A Research Proposal is a document proposing a research project, generally in the sciences or academia, and generally constitutes a request for sponsorship of that research. Proposals are evaluated on the cost and potential impact of the proposed research, and on the soundness of the proposed plan for carrying it out.
Document that is typically written by a scientist or academic which describes the ideas for an investigation on a certain topic. The research proposal outlines the process from beginning to end and may be used to request financing for the project, certification for performing certain parts of research of the experiment, or as a required task before beginning a college dissertation.
So, let’s take a look at what a research proposal is. When someone is interested in obtaining support for research, they often write a research proposal. These proposals are intended to convince people that your ideas and projects are important. They strive to explain how you can satisfactorily complete the project. A research proposal needs to let people know why the project is a good and/or needed idea and that you understand what information and studies are already out there. Keep in mind that the way the proposal is written is also important, as grammar, structure, and content can make a difference in whether or not the proposal is accepted or rejected.
Element of Research Proposal
Writing a good proposal will help you manage your time so that you can complete the quarter with three papers that meet your objectives. The specific format and content of these elements may vary; they may not always appear as separate sections or in the order listed here.
- Background of the study
- Problem Statement
- Objectives of the study
- Significance of the study
- Limitation of the study
- Definition of terms
- Literature Review
- Methodology
- Background of the study
The main idea of the background of study is to establish the area of research in which your work belongs, and to provide a context for the research problem. It also provides information to the research topic.
In an introduction, the writer should create:
- Reader interest in the topic,
- Lay the broad foundation for the problem that leads to the study.
- Statement of the problem
When you start a research, you have a question that you wish to seek answer for. The question leads to a problem that needs to be solved by the research. Begin the research with a description of the problem or a thesis statement.
- Objectives of the study
States what your research hopes to accomplish.
- Significance of the study
Why your research is important and what contributions will it give to the field. It is also advised to state how your findings can make a difference and why is it important that the research be carried out.
- Limitation of the study
It is not possible to include ALL aspects of a particular problem. State what is not included. Specify the boundaries of you research. A too wide area of investigation is impractical and will lead to problems.
- Definition of terms
Terms or concepts that you use should be defined and explained unless they are familiar or obvious. You should refer to authoritative sources for definitions.
- Literature Review
This section need not be lengthy but it should reflect your understanding of relevant bodies of literature. List all pertinent papers or reports that you have consulted in preparing the proposal; include conversations with faculty, peers or other experts. A well-written review provides a sense of critical issues which form the background for your own work this quarter.
By doing this it shows that you are aware of the literature study that is required in your research area. Your review a substantial amount of reading materials before writing your proposal. It shows that you have sufficient theoretical knowledge in your chosen research area.
By reviewing related literature at this stage, it will make you:
- Aware of other similar work which has been done.
- Expose methodologies that have been adopted and which you may use or adapt.
- Provide sources of information that you do not have yet.
By reviewing related literature at this stage, it will inform you:
- If a chosen area has already been researched extensively.
- Approaches that you do not know of before.
- Methodology
This section is the heart of the proposal because it provides insight into your perspective as well as details on how you plan to carry out the project. How will you accomplish your objective(s)? What theories or concepts will guide the study? How do they or might they suggest the specific hypotheses or research questions? Where might you run into obstacles?
Explain the specifics of what you want present in your project (statistical data, comparisons of historical and recent data, the evolution of a paradigm, etc.). One way to do this is by developing a rough outline of the major topics and sub-topics that you will investigate.
Your timeline and a very rough scope (past – current – future) has been pre-determined. If outside organizations involved, explain how you are going to get hold of the data. Indicate why the methodology is used. If existing methodology is not to be used, explain why you need to use an adapted methodology.
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