Research Proposal
Title: A clearer future for patients with macular degeneration
Project Overview:
1. The general area of investigation is macular degeneration. Within this field, I will specifically be investigating the content of current research and how it compares to previous research and results. For example, the possibility of transplanting healthy stem cells into a diseased retina, other treatments, and the effect genetics and heredity has on the disease.
Problem Statement:
2. The need for wider awareness of macular degeneration and its effects will be addressed. The lack of knowledge on the eye condition will be solved.
3. The intended audience of the project is the elderly over 60 years of age. The patients of Physician’s Eye Care, Physician’s Eye Care itself, and the technicians there will benefit as a result of the work. The leaflets will be communicated with the patients, for whom this product is intended.
Objectives:
4. The purpose of this research is to inform patients with the possibilities the future holds for preventing vision loss.
5. The product of the year of study is an informative leaflet that can be used, copied, and reused to help patients understand what macular degeneration is.
6. The product will be communicated to the audience through the eye care itself. They will be placed on the shelves accessible to patients.
Background:
7. The topic of the paper is to discuss possible new treatments and how effective they will be in addition to already existing treatments and medications. Knowledge in the field will be acquired through research online and in books. It will be developed at my internship at Physician’s Eye Care, Columbia. It will be demonstrated through the practice as I speak with Dr. Wexler, technicians, and patients, as well as in my final project. Resources to be consulted include the internet, books, Dr. Wexler, technicians, and patients.
Research Methodology:
8. My research questions are what can be done to prevent progression of macular degeneration, why this is, and why stem cells have potential to replace diseased retinal cells. I hypothesis that foods with vitamins (keratin and vitamin a) can help prevent the disease because they are good for eye health, and that stem cells are similar in structure and serve similar purposes in terms of their function.
9. I am doing qualitative research, specifically descriptive and informative research.
10. I will collect data through tests that have been performed by professionals in structured studies and also through statistics of people with good and poor eye health.
Logistical Consideration:
11. The resources required for the project are paper, printer, computer, ophthalmic organizations, Physician’s Eye Care, its employees (doctors, technicians) and patients. Special considerations of the project include cost of producing multiple pamphlets for display and handing out.
12. Tentative schedule/timeline for project completion:
September:
- Locate primary advisor and establish scholarly relationship with mentor
- Send business letters to professional organizations
- Conduct and transcribe an interview with Dr. Wexler
- Generate an annotated source list (20 sources)
- Develop preliminary research proposal
November:
- Make formal presentation on Macular Degeneration at Marriotts Ridge HS
- Give marketing presentation to underclassmen at Reservoir HS
- Prepare outline for synthesis (research) paper
December:
- Acquire necessary skills (pamphlet formatting, making multiple copies, place on site to be easily accessible) to create pamphlet
- Begin draft of research paper
- Create an appropriate thesis statement
January:
- Submit finalized, signed version of proposal after editing
- Submit finalized annotated source list
- Submit outline of synthesis paper
February:
- Compose and complete research paper
- Conduct original/primary research
- Design display board to communicate scope of research project with audience
March:
- Create an informative pamphlet on macular degeneration in general
- Prepare proposal to present at academic meeting
- Give presentation in content classroom
April:
- Present and publish pamphlet to Physician’s Eye Care and its patients
- Collect and respond to audience evaluation of final product
May:
- Complete a portfolio that demonstrates all major assignments for the year (reading reports, objectives, journals, etc.)
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Student Signature G/T Resource Teacher Signature Mentor/Advisor Signature