Content of Research Proposal

Content of a Research Proposal Title This should be short and explanatory. Your first attempt may change as your work progresses- consider does it mirror the content of the proposal. Background This section should contain a rationale for your research- why are you undertaking the project? Why is the research needed- is it worth it?- why has it aroused your interest? You need to demonstrate that you know what you are talking about and that you have knowledge of the literature surrounding the topic. If there is other research / work covering the topic you must show how your work will build on and add to the existing knowledge. Basically you should convince others you know what you are talking about and the research is worth doing. Aims and objectives (research questions) The aim is the overall driving force of the research and the objectives are the means by which you intend to achieve the aims. They must be clear and succinct. Methodology / Methods In this section you need to describe you proposed research methodology and justify its use. {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} In this section you also need to include details about samples: {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Timetable A timetable scheduling all aspects of the research should be produced. It will include time taken to conduct background research, questionnaires or interviews , data collection, data analysis and report writing/ presentation preparation. Research almost always takes longer than expected- allow for this. Budget and resources This section helps show the viability of the research- can the proposal be resourced? Consider : finance data access equipment Conducting research costs money: travel expenses subsistence help with data analysis postage stationary Funding bodies need to know you have adequate money and are not under- budgeted. They also need to