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The Research Proposal

What is a research proposal? A research proposal is intended to convince others that you have a worthwhile research project and that you have the competence and the work-plan to complete it. Generally, a research proposal should contain all the key elements involved in the research process and include sufficient information for the readers to evaluate the proposed study.

Regardless of your research area and the methodology you choose, all research proposals must address the following questions: What do you plan to accomplish?, why is the research important? and how you are going to do it?  The proposal should have sufficient information to convince your readers that you have an important research idea, that you have a good grasp of the relevant literature and the major issues, and that your methodology is sound. 

The quality of your research proposal depends not only on the quality of your proposed project, but also on the quality of your proposal writing. A good research project may run the risk of rejection simply because the proposal is poorly written. Therefore, it is essential that your writing is coherent, clear and compelling. 

This overview focuses on proposal writing rather than on the development of research ideas.

The Proposal - your research proposal should not be more than 2500 words (maximum) in length (excluding references).

Title - The title should be concise and descriptive. For example, the phrase, "An investigation of . . ." could be omitted. Often titles are stated in terms of a functional relationship, because such titles clearly indicate the independent and dependent variables. However, if possible, think of an informative but catchy title. An effective title not only pricks the reader's interest, but also predisposes him/her favourably towards the proposal.

Abstract - It is a brief summary of approximately 300 words. It should include the research question, the rationale for the study, the hypothesis (if any), the method. Descriptions of the method may include the design, procedures, the sample or a range of partcipants and any instruments that will be used.

Other key components are:

  • The Introduction - A description of the research problem (background / context aims and objectives) 
  • The Importance of Research - An argument as to why that problem is important (rationale / significance of research area)
  • The Literature Review - A review of literature relevant to the research problem (theoretical or conceptual framework)
  • Research Questions - Key Research questions arising from the literature review
  • Research Methods - A description of the proposed research methodology (qualitative, quantitative etc.)
  • Time Schedule - (a step by step guide to the stages of the research over the time period)

You can find a useful list of materials / bibliography here.