writing research proposal and synopsis

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How to Write a Research Synopsis: Template, Examples, & More

Last Updated: May 9, 2024 Fact Checked

Research Synopsis Template

• Organizing & Formatting
• Writing Your Synopsis
• Reviewing & Editing

This article was reviewed by Gerald Posner and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 262,641 times.

A research synopsis describes the plan for your research project and is typically submitted to professors or department heads so they can approve your project. Most synopses are between 3,000 and 4,000 words and provide your research objectives and methods. While the specific types of information you need to include in your synopsis may vary depending on your department guidelines, most synopses include the same basic sections. In this article, we’ll walk you step-by-step through everything you need to know to write a synopsis for research.

Things You Should Know

• Begin your research synopsis by introducing the question your research will answer and its importance to your field.
• List 2 or 3 specific objectives you hope to achieve and how they will advance your field.
• Discuss your methodology to demonstrate why the study design you chose is appropriate for your research question.

Organizing Your Research Synopsis

• Find out what citation format you’re supposed to use, as well as whether you’re expected to use parenthetical references or footnotes in the body of your synopsis.
• If you have questions about anything in your guidelines, ask your instructor or advisor to ensure you follow them correctly.

• Title: the title of your study
• Abstract: a summary of your research synopsis
• Introduction: identifies and describes your research question
• Literature Review: a review of existing relevant research
• Objectives: goals you hope to accomplish through your study
• Hypotheses: results you expect to find through your research
• Methodology and methods: explains the methods you’ll use to complete your study
• References: a list of any references used in citations

Tip: Your synopsis might have additional sections, depending on your discipline and the type of research you're conducting. Talk to your instructor or advisor about which sections are required for your department.

• Keep in mind that you might not end up using all the sources you initially found. After you've finished your synopsis, go back and delete the ones you didn't use.

Writing Your Research Synopsis

• Your title should be a brief and specific reflection of the main objectives of your study. In general, it should be under 50 words and should avoid unneeded phrases like “an investigation into.”
• On the other hand, avoid a title that’s too short, as well. For example, a title like “A Study of Urban Heating” is too short and doesn’t provide any insight into the specifics of your research.

• The introduction allows you to explain to your reader exactly why the question you’re trying to answer is vital and how your knowledge and experience make you the best researcher to tackle it.
• Support most of the statements in your introduction with other studies in the area that support the importance of your question. For example, you might cite a previous study that mentions your problem as an area where further research needs to be done.
• The length of your introduction will vary depending on the overall length of your synopsis as well as the ultimate length of your eventual paper after you’ve finished your research. Generally, it will cover the first page or two of your synopsis.

• For example, try finding relevant literature through educational journals or bulletins from organizations like WHO and CDC.
• Typically, a thorough literature review discusses 8 to 10 previous studies related to your research problem.
• As with the introduction, the length of your literature review will vary depending on the overall length of your synopsis. Generally, it will be about the same length as your introduction.
• Try to use the most current research available and avoid sources over 5 years old.

• For example, an objective for research on urban heating could be “to compare urban heat modification caused by vegetation of mixed species considering the 5 most common urban trees in an area.”
• Generally, the overall objective doesn’t relate to solving a specific problem or answering a specific question. Rather, it describes how your particular project will advance your field.
• For specific objectives, think in terms of action verbs like “quantify” or “compare.” Here, you’re hoping to gain a better understanding of associations between particular variables.

• Specify the sources you used and the reasons you have arrived at your hypotheses. Typically, these will come from prior studies that have shown similar relationships.
• For example, suppose a prior study showed that children who were home-schooled were less likely to be in fraternities or sororities in college. You might use that study to back up a hypothesis that home-schooled children are more independent and less likely to need strong friendship support networks.

• Expect your methodology to be at least as long as either your introduction or your literature review, if not longer. Include enough detail that your reader can fully understand how you’re going to carry out your study.
• This section of your synopsis may include information about how you plan to collect and analyze your data, the overall design of your study, and your sampling methods, if necessary. Include information about the study setting, like the facilities and equipment that are available to you to carry out your study.
• For example, your research work may take place in a hospital, and you may use cluster sampling to gather data.

• Use between 100 and 200 words to give your readers a basic understanding of your research project.
• Include a clear statement of the problem, the main goals or objectives of your study, the theories or conceptual framework your research relies upon, and the methods you’ll use to reach your goals or objectives.

Tip: Jot down a few notes as you draft your other sections that you can compile for your abstract to keep your writing more efficient.

Reviewing and Editing Your Research Synopsis

• If you don’t have that kind of time because you’re up against a deadline, at least take a few hours away from your synopsis before you go back to edit it. Do something entirely unrelated to your research, like taking a walk or going to a movie.

• Eliminate sentences that don’t add any new information. Even the longest synopsis is a brief document—make sure every word needs to be there and counts for something.
• Get rid of jargon and terms of art in your field that could be better explained in plain language. Even though your likely readers are people who are well-versed in your field, providing plain language descriptions shows you know what you’re talking about. Using jargon can seem like you’re trying to sound like you know more than you actually do.

Tip: Free apps, such as Grammarly and Hemingway App, can help you identify grammatical errors as well as areas where your writing could be clearer. However, you shouldn't rely solely on apps since they can miss things.

• Reference list formatting is very particular. Read your references out loud, with the punctuation and spacing, to pick up on errors you wouldn’t have noticed if you’d just read over them.
• Compare your format to the one in the stylebook you’re using and make sure all of your entries are correct.

• Read your synopsis backward by starting on the last word and reading each word separately from the last to the first. This helps isolate spelling errors. Reading backward sentence by sentence helps you isolate grammatical errors without being distracted by the content.
• Print your synopsis and circle every punctuation mark with a red pen. Then, go through them and focus on whether they’re correct.
• Read your synopsis out loud, including the punctuation, as though you were dictating the synopsis.

• Have at least one person who isn’t familiar with your area of study look over your synopsis. If they can understand your project, you know your writing is clear. If any parts confuse them, then that’s an area where you can improve the clarity of your writing.

Expert Q&A

• If you make significant changes to your synopsis after your first or second round of editing, you may need to proofread it again to make sure you didn’t introduce any new errors. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://admin.umt.edu.pk/Media/Site/iib1/FileManager/FORMAT%20OF%20SYNOPSIS%2012-10-2018.pdf
• ↑ https://www.scientificstyleandformat.org/Tools/SSF-Citation-Quick-Guide.html
• ↑ https://numspak.edu.pk/upload/media/Guidelines%20for%20Synopsis%20Writing1531455748.pdf
• ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279917593_Research_synopsis_guidelines
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/six-steps-to-really-edit-your-paper/

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• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.

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:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

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.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics 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 length

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

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

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”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

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:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

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:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

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.

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:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

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

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:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

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

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit 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.

Cite this Scribbr article

If 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.

McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved August 6, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/

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What (Exactly) Is A Research Proposal?

A simple explainer with examples + free template.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2020 (Updated April 2023)

Whether you’re nearing the end of your degree and your dissertation is on the horizon, or you’re planning to apply for a PhD program, chances are you’ll need to craft a convincing research proposal . If you’re on this page, you’re probably unsure exactly what the research proposal is all about. Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Overview: Research Proposal Basics

• What a research proposal is
• What a research proposal needs to cover
• How to structure your research proposal
• Example /sample proposals
• Proposal writing FAQs
• Key takeaways & additional resources

What is a research proposal?

Simply put, a research proposal is a structured, formal document that explains what you plan to research (your research topic), why it’s worth researching (your justification), and how  you plan to investigate it (your methodology). 

The purpose of the research proposal (its job, so to speak) is to convince  your research supervisor, committee or university that your research is  suitable  (for the requirements of the degree program) and  manageable  (given the time and resource constraints you will face). 

The most important word here is “ convince ” – in other words, your research proposal needs to  sell  your research idea (to whoever is going to approve it). If it doesn’t convince them (of its suitability and manageability), you’ll need to revise and resubmit . This will cost you valuable time, which will either delay the start of your research or eat into its time allowance (which is bad news). 

What goes into a research proposal?

A good dissertation or thesis proposal needs to cover the “ what “, “ why ” and” how ” of the proposed study. Let’s look at each of these attributes in a little more detail:

Your proposal needs to clearly articulate your research topic . This needs to be specific and unambiguous . Your research topic should make it clear exactly what you plan to research and in what context. Here’s an example of a well-articulated research topic:

An investigation into the factors which impact female Generation Y consumer’s likelihood to promote a specific makeup brand to their peers: a British context

As you can see, this topic is extremely clear. From this one line we can see exactly:

• What’s being investigated – factors that make people promote or advocate for a brand of a specific makeup brand
• Who it involves – female Gen-Y consumers
• In what context – the United Kingdom

So, make sure that your research proposal provides a detailed explanation of your research topic . If possible, also briefly outline your research aims and objectives , and perhaps even your research questions (although in some cases you’ll only develop these at a later stage). Needless to say, don’t start writing your proposal until you have a clear topic in mind , or you’ll end up waffling and your research proposal will suffer as a result of this.

Need a helping hand?

As we touched on earlier, it’s not good enough to simply propose a research topic – you need to justify why your topic is original . In other words, what makes it  unique ? What gap in the current literature does it fill? If it’s simply a rehash of the existing research, it’s probably not going to get approval – it needs to be fresh.

But,  originality  alone is not enough. Once you’ve ticked that box, you also need to justify why your proposed topic is  important . In other words, what value will it add to the world if you achieve your research aims?

As an example, let’s look at the sample research topic we mentioned earlier (factors impacting brand advocacy). In this case, if the research could uncover relevant factors, these findings would be very useful to marketers in the cosmetics industry, and would, therefore, have commercial value . That is a clear justification for the research.

So, when you’re crafting your research proposal, remember that it’s not enough for a topic to simply be unique. It needs to be useful and value-creating – and you need to convey that value in your proposal. If you’re struggling to find a research topic that makes the cut, watch  our video covering how to find a research topic .

It’s all good and well to have a great topic that’s original and valuable, but you’re not going to convince anyone to approve it without discussing the practicalities – in other words:

• How will you actually undertake your research (i.e., your methodology)?
• Is your research methodology appropriate given your research aims?
• Is your approach manageable given your constraints (time, money, etc.)?

While it’s generally not expected that you’ll have a fully fleshed-out methodology at the proposal stage, you’ll likely still need to provide a high-level overview of your research methodology . Here are some important questions you’ll need to address in your research proposal:

• Will you take a qualitative , quantitative or mixed -method approach?
• What sampling strategy will you adopt?
• How will you collect your data (e.g., interviews, surveys, etc)?
• How will you analyse your data (e.g., descriptive and inferential statistics , content analysis, discourse analysis, etc, .)?
• What potential limitations will your methodology carry?

So, be sure to give some thought to the practicalities of your research and have at least a basic methodological plan before you start writing up your proposal. If this all sounds rather intimidating, the video below provides a good introduction to research methodology and the key choices you’ll need to make.

How To Structure A Research Proposal

Now that we’ve covered the key points that need to be addressed in a proposal, you may be wondering, “ But how is a research proposal structured? “.

While the exact structure and format required for a research proposal differs from university to university, there are four “essential ingredients” that commonly make up the structure of a research proposal:

• A rich introduction and background to the proposed research
• An initial literature review covering the existing research
• An overview of the proposed research methodology
• A discussion regarding the practicalities (project plans, timelines, etc.)

In the video below, we unpack each of these four sections, step by step.

Research Proposal Examples/Samples

In the video below, we provide a detailed walkthrough of two successful research proposals (Master’s and PhD-level), as well as our popular free proposal template.

Proposal Writing FAQs

How long should a research proposal be.

This varies tremendously, depending on the university, the field of study (e.g., social sciences vs natural sciences), and the level of the degree (e.g. undergraduate, Masters or PhD) – so it’s always best to check with your university what their specific requirements are before you start planning your proposal.

As a rough guide, a formal research proposal at Masters-level often ranges between 2000-3000 words, while a PhD-level proposal can be far more detailed, ranging from 5000-8000 words. In some cases, a rough outline of the topic is all that’s needed, while in other cases, universities expect a very detailed proposal that essentially forms the first three chapters of the dissertation or thesis.

The takeaway – be sure to check with your institution before you start writing.

How do I choose a topic for my research proposal?

Finding a good research topic is a process that involves multiple steps. We cover the topic ideation process in this video post.

How do I write a literature review for my proposal?

While you typically won’t need a comprehensive literature review at the proposal stage, you still need to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the key literature and are able to synthesise it. We explain the literature review process here.

How do I create a timeline and budget for my proposal?

We explain how to craft a project plan/timeline and budget in Research Proposal Bootcamp .

Which referencing format should I use in my research proposal?

The expectations and requirements regarding formatting and referencing vary from institution to institution. Therefore, you’ll need to check this information with your university.

What common proposal writing mistakes do I need to look out for?

We’ve create a video post about some of the most common mistakes students make when writing a proposal – you can access that here . If you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary:

• The research topic is too broad (or just poorly articulated).
• The research aims, objectives and questions don’t align.
• The research topic is not well justified.
• The study has a weak theoretical foundation.
• The research design is not well articulated well enough.
• Poor writing and sloppy presentation.
• Poor project planning and risk management.
• Not following the university’s specific criteria.

Key Takeaways & Additional Resources

As you write up your research proposal, remember the all-important core purpose:  to convince . Your research proposal needs to sell your study in terms of suitability and viability. So, focus on crafting a convincing narrative to ensure a strong proposal.

At the same time, pay close attention to your university’s requirements. While we’ve covered the essentials here, every institution has its own set of expectations and it’s essential that you follow these to maximise your chances of approval.

By the way, we’ve got plenty more resources to help you fast-track your research proposal. Here are some of our most popular resources to get you started:

• Proposal Writing 101 : A Introductory Webinar
• Research Proposal Bootcamp : The Ultimate Online Course
• Template : A basic template to help you craft your proposal

If you’re looking for 1-on-1 support with your research proposal, be sure to check out our private coaching service , where we hold your hand through the proposal development process (and the entire research journey), step by step.

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

51 Comments

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You’re most welcome. We don’t have any research proposals that we can share (the students own the intellectual property), but you might find our research proposal template useful: https://gradcoach.com/research-proposal-template/

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Research synopsis guidelines

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The goal of a research proposal is twofold: 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 detailed methodology for conducting the research consistent with requirements of the professional or academic field and a statement on anticipated outcomes and benefits derived from the study's completion.

Krathwohl, David R. How to Prepare a Dissertation Proposal: Suggestions for Students in Education and the Social and Behavioral Sciences . Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2005.

How to Approach Writing a Research Proposal

Your professor may assign the task of writing a research proposal for the following reasons:

• Develop your skills in thinking about and designing a comprehensive research study;
• Learn how to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature to determine that the research problem has not been adequately addressed or has been answered ineffectively and, in so doing, become better at locating pertinent scholarship related to your topic;
• Improve your general research and writing skills;
• Practice identifying the logical steps that must be taken to accomplish one's research goals;
• Critically review, examine, and consider the use of different methods for gathering and analyzing data related to the research problem; and,
• Nurture a sense of inquisitiveness within yourself and to help see yourself as an active participant in the process of conducting scholarly research.

A proposal should contain all the key elements involved in designing a completed research study, with sufficient information that allows readers to assess the validity and usefulness of your proposed study. The only elements missing from a research proposal are the findings of the study and your analysis of those findings. Finally, an effective proposal is judged on the quality of your writing and, therefore, it is important that your proposal is coherent, clear, and compelling.

Regardless of the research problem you are investigating and the methodology you choose, all research proposals must address the following questions:

• What do you plan to accomplish? Be clear and succinct in defining the research problem and what it is you are proposing to investigate.
• Why do you want to do the research? In addition to detailing your research design, you also must conduct a thorough review of the literature and provide convincing evidence that it is a topic worthy of in-depth study. A successful research proposal must answer the "So What?" question.
• How are you going to conduct the research? Be sure that what you propose is doable. If you're having difficulty formulating a research problem to propose investigating, go here for strategies in developing a problem to study.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failure to be concise . A research proposal must be focused and not be "all over the map" or diverge into unrelated tangents without a clear sense of purpose.
• Failure to cite landmark works in your literature review . Proposals should be grounded in foundational research that lays a foundation for understanding the development and scope of the the topic and its relevance.
• Failure to delimit the contextual scope of your research [e.g., time, place, people, etc.]. As with any research paper, your proposed study must inform the reader how and in what ways the study will frame the problem.
• Failure to develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed research . This is critical. In many workplace settings, the research proposal is a formal document intended to argue for why a study should be funded.
• Sloppy or imprecise writing, or poor grammar . Although a research proposal does not represent a completed research study, there is still an expectation that it is well-written and follows the style and rules of good academic writing.
• Too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues . Your proposal should focus on only a few key research questions in order to support the argument that the research needs to be conducted. Minor issues, even if valid, can be mentioned but they should not dominate the overall narrative.

Procter, Margaret. The Academic Proposal.  The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Sanford, Keith. Information for Students: Writing a Research Proposal. Baylor University; Wong, Paul T. P. How to Write a Research Proposal. International Network on Personal Meaning. Trinity Western University; Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences, Articles, and Books. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing a Research Proposal. University Library. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Structure and Writing Style

Beginning the Proposal Process

As with writing most college-level academic papers, research proposals are generally organized the same way throughout most social science disciplines. The text of proposals generally vary in length between ten and thirty-five pages, followed by the list of references. However, before you begin, read the assignment carefully and, if anything seems unclear, ask your professor whether there are any specific requirements for organizing and writing the proposal.

A good place to begin is to ask yourself a series of questions:

• What do I want to study?
• Why is the topic important?
• How is it significant within the subject areas covered in my class?
• What problems will it help solve?
• How does it build upon [and hopefully go beyond] research already conducted on the topic?
• What exactly should I plan to do, and can I get it done in the time available?

In general, a compelling research proposal should document your knowledge of the topic and demonstrate your enthusiasm for conducting the study. Approach it with the intention of leaving your readers feeling like, "Wow, that's an exciting idea and I can’t wait to see how it turns out!"

Most proposals should include the following sections:

I.  Introduction

In the real world of higher education, a research proposal is most often written by scholars seeking grant funding for a research project or it's the first step in getting approval to write a doctoral dissertation. Even if this is just a course assignment, treat your introduction as the initial pitch of an idea based on a thorough examination of the significance of a research problem. After reading the introduction, your readers should not only have an understanding of what you want to do, but they should also be able to gain a sense of your passion for the topic and to be excited about the study's possible outcomes. Note that most proposals do not include an abstract [summary] before the introduction.

Think about your introduction as a narrative written in two to four paragraphs that succinctly answers the following four questions :

• What is the central research problem?
• What is the topic of study related to that research problem?
• What methods should be used to analyze the research problem?
• Answer the "So What?" question by explaining why this is important research, what is its significance, and why should someone reading the proposal care about the outcomes of the proposed study?

II.  Background and Significance

This is where you explain the scope and context of your proposal and describe in detail why it's important. It can be melded into your introduction or you can create a separate section to help with the organization and narrative flow of your proposal. Approach writing this section with the thought that you can’t assume your readers will know as much about the research problem as you do. Note that this section is not an essay going over everything you have learned about the topic; instead, you must choose what is most relevant in explaining the aims of your research.

To that end, while there are no prescribed rules for establishing the significance of your proposed study, you should attempt to address some or all of the following:

• State the research problem and give a more detailed explanation about the purpose of the study than what you stated in the introduction. This is particularly important if the problem is complex or multifaceted .
• Present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth doing; be sure to answer the "So What? question [i.e., why should anyone care?].
• Describe the major issues or problems examined by your research. This can be in the form of questions to be addressed. Be sure to note how your proposed study builds on previous assumptions about the research problem.
• Explain the methods you plan to use for conducting your research. Clearly identify the key sources you intend to use and explain how they will contribute to your analysis of the topic.
• Describe the boundaries of your proposed research in order to provide a clear focus. Where appropriate, state not only what you plan to study, but what aspects of the research problem will be excluded from the study.
• If necessary, provide definitions of key concepts, theories, or terms.

III.  Literature Review

Connected to the background and significance of your study is a section of your proposal devoted to a more deliberate review and synthesis of prior studies related to the research problem under investigation . The purpose here is to place your project within the larger whole of what is currently being explored, while at the same time, demonstrating to your readers that your work is original and innovative. Think about what questions other researchers have asked, what methodological approaches they have used, and what is your understanding of their findings and, when stated, their recommendations. Also pay attention to any suggestions for further research.

Since a literature review is information dense, it is crucial that this section is intelligently structured to enable a reader to grasp the key arguments underpinning your proposed study in relation to the arguments put forth by other researchers. A good strategy is to break the literature into "conceptual categories" [themes] rather than systematically or chronologically describing groups of materials one at a time. Note that conceptual categories generally reveal themselves after you have read most of the pertinent literature on your topic so adding new categories is an on-going process of discovery as you review more studies. How do you know you've covered the key conceptual categories underlying the research literature? Generally, you can have confidence that all of the significant conceptual categories have been identified if you start to see repetition in the conclusions or recommendations that are being made.

NOTE: Do not shy away from challenging the conclusions made in prior research as a basis for supporting the need for your proposal. Assess what you believe is missing and state how previous research has failed to adequately examine the issue that your study addresses. Highlighting the problematic conclusions strengthens your proposal. For more information on writing literature reviews, GO HERE .

To help frame your proposal's review of prior research, consider the "five C’s" of writing a literature review:

• Cite , so as to keep the primary focus on the literature pertinent to your research problem.
• Compare the various arguments, theories, methodologies, and findings expressed in the literature: what do the authors agree on? Who applies similar approaches to analyzing the research problem?
• Contrast the various arguments, themes, methodologies, approaches, and controversies expressed in the literature: describe what are the major areas of disagreement, controversy, or debate among scholars?
• Critique the literature: Which arguments are more persuasive, and why? Which approaches, findings, and methodologies seem most reliable, valid, or appropriate, and why? Pay attention to the verbs you use to describe what an author says/does [e.g., asserts, demonstrates, argues, etc.].
• Connect the literature to your own area of research and investigation: how does your own work draw upon, depart from, synthesize, or add a new perspective to what has been said in the literature?

IV.  Research Design and Methods

This section must be well-written and logically organized because you are not actually doing the research, yet, your reader must have confidence that you have a plan worth pursuing . The reader will never have a study outcome from which to evaluate whether your methodological choices were the correct ones. Thus, the objective here is to convince the reader that your overall research design and proposed methods of analysis will correctly address the problem and that the methods will provide the means to effectively interpret the potential results. Your design and methods should be unmistakably tied to the specific aims of your study.

Describe the overall research design by building upon and drawing examples from your review of the literature. Consider not only methods that other researchers have used, but methods of data gathering that have not been used but perhaps could be. Be specific about the methodological approaches you plan to undertake to obtain information, the techniques you would use to analyze the data, and the tests of external validity to which you commit yourself [i.e., the trustworthiness by which you can generalize from your study to other people, places, events, and/or periods of time].

When describing the methods you will use, be sure to cover the following:

• Specify the research process you will undertake and the way you will interpret the results obtained in relation to the research problem. Don't just describe what you intend to achieve from applying the methods you choose, but state how you will spend your time while applying these methods [e.g., coding text from interviews to find statements about the need to change school curriculum; running a regression to determine if there is a relationship between campaign advertising on social media sites and election outcomes in Europe ].
• Keep in mind that the methodology is not just a list of tasks; it is a deliberate argument as to why techniques for gathering information add up to the best way to investigate the research problem. This is an important point because the mere listing of tasks to be performed does not demonstrate that, collectively, they effectively address the research problem. Be sure you clearly explain this.
• Anticipate and acknowledge any potential barriers and pitfalls in carrying out your research design and explain how you plan to address them. No method applied to research in the social and behavioral sciences is perfect, so you need to describe where you believe challenges may exist in obtaining data or accessing information. It's always better to acknowledge this than to have it brought up by your professor!

V.  Preliminary Suppositions and Implications

Just because you don't have to actually conduct the study and analyze the results, doesn't mean you can skip talking about the analytical process and potential implications . The purpose of this section is to argue how and in what ways you believe your research will refine, revise, or extend existing knowledge in the subject area under investigation. Depending on the aims and objectives of your study, describe how the anticipated results will impact future scholarly research, theory, practice, forms of interventions, or policy making. Note that such discussions may have either substantive [a potential new policy], theoretical [a potential new understanding], or methodological [a potential new way of analyzing] significance.   When thinking about the potential implications of your study, ask the following questions:

• What might the results mean in regards to challenging the theoretical framework and underlying assumptions that support the study?
• What suggestions for subsequent research could arise from the potential outcomes of the study?
• What will the results mean to practitioners in the natural settings of their workplace, organization, or community?
• Will the results influence programs, methods, and/or forms of intervention?
• How might the results contribute to the solution of social, economic, or other types of problems?
• Will the results influence policy decisions?
• In what way do individuals or groups benefit should your study be pursued?
• What will be improved or changed as a result of the proposed research?
• How will the results of the study be implemented and what innovations or transformative insights could emerge from the process of implementation?

NOTE:   This section should not delve into idle speculation, opinion, or be formulated on the basis of unclear evidence . The purpose is to reflect upon gaps or understudied areas of the current literature and describe how your proposed research contributes to a new understanding of the research problem should the study be implemented as designed.

ANOTHER NOTE : This section is also where you describe any potential limitations to your proposed study. While it is impossible to highlight all potential limitations because the study has yet to be conducted, you still must tell the reader where and in what form impediments may arise and how you plan to address them.

VI.  Conclusion

The conclusion reiterates the importance or significance of your proposal and provides a brief summary of the entire study . This section should be only one or two paragraphs long, emphasizing why the research problem is worth investigating, why your research study is unique, and how it should advance existing knowledge.

Someone reading this section should come away with an understanding of:

• Why the study should be done;
• The specific purpose of the study and the research questions it attempts to answer;
• The decision for why the research design and methods used where chosen over other options;
• The potential implications emerging from your proposed study of the research problem; and
• A sense of how your study fits within the broader scholarship about the research problem.

VII.  Citations

As with any scholarly research paper, you must cite the sources you used . In a standard research proposal, this section can take two forms, so consult with your professor about which one is preferred.

• References -- a list of only the sources you actually used in creating your proposal.
• Bibliography -- a list of everything you used in creating your proposal, along with additional citations to any key sources relevant to understanding the research problem.

In either case, this section should testify to the fact that you did enough preparatory work to ensure the project will complement and not just duplicate the efforts of other researchers. It demonstrates to the reader that you have a thorough understanding of prior research on the topic.

Most proposal formats have you start a new page and use the heading "References" or "Bibliography" centered at the top of the page. Cited works should always use a standard format that follows the writing style advised by the discipline of your course [e.g., education=APA; history=Chicago] or that is preferred by your professor. This section normally does not count towards the total page length of your research proposal.

Develop a Research Proposal: Writing the Proposal. Office of Library Information Services. Baltimore County Public Schools; Heath, M. Teresa Pereira and Caroline Tynan. “Crafting a Research Proposal.” The Marketing Review 10 (Summer 2010): 147-168; Jones, Mark. “Writing a Research Proposal.” In MasterClass in Geography Education: Transforming Teaching and Learning . Graham Butt, editor. (New York: Bloomsbury Academic, 2015), pp. 113-127; Juni, Muhamad Hanafiah. “Writing a Research Proposal.” International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences 1 (September/October 2014): 229-240; Krathwohl, David R. How to Prepare a Dissertation Proposal: Suggestions for Students in Education and the Social and Behavioral Sciences . Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2005; Procter, Margaret. The Academic Proposal. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Punch, Keith and Wayne McGowan. "Developing and Writing a Research Proposal." In From Postgraduate to Social Scientist: A Guide to Key Skills . Nigel Gilbert, ed. (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2006), 59-81; Wong, Paul T. P. How to Write a Research Proposal. International Network on Personal Meaning. Trinity Western University; Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences , Articles, and Books. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing a Research Proposal. University Library. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on 30 October 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on 13 June 2023.

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:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

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 organised and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, frequently asked questions.

Academics 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 length

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

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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’
• Example research proposal #2: ‘ Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use’

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

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:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

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:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesise prior scholarship

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.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasise again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

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

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:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

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.

Cite this Scribbr article

If 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 Reference Generator.

McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, June 13). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved 5 August 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/the-research-process/research-proposal-explained/

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What Is a Research Proposal?

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When applying for a research grant or scholarship, or, just before you start a major research project, you may be asked to write a preliminary document that includes basic information about your future research. This is the information that is usually needed in your proposal:

• The topic and goal of the research project.
• The kind of result expected from the research.
• The theory or framework in which the research will be done and presented.
• What kind of methods will be used (statistical, empirical, etc.).
• Short reference on the preliminary scholarship and why your research project is needed; how will it continue/justify/disprove the previous scholarship.
• How much will the research project cost; how will it be budgeted (what for the money will be spent).
• Why is it you who can do this research and not somebody else.

Most agencies that offer scholarships or grants provide information about the required format of the proposal. It may include filling out templates, types of information they need, suggested/maximum length of the proposal, etc.

Research proposal formats vary depending on the size of the planned research, the number of participants, the discipline, the characteristics of the research, etc. The following outline assumes an individual researcher. This is just a SAMPLE; several other ways are equally good and can be successful. If possible, discuss your research proposal with an expert in writing, a professor, your colleague, another student who already wrote successful proposals, etc.

• Author, author's affiliation
• Explain the topic and why you chose it. If possible explain your goal/outcome of the research . How much time you need to complete the research?
• Give a brief summary of previous scholarship and explain why your topic and goals are important.
• Relate your planned research to previous scholarship. What will your research add to our knowledge of the topic.
• Break down the main topic into smaller research questions. List them one by one and explain why these questions need to be investigated. Relate them to previous scholarship.
• Include your hypothesis into the descriptions of the detailed research issues if you have one. Explain why it is important to justify your hypothesis.
• This part depends of the methods conducted in the research process. List the methods; explain how the results will be presented; how they will be assessed.
• Explain what kind of results will justify or  disprove your hypothesis. 
• Explain how much money you need.
• Explain the details of the budget (how much you want to spend for what).
• Describe why your research is important.
• List the sources you have used for writing the research proposal, including a few main citations of the preliminary scholarship.

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Writing a Research Proposal

Parts of a research proposal, prosana model, introduction, research question, methodology.

• Structure of a Research Proposal
• Common Proposal Writing Mistakes
• Proposal Writing Resources

A research proposal's purpose is to capture the evaluator's attention, demonstrate the study's potential benefits, and prove that it is a logical and consistent approach (Van Ekelenburg, 2010).  To ensure that your research proposal contains these elements, there are several aspects to include in your proposal (Al-Riyami, 2008):

• Objective(s)
• Variables (independent and dependent)
• Research Question and/or hypothesis

Details about what to include in each element are included in the boxes below.  Depending on the topic of your study, some parts may not apply to your proposal.  You can also watch the video below for a brief overview about writing a successful research proposal.

Van Ekelenburg (2010) uses the PROSANA Model to guide researchers in developing rationale and justification for their research projects.  It is an acronym that connects the problem, solution, and benefits of a particular research project.  It is an easy way to remember the critical parts of a research proposal and how they relate to one another.  It includes the following letters (Van Ekelenburg, 2010):

• Problem: Describing the main problem that the researcher is trying to solve.
• Root causes: Describing what is causing the problem.  Why is the topic an issue?
• fOcus: Narrowing down one of the underlying causes on which the researcher will focus for their research project.
• Solutions: Listing potential solutions or approaches to fix to the problem.  There could be more than one.
• Approach: Selecting the solution that the researcher will want to focus on.
• Novelty: Describing how the solution will address or solve the problem.
• Arguments: Explaining how the proposed solution will benefit the problem.

Research proposal titles should be concise and to the point, but informative.  The title of your proposal may be different from the title of your final research project, but that is completely normal!  Your findings may help you come up with a title that is more fitting for the final project.  Characteristics of good proposal titles are (Al-Riyami, 2008):

• Catchy: It catches the reader's attention by peaking their interest.
• Positive: It spins your project in a positive way towards the reader.
• Transparent: It identifies the independent and dependent variables.

It is also common for proposal titles to be very similar to your research question, hypothesis, or thesis statement (Locke et al., 2007).

An abstract is a brief summary (about 300 words) of the study you are proposing.  It includes the following elements (Al-Riyami, 2008):

• Your primary research question(s).
• Hypothesis or main argument.
• Method you will use to complete the study.  This may include the design, sample population, or measuring instruments that you plan to use.

Our guide on writing summaries may help you with this step.

The purpose of the introduction is to give readers background information about your topic.  it gives the readers a basic understanding of your topic so that they can further understand the significance of your proposal.  A good introduction will explain (Al-Riyami, 2008):

• How it relates to other research done on the topic
• Why your research is significant to the field
• The relevance of your study

Your research objectives are the desired outcomes that you will achieve from the research project.  Depending on your research design, these may be generic or very specific.  You may also have more than one objective (Al-Riyami, 2008).

• General objectives are what the research project will accomplish
• Specific objectives relate to the research questions that the researcher aims to answer through the study.

Be careful not to have too many objectives in your proposal, as having too many can make your project lose focus.  Plus, it may not be possible to achieve several objectives in one study.

This section describes the different types of variables that you plan to have in your study and how you will measure them.  According to Al-Riyami (2008), there are four types of research variables:

• Independent:  The person, object, or idea that is manipulated by the researcher.
• Dependent:  The person, object, or idea whose changes are dependent upon the independent variable.  Typically, it is the item that the researcher is measuring for the study.
• Confounding/Intervening:  Factors that may influence the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.  These include physical and mental barriers.  Not every study will have intervening variables, but they should be studied if applicable.
• Background:   Factors that are relevant to the study's data and how it can be generalized.  Examples include demographic information such as age, sex, and ethnicity.

Your research proposal should describe each of your variables and how they relate to one another.  Depending on your study, you may not have all four types of variables present.  However, there will always be an independent and dependent variable.

A research question is the main piece of your research project because it explains what your study will discover to the reader.  It is the question that fuels the study, so it is important for it to be precise and unique.  You do not want it to be too broad, and it should identify a relationship between two variables (an independent and a dependent) (Al-Riyami, 2008).  There are six types of research questions (Academic Writer, n.d.):

• Example: "Do people get nervous before speaking in front of an audience?"
• Example: "What are the study habits of college freshmen at Tiffin University?"
• Example: "What primary traits create a successful romantic relationship?"
• Example: "Is there a relationship between a child's performance in school and their parents' socioeconomic status?"
• Example: "Are high school seniors more motivated than high school freshmen?"
• Example: "Do news media outlets impact a person's political opinions?"

For more information on the different types of research questions, you can view the "Research Questions and Hypotheses" tutorial on Academic Writer, located below.  If you are unfamiliar with Academic Writer, we also have a tutorial on using the database located below.

Compose papers in pre-formatted APA templates. Manage references in forms that help craft APA citations. Learn the rules of APA style through tutorials and practice quizzes.

Academic Writer will continue to use the 6th edition guidelines until August 2020. A preview of the 7th edition is available in the footer of the resource's site. Previously known as APA Style Central.

• Academic Writer Tutorial by Pfeiffer Library Last Updated May 22, 2023 38390 views this year

If you know enough about your research topic that you believe a particular outcome may occur as a result of the study, you can include a hypothesis (thesis statement) in your proposal.  A hypothesis is a prediction that you believe will be the outcome of your study.  It explains what you think the relationship will be between the independent and dependent variable (Al-Riyami, 2008).  It is ok if the hypothesis in your proposal turns out to be incorrect, because it is only a prediction!  If you are writing a proposal in the humanities, you may be writing a thesis statement instead of a hypothesis.  A thesis presents the main argument of your research project and leads to corresponding evidence to support your argument.

Hypotheses vs. Theories

Hypotheses are different from theories in that theories represent general principles and sets of rules that explain different phenomena.  They typically represent large areas of study because they are applicable to anything in a particular field.  Hypotheses focus on specific areas within a field and are educated guesses, meaning that they have the potential to be proven wrong (Academic Writer, n.d.).  Because of this, hypotheses can also be formed from theories.

For more information on writing effective thesis statements, you can view our guide on writing thesis statements below.

In a research proposal, you must thoroughly explain how you will conduct your study.  This includes things such as (Al-Riyami, 2008):

• Research design:  What research approach will your study take?  Will it be quantitative or qualitative?
• Research subjects/participants:  Who will be participating in your study?  Does your study require human participants?  How will you determine who to study?
• Sample size:  How many participants will your study require?  If you are not using human participants, how much of the sample will you be studying?
• Timeline:  A proposed list of the general tasks and events that you plan to complete the study.  This will include a time frame for each task/event and the order in which they will be completed.
• Interventions:  If you plan on using anything on human participants for the study, you must include information it here.  This is especially important if you plan on using any substances on human subjects.
• Ethical issues:  Are there any potential ethical issues surrounding this study?
• Potential limitations:  Are there any limitations that could skew the data and findings from your study?
• Appendixes:  If you need to present any consent forms, interview questions, surveys, questionnaires, or other items that will be used in your study, you should include samples of each item with an appendix to reference them.  If you are using a copyrighted document, you may need written permission from the original creator to use it in your study.  A copy of the written permission should be included in your proposal.
• Setting:  Where will you be conducting the study?
• Study instruments:  What measuring tools or computer software will you be using to collect data?  How will you collect the data?
• How you will analyze the data:  What strategies or tools will you use to analyze the data you collect?
• Quality control:  Will you have precautions in place to ensure that the study is conducted consistently and that outside factors will not skew the data?
• Budget:  What type of funding will you need for your study?  This will include the funds needed to afford measuring tools, software, etc.
• How you will share the study's findings:  What will you plan to do with the findings?
• Significance of the study: How will your study expand on existing knowledge of the subject area?

For more information on research methodologies, you can view our guide on research methods and methodologies below.

• Research Methodologies by Pfeiffer Library Last Updated Aug 2, 2022 45407 views this year
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Writing a Scientific Research Project Proposal

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The importance of a well-written research proposal cannot be underestimated. Your research really is only as good as your proposal. A poorly written, or poorly conceived research proposal will doom even an otherwise worthy project. On the other hand, a well-written, high-quality proposal will increase your chances for success.

In this article, we’ll outline the basics of writing an effective scientific research proposal, including the differences between research proposals, grants and cover letters. We’ll also touch on common mistakes made when submitting research proposals, as well as a simple example or template that you can follow.

What is a scientific research proposal?

The main purpose of a scientific research proposal is to convince your audience that your project is worthwhile, and that you have the expertise and wherewithal to complete it. The elements of an effective research proposal mirror those of the research process itself, which we’ll outline below. Essentially, the research proposal should include enough information for the reader to determine if your proposed study is worth pursuing.

It is not an uncommon misunderstanding to think that a research proposal and a cover letter are the same things. However, they are different. The main difference between a research proposal vs cover letter content is distinct. Whereas the research proposal summarizes the proposal for future research, the cover letter connects you to the research, and how you are the right person to complete the proposed research.

There is also sometimes confusion around a research proposal vs grant application. Whereas a research proposal is a statement of intent, related to answering a research question, a grant application is a specific request for funding to complete the research proposed. Of course, there are elements of overlap between the two documents; it’s the purpose of the document that defines one or the other.

Scientific Research Proposal Format

Although there is no one way to write a scientific research proposal, there are specific guidelines. A lot depends on which journal you’re submitting your research proposal to, so you may need to follow their scientific research proposal template.

In general, however, there are fairly universal sections to every scientific research proposal. These include:

• Title: Make sure the title of your proposal is descriptive and concise. Make it catch and informative at the same time, avoiding dry phrases like, “An investigation…” Your title should pique the interest of the reader.
• Abstract: This is a brief (300-500 words) summary that includes the research question, your rationale for the study, and any applicable hypothesis. You should also include a brief description of your methodology, including procedures, samples, instruments, etc.
• Introduction: The opening paragraph of your research proposal is, perhaps, the most important. Here you want to introduce the research problem in a creative way, and demonstrate your understanding of the need for the research. You want the reader to think that your proposed research is current, important and relevant.
• Background: Include a brief history of the topic and link it to a contemporary context to show its relevance for today. Identify key researchers and institutions also looking at the problem
• Literature Review: This is the section that may take the longest amount of time to assemble. Here you want to synthesize prior research, and place your proposed research into the larger picture of what’s been studied in the past. You want to show your reader that your work is original, and adds to the current knowledge.
• Research Design and Methodology: This section should be very clearly and logically written and organized. You are letting your reader know that you know what you are going to do, and how. The reader should feel confident that you have the skills and knowledge needed to get the project done.
• Preliminary Implications: Here you’ll be outlining how you anticipate your research will extend current knowledge in your field. You might also want to discuss how your findings will impact future research needs.
• Conclusion: This section reinforces the significance and importance of your proposed research, and summarizes the entire proposal.
• References/Citations: Of course, you need to include a full and accurate list of any and all sources you used to write your research proposal.

Common Mistakes in Writing a Scientific Research Project Proposal

Remember, the best research proposal can be rejected if it’s not well written or is ill-conceived. The most common mistakes made include:

• Not providing the proper context for your research question or the problem
• Failing to reference landmark/key studies
• Losing focus of the research question or problem
• Not accurately presenting contributions by other researchers and institutions
• Incompletely developing a persuasive argument for the research that is being proposed
• Misplaced attention on minor points and/or not enough detail on major issues
• Sloppy, low-quality writing without effective logic and flow
• Incorrect or lapses in references and citations, and/or references not in proper format
• The proposal is too long – or too short

Scientific Research Proposal Example

There are countless examples that you can find for successful research proposals. In addition, you can also find examples of unsuccessful research proposals. Search for successful research proposals in your field, and even for your target journal, to get a good idea on what specifically your audience may be looking for.

While there’s no one example that will show you everything you need to know, looking at a few will give you a good idea of what you need to include in your own research proposal. Talk, also, to colleagues in your field, especially if you are a student or a new researcher. We can often learn from the mistakes of others. The more prepared and knowledgeable you are prior to writing your research proposal, the more likely you are to succeed.

One of the top reasons scientific research proposals are rejected is due to poor logic and flow. Check out our Language Editing Services to ensure a great proposal , that’s clear and concise, and properly referenced. Check our video for more information, and get started today.

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How to write a research proposal

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.

Your title should clearly indicate what your proposed research is about.

Research supervisor

State the name, department and faculty or school of the academic who has agreed to supervise you. Rest assured, your research supervisor will work with you to refine your research proposal ahead of submission to ensure it meets the needs of your discipline.

Proposed mode of research

Describe your proposed mode of research. Which may be closely linked to your discipline, and is where you will describe the style or format of your research, e.g. data, field research, composition, written work, social performance and mixed media etc. 

This is not required for research in the sciences, but your research supervisor will be able to guide you on discipline-specific requirements.

Aims and objectives

What are you trying to achieve with your research? What is the purpose? This section should reference why you're applying for a research degree. Are you addressing a gap in the current research? Do you want to look at a theory more closely and test it out? Is there something you're trying to prove or disprove? To help you clarify this, think about the potential outcome of your research if you were successful – that is your aim. Make sure that this is a focused statement.

Your objectives will be your aim broken down – the steps to achieving the intended outcome. They are the smaller proof points that will underpin your research's purpose. Be logical in the order of how you present these so that each succeeds the previous, i.e. if you need to achieve 'a' before 'b' before 'c', then make sure you order your objectives a, b, c.

A concise summary of what your research is about. It outlines the key aspects of what you will investigate as well as the expected outcomes. It briefly covers the what, why and how of your research. 

A good way to evaluate if you have written a strong synopsis, is to get somebody to read it without reading the rest of your research proposal. Would they know what your research is about?

Now that you have your question clarified, it is time to explain the why. Here, you need to demonstrate an understanding of the current research climate in your area of interest.

Providing context around your research topic through a literature review will show the assessor that you understand current dialogue around your research, and what is published.

Demonstrate you have a strong understanding of the key topics, significant studies and notable researchers in your area of research and how these have contributed to the current landscape.

Expected research contribution

In this section, you should consider the following:

• Why is your research question or hypothesis worth asking?
• How is the current research lacking or falling short?
• What impact will your research have on the discipline?
• Will you be extending an area of knowledge, applying it to new contexts, solving a problem, testing a theory, or challenging an existing one?
• Establish why your research is important by convincing your audience there is a gap.
• What will be the outcome of your research contribution?
• Demonstrate both your current level of knowledge and how the pursuit of your question or hypothesis will create a new understanding and generate new information.
• Show how your research is innovative and original.

Draw links between your research and the faculty or school you are applying at, and explain why you have chosen your supervisor, and what research have they or their school done to reinforce and support your own work. Cite these reasons to demonstrate how your research will benefit and contribute to the current body of knowledge.

Proposed methodology

Provide an overview of the methodology and techniques you will use to conduct your research. Cover what materials and equipment you will use, what theoretical frameworks will you draw on, and how will you collect data.

Highlight why you have chosen this particular methodology, but also why others may not have been as suitable. You need to demonstrate that you have put thought into your approach and why it's the most appropriate way to carry out your research. 

It should also highlight potential limitations you anticipate, feasibility within time and other constraints, ethical considerations and how you will address these, as well as general resources.

A work plan is a critical component of your research proposal because it indicates the feasibility of completion within the timeframe and supports you in achieving your objectives throughout your degree.

Consider the milestones you aim to achieve at each stage of your research. A PhD or master's degree by research can take two to four years of full-time study to complete. It might be helpful to offer year one in detail and the following years in broader terms. Ultimately you have to show that your research is likely to be both original and finished – and that you understand the time involved.

Provide details of the resources you will need to carry out your research project. Consider equipment, fieldwork expenses, travel and a proposed budget, to indicate how realistic your research proposal is in terms of financial requirements and whether any adjustments are needed.

Bibliography

Provide a list of references that you've made throughout your research proposal. 

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Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: Writing a Research Proposal

• Purpose of Guide
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Design Flaws to Avoid
• Independent and Dependent Variables
• Narrowing a Topic Idea
• Broadening a Topic Idea
• The Research Problem/Question
• Academic Writing Style
• Choosing a Title
• Making an Outline
• Paragraph Development
• The C.A.R.S. Model
• Background Information
• Theoretical Framework
• Citation Tracking
• Evaluating Sources
• Reading Research Effectively
• Primary Sources
• Secondary Sources
• What Is Scholarly vs. Popular?
• Is it Peer-Reviewed?
• Qualitative Methods
• Quantitative Methods
• Common Grammar Mistakes
• Writing Concisely
• Avoiding Plagiarism [linked guide]
• Annotated Bibliography
• Grading Someone Else's Paper

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 the research are governed by standards within the predominant discipline in which the problem resides, so 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 detailed methodology for conducting the research consistent with requirements of the professional or academic field and a statement on anticipated outcomes and/or benefits derived from the study's completion.

Krathwohl, David R. How to Prepare a Dissertation Proposal: Suggestions for Students in Education and the Social and Behavioral Sciences . Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2005.

How to Approach Writing a Research Proposal

Your professor may assign the task of writing a research proposal for the following reasons:

• Develop your skills in thinking about and designing a comprehensive research study;
• Learn how to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature to ensure a research problem has not already been answered [or you may determine the problem has been answered ineffectively] and, in so doing, become better at locating scholarship related to your topic;
• Improve your general research and writing skills;
• Practice identifying the logical steps that must be taken to accomplish one's research goals;
• Critically review, examine, and consider the use of different methods for gathering and analyzing data related to the research problem; and,
• Nurture a sense of inquisitiveness within yourself and to help see yourself as an active participant in the process of doing scholarly research.

A proposal should contain all the key elements involved in designing a completed research study, with sufficient information that allows readers to assess the validity and usefulness of your proposed study. The only elements missing from a research proposal are the findings of the study and your analysis of those results. Finally, an effective proposal is judged on the quality of your writing and, therefore, it is important that your writing is coherent, clear, and compelling.

Regardless of the research problem you are investigating and the methodology you choose, all research proposals must address the following questions:

• What do you plan to accomplish? Be clear and succinct in defining the research problem and what it is you are proposing to research.
• Why do you want to do it? In addition to detailing your research design, you also must conduct a thorough review of the literature and provide convincing evidence that it is a topic worthy of study. Be sure to answer the "So What?" question.
• How are you going to do it? Be sure that what you propose is doable. If you're having trouble formulating a research problem to propose investigating, go here .

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failure to be concise; being "all over the map" without a clear sense of purpose.
• Failure to cite landmark works in your literature review.
• Failure to delimit the contextual boundaries of your research [e.g., time, place, people, etc.].
• Failure to develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed research.
• Failure to stay focused on the research problem; going off on unrelated tangents.
• Sloppy or imprecise writing, or poor grammar.
• Too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues.

Procter, Margaret. The Academic Proposal .  The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Sanford, Keith. Information for Students: Writing a Research Proposal . Baylor University; Wong, Paul T. P. How to Write a Research Proposal . International Network on Personal Meaning. Trinity Western University; Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences, Articles, and Books . The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing a Research Proposal . University Library. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Structure and Writing Style

Beginning the Proposal Process

As with writing a regular academic paper, research proposals are generally organized the same way throughout most social science disciplines. Proposals vary between ten and twenty-five pages in length. However, before you begin, read the assignment carefully and, if anything seems unclear, ask your professor whether there are any specific requirements for organizing and writing the proposal.

A good place to begin is to ask yourself a series of questions:

• What do I want to study?
• Why is the topic important?
• How is it significant within the subject areas covered in my class?
• What problems will it help solve?
• How does it build upon [and hopefully go beyond] research already conducted on the topic?
• What exactly should I plan to do, and can I get it done in the time available?

In general, a compelling research proposal should document your knowledge of the topic and demonstrate your enthusiasm for conducting the study. Approach it with the intention of leaving your readers feeling like--"Wow, that's an exciting idea and I can’t wait to see how it turns out!"

In general your proposal should include the following sections:

I.  Introduction

In the real world of higher education, a research proposal is most often written by scholars seeking grant funding for a research project or it's the first step in getting approval to write a doctoral dissertation. Even if this is just a course assignment, treat your introduction as the initial pitch of an idea or a thorough examination of the significance of a research problem. After reading the introduction, your readers should not only have an understanding of what you want to do, but they should also be able to gain a sense of your passion for the topic and be excited about the study's possible outcomes. Note that most proposals do not include an abstract [summary] before the introduction.

Think about your introduction as a narrative written in one to three paragraphs that succinctly answers the following four questions :

• What is the central research problem?
• What is the topic of study related to that problem?
• What methods should be used to analyze the research problem?
• Why is this important research, what is its significance, and why should someone reading the proposal care about the outcomes of the proposed study?

II.  Background and Significance

This section can be melded into your introduction or you can create a separate section to help with the organization and narrative flow of your proposal. This is where you explain the context of your proposal and describe in detail why it's important. Approach writing this section with the thought that you can’t assume your readers will know as much about the research problem as you do. Note that this section is not an essay going over everything you have learned about the topic; instead, you must choose what is relevant to help explain the goals for your study.

To that end, while there are no hard and fast rules, you should attempt to address some or all of the following key points:

• State the research problem and give a more detailed explanation about the purpose of the study than what you stated in the introduction. This is particularly important if the problem is complex or multifaceted .
• Present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth doing. Answer the "So What? question [i.e., why should anyone care].
• Describe the major issues or problems to be addressed by your research. Be sure to note how your proposed study builds on previous assumptions about the research problem.
• Explain how you plan to go about conducting your research. Clearly identify the key sources you intend to use and explain how they will contribute to your analysis of the topic.
• Set the boundaries of your proposed research in order to provide a clear focus. Where appropriate, state not only what you will study, but what is excluded from the study.
• If necessary, provide definitions of key concepts or terms.

III.  Literature Review

Connected to the background and significance of your study is a section of your proposal devoted to a more deliberate review and synthesis of prior studies related to the research problem under investigation . The purpose here is to place your project within the larger whole of what is currently being explored, while demonstrating to your readers that your work is original and innovative. Think about what questions other researchers have asked, what methods they have used, and what is your understanding of their findings and, where stated, their recommendations. Do not be afraid to challenge the conclusions of prior research. Assess what you believe is missing and state how previous research has failed to adequately examine the issue that your study addresses. For more information on writing literature reviews, GO HERE .

Since a literature review is information dense, it is crucial that this section is intelligently structured to enable a reader to grasp the key arguments underpinning your study in relation to that of other researchers. A good strategy is to break the literature into "conceptual categories" [themes] rather than systematically describing groups of materials one at a time. Note that conceptual categories generally reveal themselves after you have read most of the pertinent literature on your topic so adding new categories is an on-going process of discovery as you read more studies. How do you know you've covered the key conceptual categories underlying the research literature? Generally, you can have confidence that all of the significant conceptual categories have been identified if you start to see repetition in the conclusions or recommendations that are being made.

To help frame your proposal's literature review, here are the "five C’s" of writing a literature review:

• Cite , so as to keep the primary focus on the literature pertinent to your research problem.
• Compare the various arguments, theories, methodologies, and findings expressed in the literature: what do the authors agree on? Who applies similar approaches to analyzing the research problem?
• Contrast the various arguments, themes, methodologies, approaches, and controversies expressed in the literature: what are the major areas of disagreement, controversy, or debate?
• Critique the literature: Which arguments are more persuasive, and why? Which approaches, findings, methodologies seem most reliable, valid, or appropriate, and why? Pay attention to the verbs you use to describe what an author says/does [e.g., asserts, demonstrates, argues, etc.] .
• Connect the literature to your own area of research and investigation: how does your own work draw upon, depart from, synthesize, or add a new perspective to what has been said in the literature?

IV.  Research Design and Methods

This section must be well-written and logically organized because you are not actually doing the research, yet, your reader must have confidence that it is worth pursuing . The reader will never have a study outcome from which to evaluate whether your methodological choices were the correct ones. Thus, the objective here is to convince the reader that your overall research design and methods of analysis will correctly address the problem and that the methods will provide the means to effectively interpret the potential results. Your design and methods should be unmistakably tied to the specific aims of your study.

Describe the overall research design by building upon and drawing examples from your review of the literature. Consider not only methods that other researchers have used but methods of data gathering that have not been used but perhaps could be. Be specific about the methodological approaches you plan to undertake to obtain information, the techniques you would use to analyze the data, and the tests of external validity to which you commit yourself [i.e., the trustworthiness by which you can generalize from your study to other people, places, events, and/or periods of time].

When describing the methods you will use, be sure to cover the following:

• Specify the research operations you will undertake and the way you will interpret the results of these operations in relation to the research problem. Don't just describe what you intend to achieve from applying the methods you choose, but state how you will spend your time while applying these methods [e.g., coding text from interviews to find statements about the need to change school curriculum; running a regression to determine if there is a relationship between campaign advertising on social media sites and election outcomes in Europe ].
• Keep in mind that a methodology is not just a list of tasks; it is an argument as to why these tasks add up to the best way to investigate the research problem. This is an important point because the mere listing of tasks to be performed does not demonstrate that, collectively, they effectively address the research problem. Be sure you explain this.
• Anticipate and acknowledge any potential barriers and pitfalls in carrying out your research design and explain how you plan to address them. No method is perfect so you need to describe where you believe challenges may exist in obtaining data or accessing information. It's always better to acknowledge this than to have it brought up by your reader.

Develop a Research Proposal: Writing the Proposal . Office of Library Information Services. Baltimore County Public Schools; Heath, M. Teresa Pereira and Caroline Tynan. “Crafting a Research Proposal.” The Marketing Review 10 (Summer 2010): 147-168; Jones, Mark. “Writing a Research Proposal.” In MasterClass in Geography Education: Transforming Teaching and Learning . Graham Butt, editor. (New York: Bloomsbury Academic, 2015), pp. 113-127; Juni, Muhamad Hanafiah. “Writing a Research Proposal.” International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences 1 (September/October 2014): 229-240; Krathwohl, David R. How to Prepare a Dissertation Proposal: Suggestions for Students in Education and the Social and Behavioral Sciences . Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2005; Procter, Margaret. The Academic Proposal . The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Punch, Keith and Wayne McGowan. "Developing and Writing a Research Proposal." In From Postgraduate to Social Scientist: A Guide to Key Skills . Nigel Gilbert, ed. (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2006), 59-81; Wong, Paul T. P. How to Write a Research Proposal . International Network on Personal Meaning. Trinity Western University; Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences, Articles, and Books . The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing a Research Proposal . University Library. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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Difference between a Research Proposal and a Synopsis

• September 5, 2022
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In the beginning, we can say that a summary is a brief, compact overview of the main points in a longer document. The purpose is to give readers an idea of what’s in the full-length document without reading it all & how to write synopsis. A synopsis for thesis can be a shorter version of your document that’s designed to give readers an overview of your ideas and conclusions. A research proposal is a formal document that outlines the scope and direction of an academic study or research project. It includes a plan for how you will collect data and analyze it, as well as how you will present your results with un understanding the difference between research proposal and synopsis

An Overview of both Documents:  

Synopsis vs Research Proposal 

A synopsis is a short form of your full research proposal and is just the introduction to the report. It convinces readers that you understand their problem and can provide a solution. 

A research proposal is a detailed plan of how you will conduct your study. The research proposal includes a study design, which includes the specific questions that need to be answered, sampling strategy, data collection methods, analysis plan and reporting format. 

How to write a Synopsis?  

A synopsis for thesis is a brief, concise description of your paper. With learning how to write synopsis, communicate the main ideas and arguments in your paper and to tell someone else what you’re going to say. A good synopsis is a way for you to organize your ideas before you write the whole thing, and it helps others determine if they want to read further. 

A synopsis for thesis is a summary of your article. It should be written in the following format: 

• Title of your book or article (in bold) 
• Author’s name and contact details (in italics) 
• The main idea of your article or book (in bold) 
• Introduction (optional) 
• Body (in bold) 
• Conclusion (optional) 

How to write a Research Proposal?  

Research Proposal – It is a document in which you state your thesis and goals, along with the method and rationale for your research. A thesis statement is the single most important part of a research proposal. It should be clear, concise, and specific. 

The main purpose of this proposal is to get funding for your research. The proposal should also demonstrate how well-equipped you are to do the research. 

This proposal aims to develop a new way of understanding the world through a systematic and comprehensive analysis of how society learns about the world. 

This paper will focus on how people make sense of the w around them by using tools such as languages, maps, technology and science, thereby contributing to our ability to understand our surroundings. 

Difference between a Research Proposal and a Synopsis for thesis:  

The basic difference between a research proposal and a synopsis is that the former is more in-depth, whereas the latter is more condensed. However, this does not mean that researchers should not write synopses for their publications. To do so is to miss out on useful information that can be added later. 

The advantage of writing a synopsis is that it provides a reader with an overview of your research project without having to read through large amounts of text. It also helps to explain your research topic and why it is relevant. A synopsis will help you decide whether or not your topic is worth pursuing further by ensuring that there are enough sources available for you to continue your research. 

What is the purpose of our research proposal?  

The purpose of the research proposal is to convince your advisor or committee that there is enough merit in your proposal to justify their funding of the project and their time reviewing it. A good proposal will include: 

• An overview of the problem or question you are addressing 
• A detailed description of how you plan to address this question or solve this problem 
• A clear statement of what evidence supports your claim and how you will use this evidence to support your claim 
• A discussion about how well-known and accepted methods can be used as part of this work (this is called quantitative analysis). 

Why do people confuse the two?  

In the first place, a research proposal is not a synopsis. A summary should be brief and to the point, while a research proposal would have all of your data and evidence lined up on one page. 

A synopsis for thesis is written in the first-person voice and focuses on the story’s main points without delving too far into details. A synopsis can help readers get an idea of what you’re writing about or help them find information on a particular topic. It’s often used in book sales to determine if they have enough information on their hands to sell your book or not. 

An academic or professional author writes a research proposal as part of their job. It is meant to provide evidence that supports their argument through data and statistical analysis. 

Tips for writing a Research Proposal flawlessly:  

• Writing a research proposal is not as easy as it seems. You must choose the right topic and then write the proposal in a way that will convince your reader of your ability to carry out the research. 
• The first step in writing a research proposal is to select an area of study or research in which you are interested. If you have any previous experience with this topic, consider using it as part of your proposal. If not, find someone with previous experience in the field and ask them for their advice. 
• Once you have decided on a topic, begin by writing down what you know about this area of interest. This can include anything from books or articles to news stories or television shows that have aired about the topic. Ensure all relevant information about this topic, including key terms or definitions. 
• Once you have written down everything you know about your topic, it’s time to develop an outline for your dissertation proposal. An outline is an organised list of topics that will make up each chapter of your dissertation proposal and should include subtopics within each topic area (for example, introduction, background information; objectives; methods; data collection). 

The more important your paper, the more likely you’ll need to write a research proposal and a synopsis. A research proposal is usually the first step in the writing process, an overview of the topic you plan to tackle later. A synopsis, on the other hand, is a concise summary of the content of your paper. We hope this blog has given you a proper explanation for understanding the differences.   

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Home » Blog » How to Write a Good Research Project Synopsis or Proposal

How to Write a Good Research Project Synopsis or Proposal

Table of Contents

Writing a Good Research Project Synopsis or Proposal

Final year research project is initiated with the development of project proposal. For new researchers and scholars, this is first step to begin the research work. Research proposal is a blueprint of the researcher’s idea. The length of this document ranges between 500 to 1000 words. But we cannot draw any hard and fast rule on this. It is subjective decision depending on the nature of area and level of research activity.

For the undergraduate degree research proposal may requires less than 1000 words. On the other hand, for the PhD level it may extends to the range of 1000 to 3000 words. Whenever student is registered for higher education degree program, research proposal is required during or at the end of the program.

For PhD degree it is sometime required even before the registration and considered as one of the admissions prerequisite. Research proposal is a formal agreement between the institution and researcher on some per-defined terms and conditions. These terms and conditions provide directions and mutual understanding between two parties during research process. There are number of websites and books which explain the details about these areas of mutual consent.

It is pertinent to note that Synopsis and research proposal are used side by side. Synopsis of research, the synopsis of a novel, and the synopsis of a movie etc. are summaries or outlines of researcher’s work. It is always good to write these outlines in advance, but many writers develop synopsis in the end. Proposals on the other hand, has both summary and feasibility. It is better to use the word outlines instead of summary when we write proposals. Another synonym is Abstract. This should be understood as similar to the synopsis but lesser in the length. It is a concise paragraph or a summary of the synopsis. Likewise Synopsis or Abstract should not be confused with the Executive summary. It is more inclined towards business reports. Executive summary is the mini form of the entire report or thesis. This is normally written when we have finished with our work and compiling it into final shape. Executive summary is placed before the content page and after the title. Young researchers must avoid cut and paste from the original document into synopsis or executive summary. There should be a logical flow of ideas developed in the entire document with appropriate transition within each point.

Following are the normal steps which are included in the research proposal at any level. Universities also set some exclusive criterion for their research students. They provide templates or specific format for development of the research proposals.

The very first step is to give the title of the research. Title must include the main determinants or factors which govern the objective of the research project. It should clearly indicate the dependent and main independent variables. It must describe the nature of the research activity. For example; the topic like “Study on the behavior of working mothers in Middle East during family disputes”. Here objective is the “behaviour of working mothers”, and the underlying main factor is the “working women”. Similarly location is also indicated wiz the “Middle East region”. This topic provides sufficient information about the topic and the direction of research. Before paraphrasing the title researcher should list the answers to following question;

· What is the main objective (dependent variable) of the research.

· What are the main factors (explanatory or independent variables) of the research objective.

· How can researcher group all factors into one word.

· What are the time period and the location where research will be executed.

The background of the study

In this step researcher explains the background of the research area by answering questions like;

· What is the broad environment which will be referred during research.

· Is there any historical perspective which might have governed the objective of the research project.

The objective of the study

In this step researcher explains the research objective by answering following questions. The objective of the study should be in line with the background explained in previous step by narrowing the broad perspective view into a concise statement.

· What motivates researcher to investigate on this issue or field.

· How topic of the research project relates to the issue or field.

. Broad problem area to the problem statement (Literature Review)

In this step the researcher explains about the possible literature he would be reviewing.

Here researcher starts writing about the broad problem area and then narrows it down to the precise problem statement. This is to-the- point statement and set the direction of the research activity. Here by using the techniques of literature review-which is the mention of the known theories on the subject, research tries to explore the topic to the extent that it justifies the pursuit for the new (current) research activity. Literature review in the research proposal should not be written as it is written in original thesis. Here researcher can refer to few examples of similar work in the past (but not all), which may relates to his current research objective. In this step, researcher must justify up to some extent that current objective was not taken up seriously in the past by any other researcher, and he/she has done sufficient study to reach this conclusion. In this stage researcher tries to answer following questions;

· From where, researcher should take a start to discover facts in this entire issue.

· How can researcher develop a chain of ideas or proven theories in the past.

· What are main factors (identified so far)-which govern objective of the study.

· How to write a precise statement explaining the problem behind the study.

Formulation of the hypothesis

Out of the theoretical framework researcher develops a series of relationship among variables-called process of theoretical framework, and then summarized the most appropriate relation in the problem statement. These relationships are subject to verification. Because it is researcher’s own point of view, on which he/she has reached after thorough review of the literature and preliminary investigation on the subject. The statements about each relationship is called hypothesis. There may be more than one hypothesis in one research project. For example hypothesis can be:

· Only old people are emotionally attached with products. Or

· Emotional attachment depends on the age of the consumer etc.

Hypothesis set the exact route on which researcher will move forward in order to meet the objectives of research project.

At proposal level researcher is not able to list all possible hypotheses. Therefore he/she is required to frame at least one research hypothesis which he could form out of his existing knowledge.

Scope and limitations

In this step the researcher writes the scope and limitations of the of the research activity by answering following questions;

· What else would benefit from the results derived in this research.

· Who else can be benefited from these findings.

· What researcher would not be able to finish in this research.

· What serious constraints researcher could face during investigation.

Research Methodology (Research Design)

In this step researcher writes the proposed research design which may lead him/her to the completion of the project. Research design is a way to collect real life evidence which may support your argument (hypothesis). Research methodology covers following questions:

· What type of research design is taken up.

· Who are the respondents in data collection.

· What is the sample size.

· Which research instrument will be used in data collection.

· How data would be analyzed.

Time line is a necessary step in research proposal. It explains how serious researcher is in doing research. How deeply he/she has worked out plan to complete the research project. It covers all essential steps spread over the entire timeline. It is like a Gantt chart developed by project managers. Researcher in this stage tries to give the answer to following questions;

· How much time is needed to complete this research.

· How total time will be allocated in different activities to complete the project.

· If anything goes wrong during research, what extra time would be available to handle the project.

Researcher in this stage tries to give the answer to following questions;

· Where this research activity will be undertaken.

· Who would be the respondents.

· How these respondents would be approached.

Cost estimation is another essential information which should be included in research proposal. Some universities do not make it mandatory part of the proposal at lower grades. But as my advice it should be there even it is not required. This will provide an economic viewpoint of the activity. Researcher should be able to chalk down all explicit and implicit costs involved in this report. Explicit costs are those expenses which researcher will be paying during research project. Like traveling cost, stationary cost, library expenses etc. And implicit cost includes all opportunity cost which is measured as the value of the sacrifices researcher is going to bear during the research. For example, the sacrifice of his salary; as researcher would be able to earn, if he spends time on research. Here the researcher is trying to answer following questions;

· What explicit cost is expected during research.

· What implicit cost is expected during research.

· How would the researcher manage those expenses.

· When and where those expenses will incur.

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Research synopsis writing

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An abstract is like a movie trailer. People will only consider reading the rest of the manuscript if they find your abstract interesting. It is an outline/brief summary of your paper and your whole project. Keywords: , research, descriptive and informative research.

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The abstract serves two major purposes: it helps a person decide whether to read the paper, and it provides the reader with a framework for understanding the paper if they decide to read it. Thus, your abstract should describe the most important aspects of the study within the word-limit provided by the journal. As appropriate for your research, try to include a statement of the problem, the people you studied, the dependent and independent variables, the instruments, the design, major findings, and conclusions. If pressed for space, concentrate on the problem and,

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Synopsis is a short summary of your Ph.D thesis work. This paper suggests some ideas to motivate the young researchers for effectively writing the Ph.D synopsis with essential tips and tricks.This can act as a reference and help young researcher to going to write Ph.D synopsis.

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Guidelines for writing a research project synopsis or protocol

"Success is often the result of taking a mis - step in the right direction. "

Al Bernstein

A protocol or a synopsis of a research project is a document submitted to an authority or an institution for the purpose of

• Ethical clearance
• Formal registration to universities for the award of a degree or doctorate
• Peer review
• Financial assistance from organizations like ICMR, DST, NACO, DGHS, and MHRD

Synopsis is the gist of your planned project submitted for approval from competent authorities. It gives a panoramic view of your research for quick analysis by the reviewers.

Thus, a protocol or a synopsis forms an integral part of a research project or a thesis. Many universities have made it mandatory for the postgraduate degree student to prepare a thesis as a part of their postgraduate training. A good knowledge about how a protocol or a synopsis is written is imperative to all people involved in medical research.

Literally, protocol (Greek word, protokollon - first page) means a format procedure for carrying out a scientific research. Synopsis (Greek word, sun - together, opsis - seeing) means brief summary of something. Frequently, both the terms are used as synonyms but the term ′synopsis′ is used more often.

A synopsis should be constructed in a manner that facilitates the reviewer to understand the research project at a glance. It should be brief but precise. A synopsis can be structured in the following manner:

• Statement of the problem and hypothesis
• Aims and objectives
• Review of literature
• Research methodology
• Official requirements

Title The title of the research project should be brief but informative; sensationalization of the title is best avoided. It should neither be too short nor too long. Any name of the institution, the number of cases to be studied should not be included. The hypothesis to be studied can be included.

a. "Study of ectopic pregnancy"

This was a title chosen for university registration. The title is too short. It does not state the problem or the hypothesis and is least informative. More meaningful title shall be, "Study of ectopic pregnancy in relation to morbidity, mortality, and intervention in a referral hospital".

b. "A novel sustained release matrix based on biodegradable poly (esteramides) and, impregnated with bacteriophages and an antibiotic shows promise in management of infected venous stasis ulcer and other poorly healing wounds", (Int. J Dermat vol 8 2002). The title is long and ill conceived. It gives a confusing picture about the study problem. Such long titles are best avoided. Certain amount of sensationalization is also present by using term ′novel′. More meaningful title shall be, "Response of venous stasis ulcers and other poorly healing wounds to a biodegradable matrix impregnated with bacteriophages and an antibiotic". The other details about the new method can be mentioned while stating the problem.

c. "Fine needle aspiration, as a diagnostic tool for papulonodular skin lesions". This is an acceptable, informative, and precise title. It states the hypothesis correctly.

Statement of the problem or hypothesis The problem being studied should be mentioned in precise and clear terms. Understanding the problem aids the researcher in constructing the research proposal. It also allows the person to formulate the hypothesis. The problem under study should be relevant to the present. A brief account of its utility at the local or national level has to be discussed. The present status of the problem and the necessity for taking up the study needs to be mentioned.

Hypothesis is mentioned as a tentative prediction or explanation of the relationship between two or more variables. Hypothesis should not be a haphazard guess but should reflect the knowledge, imagination, and experience of the investigator. Hypothesis can be formulated by understanding the problem, reviewing the literature on it, and considering other factors. A researcher can state the problem and the hypothesis in about 200 words covering all the aspects described above.

Aims and objectives All research projects should have objectives and aims and every effort should be made to achieve them. The objectives and aims should be only a few (2-3). They must pertain to the study problem. Usages of terms like "first study", "the only study", etc. should be avoided.

Review of literature Review of literature is a very important part of a research project. It achieves the following:

• Familiarizes the reader to the problem under study.
• It describes the work done by others either at local or international level on it or similar subject.
• It helps the researcher to understand the difficulties faced by others and the corrective steps taken or modifications made by them. The researcher can anticipate similar or additional problems during the study and review of literature helps him in anticipating them.
• Research methodology of the researcher can be structured and modified after reviewing the literature.
• The review assists in identifying various variables in the research project and conceptualizes their relationship.
• Review of literature in a synopsis helps the reviewer in assessing the knowledge of the researcher. The reviewer can assess the work put in by the researcher and also assists in assessing the feasibility of the study.

The review of literature in a synopsis need not be exhaustive. The relevant information should be covered in about 300 words quoting 8-10 authentic, easily retrievable references. Literature can be reviewed by using various scientific-information-gathering methods. These are journals, national or international; bulletins of organizations like WHO, CDC, and ICMR; books; computer-assisted searches like Medline and Medlar; and personal communications with other researchers. Internet provides a vast avenue for information gathering. Care must be taken to retrieve only relevant information. In this era of information technology review of literature is literally "just a click away".

Research methodology In a synopsis the research methodology adopted should be mentioned in about 150-200 words. The research methodology forms the core of the research project. The methodology should cover the following aspects:

• Study design

Study settings

• Study methods - examinations or investigations
• Data collection
• Data analysis

Study design The methodology starts with selection of study design. A single study design or a combination can be selected e.g.:

Descriptive designs

Cross-sectional study or survey

Epidemiological description of disease occurrence

Community diagnosis

Study of natural history of a disease

Observational analytical designs

Prospective study

Retrospective study

Follow-up study

Experimental designs

Animal studies

Therapeutic clinical trials - drugs

Prophylactic clinical trials- vaccines

Field trials

Operational designs

A mention about the research setting should be made. This includes information about the institution, facilities available, time of study, and population of study.

Sampling Sampling is selecting a sample of appropriate size for the study. The sample size depends on the study design. The study population can be population of cases, population of people, or population of recipients of certain treatment.

There are many methods for sampling like simple random, systemic and stratified sampling, cluster sampling, etc. Care should be taken to ensure that the sample size is adequate to produce meaningful results. The sample size should be adequate to apply all relevant tests of statistical significance. The samples should be representative of the population and should be reliable. This minimizes sampling errors.

Variables Variables are the factors that can change. These changes can affect the outcome of a research project. Thus, it is important to identify the variables at the planning stage. They should be quantified with a measurable unit. Knowledge of the various variables in a research project will assist in refining the objectives. Usually, objectives of a research will be to see the effect of independent variables on dependent variables. There are four types of variables.

Independent variables

These are the variables that can be manipulated by the researcher and the effects of that are observed on the other variables. For example, predisposing factors, risk factors and cause.

Dependent variables

The changes occur as a result of independent variables. For example, disease and outcome.

Intervening variables

These may influence the effect of independent variables on the dependent variables. For example, while studying the response of HIV-AIDS to HAART the outcome may be influenced by the presence of antitubercular drugs.

Background variables

These are changes that are relevant in the groups or population under study. These need to be included in the study. For example, age, sex, and ethnic origin.

Controls Control groups increase the validity of the research project. They usually consist of units of same population but differ in some respects. Controls are not necessary for all research projects. As far as possible they should be used in all analytical studies, drug trials, and intervention programs.

Study methods Here the researcher will have to describe the method of data collection, which may be in the form of:

• Questionnaire
• Medical examination
• Laboratory investigations
• Screening procedures

A sample of the proforma should be prepared and attached. The possible cost involved and any financial assistance received must be mentioned.

Data collection A brief note on how data are collected should be included. The information should be about:

• The organizational setup
• Training to data collecting team
• Logistic support
• Plans for collaboration with other organization should be included

Data analysis Data analysis is an important part of a research project. A good analysis leads to good results. The plans for data analysis should be mentioned under the following heads Statistical methods, Computer program used, and Data sorting method. A general statement "appropriate statistical methods will be used." must be avoided.

Ethical clearance Wherever necessary, ethical committee clearance from the institute should be obtained. The certificate must be attached. Ethical clearance is required in all human and animal studies.

References All references quoted in review of literature and anywhere else in the synopsis should be listed here. There are two styles for writing references, Vancouver style and Harvard style. Vancouver style is easy to follow as it depends on the numbers as quoted in text.

Official requirements A synopsis is incomplete if it does not contain the following information:

• Name of the researcher and designation
• Name and designation of the guide
• Name and designation of head of department\institution
• Name of the institution
• Signatures of all with official seal

Synopsis writing is an important step in a research project. A good synopsis will give maximum information in minimum words. A well-conceived synopsis will go a long way in convincing the reviewer about the ability of the researcher to conduct the project. In cases of need for financial assistance, the request will be considered favorably. Thus, all research workers should make efforts to prepare a well-structured synopsis.

Acknowledgments

The author is thankful to M/s Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers for their permission to reproduce this article from the "Handbook on Health Professional Education" published by them. [21] [Table 1]

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ISSN (Print): 0378-6323 ISSN (Online): 0973-3922

• How to Write a Research Proposal

How to Write a Research Proposal - Structure and Guidelines

To obtain any higher degree of education, you will be required to write a research paper as a part of your final project. A research proposal is written before you write your research paper. It is a description of your research topic and the details of your paper. There is a particular format for writing a research proposal. To learn more about what a research proposal is, go through this article.

Table of Contents

What is the purpose of a research proposal, abstract and table of contents, introduction, aims and objectives, background significance, literature review, research design and methodology, research questions, suppositions and implications, bibliography, tips to write a research proposal, frequently asked questions on writing a research proposal.

The purpose of writing a research proposal is to present the plan for the research. It can also be written as a proposal for the research project’s funding. First, a research proposal is sent to the guide or mentor for approval. Only after their approval can you proceed with the research.

No matter what your reasons are for drafting a research proposal, the format remains the same. The researcher portrays how and why the research topic is relevant to the field. They explain the research gap and the ways to fill up the research gap. A research proposal also proves that the author can conduct the research and make a significant contribution to the field’s current status. To do this, your research proposal must detail your academic history and credentials and also establish the academic worth of your proposed ideas.

Listed below are the important things to be covered in a research proposal.

• The research methodology
• The research tools and procedures to be used by the researcher to collect and analyse the data
• Explanation of how the research can fit the budget and other restrictions imposed by the institution, department, or academic program

Structure of a Research Proposal

A research proposal must include the following.

An abstract and table of contents are added at the beginning of the research proposal, just before the introduction. An abstract talks about the research in brief. It can also include keywords used in the proposal towards the end.

Like in any other academic writing, the introduction of a research proposal introduces your research idea. It covers the research problem and the questions it raises. The introduction provides the context for your research. It must be precise and must cover all the relevant information. Be careful not to make it look like all the information is crammed into one paragraph.

This is an important section of a research proposal. This is where you explain your objectives for conducting the research and what you intend to achieve through it. This will help the reader understand your point of view more clearly. Mention the objectives in bullet points.

This is the section where you explain why the research is essential and how it is related to the field. You have to also explain the research problems and why you have to work on them here.

The literature review plays a vital role in a research proposal. In this section, you will explain information related to the study from books, articles and other sources. The main objective here is to establish the research gap.

After the literature review, the important thing to discuss in the research proposal is the research methodology and the design of your research. In this section, you will mention about,

• The type of research to be conducted – qualitative or quantitative. You will have to mention if the data is collected originally by you or if you are analysing other researchers’ works.
• You will also have to explain if you are conducting an experimental, correlational, or descriptive type of research.
• Discuss the data you are working with. If you are conducting social science research, for example, you will have to describe the demographic you are looking at. You must also explain how you will choose your subjects and collect data from them.
• Also, explain the tools to be used while conducting the research. It can be surveys, interviews, videos, etc.

After looking at your research and the type of research, you can also add information regarding the budget, time frame, and obstacles.

Research questions direct you to stick to the research and not deviate from it at any point. It can be two to four or five questions that you seek to find answers to with your research.

Although you will not know the findings of your research until you’ve completed it, you should have a clear sense of how your work will benefit your field before you begin. This section of your research proposal is likely the most important because it expresses why your research is vital. You can explain the below-given points in this section.

• How your research will create the foundation for future research.
• How it can be challenging to the already existing theories.
• How it adds practical value to the practitioners, researchers, teachers, etc.
• The problems that you may have to work on and fix.
• Policies that can be impacted by your findings.
• How your findings can be implemented in academics, and how they can transform the system.

Primarily this section talks about the value that your research can add. Rather than talking about the exact result or exact answer, you can discuss the expected outcomes.

The conclusion contains the overall summary of the proposal. Make sure you do not end it abruptly.

A bibliography plays a crucial role in a research paper as well as a research proposal. It is the list of sources you have referred to and cited to avoid plagiarism and copyright issues. At times, the full list of the bibliography is not needed. In such a case, we can just add the reference list. You can seek help from your guide or supervisor for the correct format.

• Include all the information regarding the final research paper to make it understandable to the supervisor, guide, etc.
• Citations play a major role. Cite every source you have referred to and used.
• Follow one format of writing, e.g. MLA format, APA format, etc. Consult with your guide and find out which format you have to follow to write your research proposal.
• Establish a strong argument for your research proposal because your objective is to make your reader say “Yes” to your proposal.
• Proofread and edit it to avoid any possible errors.

What are the essential components of a research proposal?

The essential components of a research proposal are the introduction, literature review, research questions, aims and objectives, and the research methodology.

Why is a research proposal written?

A research proposal is written to seek approval from the research guide, to get financial support, or to prepare a representation of your research plan and strategies.

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Proposal Writing Skills: Top 18 Characteristics, Traits, and Qualities 

• AEC Marketing
• Digital Asset Management

Posted by: Cinthya Soto

A proposal writer is a skilled professional responsible for creating detailed, persuasive documents that outline a company’s offerings, solutions, or plans for potential clients or partners. 

These documents, known as proposals or RFP responses , are crucial in securing new business opportunities, and partnerships. Professional proposal writers play a vital role in translating complex information into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with the target audience. 

However, it’s not an easy job, and it requires various types of writer characteristics and proposal writer traits to become successful at proposal writing. Here are the top 18 proposal writing skills you need to succeed: 

1. Attention to Detail 

A skilled proposal writer should carefully analyze the RFP document they will respond to, noting every requirement and preference, no matter how small. This thorough approach ensures that the proposal matches the client’s expectations and meets all specified criteria. 

Moreover, attention to detail in successful proposal writing involves careful proofreading and editing to ensure consistency and accuracy and manage deadlines and deliverables.  

Thorough proofreading and editing includes checking for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and formatting issues. It also involves ensuring that the proposal is submitted on time, highlighting the importance of attention to detail at this stage. 

“ Not all RFPs are easy to follow. Attention to detail is crucial to making sure we pick up on all client requirements scattered throughout an RFP (including the “hidden” ones that aren’t neatly spelled out in the evaluation criteria!) “ —Rachelle Ray, Proposal Management Consultant, RMR Consulting

2. Time Management Skills 

Successful proposal writers are masters of time management, balancing the need for quality with the urgency of deadlines. They know exactly how long it takes to write each section, allow time for team reviews, and incorporate a buffer for unforeseen issues. This careful planning helps ensure comprehensive, high-quality proposals are delivered on time.

Here are some strategies for effective time management: 

• Remove Distractions: Eliminate interruptions by putting away smartphones, muting notifications, and signing out of email. Focus solely on writing to hit specific goals.
• Block Time for Writing: Use Parkinson’s Law to your advantage by setting strict yet reasonable deadlines, like completing certain sections before lunch.
• Eat the Frog: Tackle the most challenging tasks first, like drafting the initial proposal. This approach, coined by Mark Twain , helps set a productive tone for the day.
• Choose Progress Over Perfection: Avoid getting caught up in perfectionism. Focus on getting words on the page, then refine the content closer to the deadline. 
• Use AI Tools: Skip the blank page struggle by leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to generate first drafts. This allows more time to customize the proposal to the client’s needs.

These time management techniques allow you to produce high-quality proposals within tight timelines, making them invaluable assets in the fast-paced world of proposal writing. 

3. Writing Skills 

As you may know, RFP responses involve a lot of writing. Therefore, strong writing skills are fundamental to successful proposal writing. A love for writing often goes hand-in-hand with crafting compelling proposals. 

A genuine enthusiasm for writing not only improves the quality of the proposals but also makes the writing process more enjoyable. This passion is reflected in the final product, creating proposals that are not just informative but also engaging and memorable. 

Here are three essential writing skills every professional proposal writer should master: 

Utilize Clear and Concise Writing 

Clear and concise writing is crucial in proposal writing, as it helps convey your message efficiently and keeps the reader’s attention. This style involves choosing words deliberately, constructing precise sentences, and using proper grammar. 

Moreover, maintaining a consistent tone and style throughout the proposal is vital for professionalism and coherence. Proposal writers should use consistent terminology and avoid unnecessary variations that could confuse the reader. It’s also crucial to eliminate jargon and acronyms unfamiliar to the client. 

Here are some more tips for achieving clarity and brevity: 

• Keep It Brief: Use short, direct sentences. Avoid wordiness and focus on the main points. This helps prevent digressions and keeps the content focused.
• Ensure Clarity: Be as clear as possible and leave nothing to interpretation. Use plain, inclusive language and avoid jargon and acronyms that may confuse the reader.
• Use Active Voice: Active voice makes your writing more engaging and direct. It also helps in making your message more impactful.
• Double-check: Proofread multiple times to catch errors and ensure accuracy. A professional tone is essential, and names should always be spelled correctly.
• Use Templates : Templates save time and provide structure. Use them for consistency and efficiency in your writing process.
• Incorporate Bullet Points: Bullet points make content easy to digest and highlight key points. They are beneficial for listing qualifications or features.
• Break Up Long Paragraphs: Keep paragraphs short, ideally 3-6 sentences. Use subheadings to organize content and guide the reader through key points.
• Use Visuals: Tables, graphics, and other visuals can make complex information easier to understand and are more likely to catch the reader’s eye during a quick scan. 

“ My favorite way to check for active voice is to use the “by zombies” approach. If you can add “by zombies” to the end of a sentence and it still makes sense, you’re using passive voice. It’s silly, but it’s easy for SMEs to remember and use it to check their own writing. ” —Rachelle Ray, Proposal Management Consultant, RMR Consulting

Practice Persuasive Writing 

Successful proposal writers can craft persuasive proposals that resonate with the client’s needs. Top writers leverage customer insights to create focused and relevant proposals, avoiding unnecessary content that could distract or overwhelm the reader. 

Persuasion in proposal writing involves building trust and respect with the potential client. A persuasive proposal addresses all potential concerns, minimizes perceived risks, and leaves the client feeling confident in their decision. The key is to communicate how your solution meets their needs and benefits their business.

Mastering persuasive writing can significantly increase the likelihood of converting proposals into closed deals. This skill allows you to not only win more work but also build a reputation for delivering compelling and client-focused proposals. 

Learn How to Adapt Your Style 

Adapting your writing style to match the client’s tone and language is necessary in proposal writing. Mirroring the client’s style and tone creates a sense of familiarity and trust, making it easier for the readers to connect with your proposal. 

This ability demonstrates a deep understanding of the client’s preferences and helps create a proposal that resonates with them. 

One effective strategy is to identify and use keywords and phrases from the RFP, aligning your language with the client’s expectations and terminology. 

For example, if the RFP consistently uses terms like “innovative solutions” or “cost-effective strategies,” incorporating these phrases into your proposal can signal that you are in tune with the client’s priorities. 

This technique not only aligns your proposal with the client’s language but also shows that you have thoroughly reviewed and understood their requirements. 

4. Be a Team Player 

Collaboration in proposal writing brings together diverse perspectives, helping create a comprehensive understanding of the project’s needs. Working with a team allows for the inclusion of various skills, knowledge, and experiences. This diversity can lead to innovative solutions, thorough research, and stronger arguments, ultimately producing a more robust proposal.

Additionally, involving stakeholders, such as partner organizations, ensures that the proposal accurately addresses the problem it aims to solve. Engaging key stakeholders and partners in the proposal development process demonstrates strong relationships and collaboration. This can enhance the proposal’s credibility and appeal to clients.

To collaborate effectively, establish open, regular communication. Ensure all team members understand the proposal’s objectives, their roles, and how their input contributes to the final document.

Moreover, clearly define deadlines, tasks, and responsibilities to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Additionally, implement strategies for resolving disagreements constructively to keep the process on track.

5. Research and Analytical Skills 

Research and analytical skills are integral to successful proposal writing, as they work hand-in-hand to create well-informed and compelling proposals. To begin, research skills involve gathering relevant information, while analytical skills are used to evaluate and synthesize that information. 

Professional RFP writers often act as research experts, diving deep into data to substantiate their proposals. For example, when proposing a new technology solution, they don’t just list features; they also provide data-driven evidence of its efficiency, such as improved processing times or cost savings. This evidence-based approach makes proposals more persuasive and competitive.

Additionally, analytical skills are crucial for evaluating the quality and relevance of research sources. They help in interpreting data, identifying key insights, and synthesizing information into a coherent narrative. This process involves assessing the credibility of evidence and ensuring that all claims are supported by reliable data.

Thorough research helps proposal writers understand the client’s requirements, objectives, and desired outcomes. This understanding allows them to tailor their proposals to meet specific needs and expectations. Additionally, researching the project helps identify potential challenges and competition, enabling writers to address these factors strategically. 

6. Creativity and Storytelling 

Creativity in proposal writing often means thinking outside the box to make your proposal stand out. While the primary goal is to communicate information clearly, a touch of imagination and originality can set your proposal apart from competitors. Just because it’s writing and not art, creativity shouldn’t be overlooked.

“ People love stories. It’s how we connect on an emotional level with the client and differentiate from the competition. Remember that your people have stories, like the unique paths that led them to their current roles, and your projects have stories, like the challenges your team faced and overcame or the inspiration behind a design element. ” —Rachelle Ray, Proposal Management Consultant, RMR Consulting

Creativity can manifest in various ways, such as presenting data from a unique angle, using a compelling narrative, or incorporating storytelling elements. A catchy title, a relevant quote, a story, or even a well-placed joke can add flair and originality. These elements not only make your proposal more engaging but also help build rapport with the client.

Moreover, a narrative-driven approach can enhance the effectiveness of your proposal. Crafting a story that aligns with the client’s goals and needs demonstrates that you have a deep understanding of their project. 

But, how can you craft a story? Use a friendly, conversational tone, address the reader by name, and show enthusiasm for both your work and the client’s vision. Be honest and transparent, avoiding unrealistic promises or exaggerations. 

7. Flexibility and Adaptability 

We’ve already discussed why adaptability is necessary when it comes to adjusting the proposal’s language, style, and tone. However, we didn’t discuss the importance of being flexible and adaptable when it comes to effectively shifting and pivoting as circumstances change. 

The proposal writing process often involves navigating unexpected developments, such as last-minute client requests, adjustments to project scope, or alterations in deadlines. A flexible writer can quickly adapt their approach to accommodate these changes, ensuring that the proposal remains relevant and aligned with the client’s needs.

For example, if new information surfaces that alter the project’s focus, an adaptable writer can seamlessly integrate this information into the proposal, highlighting new benefits or addressing emerging concerns. 

8. Project management 

Among all forms of professional writing, proposal writing demands some of the strongest project management skills. When working on an RFP, the customer sets the deadline, questions, scoring criteria, and sometimes the maximum page length. 

Proposal managers must juggle these elements, coordinate team members and external partners, develop strategies, and ensure the proposal is complete and accurate. This complex process requires excellent organization and attention to detail. 

To improve project management, it’s crucial to start by mapping out all requirements and developing a clear project schedule. Following this schedule without deviation helps identify potential issues early on, allowing for proactive solutions rather than last-minute fixes.

In some companies, roles like proposal writers, managers, and designers are separate, while in others, one person may handle all aspects. Each setup has its pros and cons, but versatility in managing various tasks is often necessary in this field.

Project Management Software 

Project management software, like Deltek or Procore , can be invaluable in managing proposal projects. Here are some key benefits: 

• Easier Collaboration: With teams often spread across different locations, project management software facilitates seamless collaboration.
• Centralized Workroom: Having all data and research in one place simplifies access and keeps everyone updated with the latest information.
• Unified Communication: The software often includes features like voice and video conferencing, group chats, and messaging, ensuring all communication is centralized and accessible. 
• 24/7 Access: Project management software allows team members to access and update the proposal anytime, anywhere, ensuring that the latest version is always available. 

9. Meet Deadlines 

We’ve already discussed time management skills in proposal writing, and meeting deadlines is part of being able to manage your time. A well-organized timeline ensures that all aspects of the proposal are completed on time, from initial drafts to final edits. 

Effective deadline management involves setting clear milestones, allocating sufficient time for reviews and revisions, and allowing for unexpected delays. Utilizing project management systems and maintaining open communication with team members can help track progress and address any issues promptly. 

Prioritizing tasks and adhering to deadlines means you can deliver high-quality submissions that meet client expectations and stand out in a competitive market. 

10. Leverage Technology and Stay up to Date 

If you’re looking for continuous improvement and efficiency, technology is your answer. Utilize software tools built to help you create more proposals, like OpenAsset . 

OpenAsset is a digital asset management (DAM) solution that streamlines the proposal development process by organizing and managing digital assets, making it easier to access relevant images, documents, and templates. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency and quality across proposals.

In addition to using technology for organizational purposes, successful proposal writers stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices in the industry. This includes keeping up with new software developments, proposal writing methodologies, and market trends. 

For example, understanding the latest digital marketing strategies or data security standards can help writers tailor their proposals to reflect current best practices, making their submissions more relevant and appealing to clients. 

Continuous learning and adaptation are key to maintaining a competitive edge. Proposal writers can attend webinars, participate in industry conferences, and read up-to-date resources (like you’re doing now) to stay informed. 

11. Strong Listening and Interviewing Skills 

Listening and interviewing skills are crucial, especially when working with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for proposals. These skills help gather essential information needed to create effective material. Here are some tips that can help you improve your listening and interviewing skills: 

• Approach with a Beginner’s Mindset: When interviewing SMEs, approach the subject with a beginner’s mindset. This perspective helps identify and clarify steps and knowledge that experts might overlook due to familiarity. 
• Preparation: Before the interview, research the topic and prepare a list of questions to guide the conversation. Review existing training materials or documentation to understand the context and background.
• Establish Rapport: Begin the interview by introducing yourself and establishing rapport with the SME. Show genuine interest in their expertise and experience. Start with lighter topics and gradually move to more specific questions, helping the SME feel comfortable.
• Use Open-Ended Questions: Ask open-ended questions to encourage the SME to share their insights. Follow up with probing questions to delve deeper into their responses. This approach helps you gather detailed and nuanced information.
• Active Listening: Listen attentively to the SME’s responses without interrupting. Taking notes and asking for clarification when needed ensures you fully understand their points. 
• Recording and Reviewing: If possible, record the interview to revisit the conversation later. 
• Respect Time and Follow-Up: Respect the SME’s time by keeping the interview focused and on topic. After the interview, follow up with additional questions or clarifications as needed. 

Remember to always thank the SMEs for their time and contributions, acknowledging their role in the success of the project.

Effective interviewing and active listening lead to richer content and a better understanding of the subject matter. These skills are essential for creating accurate and engaging instructional materials that meet learners’ needs.

12. Understanding and Addressing the Client’s Goals 

An effective project proposal begins with a clear understanding of the client’s challenges and objectives. Focusing on the client’s point of view and offering a customized solution makes your proposal stand out as a thoughtful and well-prepared response to their needs. This, in turn, enhances the likelihood of engaging the client and securing the project. 

Rather than starting with your qualifications, focus on how your services can benefit the client. This client-centered approach demonstrates that you’re not just offering a service but a tailored solution to their specific needs.

To create an impactful proposal, tailor the content and tone to the client’s unique situation. Clearly outline how your services will help achieve the project goals and address the client’s concerns. Be specific in aligning your proposed solutions with the objectives discussed or outlined in the project brief.

Start with a personalized proposal introduction that reflects your understanding of the client’s business, industry, and recent achievements. This personalized approach captures their attention and shows that you’ve done your homework. 

Following this, present a solution-oriented narrative that highlights how your products or services can resolve their specific challenges and help them achieve their goals.

Furthermore, include concrete examples or case studies to illustrate how you’ve successfully addressed similar issues for other clients. This not only builds credibility but also provides tangible evidence of your ability to deliver results. 

13. Strategic Thinking Skills 

Strategic thinking involves understanding the client’s needs and aligning the proposal’s strategy to meet them effectively. It also requires analyzing the competition and crafting high-scoring proposals that improve the organization’s chances of winning. 

Successful proposal writers excel at strategically highlighting their company’s unique strengths. This goes beyond simple self-promotion; it’s about positioning the company in a way that directly resonates with the client’s specific needs. 

Deeply understanding these needs means you can craft a tailored response that showcases the company’s specific advantages and capabilities. 

A strategically crafted proposal not only meets the basic criteria but also captures the client’s imagination, leaving a lasting impression. It positions the company as a strategic partner capable of delivering exceptional results and exceeding expectations. 

14. Be Empathetic to Connect With the Client 

As we’ve discussed, writing a client-centric proposal involves identifying the client’s needs and addressing them. However, to stand out in today’s competitive environment, proposals must also appeal to the client’s core buying emotions. 

“It’s important to remember that  people  have challenges, problems, and goals – projects on their own don’t. Dig deeper than “schedule is an issue” – what happens if the project isn’t completed on schedule? How will that impact the people behind the project, or the end users?” —Rachelle Ray, Proposal Management Consultant, RMR Consulting

People buy with emotion and rationalize with logic. Empathetic proposals connect emotionally with the reader by understanding not just what the client needs but why they need it. This understanding helps articulate how the proposed solution aligns with the client’s goals, easing their concerns and building trust. 

Moreover, empathy should be integrated throughout the proposal process, from initial client interactions to final submission. This involves using the client’s language and terminology, demonstrating a deep understanding of their company culture and preferences. 

Lastly, an empathetic approach shows that you prioritize the client’s best interests, creating a strong foundation for a long-term partnership. 

This goes beyond just selling a product or service; it demonstrates a commitment to the client’s success and builds a connection that can influence their buying decision. This level of understanding and dedication can set your proposal apart and foster lasting client relationships. 

15. You Can Excel Independently 

While teamwork is essential in proposal writing, the ability to work independently is equally important. Proposal writers often need to manage their tasks, meet deadlines, and produce high-quality work without constant oversight. This independence allows them to focus deeply on their writing, research, and analysis, ensuring a polished and coherent final product.

For example, working independently allows proposal writers to dive deeply into their tasks without the distractions that can come from frequent meetings or team discussions. They can concentrate on writing, research, and analysis, giving each component the attention it requires. 

16. Know When to Ask For Help

A professional proposal writer recognizes the importance of seeking help when needed. Whether it’s asking for clarification on client requirements or double-checking complex information, reaching out for assistance ensures accuracy and completeness. 

This proactive approach helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures the proposal aligns with the client’s expectations. 

17. Know When It’s Time for a Break 

To maintain productivity and avoid burnout, skilled proposal writers understand the importance of taking breaks. With the constant tight deadlines of RFPs, taking regular breaks is crucial to prevent burnout. 

The most successful proposal writers understand this and schedule downtime between major projects to recover and recharge their creative energy before tackling the next RFP. This allows them to return to work with a fresh perspective. This balance helps sustain creativity and focus throughout the proposal writing process.

Similarly, the most effective proposal teams recognize the importance of rest, with leadership encouraging their members to leave early, take time off, or focus on lighter tasks between major RFPs. 

18. Understanding Your Losses 

Successful proposal writers are not only competitive and driven but also committed to continuous improvement. 

When a proposal is not accepted, they don’t merely move on to the next opportunity; instead, they take a proactive approach to understanding the reasons behind the loss. This introspection involves a thorough analysis of the feedback received, if available, or a careful review of the proposal and the competitive landscape.

The insights gained from this analysis are invaluable for refining future strategies. Professional RFP writers can adjust their approach, whether by enhancing their understanding of client needs, improving the clarity and persuasiveness of their writing, or developing more competitive pricing strategies. They may also identify the need for additional training or knowledge in specific areas.

Moreover, this process of reflection and learning is essential for professional growth. It helps proposal writers develop a deeper understanding of the proposal landscape, sharpen their skills, and build resilience. 

Embracing a mindset of continuous improvement increases your chances of success in future proposals, ensuring they are better prepared to meet client expectations and stand out from the competition. 

Create More Proposals With OpenAsset 

Combining these characteristics of a good writer with OpenAsset means you can further improve your workflow and grow your AEC firm. The idea is simple: centralize AEC assets, create more proposals, and win more business . OpenAsset’s Digital Asset Management (DAM) platform makes AEC proposals simpler, faster, and more successful. That’s why 99% of customers renew. 

Integrating OpenAsset into your proposal writing process, along with a commitment to ongoing professional development, can help you create more effective and impactful proposals. 

This approach not only increases the likelihood of winning contracts but also contributes to building stronger client relationships and a more robust proposal development process. Embrace the power of technology and continuous improvement to elevate your proposal writing to the next level. 

Get OpenAsset DAM Insights

How to Create Winning Proposals

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Comprehensive Guide to Research Proposals and Classroom-Based Action Research for DepEd Personnel

Research plays a crucial role in advancing educational practices and improving student outcomes. For educators and staff within the Department of Education (DepEd) of the Philippines, engaging in research activities can yield valuable insights that enhance teaching methods, promote effective learning, and contribute to overall school improvement. This comprehensive guide aims to provide DepEd personnel with detailed instructions on crafting research proposals, implementing classroom-based action research, and addressing feedback from research committees, all within the context of DepEd’s specific policies and guidelines.

Table of Contents

Understanding DepEd’s Research Framework

Before diving into the research process, it’s essential to understand the key components of DepEd’s research framework:

Basic Education Research Fund (BERF)

The Basic Education Research Fund (BERF), established by DepEd Order No. 43, s. 2015 and further refined in DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017, provides financial support for research initiatives within DepEd. This fund is crucial for enabling DepEd personnel to conduct meaningful research that contributes to evidence-based decision-making in education.

Research Committees

DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017 outlines the structure and roles of research committees at various levels:

• National Research Committee (NRC)
• Regional Research Committee (RRC)
• Schools Division Research Committee (SDRC)

These committees are responsible for evaluating and approving research proposals, ensuring that research aligns with DepEd’s priorities and meets quality standards.

Basic Education Research Agenda

DepEd Order No. 39, s. 2016 establishes the Basic Education Research Agenda, which identifies priority research areas. When developing research proposals, DepEd personnel should align their topics with the themes outlined in this agenda, which include:

• Teaching and Learning
• Child Protection
• Human Resource Development

E-Saliksik: The DepEd Research Portal

Introduced by DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2022, E-Saliksik serves as a central repository for completed research. This portal is an essential resource for archiving and accessing research conducted within DepEd, promoting knowledge sharing and evidence-based practices.

Writing an Effective Research Proposal

A well-structured research proposal is crucial for securing approval and funding for your study. When developing your proposal, consider the following key components:

1. Introduction and Rationale

• Clearly state the research problem or question.
• Explain the study’s significance, emphasizing its potential impact on educational practices and policies.
• Provide background information and context, situating your research within the current educational landscape and DepEd’s priorities.

2. Literature Review

• Conduct a thorough review of existing research on your topic, summarizing key findings and theories.
• Identify specific gaps in current knowledge that your study aims to address.
• Demonstrate how your proposed research aligns with the Basic Education Research Agenda.

3. Research Questions

• Formulate specific, focused research questions that directly align with your study’s objectives and DepEd’s research priorities.
• Ensure that your questions are clear, measurable, and achievable within the scope of your proposed research.

4. Methodology

• Provide a detailed description of your research design, clearly stating whether it is qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods.
• Explain your data collection methods and instruments in depth, including any plans for pilot testing or validation.
• Outline your sampling strategy, specifying the criteria for participant selection and the rationale behind your chosen sample size.
• Address ethical considerations comprehensively, particularly when working with students or vulnerable populations.
• If applicable, describe plans for virtual or remote data collection, as allowed by DepEd Order No. 26, s. 2021.

5. Data Analysis Plan

• Outline your approach to data analysis in detail, specifying the statistical tests or qualitative analysis techniques you intend to employ.
• Explain how you will ensure the validity and reliability of your findings.
• Describe any software or tools you plan to use in your analysis process.

6. Timeline and Budget

• Present a realistic and detailed schedule for completing each phase of the research.
• Include a comprehensive budget that outlines all anticipated expenses, ensuring alignment with BERF guidelines.

7. Expected Outcomes and Significance

• Discuss the potential implications of your findings for educational policy and practice within the DepEd context.
• Explain how your research results may contribute to addressing specific challenges in the Philippine education system.
• Outline plans for disseminating your findings, including through Learning Action Cells (LACs) as described in DepEd Order No. 35, s. 2016.

8. Ethical Considerations

• Provide a detailed explanation of how you will address ethical concerns, particularly when working with students or Indigenous Peoples.
• Demonstrate compliance with DepEd’s ethical guidelines as outlined in DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017.

Eligibility for Research Grants

As per DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017, to be eligible for research grants under BERF, DepEd personnel must meet the following criteria:

• Be a regular/permanent teaching or non-teaching personnel of DepEd
• Have no pending administrative case
• Have not yet availed of the grant for the given year
• For group proposals, have a maximum of three research team members

Conducting Classroom-Based Action Research

Action research offers a powerful method for teachers to systematically investigate and improve their own classroom practices. The following steps provide a guide to conducting effective action research within the DepEd context:

1. Identify a Problem or Area for Improvement

• Engage in critical reflection on challenges you face in your teaching or observe in student learning.
• Formulate a specific, actionable research question that addresses the identified issue and aligns with DepEd’s research priorities.

2. Plan Your Intervention

• Design a targeted instructional strategy or intervention to address the problem.
• Develop comprehensive data collection tools, ensuring they comply with DepEd’s ethical guidelines.

3. Implement and Collect Data

• Carry out your planned intervention in the classroom, maintaining detailed records of the process.
• Gather data through multiple methods, which may include virtual or remote data collection as permitted by DepEd Order No. 26, s. 2021.

4. Analyze and Reflect

• Examine your collected data systematically to identify patterns, trends, or significant changes.
• Use both quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques as appropriate for your data.
• Reflect deeply on the effectiveness of your intervention, considering both expected and unexpected outcomes.

5. Revise and Repeat

• Based on your findings, make informed adjustments to your teaching approach or intervention.
• Continue the action research cycle, implementing revised strategies and collecting new data to assess their effectiveness.

6. Share Results

• Document your entire action research process, including your initial problem, intervention, data collection methods, findings, and reflections.
• Prepare a detailed action research report or presentation to share with colleagues.
• Consider presenting your findings at school-based professional development sessions, education conferences, or through Learning Action Cells (LACs).

Responding to Research Committee Suggestions

Receiving and addressing feedback from research committees is a crucial part of the proposal review process. The following steps will help you effectively respond to committee suggestions:

1. Carefully Review All Feedback

• Read through all comments multiple times to ensure a thorough understanding of the concerns raised.
• Take notes on each point of feedback, categorizing them by their significance and the sections of your proposal they address.

2. Organize Suggestions

• Group similar comments together to identify overarching themes in the feedback.
• Prioritize major concerns that require significant changes to your research design or methodology.
• Create a systematic checklist of all points that need to be addressed.

3. Develop an Action Plan

• Create a point-by-point response to each suggestion, detailing how you plan to address the concern.
• For each major revision, outline the specific changes you will make to your proposal.
• Consider seeking input from colleagues or mentors on how best to address complex or challenging feedback.

4. Make Revisions

• Update your proposal based on the feedback received, ensuring that changes are consistent throughout the document.
• Pay particular attention to maintaining the logical flow and coherence of your proposal as you make revisions.
• Ensure that your revised proposal still aligns with DepEd’s research priorities and ethical guidelines.

5. Document Your Response

• Prepare a detailed response document explaining how you addressed each comment from the research committee.
• Include specific page numbers and sections where revisions can be found in the updated proposal.
• Provide clear rationales for any suggestions you chose not to implement, explaining your reasoning respectfully and professionally.

6. Seek Clarification if Needed

• If any feedback is unclear or seems contradictory, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification from the committee.
• Frame your questions professionally, demonstrating your commitment to improving your proposal.

7. Maintain a Positive Attitude

• Approach the revision process as an opportunity to strengthen your research design and methodology.
• Remain open to constructive criticism, recognizing that the committee’s goal is to help you produce the best possible research.
• Use the feedback as a learning experience to improve your research skills and proposal writing abilities.

Quality Control and Dissemination

As outlined in DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2022, completed research must undergo a quality control process before being accepted for archival in the E-Saliksik portal. This process ensures that all research meets DepEd’s standards for rigor and relevance.

Once your research is completed and has passed the quality control process:

• Submit your research for archival in the E-Saliksik portal.
• Prepare a research bulletin or summary for wider dissemination within DepEd.
• Share your findings through Learning Action Cells (LACs) and other professional development activities.
• Consider presenting your research at DepEd-sponsored conferences or submitting it for publication in educational journals.

Engaging in research as a DepEd educator or staff member offers a valuable opportunity to contribute to the improvement of educational practices and student outcomes in the Philippines. By following these comprehensive guidelines and adhering to DepEd’s specific policies and procedures, you can increase the likelihood of your research being approved, funded, and making a meaningful impact in your school and beyond.

Remember that research is an ongoing process of learning and discovery. Each study you undertake will help you refine your skills, deepen your understanding of educational issues, and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in education. By embracing this process and committing to rigorous, ethical research practices, you can play a significant role in advancing the quality of education in the Philippines.

This article, “ Comprehensive Guide to Research Proposals and Classroom-Based Action Research for DepEd Personnel ,” was authored by Mark Anthony Llego and published on August 10, 2024.

Mark Anthony Llego

Mark Anthony Llego, a visionary from the Philippines, founded TeacherPH in October 2014 with a mission to transform the educational landscape. His platform has empowered thousands of Filipino teachers, providing them with crucial resources and a space for meaningful idea exchange, ultimately enhancing their instructional and supervisory capabilities. TeacherPH's influence extends far beyond its origins. Mark's insightful articles on education have garnered international attention, featuring on respected U.S. educational websites. Moreover, his work has become a valuable reference for researchers, contributing to the academic discourse on education.

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