Focus
In this final unit you will focus on synthesizing the learning from Units 1 and 2, and the components of your project design that have evolved from those units, to develop a complete, consistent, and actionable draft research proposal. We will identify and consider the criteria for evaluating a research proposal, review successfully completed and communicated projects and hear from research funders about how to overcome some common errors and omissions. In developing the proposal draft, you will be asked to consider how and whether the proposal meets the needs of the intended audience. Consider the diverse decision makers who engage in evaluating the relevance, rigor, and ethical nature of climate action projects (e.g., university instructors and ethics review boards; funding bodies; industry, government, and non-profit organizations; and communities). As part of this unit, we will revisit research ethics, building on the learning done in the completion of the TCPS2 modules in CALS 501.
In this unit you describe a full project using the MACAL thesis proposal template. This template is a good guide for designing a research proposal whether you are doing a thesis or designing a community-based or internship project. The degree of detail may vary depending on the project. However, all elements are necessary parts of a comprehensive research proposal.
You will finalize your method of data generation, collection, and analysis; articulate the boundaries and limits of the climate action project that you propose; explore what makes a strong proposal and discuss what is needed for a successful research project. At the end of this unit, you will have developed a complete project description, suitable to inform a thesis, internship, or community climate action proposal.
Thesis stream: As you advance your thinking about your thesis, you will want to review the MACAL Thesis Handbook and the FAQ page.
All students: Community Based research may be part of a thesis, internship or community project. For more information on community based research see: Community Based Research Canada and this brief guide to Grassroots Community Based research.
Activities & Assessment Overview
In this unit, you will complete Assignment 1: Reporting participant-observer field notes (individual) submitting a final report (written or digital) which is due in week 9. You will also complete Assignment 4: Writing persuasive proposals (individual), which is due in week 10.
Week 7
You will refine your climate action project and data generation, collection, and analysis strategies to ensure your project can deliver findings that are ethically derived, robust, and repeatable. This is also time to take stock of practical considerations to ensure you have, or can access, the time, skills and abilities needed to make your proposed project successful. In addition to fulfilling thesis requirements does your research aim to make recommendations for policy, support more evidence-informed practice or offer evidence for comparison?
Learning Activity 7: Begin with the end in mind
Applied research is a vital aspect of climate action so it is useful to review some Canadian examples of climate research through ICLEI’s portal of adaptation case studies and the Canadian Climate Atlas adaptation articles. Focus on one or two examples and discuss with a partner how your project proposals relate to the action initiatives and research methods illustrated from these two perspectives
Week 8
You will meet with a professional who evaluates research proposals to better understand critical factors in the approval process for universities, funding bodies, and stakeholder participants
Learning Activity 8 Ask an expert:
You will have a Q & A session via Zoom with someone experienced in evaluating proposals (organized by the course instructor) to find out what they look for in a research proposal when authorising or financing a research project. Participate and have your questions answered or review a recording if you have a scheduling conflict.
Week 9
As you write a climate action proposal it is easy to promise more than can be delivered. Defining the scope of a research project is an essential element. The goal is to define a research project that meets your level of experience as a researcher (e.g., novice, highly experienced), your resources (e.g,. time allotted, funding, access to specific populations or information) and your goals (e.g., providing evidence-informed recommendations to a funding organization; completing an academic thesis project; working with a community or community organization to understand more about climate change, climate resilience, climate strategies etc.). You will look for the boundaries of a research design to articulate what can be known and what can be done, and what is outside of the scope of a particular research project.
Assignment 1 is due this week.
Learning Activity 9: Know your limits
The urgency and scale of climate action needed can make it difficult to narrow a project to only address a small portion of a bigger issue. Remember that research is iterative and builds on, and leads from, prior research. In your full research proposal, you will identify and describe limits to the project design and scope to show that these issues have been considered. As you work to complete your proposal for Assignment 4, review this resource to help you describe some basic limitations in your proposed project.
Week 10
You will reflect on what success looks like and review research proposals that led to published papers and practical influences on climate action.
Assignment 4 is due this week.
Learning Activity 10 Signs of success:
Visit with Rosetta Elkin through this short video on Designing for Change and read her chapter in Retreat or Rebuild.