SDRC Director Shares Expertise in Proposal Development

Conceptualization: The first of the four basic steps in the research process, it comprises 50% of the work required. It is a “soft skill” that can only be learned through practice.

This was one among a number of ideas shared by SDRC Director Dr. Maria Caridad H. Tarroja with an audience made up largely of graduate students majoring in Psychology and from the College of Education, as well as members of the Liberal Arts faculty, during her presentation on “Writing Proposals for Social Science Research” on January 18, 2017. Held at the European Documentation Center of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall and sponsored by the University Research Coordination Office (URCO), the three-hour forum focused on processes, issues, challenges and practical guidelines in the development of research proposals.

Dr. Tarroja defined social science research as having the goal of producing new knowledge, with both theoretical and empirical approaches. She identified the situations in which most of such research was conducted—either for graduate studies, as a response to fellowships, or as a response to a request for proposals, which the discussion revolved around. Her lecture proceeded to discuss the four basic steps in the research process, which also involves data gathering and collection, data analysis, and the oral and written dissemination of the study’s findings.  Most helpful were her points on what reviewers look for in a proposal, why the research matters, what is special about those conducting the research, and where potential funding can be sourced.

As an example of an organization in the business of crafting research and research proposals, Dr. Tarroja shared her working experience as head of the Social Development Research Center, relaying its history and vision, its research thrusts and agenda, and the studies it is currently pursuing.

The “Writing Proposals for Social Science Research” forum was conducted to challenge graduate students to participate more actively in and contribute to social development research, encouraging them to sharpen their skills by entering the practice as research assistants and field researchers. The event was conducted in support of URCO’s thrust toward honing De La Salle University as a leading research university.