It is really useful to look at how others have done to win the SSHRC so as to give myself a clue on how to write my own proposal. The SSHRC Number 2 ( musical knowledge) is a well organized example, so I would use the following reviews as a reminder for my own SSHRC proposal:
1. Program of Study Statement
In this section,the applicant has stated his/her personal live long endeavor in the research interest on music. The statement here has connected the writer's undergrad background with the current MI post-grad program. In this way, readers can at least ensure that the applicant is not researching on an alien field.
2. Context
The applicant has smartly framed his/her research method course as "a fruitful collaboration" with the course instructor, who is a specialist in ethnographic research. In this way, the applicant tries to give an impression that he/she has teamed up with the professor. Personally I don't like such claim, but apparently the SSHRC buys it.
The applicant also clearly identify the research needs, which is to fill the current research gaps.
3. Objectives
This is the part for the case study. The applicant has chosen a hot and sexy topic: flamenco guita. Even though I don't have a musical background, the flamenco guita at least sounds fascinating. Moreover, the research target is an RCM professor's studio, the students and the professor. The academic background of the research targets also sound like strengths of the research topic.
4. Methodology
Here the applicant refers back to the research method course instructor again. This time, it is not "collaboration". Instead, it is "under the supervision" so as to reassure the professionalism of the research methodology. Besides, the applicant has presented multi-layers and interdisciplinary research methods, which further ensure the plurality of the research project.
5. Contribution to the advancement of knowledge
This is the "why" section. The applicant mentioned that this research project can further inspire other researches on broader interdisciplinary fields such as "information science, ethnomusicology, music education and system design".
As learned from the Monday class, it matters the most on "framing" in the SSHRC proposal. The review on this music knowledge research proposal has reminded me one thing -- the SSHRC funders might know something about everything, but not necessarily aeverything about one thing. Therefore, the most important part in the proposal grant writing is the way that you frame your project, to make it relevant to the current and hot topics. Yet, do we have to do our own research project "under the supervision" of Sara?
Nope - this is just an exercise. You won't actually be doing your proposed project this semester - and whether or not you ever do is totally up to you and your supervisor.
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