1. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Chapter 25
Approach/Research Design

2. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
• Describes planned approach
• Addresses problems stated Background and in
Preliminary Results
Function of Approach/Research Design

3. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Adjust your level of writing to your audience
Convey confidence
• Use future tense
• Do not be afraid to take a stand
Content of Approach/Research Design

4. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Length of Approach/Research Design
• Biggest part of the proposal
• Ideally, should cover 2/3 of the length of the
proposal

5. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
• Organize by subsections according to Specific Aims
• Within the subsections, cover:
Rationale
Experimental design
Analysis
Expected Results
Alternative Strategies
• May also include:
Timeline/milestones
Personnel
Facilities
Organization for Research
Design/Methods

6. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Sample Approach/Research Design
Aim 1. Determining regulation of Y and Z by different
isoforms
This aim focuses on examining how the different XX
isoforms . . .
Experimental design
We have already established . . . . To continue this analysis,
we will . . .
Analysis and expected results
First we will confirm X . . . . Then, we will examine Y . . . .
Finally, we will test Z . . . . These experiments will ultimately
define how A is regulated.

7. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Closing Paragraph
Provide a concluding summary
Indicate the significance of your work
• Focus on all the positive
• Do not bring in new evidence
Restate:
• Your specific aims
• Expected overall outcomes
• Significance
Generalize your expected findings

8. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Sample Conclusion/Significance

9. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Signals in the Approach/Preliminary
Objective Experimenta
l design
Expected
outcome
Summary Significance
We will test the
hypothesis
that . . .
We will . . .
Animals will
be . . .
Findings will
define . . .
In summary, . . . Our findings
can/will serve
to . . .
We aim to
determine if . . .
. . . will be
analyzed . . .
The proposed
study will . . .
In
conclusion, . . .
. . . can be
used . . .
The study has
three specific
aims . . .
To
determine . . .
We expect
to find . . .
Overall, . . .
Taken
together, . . .
. . . will provide
insight into . . .

10. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Common Problems
• Experimental plan is too ambitious
• Aims depend on previous aims excessively
• Amount of detail
• Expected results are not clear