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.
Download our research proposal template
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:
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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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One of the earliest documents that doctoral scholars have to write is a research proposal in which they provide a rationale and motivation for the research study they plan to undertake. This chapter discusses the form and function of a typical research proposal and provides a range of tools and techniques that can assist doctoral or graduate students in conceptualising and writing this high-stakes document.
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In the North American context, PhD submissions are known as dissertations , while in countries with British higher education traditions, they are referred to as theses. In this chapter, I use them interchangeably to refer to the written submission of a doctoral candidate for examination.
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School of Education, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Sue Starfield
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Correspondence to Sue Starfield .
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Aek Phakiti
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Peter De Costa
Applied Linguistics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
Luke Plonsky
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Starfield, S. (2018). Writing a Research Proposal. In: Phakiti, A., De Costa, P., Plonsky, L., Starfield, S. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Applied Linguistics Research Methodology. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59900-1_9
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Detailed Walkthrough + Free Proposal Template. If you're getting started crafting your research proposal and are looking for a few examples of research proposals, you've come to the right place. In this video, we walk you through two successful (approved) research proposals, one for a Master's-level project, and one for a PhD-level ...
er, the proposal deadline is December 1. During the proposal stage, students should discuss their research interests with CM faculty members, identify a research topic, conduct preliminary literatu. e review and develop a project proposal. The proposal should discuss problem statement, objectives, research methodology, research activities.
If you are not given any guidelines on how to format your research proposal, you could adopt the suggested structure below. Suggested structure for a research proposal: • Title • Abstract • Brief introduction to the project, showing what original research you are proposing • Critical summary of existing literature
1. Research Proposal Format Example. Following is a general outline of the material that should be included in your project proposal. I. Title Page II. Introduction and Literature Review (Chapters 2 and 3) A. Identification of specific problem area (e.g., what is it, why it is important). B. Prevalence, scope of problem.
Guide and the Supervision Guide. This Research Proposal Guide aims to help you develop a sound propo sal, one. that will help you to write your thesis in a focus ed and disciplined way. Research ...
Research Proposals in a Nutshell: The basic purposes of all research proposals are to convince the reader that: the research project has clear objectives; the research project is worth doing (it is significant / important in some sense and will make an original contribution to knowledge / understanding in the field)
Guidance for PhD applicants Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge. The 1,500 word research proposal is an important element of your application to doctoral study, whether full-time or part-time. It offers you the opportunity to outline the research you intend to conduct, including how you plan to go about it, and how your research might ...
achieved within the scale of a typical research degree programme, which is typically three years full-time for a PhD (or two years for an MPhil). Most good research proposals are usually between 2000 and 4000 words in length. A strong research proposal can and should make a positive first impression about your potential to become a good researcher.
Research Proposal Template. The fastest (and smartest) way to craft a convincing proposal and get your dissertation or research project approved. Available in Google Doc, Word & PDF format. 4.9 star rating, 5000+ downloads. Download Now (Instant access)
A r esearch proposal is a document written by a researcher that provides a detailed description of. the pr oposed pr ogram. It is like an outline of the entire research process that gives a reader ...
Research proposal examples. 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. Example research proposal #1: "A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management".
1 of 5. Research Proposals. Writing a research proposal is the first step for a research project. Before you can work on your research, it must be approved, whether that is by a professor, thesis advisor, or supervisor. It is essential to make your proposal as strong as possible; if your proposal is denied, you may not get the funding you need ...
• An organized, well-written, concise, complete proposal = an easier to conduct experiment • A good proposal is like a good sales pitch. In the world of graduate studies and scientific research a proposal is the means by which funding is secured. • Good writing when paired with a thorough understanding of the subject matter is a valuable ...
Writing a Research Proposal. Sue StarfieldIntroductionOne of the earliest documents that doctoral scholars have to write is a research proposal in which they provide a rationale and motivation for the research s. udy they plan to undertake. It is a cognitively challenging activity that "demands thinking logically through the entire project ...
Style: If space allows, provide a clear project title. Structure your text - if allowed use section headings. Present the information in short paragraphs rather than a solid block of text. Write short sentences. If allowed, provide images/charts/diagrams to help break up the text.
The research proposal serves a triple goal, namely explaining why there is a for your need research, ... consists of the first, full version of your proposal; 3. The third submission (by uploading your review article to SPIB) consists of the revised version of your proposal, includinga rebuttal in which you explain how you implemented the
For the Higher Degrees Committee, two copies of the proposal and for the Faculty Academic Ethics Committee three copies of the complete proposal must be handed in to the Faculty Research Administrator, Ms. Helen Selolo, room 7227, Johan Orr Building, Doornfontein Campus, Telephone 406 2660.
Download full-text PDF Read full-text. Download full-text PDF. Read full-text. ... This guideline for research proposal writing is intended to harmonize the conduct of research (by students) and ...
SAMPLE RESEARCH PROPOSAL. SAMPLE OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL FOR ME or PhD Advisory Committee. Date of enrolment in the programme and expected date of completion. Descriptive Title of Your Research Project. Your name. Your Supervisor's name. Your Department. CONTENTS. PAGE Nos.
Sample Research Proposals. You will find here two examples of proposals for postgraduate research from the Department of Social Policy and Criminology. They both give good indication of the sorts of things that need to be included. The first, on fathering after divorce or separation, represents first thoughts on the proposed topic, but sets out ...
Full Proposal Preparation Guide2021/22 Call for Proposals: HU Grand Chal. Full Proposal Preparation GuideThe format for the research proposal shall consist of. the following major components. The template can be slightly modified based on the. he research project.Cover pageTitle page consists of project title, theme and sub-theme and authors ...
of a g eneric template for writing a research propo sal is present ed in Table 1. TABLE 1 HERE. The Hollins Martin 15 step model t o writing a research proposal. STEP (1): Give the research ...
o Briefly describe the major issues and sub-problems to. be addressed by the research. o Identify the key independent and dependent variables. of the study. o State the hypothesis of the study, if ...