5 - The Abstract and Specific Aims

Abstract

This chapter combines the abstract and the specific aims of the research proposal because they are very similar. The specific aims should be written first to fit within one page, and then trimmed as necessary to fit within the abstract box and augmented with brief statements of significance and experimental methods. One should not squeeze it into the box by using a smaller type font. Preparation of a research proposal should start with the specific aims; the rest of the proposal merely amplifies what is presented there. After reading a well-written specific aims, an experienced reviewer will understand the problem addressed, the hypothesis being tested, and the feasibility and power of the experimental approach, and will have a feeling about their importance. The proposal with a poorly written specific aims will surely not receive the priority score it might merit on the basis of its science. The PHS 398 guidelines say that one should list the broad, long-term objectives, and what the specific research proposed in this application is intended to accomplish. One prefers to write a specific aims page in four pieces, which are then perfected, trimmed, and merged. These are roughly: general goal/significance, a theoretical framework or model, hypotheses, and tests of the hypotheses.