Grad Coach (R)

What’s Included: Research Proposal Template

Our free dissertation/thesis proposal template covers the core essential ingredients for a strong research proposal. It includes clear explanations of what you need to address in each section, as well as straightforward examples and links to further resources.

The research proposal template covers the following core elements:

  • Introduction & background (including the research problem)
  • Literature review
  • Research design / methodology
  • Project plan , resource requirements and risk management

The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.

PS – if you’d like a high-level template for the entire thesis, you can we’ve got that too .

Research Proposal Template FAQS

What types of research proposals can this template be used for.

The proposal template follows the standard format for academic research projects, which means it will be suitable for the vast majority of dissertations and theses (especially those within the sciences), whether they are qualitative or quantitative in terms of design.

Keep in mind that the exact requirements for the introduction chapter/section will vary between universities and degree programs. These are typically minor, but it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Is this template for an undergrad, Master or PhD-level proposal?

This template can be used for a research project at any level of study. Doctoral-level projects typically require the research proposal to be more extensive/comprehensive, but the structure will typically remain the same.

How long should my research proposal be?

The length of a research proposal varies by institution and subject, but as a ballpark, it’s usually between 1,500 and 3,000 words.

To be safe, it’s best to check with your university if they have any preferences or requirements in terms of minimum and maximum word count for the research propsal.

How detailed should the methodology of the proposal be?

You don’t need to go into the fine details of your methodology, but this section should be detailed enough to demonstrate that your research approach is feasible and will address your research questions effectively. Be sure to include your intended methods for data collection and analysis.

Can I include preliminary data or pilot study results in my proposal?

Generally, yes. This can strengthen your proposal by demonstrating the feasibility of your research. However, make sure that your pilot study is approved by your university before collecting any data.

Can I share this template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template in its original format (no editing allowed). If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, we kindly request that you reference this page as your source.

What format is the template (DOC, PDF, PPT, etc.)?

The research proposal template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

Do you have templates for the other chapters?

Yes, we do. We are constantly developing our collection of free resources to help students complete their dissertations and theses. You can view all of our template resources here .

Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?

Yes, you’re welcome to get in touch with us to discuss our private coaching services .

Further Resources: Proposal Writing

The template provides step-by-step guidance for each section of your research proposal, but if you’d like to learn more about how to write up a high-quality research proposal, check out the rest of our free proposal-related resources:

  • Research Proposal 101
  • Examples of research proposals
  • How To Find A Research Topic
  • How To Find A Research Gap
  • Developing Your Golden Thread
  • How To Write A Research Proposal
  • 8 Common Proposal Writing Mistakes

You can also visit the Grad Coach blog for more proposal-related resources.

Free Webinar: How To Write A Research Proposal

If you’d prefer 1-on-1 support with your research proposal, have a look at our private coaching service , where we hold your hand through the research process, step by step.

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

  • We're Hiring!
  • Help Center

paper cover thumbnail

Sample Action Research Proposal

Profile image of Mharfe Micaroz

An action proposal.

Related Papers

Andrew Johnson

This chapter excerpt describes the salient elements and basic process of action research.

basic research proposal sample pdf

Abstract Recent action research books are reviewed. I give attention to books on appreciative inquiry, action science, systems approaches and action learning. Community, health, education and organizational applications are included. Major action research journals are noted.

Margie Comrie

Action Research

In this, the third in a series of two-yearly reviews (see also Dick, 2004, and Dick, 2006), I identify some of the action research literature that has appeared in books and edited collections over approximately the past two years. After an overview of the general action research literature I gather together other relevant literature under the following headings: action learning; community-based participatory research; youth work; educational action research; appreciative inquiry; and action science. I conclude the review with a very brief look at action research journals and special issues, other literature of interest, and an attempt to divine present and emergent trends.

Beata Jałocha

ARIEL MONTECALBO

Action research is a type of research related to one’s professional practice. In the field of education, it can be defined as the process of studying a school, classroom, or teaching-learning situation with the purpose of understanding and improving the quality of actions or instruction. In this sense, it is the ultimate form of teacher reflection. Described in this chapter expert are the basic elements and the steps of action research.

Administrative Science Quarterly

Gerald Susman

Abstract This review of recent action research books covers the period from about mid-2004 to mid-2006, complementing an earlier review (Dick, 2004). After noting some important recent additions to the action research literature, I address the literature on several different applications of action research including education, community, participatory development, and organizations. There are briefer sections on other topics. Action research journals and special issues of other journals are also identified.

Kenneth Zeichner

RELATED PAPERS

Optics and Spectroscopy

Roman Ovcharenko

World Water Congress 2005: Impacts of Global Climate Change - Proceedings of the 2005 World Water and Environmental Resources Congress

Gustaf Olsson

Arquivos De Medicina

Lucas Wiessing

Ludger Jansen

Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology (Impresso)

Laura Davison Mangilli

Die Sprache der Bewegung

Katrin Albert

Russell Kenley

Education and Ethics in Nursing

Leila M Jouybari

Amyloidosis [Working Title]

Manuel Rosario-Alomar

Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture

Rakesh Thakur

Sustainability

Rafel Sospedra-Roca

TEMATICS: Technology ManagemenT and Informatics Research Journals

Priati Assiroj

Pedro Ducos

Operations Research and Fuzziology

QJM: An International Journal of Medicine

Walaa Sabry

Borut Petelin

Cahit KARAALP

Indian Journal of Computer Science and Engineering

hasna boumechaal

International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics

Avraham Eisbruch

IEEE Access

Cristina Cervelló-Pastor

manfred clemenz

Amino Acids

Sonia Melino

hyutrTT hytutr

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

Gilles Vinçon

The Journal of Chemical Physics

Toby Hudson

RELATED TOPICS

  •   We're Hiring!
  •   Help Center
  • Find new research papers in:
  • Health Sciences
  • Earth Sciences
  • Cognitive Science
  • Mathematics
  • Computer Science
  • Academia ©2024

IMAGES

  1. FREE 12+ Research Proposal Samples in PDF

    basic research proposal sample pdf

  2. Research Proposal Sample

    basic research proposal sample pdf

  3. FREE 12+ Sample Research Proposal Templates in PDF

    basic research proposal sample pdf

  4. Qualitative Research Proposal Sample

    basic research proposal sample pdf

  5. Choose from 40 Research Proposal Templates & Examples. 100% Free

    basic research proposal sample pdf

  6. 11+ Research Proposal Outline Templates

    basic research proposal sample pdf

VIDEO

  1. Selecting a Research Topic and Developing Research Proposal

  2. Thesis and Dissertation Evaluation Format in All Ethiopian Universities(በአማርኛ)

  3. Creating a research proposal

  4. Cheat Sheet: Approaches to writing a research proposal

  5. What is Research Proposal?

  6. Basic Structure of Research Proposal

COMMENTS

  1. Research Proposal Example (PDF + Template)

    Research Proposal Example/Sample. 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 ...

  2. PDF A Sample Research Proposal with Comments

    During the proposal stage, students should discuss their research interests with CM faculty members, identify a research topic, conduct preliminary literature review and develop a project proposal. The proposal should discuss problem statement, objectives, research methodology, research activities, and a time schedule in about 3-5 pages. A sample

  3. PDF Annotated Sample Research Proposal: Process and Product

    The basic purposes of all research proposals are to. convince. the reader that: (a) the research project has clear objectives; (b) 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)

  4. PDF Research Proposal Format Example

    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.

  5. How to Write a Research Proposal

    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".

  6. PDF Research Proposals

    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 ...

  7. PDF How to Write a Good Postgraduate RESEARCH PROPOSAL

    institution you are applying to. However, if you are not given any guidelines on how to format your research proposal, you could adopt the suggested structure below. This is also relevant if you are applying for external funding or asking your employer to sponsor you to undertake a research degree. Suggested structure for a research proposal:

  8. PDF Research Proposal Writing

    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 skill to ...

  9. PDF How to write a good research proposal

    A good proposal should have the following basic elements, though their order and weighting can of course vary: 1) A working title: make this clear and descriptive. ... conduct research in the relevant languages, but the level of knowledge required varies between disciplines. If you are unsure, please consult your prospective supervisor).

  10. Free Download: Research Proposal Template (Word Doc + PDF)

    What's Included: Research Proposal Template. Our free dissertation/thesis proposal template covers the core essential ingredients for a strong research proposal. It includes clear explanations of what you need to address in each section, as well as straightforward examples and links to further resources. The research proposal template covers ...

  11. PDF WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

    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. It should show those reading it that your ideas are focused, interesting and realistic. Although you should write the proposal yourself, it ...

  12. PDF Chapter 13 Writing a Research Proposal

    research that has been done using a particular method or assessment tool, but rather, other resources that you might find helpful in writing a research proposal. Here are three favorites. Talinbe Abdulai, R., & Owusu-Ansah, A. (2014). "Essential Ingredients of a Good Research Proposal for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students in the Social ...

  13. PDF SAMPLE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

    SCOPE. Following tasks will be undertaken as a part of the proposed research-. Task 1. Task 2. Task 3, etc. METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH. This section needs to answer self-imposed questions and should reflect that the student has good understanding of the problem and of the barriers in the path.

  14. PDF WRITING A SUCCESSFUL PROPOSAL

    If you have a lot of supplementary materials, consider adding a sheet that lists them in the order in which they are attached. Putting It All Together. Now put the whole thing together: the cover sheet (if appropriate), the proposal itself, the budget and the supplementary materials. Add a cover letter if you wish.

  15. (PDF) Research Proposal Guide

    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 ...

  16. PDF A Sample Qualitative Dissertation Proposal

    word guidelines to highlight the flexibility of this qualitative analytic method. These guidelines. are (1) familiarizing yourself with your data, (2) generating initial codes, (3) The researcher read. throughout each transcript to immerse in the data, (4) reviewing themes, (5) defining and naming.

  17. PDF WRITING AN EFFECTIVE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

    The investigator specifies the maximum discrepancy between the sample and population proportion of ± 5%. To determine the sample size, the investigator would use the formula. n = (z/p)2π(1-π), n = the required sample size. p = the desired maximum discrepancy (i.e. ± 5%) π = the population proportion.

  18. PDF How to Write a Research Proposal

    Therefore, it is imperative to ensure your proposal is well structured and clearly written. This care and attention to detail will make a positive impact on your reviewers. Guiding Principles for Postgraduate Research Proposals Contents: • Provide a clear description of the research problem or topic and indicate how this research will benefit

  19. (Pdf) How to Write a Research Proposal

    Before writing up a research proposal, it is essential to: identify the sponsors for the research. read and understand application guidelines from sponsors /. clients, e.g., Universities, Ministry ...

  20. (Pdf) Research Proposal

    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 ...

  21. (PDF) BASIC RESEARCH PROPOSAL

    The population was principals of government high schools in Upper Punjab. Purposive sampling technique was applied for sampling the size of 213 school heads from district Sahiwal. A selfdeveloped questionnaire comprising 34 items was used to collect data. The reliability of the questionnaire was found to be .82.

  22. PDF Quantitative Research Proposal Sample

    A Sample Quantitative Research Proposal Written in the APA 6th Style. [Note: This sample proposal is based on a composite of past proposals, simulated information and references, and material I've included for illustration purposes - it is based roughly on a fairly standard research proposal; I say roughly because there is no one set way of ...

  23. (PDF) Sample Action Research Proposal

    View PDF. Andrew Johnson. Action research is a type of research related to one's professional practice. In the field of education, it can be defined as the process of studying a school, classroom, or teaching-learning situation with the purpose of understanding and improving the quality of actions or instruction.