SUNY DOWNSTATE MEDICAL CENTER

COLLEGE OF HEALTH RELATED PROFESSIONS

DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL IMAGING PROGRAM

GUIDELINES FOR SENIOR RESEARCH PROJECT

Students can work individually or in pairs on their homework assignments, proposal, and
research project. Each group will have a faculty mentor. Groups are responsible for scheduling
appointments and meeting with their advisors as warranted. All assignments must be typed in
12 point Times New Roman font, use correct English and all references cited should follow AMA
format. During this semester, students will develop a research proposal which is the blueprint
for the actual research which will be conducted in the upcoming semester.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR WRITTEN RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The proposal represents your plan for conducting a research project to answer the problem or
question you have defined. It should show that you have investigated the topic by conducting a
through literature review, that you know why it is an important question (justification or
rationale), and that you have designed a realistic approach to conducting the research (feasibility,
materials and methods, and statistical analysis). The following is a description of the sections
with the percent of the grade allotted to that section. Please note that the Review of Literature
receives the most points since you cannot proceed without having a complete understanding of
the topic and the research which has already been conducted.

For your final submission of your Research Proposal, please follow the outline below

I. Introduction (5%)
A short paragraph introducing the reader to your topic.

II. Problem Statement or Research Question (10%)

Define the question you want to answer with this study. Identify the variables you are including.
Include pertinent definitions.

III. Rationale or Significance of the study (10%)

Explain your reasons for pursuing this project. Why is it significant in terms of clinical practice?
If it has been researched before, why do you feel it should be repeated or how is your project
different?

IV. Review of Literature (35%)

This should be comprehensive, using secondary texts for your definitions and basic information,
and current journals for the review of research in this area already conducted. The grade will be
based on your selection of relevant information, your understanding of the information, how you
organize it, the grammar and style. The content of the reference section must follow
AMA/JDMS guidelines. You need at least 12 references, only two textbooks, and 10 or more
current journal articles. One internet source may be included within the 12. Reference
materials should not be more than 6 years old.

V. Materials and Methods (25%)

This section should contain a detailed description of how, when, where, who etc. of your
research protocol. Describe the equipment and/or instruments, surveys, questionnaires, etc.
Include copies of your data collection forms. Describe the sample using limiting variables,
numbers, how they will be selected. Explain who will perform each aspect of the study.
Remember, the reader must be able to duplicate the study from your description.

VI. Feasibility of the Study (10%)

Explain how you intend to conduct the research
1. Where or how will you conduct the research?
2. How you will have access to equipment?
3. How you will have access to study populations?
4. How you will get access to patient’s or department files?
5. How many subjects will you need for statistical significance?
6. Who do you plan to consult with for statistical methodology?
7. Include a timetable of activities from Sept.-Jan.

VII. Format (5%)

A cover page is required. This includes the full title of the course in capital letters, title of the
proposal, your instructor’s name, your advisor’s name, date, your group members names.
A table of contents page should be included. Papers should be double spaced and Times New
Roman 12 point font must be used.

Please proofread your work before submission, and be sure to cite original works properly if
used within context. Plagiarism will not be tolerated, and will result in a zero on the proposal if
detected. Submissions should be uploaded to the DropBox in Blackboard under the DMI folder
of the Research Methods Course, as well as submitted in hard copy to Prof. Pessin. Please be
sure to back up your own work on a USB drive, or your home computer.