How to Prepare Research Proposal
Running head: HOW TO WRITE A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
How to Write a Research Proposal:
A Formal Template for Preparing a Proposal for Research Methods
Insert Name Here
Dallas Baptist University
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HOW TO WRITE A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
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Abstract
The abstract is a brief summary of the entire proposal, typically ranging from 150 to 250 words.
It is different from a thesis statement in that the abstract summarizes the entire proposal, not just mentioning the study’s purpose or hypothesis. Therefore, the abstract should outline the proposal’s major headings: the research question, theoretical framework, research design, sampling method, instrumentation, and data and analysis procedures. A good abstract accurately reflects the content of the proposal, while at the same time being coherent, readable, and concise.
Do not add any information in the abstract that is not previously discussed throughout the proposal. Notice this paragraph is not indented; the abstract will be the only paragraph in the entire proposal that is not indented. Because it highlights the entire proposal, it would be wise to wait and write the abstract last. This way, one merely has to reword information that was previously written.
HOW TO WRITE A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
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How to Write a Research Proposal:
A Formal Template for Preparing a Proposal for Research Methods
When social scientists desire to conduct an experiment, they first develop a proposal. A proposal introduces the problem, purpose, and significance of a study as well as the experimenter’s research question and hypothesis. It also gives a brief explanation of the theory guiding the study, a review of relevant literature pertaining to the theory, and the procedure for the experiment. The proposal should be written in American Psychological Association (APA) format. Without an elaborate Introduction, the experimenter will leave his or her readers wondering what exactly the purpose of the experiment is. The introduction explains in detail
several
How to Write a Research Proposal:
A Formal Template for Preparing a Proposal for Research Methods
Insert Name Here
Dallas Baptist University
1
HOW TO WRITE A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
2
Abstract
The abstract is a brief summary of the entire proposal, typically ranging from 150 to 250 words.
It is different from a thesis statement in that the abstract summarizes the entire proposal, not just mentioning the study’s purpose or hypothesis. Therefore, the abstract should outline the proposal’s major headings: the research question, theoretical framework, research design, sampling method, instrumentation, and data and analysis procedures. A good abstract accurately reflects the content of the proposal, while at the same time being coherent, readable, and concise.
Do not add any information in the abstract that is not previously discussed throughout the proposal. Notice this paragraph is not indented; the abstract will be the only paragraph in the entire proposal that is not indented. Because it highlights the entire proposal, it would be wise to wait and write the abstract last. This way, one merely has to reword information that was previously written.
HOW TO WRITE A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
3
How to Write a Research Proposal:
A Formal Template for Preparing a Proposal for Research Methods
When social scientists desire to conduct an experiment, they first develop a proposal. A proposal introduces the problem, purpose, and significance of a study as well as the experimenter’s research question and hypothesis. It also gives a brief explanation of the theory guiding the study, a review of relevant literature pertaining to the theory, and the procedure for the experiment. The proposal should be written in American Psychological Association (APA) format. Without an elaborate Introduction, the experimenter will leave his or her readers wondering what exactly the purpose of the experiment is. The introduction explains in detail
several
References: Pajares, F. (2007). Elements of a proposal. Emory University. Retrieved from http://www.des.emory.edu/mfp/proposal.html 9