Show that you understand the current state of research on your topic.
The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.
One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.
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Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.
Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:
The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.
Your introduction should:
To guide your introduction , include information about:
As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.
In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:
Following the literature review, restate your main objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.
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To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.
For example, your results might have implications for:
Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .
Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.
Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.
Download our research schedule template
Research phase | Objectives | Deadline |
---|---|---|
1. Background research and literature review | 20th January | |
2. Research design planning | and data analysis methods | 13th February |
3. Data collection and preparation | with selected participants and code interviews | 24th March |
4. Data analysis | of interview transcripts | 22nd April |
5. Writing | 17th June | |
6. Revision | final work | 28th July |
If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.
Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:
To determine your budget, think about:
If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Methodology
Statistics
Research bias
Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .
Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.
I will compare …
A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.
Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.
A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.
A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.
A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.
All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.
Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.
Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.
The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.
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McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved September 8, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/
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29 sep 2017.
Researchers from all disciplines may be required to create a research design - also known as a method - for their projects. This is especially common in the sciences, both physical and behavioral, as these studies require researchers to perform experiments that must be designed to prove a hypothesis. No matter what the topic, all research projects benefit from a well-considered plan. While not every project will require a formal writeup of all the steps below, each is important when planning an efficient research process.
Explain the topic you are researching. Determine what exactly you would like to study and why you believe it merits research.
Review the literature. Go over historic research on this topic and develop a basic knowledge of what is commonly known from prior researchers. Review the methods others have used to prove their hypotheses.
Generate a hypothesis or thesis. Create a definitive statement that you will either prove or disprove.
Design an experiment or course of study that will show whether or not your hypothesis or thesis is correct. This is your research design or method.
Write out step-by-step instructions for completing the method. Remember that this paper is written for an academic audience familiar with the processes of your discipline. Include all processes and crucial information, but don't worry about detailed descriptions of common procedures unless you need them for your own notes.
Check your work. It is a wise idea to have a peer review your research design before you execute it or turn in the paper. Your peer can offer feedback on your method as a whole -- will it do what you want it to do? -- and note any places within the plan where you have offered too much or too little detail, or are missing steps.
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What Is a Research Design | Types, Guide & ...
How to Write a Research Design - Guide with Examples -
Research Design | Step-by-Step Guide with Examples - Scribbr
Writing a research design involves planning and outlining the methodology and approach that will be used to answer a research question or hypothesis. Here are some steps to help you write a research design: Define the research question or hypothesis: Before beginning your research design, you should clearly define your research question or ...
Experimental Research Design. Experimental research design is used to determine if there is a causal relationship between two or more variables.With this type of research design, you, as the researcher, manipulate one variable (the independent variable) while controlling others (dependent variables). Doing so allows you to observe the effect of the former on the latter and draw conclusions ...
What is a Research Design? Definition, Types, Methods ...
Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper
Here are the steps to write a research methodology: Start by explaining your research question: Begin the methodology section by restating your research question and explaining why it's important. This helps readers understand the purpose of your research and the rationale behind your methods. Describe your research design: Explain the ...
What is Research Design? Characteristics, Types, Process, ...
Step 1: Define your variables. You should begin with a specific research question. We will work with two research question examples, one from health sciences and one from ecology: Example question 1: Phone use and sleep. You want to know how phone use before bedtime affects sleep patterns.
What Is a Research Methodology? | Steps & Tips
Research Design & Method - Research Guides - Virginia Tech
Research Design: What it is, Elements & Types
What is Research Design? Types, Elements and Examples
In your dissertation you can define research design as a general plan about what you will do to answer the research question. [1] It is a framework for choosing specific methods of data collection and data analysis. Research design can be divided into two groups: exploratory and conclusive. Exploratory research, according to its name merely ...
Use a draft that lists all the sub-sections you need to address in the research design. Be clear and concise. The research design should not include your opinions. It must show the reader an exact description of the way you conducted your study. Revise Your Research Design After Some Time Away.
A Beginner's Guide to Starting the Research Process
Stating the Obvious: Writing Assumptions, Limitations, and ...
The five main types of research design are: 1. Descriptive - describes a situation or scenario statistically. 2. Experimental - allows for cause-and-effect conclusions. 3. Correlational - shows ...
How to Write the Methods Section of a Research Paper
Maintaining research integrity is essential throughout the implementation phase. This means adhering to ethical guidelines, ensuring data accuracy, and avoiding any form of bias. By maintaining high standards, you ensure the credibility and reliability of your research findings. Writing the Research Proposal Structuring the Proposal
You can do it by using the qualitative and quantitative data analysis tools, following the research design approach you selected in Step 2. For the qualitative data analysis, you'll use your statistical analysis skills including descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and hypothesis testing.
How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & ...
29 SEP 2017. CLASS. Researchers from all disciplines may be required to create a research design - also known as a method - for their projects. This is especially common in the sciences, both physical and behavioral, as these studies require researchers to perform experiments that must be designed to prove a hypothesis.