FORMAT FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS

Cover page
Items on this page should be arranged in the following order:
i. Begin with the title of the study.
ii. Title should be focused, informative and between 15 to 20 words.
iii. Full name of student.
iv. Registration number of the student below the name.
v. Name of
department. Then follows
the writing:
“A research proposal submitted to Kenya Medical Training College in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of diploma (specify, e.g. Clinical Medicine).”
Insert date of submission e.g. July 2024
Note:
The cover page should not be paginated.
All wording should be singled spaced.
KMTC logo should not be inserted on the cover page or in any part of the protocol or
dissertation or case study.
DECLARATION
Should be on a fresh page with the title “Declaration”. This page should have the following
writings.
“This proposal is my original work and has not been presented for a diploma in any other
institution.”
Then the student signs above his/her name and college registration number, followed by the date.
For example:

Signature ………………………………………… Date …………………………

Name Richard, Baraka
DEHS/17001/2018
Supervisors:
This proposal has been submitted for review with our approval as supervisors.

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Then the supervisors, each, starting with the lead, sign above at least two of their names written
in full, together with their respective departments.

For example,

1. Signature
.………………………………………………… Date
………… Mr. Edward Mzuri
XYZ Department

2. Signature
.………………………………………………… Date
……………… Dr. Oliver Mapema
Affiliation

Intellectual Property Rights

Students retain full copyright to the research outputs.
Below the declaration and supervisors, insert the copyright statement.

Copyright, Year. Full name of student as it appears on the document. All rights reserved.
E.g.

Copyright, 2024. Rose Mwende Mutisya. All rights reserved.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
This section should start on a fresh pate. The section involves organising the document's
structure into several sections and subsections. The Table of contents provides a roadmap for
readers, outlining the content and organisation of the proposal/dissertation.
General formatting
i. Use English language (British English), and where this is not possible, provide a
translation in English.
ii. Use Times New Roman, black Font 11 or 12 for normal text.
iii. Preliminary pages should be numbered in Roman numerals.
iv. Arabic numbering should begin from chapter one.
v. Printed work should be printed on both sides of the page, portrait orientation (where
necessary, landscape may be used at landscape mode)
ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS AND SYMBOLS
This section should start of a fresh page. The section provides a clear and concise explanation of
each term to ensure that readers understand their meaning. It should be placed after the
table of contents but before the main content of the proposal or dissertation or case study.
Abbreviations and acronyms should be listed alphabetically. Each entry should consist of
the abbreviation or acronym followed by its full meaning in parentheses.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
This should start on a fresh page. The main the goal of this section is to provide clear, concise
explanations of key terms and concepts used in the document. This section ensures that readers
understand the terminology used in the document and can follow the argument or research
more easily. The terms used should be listed alphabetically. Each term should be followed by
its definition or explanation. Include terms that are essential to understanding the proposal, case
study or dissertation. The main focus should be on terms that may be unfamiliar to the readers
or have specific meanings in the context of your research.
ABSTRACT
The abstract is a crucial part of a proposal or dissertation or case study, as it provides a concise
summary of the entire document. It should briefly describe the research problem, the
methodology used, the results obtained, and the conclusions drawn. All proposals must have an
abstract, which should not exceed 350 words; should be single-spaced and not paragraphed.
Clear and concise language should be used in the abstract. Jargon or technical terms that may not
be familiar to all readers should be avoided. The abstract should be structured in a logical order,
following the same order as the main sections of the proposal or dissertation.
Key words
Three to eight key words should be provided.

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Note
i. Each of the preliminary sections (from student declaration page to the abstract) should
begin on a fresh page.
ii. Page numbers should be inserted at the bottom centre of each page except the cover page.
iii. Each of the preliminary sections except the cover page must be in roman numbers e.g. (i,
ii, iii, etc)
iv. The main report should have page numbers in Arabic numbers (page 1 is the page on
‘Chapter one: Introduction’.

Format of the main body

Each of the major sections of the proposal, case study or dissertation – introduction, literature
review, materials and methods, references, and appendices should start on a separate page. The
title of major sections should be in capital letters. All sub and sub-sub sections should be in
lower case (not capital letters)
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background to the study
The background to the study introduces the proposed research. It prepares the reader for the
statement of the problem by contextualising the topic. It discusses the existing body of
knowledge on the topic of the study.
Statement of the Research Problem
The statement of the problem is a critical component of a research proposal or dissertation. It
provides a clear and concise description of the issue or gap in knowledge that the research aims
to address. This begins by introducing the general topic or area of interest. It provides some
background information to help readers understand the context of the problem. The statement of
problem clearly and concisely states the specific problem or research question that the study will
address. This should be a focused and well-defined statement that identifies the issue the study
intends to investigate. It should clearly highlight the relevance of the problem to the field of
study and highlight any practical implications or potential benefits of addressing the problem.
Justification
This comprises a clear statement of the value of the proposed research; it might specify the
significance for solving an existing problem in society such as health, behavioural change or
policy modification. The value could also be of epistemological nature, solving an academic/
theoretical problem.
Research questions
For qualitative research there should be research questions which aim at providing adequate
answers based on the data collected. These questions should be derived from the problem and

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focus on the data to be collected and interrogate the various aspects of the gap to provide a
possible explanation.
Objectives
The objectives of a research proposal or dissertation outlines the specific goals and aims of the
study. They provide a clear roadmap for what the research intends to achieve. Here are key
components to include in the objectives section:
Broad objective
This is the aim, goal or purpose of a given research. A generic statement describing what the
study intended to achieve in broad terms. It should be closely related to the title of the research
and statement of the problem. It also provides the intellectual scope of research work.
Specific objective
Specific objectives should be focused on the research problem in order to yield relevant data.
The principle of specific objectives is abbreviated SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Realistic & Time-bound). Specific objectives should be stated in measurable terms and in such a
way that they align with the hypotheses and/or research questions.
Scope and limitations
The section states which areas are included and excluded from the study. In the first place the
scope determines the conceptual area in which the research is carried out and points out those
conceptual areas that are no included and the reasons for that. The limitations are related to
constraints related to scope, such as finances, time, geographical areas, school(s) of thought, etc.
Theoretical framework/ Conceptual framework
In this section, a theory or theories relevant to the research problem is/are critically reviewed on
how the theory/theories is/are contributing to solve the research problem. It should state the
specific theoretical assumptions that help to solve the problem. In a case more than one theory is
used, the student must point out how the theories relate to each other and the value they add to
the study. The conceptual framework guides data collection and facilitates interpretation of
research findings. In some studies, especially laboratory oriented may not fit into
Conceptual/Theoretical frames). Where applicable it gives conceptualised view of the study
problem. If a certain theory fits into the study, it should be indicated and discussed.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
This section describes how the stated or a similar research problem has been approached in the
past. It may also make reference to current research on the matter when there is concurrence or
divergence of opinion or if it is relevant for stressing a point tackled by the research. The review
should be focused (related to the topic under study) and be critical stating weaknesses and
strengths of previous works. The contribution of new work should be stated. Relevant literature
should be reviewed according to the objectives, recent literature (not more than 10years).

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Literature review should be at least 5 pages in length for Diploma and 7 pages for Higher
Diploma courses.
CHAPTER THREE: MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This section deals with a detailed explanation of how the research project will be carried out to
answer the specific questions. According to disciplines it can include proposed study sites,
sources of data and reasons for their selection; types of data to be collected; sampling methods to
be used; techniques of data collection and analysis. The success of the research will to a great
extent depend on the awareness of the method and its meticulous following.
Study setting
The study setting section of a proposal or dissertation describes the physical or conceptual space
where the research will be conducted. This section is particularly relevant for studies that
involve fieldwork, experiments, or data collection in a specific location. A brief description of
the geographical location where the study will take place. Details such as the country, region,
city, and specific site(s) if applicable should be included. The key characteristics of the study
setting that are relevant to your research described. This may include physical features (e.g.
terrain, climate, vegetation), demographic information (e.g., population size, composition), and
any other relevant factors (e.g., economic status, cultural characteristics).
Study design
Study design is a critical aspect of any research project, as it determines the overall approach and
methodology that will be used to answer the research questions or test the hypotheses. When
selecting a study design for your proposal or dissertation, consider the research questions or
hypotheses, the nature of the phenomenon being studied, the available resources, and ethical
considerations.
Study population
The study population, also known as the study sample, refers to the group of individuals or
subjects that will be the focus of the research. This section describes the characteristics of the
population and how participants for the study will be selected. The target population refers to the
entire group of individuals or subjects to which your research findings will be generalised. This
section of a proposal or dissertation outlines the characteristics of the broader population to
which your study aims to make inferences.
Inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria
Inclusion and exclusion criteria are parameters or characteristics that define the population of
interest for a research study. These criteria help researchers ensure that the participants selected
for the study meet certain requirements, which is essential for maintaining the internal validity of
the study.
Inclusion criteria.

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Inclusion criteria are specific characteristics that participants must possess to be eligible for
inclusion in the study. These criteria are typically based on demographic factors (e.g., age,
gender), clinical characteristics (e.g., disease status, severity), or other relevant factors (e.g.,
previous treatment history).
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria are characteristics that disqualify some of the individuals who meet the
inclusion criteria from participating in the study. These criteria are used to exclude
individuals who may be at risk of harm from the study intervention or who may introduce
confounding.
Variables
In research, variables are any characteristic, number, or quantity that can be measured or
controlled. Variables are used to study the relationship between different factors and to test
hypotheses.
Dependent
The dependent variable is the variable that is measured or observed in response to changes in the
independent variable. It is the variable that is hypothesised to be influenced by the independent
variable. Using the previous example, the dependent variable would be the exam performance.
Independent.
The independent variable is the variable that is manipulated or controlled by the researcher. It is
the variable that is hypothesised to have an effect on the dependent variable.
Sampling techniques
Sampling techniques are methods used to select a subset of individuals or items from a larger
population for the purpose of conducting research. Sampling is a critical aspect of research
design, as it allows researchers to draw conclusions about a population based on the analysis of a
smaller, more manageable sample.
Sample size determination.
Sample size determination is a critical aspect of research design, as it directly impacts the
validity and reliability of study findings. The sample size is the number of individuals or items
selected from a population to represent it in a research study. Describe how the sample size will
be computed.
Development of data collection tool/instrument
Developing a data collection tool or instrument is a crucial step in the research process, as it
determines how data will be gathered, organised, and analysed. Explain the instruments that will
be used in the study and how they will be constructed. Data collection where possible should be
done using electronic means such as Kobotoolbox, Redcap or ODK among others.
Data collection process
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The data collection process is a systematic and structured approach to gathering and measuring
information for research purposes. It involves collecting, recording, organizing, and analysing
data to answer research questions or test hypotheses. Explain how field data collection will be
done.
Pre-testing/piloting
Pretesting and piloting are important steps in the research process. Pre-testing involves testing
research instruments, procedures, or protocols, to check if they are adequate, and to allow for
improvement of the instruments before conducting the main study. Pilot-testing involves
implementing the research process and collecting data in a small population and this data may be
analysed to allow the researcher to learn from the process ahead of the main study. Describe how
data collection tools will be pre-tested and where necessary how piloting will be done and how
pilot centres will be selected. It is here that the following issues will be discussed.
Validity
Validity refers to the extent to which a research study measures what it claims to measure and
accurately represents the construct or concept of interest. In other words, validity assesses
whether the study is measuring what it intends to measure in a truthful and accurate manner.
Explain how validity of the instruments will be established.
Reliability
Reliability in research refers to the consistency, stability, or repeatability of measurements or
observations. It indicates the extent to which a measurement instrument produces consistent
results when used multiple times under the same condition. Show and explain how reliability of
the instruments will be established.
Data collection techniques
Data collection techniques in research refer to the methods and procedures used to gather data
from participants or sources for the purpose of answering research questions or testing
hypotheses. These techniques can vary depending on the nature of the research, the research
objectives, and the type of data being collected. Explain how field data collection will be done.
Data analysis
This refers to the methods and procedures used to analyse and interpret data collected during a
research study. These techniques help researchers organize, summarise, and draw conclusions
from their data to answer research questions or test hypotheses. Explain the methods that will
be applied in analysing the data after field work.
Ethical considerations
This refers to the principles and guidelines that researchers must follow to ensure that their
research is conducted ethically and protects the rights and welfare of participants. Ethical
considerations are important in all types of research, Including medical, social, behavioural, and

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scientific research. Explain how the study will meet ethical requirements as per the nature of the
research.
References
References should be single spaced and listed alphabetically in the reference list. For citation
within the text the format of author and year of publication is recommended. Students should use
the APA referencing style correctly and consistently. The use of software such as Zotero or
Mendeley is encouraged. As information in health, medicine and education changes rapidly, use
the most recent literature, preferably less than 8 years.
Appendices
Will include such items as work plan, budget, maps, participant information sheet, consent form,
questionnaires, and interview schedules etc. Each of these items should be numbered
sequentially as 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, etc.
Note:
The content of the research proposal will normally end at chapter three and its contents
are usually written in the future tense.
The dedication page need not be included in the proposal. The references, research
instruments and other essential appendices will however, come immediately after this
chapter.
Proposal presentation details
Typing
All proposals in the college should be typed in font 11 or 12 (Times New Roman) and in
continuous pros rather than bullet points. Use short sentences, not exceeding 15 words. Use
correct grammar and syntax. Conduct a spell check of your work before submission. Printing
should be done on A4 size paper, double spaced, and printed on both sides of the page.
margins will be as follows: left 40 mm (1.5 inches) all other sizes 25 mm (1 inch)
Page numbering
Preliminary pages
All preliminary pages except the cover page should be numbered using lower case roman
numbering system (i.e. i, ii, iii, etc) and in a consecutive manner. The cover page should not be
numbered.
Pages from CHAPTER ONE to APPENDICES
All pages from chapter one to appendices should be numbered consecutively using the Arabic
number format (i.e. 1, 2,3,4,5,6, etc)

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Length
The proposal should not exceed 15 pages and not exceed 4500 words (excluding the references).
Tense
Future tense should be used in writing proposals.
Note:
Page number should appear in the centre of the lower margin of the page.

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