Developing the Data Analytic Plan

Abstract

Preparing grant applications is a difficult and anxiety-laden process for everyone. The problems we face and the obstacles we must overcome for successful grantsmanship are similar, whatever our area of interest or theoretical bent. Although the primary aim of this chapter is to discuss components of the data analytic section of a grant proposal, my larger purpose is to review the grant-writing process more generally. It is impossible to write a competitive data analytic section without having first developed a sound rationale and appropriate study design. The data analytic section provides necessary details regarding data analytic plan, but this section will only make sense if the applicant has already set forth a clear and defensible rationale, formulated testable hypotheses, attended to potential methodological pitfalls, proposed an appropriate study design, and convinced the reviewer that the study is both novel and feasible.