The goal of a research proposal is to present and justify the need to study a research problem and to present the practical ways in which the proposed study should be conducted. The design elements and procedures for conducting research are governed by standards of the predominant discipline in which the problem resides, therefore, the guidelines for research proposals are more exacting and less formal than a general project proposal.
Research proposals contain extensive literature reviews. They must provide persuasive evidence that a need exists for the proposed study. in addition to providing a rationale, a proposal describes details methodology for conducting the research consistent with requirements of the professional or academic field and statement on anticipated outcomes and or benefits derived from the study’s completion.
Steps on how to write a good research proposal
Are you looking for steps on how to write a good research proposal done? below are the 8 steps that will teach on how to go about it.
Title
Naming your research is an important part of the research proposal. The title should give a clear indication of your proposal research approach or key question
Abstract
Your research proposal may be entirely between 5,000 to 25,000 words in length. So it is important that you give a summary of the entire document. The summary is known as the abstract and should demonstrate to the reader the most important parts of each of the sections of the research proposal in around 200 words
Background
This section should provide detail about the background to the research question. In this section, you will need to demonstrate an understanding of the existing literature and research studies within the area of your proposed research topic. This is to assist the reader to understand the significance of your research and where it fits within the existing body of knowledge
The background section is a significant portion of your proposal and therefore, should be an extensive review of the literature related to your topic. You should be able to discuss what existing literature is about and highlight any gaps, issues, or contentions that arise. You also need to be able to show where your research fits within this literature and enter into discussions on issues that relate to your research question. The point of this background is to demonstrate to the reader your understanding and knowledge of the research area as well as the contribution that your research project will make to the existing research and knowledge
Aims and objectives
In this section, you should expand on the title research project to articulate in full detail in aims and objective of your research you should be able to provide a detailed description of the research question, the purpose of the research, and a description of your approach. Included in this section should be a discussion around the research problem that you intend to include within the research and what you intend to leave out
Research question
You should formulate these clearly, giving an explanation as to what problems and issues are to explore and why they are worth exploring
Review of the literature
You are certain to conduct a literature review. Even if the parameters of your assignment don’t require a separate literature review, writing one will make your paper both easier to write and higher in quality.
By reviewing the current literature on your topic, you can narrow down your focus and establish a hypothesis that has not yet been substantively addressed. A review will also bring you up to date on the current state of study in the topic area
Methodology and methods
In this section of the proposal, you will need to demonstrate how you intend to go about investigating the research question. The use of methodology generally refers to the theory to be used to justify the use of the particular research methods that you are choosing to use. The method describes the way you intend to investigate the question, questionnaire, in-depth individual interview, focus group interview survey, and so forth.
You should also discuss the different methods you intend to use in full details, and provide justification as to why you have chosen to use these methods. It is also helpful to discuss how many participants you intend to involve in your research, how you intend to find or approach participants, and how they will be used in your study.
References
You should include:
A list of references to the articles and texts discussed within your research proposal
A selection of sources appropriates to the proposal research.
