A research proposal that you may explore, why it is important, and how you can perform the study. The arrangement of a study proposal fluctuates between subjects, but most suggestions should comprise at least these components:

  • Cover page
  • Introduction
  • Literature review
  • Research design
  • Reference list

There might be some variation in the way the segments are called or split, but the general goals are the same. This report will take you through a fundamental research proposal template, and it also explains what you will want to add in each individual part.

What Is Research Proposal?

The duration of a study proposal fluctuates radically. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal could be only a couple of pages, while for Ph.D. dissertations are frequently quite lengthy and comprehensive.

Though you write it previous to starting the study, the arrangement generally resembles a shorter version of a thesis or dissertation (but minus the results and discussion sections).

If your proposition is long, you may also need to add an abstract and a table of contents to assist the reader to navigate your record.

Introduction

The very first portion of your proposition is the first pitch for your own project, so be certain it explains what you wish to do and the reason why. It needs to:

  • Introduce the subject
  • Give context and background

Some important questions to direct you here include:

  • Who has an interest in the subject (e.g. scientists, professionals, policymakers, certain members of society)?
  • Just how much is known about the issue?
  • What’s missing from our present understanding?
  • What fresh insights will your search uncover?
  • What’s this study worth?

If your piece is long, then you could create distinct segments with more thorough information regarding the foundation and circumstance, issue statement, goals, and significance of the study.

Literature review

It is important to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about your subject. An effective literature review gives the reader a good base in an existing understanding or concept. Additionally, it proves that you are not merely repeating what other individuals have already said or done.

Here, your goal is to show just how your project will lead to discussions within the specialty.

  • Compare and contrast: exactly what would be the principal concepts, approaches, disagreements, and controversies?
  • Method: what would be the advantages and weaknesses of various strategies?
  • Prove how your study fits in: just how are you going to build on, question, or subtract the work of the others?

If you are not certain where to start, browse our guide about the best way best to write a literature review.

After the literature review, it would be a fantastic idea to restate your primary goals, bringing the attention back to your project. The study plan or methodology section must explain the general strategy and practical measures that you will use to answer the research questions.

Research type

  • Can you really do qualitative or qualitative research?
  • Are you going to gather original data or make do with secondary or primary sources?
  • Is your study style descriptive, correlational, or even experimental?

Resources

  • What or who can you research (e.g. high school pupils in New York; Scottish paper archives 1976-80)?
  • How do you choose subjects or resources (e.g. random sampling( event studies)?
  • Where and when are you going to gather the information?

Research methods

  • What resources and processes are you going to use (e.g. polls, interviews, observations)?
  • Why are these the best ways to answer your research questions?

Practicalities

  • How long are you going to want to gather the information?
  • How are you going to obtain access to sources or participants?
  • Can you foresee any possible barriers, and how are you going to address these?

Be sure not to write a record of approaches. Aim to create an argument for why this is the most suitable, reliable, and valid way of answering your queries.

To complete your proposition on a solid note, you can provide more info about the possible implications of this study in practice or theory, and highlight again that you intend to add to the existing information on the subject. By way of example, your results may have implications, such as:

  • Improving procedures in a specific place or discipline
  • Informing policy aims
  • Strengthening a concept or model
  • Challenging scientific or popular assumptions
  • Developing a foundation for additional study

Your research proposal should include appropriate citations for each and every source you’ve given, and complete publication details must be included in the reference list. To make citations correctly, you may use our complimentary APA citation generator.

Sometimes, you may be requested to add a bibliography. It is a listing of all of the resources you consulted when preparing your proposal, even the ones you didn’t mention in the text, and at times other relevant sources which you intend to read. The objective is to demonstrate the complete assortment of literature that will encourage research endeavors.

Revisions and Proofreading

As in almost any other part of academic writing, it is vital to redraft, proofread, and edit your own study proposal before you publish it. In case you’ve got the chance, ask a manager, or colleague for comments.

For the very best possibility of acceptance, you may wish to think about utilizing an expert proofreading service to eliminate language mistakes, assess your proposal’s arrangement, and boost your academic chops.