Explain why your proposed project is important. How will your research make an original contribution?
Include a bibliography highlighting the key references that will support your research topic.
