A guide to preparing a strong research proposal
Applying for a PhD or research master's degree and not sure where to start with your research proposal? Follow our guide.
What is a research proposal?
A research proposal should present your idea or question and expected outcomes with clarity and definition – the what.
It should also make a case for why your question is significant and what value it will bring to your discipline – the why.
What it shouldn't do is answer the question – that's what your research will do.
Why is it important?
Research proposals are significant because Another reason why it formally outlines your intended research. Which means you need to provide details on how you will go about your research, including:
- your approach and methodology
- timeline and feasibility
- all other considerations needed to progress your research, such as resources.
Think of it as a tool that will help you clarify your idea and make conducting your research easier.
How long should it be?
Usually no more than 2000 words, but check the requirements of your degree, and your supervisor or research coordinator.
Presenting your idea clearly and concisely demonstrates that you can write this way – an attribute of a potential research candidate that is valued by assessors.
What should it include?
Project title
Research supervisor
Proposed mode of research
Aims and objectives
Synopsis
Background
Expected research contribution
Proposed methodology
Work plan
Writing a research proposal is an essential skill for anyone planning to undertake academic or scientific research. It outlines your research idea, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write a research proposal:
Title:
Start with a clear and concise title that reflects the main focus of your research.
Introduction:
Provide a brief overview of the research problem you intend to address. Explain the context, significance, and relevance of the problem. Highlight the gaps in existing knowledge that your research aims to fill.
Research Questions or Objectives:
State the specific research questions you aim to answer or the objectives you intend to achieve through your research. These questions/objectives should be clear, focused, and aligned with the research problem.
Literature Review:
Summarize relevant literature related to your research topic. Highlight key theories, findings, and debates in the field. Discuss how your research will contribute to, build upon, or challenge existing knowledge.
Theoretical Framework (if applicable):
If your research is based on a specific theoretical framework or model, explain it briefly. Describe how this framework informs your research design and approach.
Research Methodology:
Detail the research methods you plan to use. This includes describing your research design (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods), data collection methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments), and data analysis techniques. Justify your choices by explaining how they align with your research objectives.
Research Design and Plan:
Outline the step-by-step plan for conducting your research. Include a timeline that indicates when you will complete each phase of the research, from literature review to data analysis.
Expected Outcomes:
Describe the outcomes you anticipate from your research. What do you hope to discover or contribute to the field? Be realistic and specific about the knowledge, insights, or practical applications your research could offer.
Significance and Contributions:
Explain the broader significance of your research. How will it advance the field, solve a real-world problem, or contribute to academia? Articulate the potential impacts of your research.
Ethical Considerations:
Address any ethical concerns associated with your research, particularly if it involves human subjects. Describe the steps you will take to ensure participant privacy, informed consent, and data protection.
Budget (if applicable):
If your research requires funding, provide an itemized budget that outlines the expenses associated with your research, such as materials, equipment, travel, and participant compensation.
References:
List all the sources you referenced in your proposal. Use a consistent citation style (such as APA, MLA, or Chicago).
Appendices (if needed):
Include any supplementary materials that support your proposal, such as survey instruments, interview questions, or preliminary data.
Formatting and Style:
Follow any specific guidelines provided by your institution or funding agency regarding formatting and length. Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon that may be unfamiliar to readers outside your field.
Proofreading and Editing:
Review your proposal for clarity, coherence, and grammatical correctness. It's often helpful to have someone else read your proposal to catch any errors or areas of confusion.
Remember that research proposals can vary in length and structure depending on the requirements of your institution or the funding agency you're submitting to. Tailor your proposal to the specific guidelines provided.
