Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research. The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:
While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take. Research proposal purposeAcademics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application, or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation. In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor. Research proposal aims
Research proposal lengthThe 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 Research proposal examplesWriting 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.
Title pageLike your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:
IntroductionThe 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:
Literature reviewAs 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:
Research design and methodsFollowing 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. Building a research proposal methodology
Contribution to knowledgeTo 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:
Reference listLast 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. Research scheduleSome 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 Example research schedule
BudgetIf 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:
Frequently asked questions about research proposalsHow do I write a research objective? 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. Example: Verbs for research objectivesI will assess …I will compare … I will calculate … What is a PhD? 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. What is a master’s? 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. What is critical thinking? 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. Cite this Scribbr articleIf you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
Is this article helpful?You have already voted. Thanks :-) Your vote is saved :-) Processing your vote... How do you demonstrate professionalism in a proposal?According to Chapter 11, one way to demonstrate professionalism in a proposal is to discuss your work history. According to Chapter 11, proposals are usually written by a single writer. Proposals have two kinds of deliverables.
How to write a professional proposal in Chapter 11?According to Chapter 11, proposals are not expensive to write, so companies submit unsolicited proposals often. According to Chapter 11, one way to demonstrate professionalism in a proposal is to discuss your work history.
What qualities must a proposal writer demonstrate to be persuasive?To be persuasive, proposal writers must demonstrate that they understand readers' needs. According to Chapter 11, what two other qualities must they demonstrate? (Select both answers.)
What does a proposal look like?The proposal has a chart showing the phases of the project, including the completion date, and a section describing R&F's staff and similar past projects. The proposal ends with a bid.
When writing a proposal What must you demonstrate to show?To be persuasive, proposal writers must demonstrate that they understand readers' needs. According to Chapter 11, what other two things must they demonstrate? that they are able to do what they plan to do; and they are committed to fulfilling their promise.
What should proposals be accompanied by?The proposal, often accompanied by a presentation, demonstrates why your project is the right one for the client.
Which type of proposal is requested by a client or company?This kind of proposal may be solicited or unsolicited, as explained below. Solicited, unsolicited: A solicited proposal is one in which the recipient has requested the proposal. Typically, a company will send out requests for proposals (RFPs) through the mail or publish them in some news source.
Which type of proposal is requested by a client or company quizlet?Which type of proposal is requested by a client or company? Proposals can be internal or external. Proposals should be written in a persuasive manner. If you plan to be a consultant or run your own business, written proposals may be one of your most important tools for bringing in business.
|