Proposal Writing
Writing the Research Proposal
Two main functions of research proposal are: 1. Outline the operational plan for obtaining answers to your research questions 2. Specify and ensure the methodology for control of variance. (especially important for those studies that are designed to investigate a causal relationship)
Therefore it should contain: • A statement of the objectives of the study • A list of hypothesis, if you are testing any • A research design which you are proposing to do • A setting for your study • The research instrument(s) that you are planning to use • Information on sample size and sampling design • Information on data processing procedures • An outline of the proposed chapters for the report • The study’s problem and limitations • A proposed time frame
A research proposal should communicate the purpose and plan of the research in such a way that it: 1. Enables a researcher to return to the proposal for his/her own guidance in decision making at different stages of the research process. 2. Convinces your research supervisor or a reviewer that your proposed methodology is meritorious, valid, appropriate and workable in terms of obtaining answers to your research questions or objectives.
Universities and other institutions can have differing requirements regarding the style and content of a research proposal, but most institutions would require most of what is set out here. The guidelines set out here provide only a framework within which a research proposal should be written.
Your proposal must contain appropriate references in the body of the text and a bibliography at the end. Your survey of the relevant literature should cover major publications on the topic. The theoretical framework for your study must emerge from this literature review and must have its grounding in empirical evidence. A literature review also raises issues relating to methodology. As a rule,
Two main functions of research proposal are: 1. Outline the operational plan for obtaining answers to your research questions 2. Specify and ensure the methodology for control of variance. (especially important for those studies that are designed to investigate a causal relationship)
Therefore it should contain: • A statement of the objectives of the study • A list of hypothesis, if you are testing any • A research design which you are proposing to do • A setting for your study • The research instrument(s) that you are planning to use • Information on sample size and sampling design • Information on data processing procedures • An outline of the proposed chapters for the report • The study’s problem and limitations • A proposed time frame
A research proposal should communicate the purpose and plan of the research in such a way that it: 1. Enables a researcher to return to the proposal for his/her own guidance in decision making at different stages of the research process. 2. Convinces your research supervisor or a reviewer that your proposed methodology is meritorious, valid, appropriate and workable in terms of obtaining answers to your research questions or objectives.
Universities and other institutions can have differing requirements regarding the style and content of a research proposal, but most institutions would require most of what is set out here. The guidelines set out here provide only a framework within which a research proposal should be written.
Your proposal must contain appropriate references in the body of the text and a bibliography at the end. Your survey of the relevant literature should cover major publications on the topic. The theoretical framework for your study must emerge from this literature review and must have its grounding in empirical evidence. A literature review also raises issues relating to methodology. As a rule,
Bibliography: Include in proper bibliographic form the references you have already examined, including those listed in the "Related Literature and Research section." This list should be comprehensive and up-to-date enough to show your reader you have delved into the problem and are aware of the sources available to complete your research. A proposal for a thesis or dissertation could follow the same general formal and include a review of related research.