Research Proposal Writing for ABA
A strong research proposal demonstrates that the proposed study is significant, methodologically sound, and ethically responsible. This skill covers the components of a behavior analytic research proposal with emphasis on single-subject design methodology.
Proposal Structure
1. Introduction
Statement of the Problem
- What is the clinical or applied issue that motivates this research?
- Why does it matter? Cite prevalence data, clinical impact, and cost implications.
- Keep it focused: one paragraph establishing the real-world significance.
Literature Review
- What does the existing research tell us about this topic?
- Identify the specific gap your study addresses.
- Organize thematically: what has been studied, what methods were used, what was found, and what remains unknown.
- End the literature review with a clear statement of how your study fills the identified gap.