research proposal and project proposal similarities

Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

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• Types of Structured Group Activities
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• Multiple Book Review Essay
• Reviewing Collected Works
• Writing a Case Analysis Paper
• Writing a Case Study
• About Informed Consent
• Writing Field Notes
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• Writing a Reflective Paper
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Generative AI and Writing
• Acknowledgments

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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The Demarcation Line Between a Research And Project Proposal

Writing any academic paper often implies submitting a proposal. The form and content of this paper can differ depending on the type of your main paper - whether it's a research or project. The main difference is in the scope of work. The research paper proposal relates to a more serious academic field, whereas projects are mainly assigned in schools and don't have the scientific significance the research paper could have. First, however, we must mention that the project proposal must be written to get the necessary funding.

The difference in academic levels presupposes that the requirements for the research paper proposal are much stricter than those for the project. It's essential that the standard of research paper writing is higher, but we'll anyway mention it here. You can't just choose a topic and research it; writing a proposal where you should state a topic, its importance, and significance is a must. Besides it, a student must review the literature, and the previous research on a chosen topic, provide the evidence and get the approval of the professors' board. In conclusion, we can say that the purpose of both research and project proposals is to get permission to write a paper. The content, format, style, and length of these papers differ, but the purpose is the same.

Here we'll try to cover all the nuances of the project and academic research proposals so that you won't have any questions.

Tips And Hints For Academic Research Proposal Writing

Keep in mind the formatting. There's no point in sharing any tips on formatting your research proposal because we can't know what formatting style you'll be asked to use. It depends either on your professor's requirements or the ones of your department. Even if you think that this or that format isn't suitable for your research proposal, you must unquestioningly follow the rules; otherwise, your professors will reject the proposal.

Each section is entitled. Let's leave aside a title page and move to other sections of your research proposal, such as background, aims, significance, methods, reference page, etc. The information should be placed in proper sections, and each section must have a relevant subheading.

A concise title. A research paper proposal isn't a minor paper, as many students might think. So, every aspect of this paper requires special attention, and the title isn't an exception. You must do everything to make the title of your proposal a short abstract of your research paper. Put the most important words first, and make sure your title is short, concise, and meaningful. If you want to achieve this purpose, write it only after you finish writing all other sections.

Remember about justification. The rationale is a must for you if you want the paper to be accepted by the academic committee. Rationale or justification is your explanation of the reason why you write this paper, what your knowledge gaps it can fill, etc. Please, don't write about the goals you won't achieve just to seem smarter - be realistic. Add some drawbacks or limitations in this paragraph.

Literature overview. Writing a research paper is impossible without using the literature. Your task isn't just to mention what research papers and studies you used. You must explain why this or that paper is relevant, what drawbacks it has and how your research can add up to the existing ones.

Write a proper outline. If you think that outlining means just deciding what sections your research paper proposal should have and following them, you're deeply mistaken. It's a lot of work that should be done. The outline is more than just a description of the structure - it should include other important aspects, such as your needs (resources, budget), completion timeline, etc.

Mention the research question. If you want to submit a proposal that will be accepted, keep in mind the research question. Professors who will read it shouldn't forget about your research question even for a minute when reading the proposal. Do your best to let the committee understand that your idea is worth it.

Don't start with cons. Of course, any research paper proposal must have the cons but don't mention them in the very beginning. Instead, focus on pros and tell how your research will contribute to the topic. Write the way your readers can stay interested in your paper.

Top Project Proposal Writing Strategies

Follow the right structure. There are certain sections obligatory for project proposals. These are intro, purpose, motivation, summary, references, project details, etc. We hope you're aware of the title's importance, so you can make it clear and concise. Keep in mind that 45 characters in length can lead you to success.

Proposal introduction. This section is the first the reader sees, so your task is to interest them from the very first word. What's the purpose of your project? Why do you think it's important? How can you benefit the scientific community? Answer all these questions in your intro, and your proposal will be graded high.

Describing the Motivation. Students often don't understand what is required of them in this or that section, so we'll help you. The motivation section implies that you'll tell the committee why your paper is important, you'll describe the problem you try to cover, tell them about the solutions and findings that already exist, etc. Don't forget that your aim is to glorify why your paper/solution is better than the previous ones.

The summary of your project. This section isn't long enough - just tell the professors what your project's content will be.

Covering the details. Writing your project presupposes carrying out some experiments, making observations, etc. Cover it all here: mention the procedures that have been taken, the problems you face, the challenges you completed, and the amount of time that was spent.

Concluding your project proposal. Writing the final paragraph is nice and easy: just check what you've written in previous sections, select the key points and restate them here.

References. It's a place to cite all research papers, studies, books, and other information sources used in your project and project proposal.

We tried to make this guide as detailed as possible, and hope that now you understand the similarities and differences between project and research paper proposal, and this kind of writing will no longer be a problem for you.

No matter what type of proposal you're writing, there's one one-size-fits-all secret: show your confidence and readiness while writing. Use the Internet to find some tips on making your writing more confident; spend time on achieving it, but be sure the result will be outstanding.

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Understanding research proposals.

CLASSIC ARTICLE - While there are important differences between grant proposals for research and grant proposals for programs, there are also many parallels. Grantsmanship Center trainer Charles R. Putney outlines the major components of a standard research proposal, and he explains how they relate to similar components Learn the key differences and similarities between grant proposals for research and programs by reviewing an outline for a standard research proposal.of a program proposal.

Home » Education » What is the Difference Between Research and Project

What is the Difference Between Research and Project

The main difference between research and project is that research is the systematic investigation and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions, while a project is a specific and finite activity that gives a measurable and observable result under preset requirements.

Both research and projects use a systematic approach. We also sometimes use the term research project to refer to research studies.

Key Areas Covered

1.  What is Research       – Definition, Features 2. What is a Project      – Definition, Features 3.  Difference Between Research and Project      – Comparison of Key Differences

Research, Project

What is Research

Research is a careful study a researcher conducts using a systematic approach and scientific methods. A research study typically involves several components: abstract, introduction ,  literature review ,  research design, and method , results and analysis, conclusion, bibliography. Researchers usually begin a formal research study with a hypothesis; then, they test this hypothesis rigorously. They also explore and analyze the literature already available on their research subject. This allows them to study the research subject from multiple perspectives, acknowledging different problems that need to be solved.

There are different types of research, the main two categories being quantitative research and qualitative research. Depending on their research method and design, we can also categorize research as descriptive research, exploratory research, longitudinal research, cross-sectional research, etc.

Furthermore, research should always be objective or unbiased. Moreover, if the research involves participants, for example, in surveys or interviews, the researcher should always make sure to obtain their written consent first.

What is a Project

A project is a collaborative or individual enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim. We can also describe it as a specific and finite activity that gives a measurable and observable result under preset requirements. This result can be tangible or intangible; for example, product, service, competitive advantage, etc. A project generally involves a series of connected tasks planned for execution over a fixed period of time and within certain limitations like quality and cost. The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) defines a project as a “temporary endeavor with a beginning and an end, and it must be used to create a unique product, service or result.”

Difference Between Research and Project

Research is a careful study conducted using a systematic approach and scientific methods, whereas a project is a collaborative or individual enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim.

Research studies are mainly carried out in academia, while projects can be seen in a variety of contexts, including businesses.

The main aim of the research is to seek or revise facts, theories, or principles, while the main aim of a project is to achieve a tangible or intangible result; for example, product, service, competitive advantage, etc.

The main difference between research and project is that research is the systematic investigation and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions, while the project is a specific and finite activity that gives a measurable and observable result under preset requirements.

1. “ What Is a Project? – Definition, Lifecycle and Key Characteristics .” Your Guide to Project Management Best Practices .

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1. “ Research ” by Nick Youngson (CC BY-SA 3.0) via The Blue Diamond Gallery 2. “ Project-group-team-feedback ” (CC0) via Pixabay

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Write Your Proposal

Learning to write an grant proposal at the dissertation stage has implications that go well beyond the process itself; it is  a skill that will be essential to you throughout your professional or academic career.

Proposal Elements

Although each funding agency will have its own (usually very specific) requirements, there are several  elements of a proposal that are fairly standard . While these elements are commonly requested in proposals, it is imperative to follow the request for proposals (RFP) precise proposal requirements

Project Summary

Title.  Make it clear, accurate, and succinct. This is the first thing the reviewers will see. Make a good impression.

Abstract.  Probably the most important part of the grant proposal. It should be absolutely clear to any reviewer reading it, regardless of his/her specific expertise. Write this last.

Some tips for writing the project summary:

• capture reviewers attention
• present a new, original, and compelling idea
• use engaging language

Project Description

Introduction/The ”Hook”.  Immediately capture the reviewer’s attention. There are many ways to represent the same idea, however, the HOOK tailors the description of the idea to the interest of a particular funder. This is a critical element of your proposal. It will likely determine whether a reviewer reads your proposal with interest or decides to skim it.

Background/Literature Review.  Reviewers want to know whether you’ve done the necessary preliminary research to undertake your project. Literature reviews should be selective and critical, not exhaustive. Be sure to provide enough background in your argument so both generalists and specialists understand your proposal. It is wise to avoid jargon and unnecessary technical terms.

Research Plan.  Describe, as specifically as possible, all components of the research methodology, expressed in relation to the specific aims/priorities/grant criteria of the funding agency, i.e., study population, type of data to be used, how data will be collected, how data will be analyzed, and a timetable for the research project (start/end dates, schedule of activities, and projected outcomes). Final decisions about which proposals are funded often come down to whether the proposal convinces the reviewer that the research project is well planned and feasible and whether the investigators are well qualified to execute it.

Some tips for writing the project description:

• follow the instructions precisely, i.e., answer all of the questions and stick to the format (font, margin, and page limits) requirements
• present well-organized, focused project plan
• align your plan with the specific aims/priorities/grant criteria of sponsor
• avoid being too ambitious or unrealistic

Remember your application will be reviewed by real people not by a monolithic agency. Reviewers are extraordinarily busy people with full-time commitments to their jobs, communities, and families. Make sure your proposal includes absolutely everything they need to evaluate your research project quickly and efficiently!

Make it easy for the reviwers by following the order of the RFP, even use the same headings. The RFP contains most of the essential information you will need to write a competitive proposal, fully responsive to the agency’s funding objectives and review criteria. Convince the reviewer that your project is important and that you are the right person for the job. “Agencies will not fund an idea not embedded in a convincing pattern of narrative detail and performance specificity tightly mapped to funding agency objectives” ( Cronan, 2007 ).

Personal Statement/ Biographical Narrative

Budget/Justification

Include a reasonable and accurate budget that meets the sponsor’s requirements. Clearly explain the costs of the research project (e.g. personnel, travel, equipment, supplies, etc.), sometimes offer a budget narrative/justification, if requested.

Support Materials

• Sample instruments
• Letters of recommendation
• Faculty sponsorship

Never forget, grant writing is a competition. There is intense competition for a limited amount of research funds.

Writing a grant proposal is not the same as writing a dissertation proposal!

Although there are many similarities between writing a grant proposal and writing a dissertation proposal, there are also  significant differences . Consider this:

Proofread Entire Proposal

Make sure there are ABSOLUTELY no typos, spelling, or grammatical errors. Speling and gramatticle erors wil sink an otherwise competitive propsal.

Avoid jargon.

Review Submission Checklist

Make sure your proposal sticks to requirements:

• Did you answer ALL the questions?
• Did you stick to the format (font, margin, spacing, and page limits) and structure requirements?

Submit Proposal on Time

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• How it works
• Homework answers

What is the Difference Between Research Proposal and Research Report?

When it comes to academic or scientific, quantified research, there are several steps writers need to be aware about before diving head-first into the hypothesis. There is a rhyme and a reason for these steps, and they are mostly to make the student aware of the process and to gather and organize ideas, thoughts, and examples in an efficient manner. One common mistake students make when writing research projects is mixing up their research proposal and research report. Of course, both of them are closely related to the research itself.

What is a research proposal?

The proposal step of research precedes the actual research itself. This is the stage where a student should outline in detail what questions they will explore and analyze. As a preparation stage, the research proposal is presented at the beginning of the research project with the aim of justifying the need for a deeper analysis and probing into the question or hypothesis. The proposal outlines the methods that will be used to carry out the research and the design of the research to ensure that the results are reliable and efficient. 

What is a research report?

Similar to the proposal, the research report is a crucial role in the entirety of a research project. The research report is presented after the research has been conducted already. This can be seen as a post-report stage, as it analyses the information and results of the research and summarizes the student’s findings. The aim of a research report is to critically analyze the proposed hypothesis or questions as well as the results of said research. In some cases, this will be called a thesis or dissertation – a major assignment for college and university students trying to achieve their degree. 

So, how can I write them?

The aims of the research proposal and report are relatively different, so the content of each one will also vary to a certain degree. What’s most important is that the research is supported and recognized.

Inside of a Research Proposal

The proposal lays out many steps and ideas before conducting the research – so it is essential to have a structure or outline that matches with the results you will be looking for. Typically, a good research proposal is five to seven pages long, or 2,000 words or more.

The proposal outline will include:

• Title – a title should be straightforward and clear at first glance
• Background Information – this includes issues related to your proposed research, as well as the rationale behind the research. It should also include literary sources that will be used to reference from, or maybe where the proposed question or hypothesis derived from. If the topic is widely discussed, there can also be a summary of the topics discussed and the ongoing developments happening at the moment. 
• Research Questions – the main part of the research project, the question is what you will be doing research on. It serves as a starting point from where students can branch off into other problems and issues that may arise during the research step. This segment can change based on the information you gather pre-research. 
• Methodology – this outlines the process of the research and the resources students will need to conduct the research. It should include the theoretical framework – or how the research will be approached and if they are appropriate for the proposed questions. Theoretically, it should include possible limits of the research and the advantages of the predicted outcome. 
• Plan of work – This segment details the amount of time needed to conduct the research and a detailed outline of the schedule to complete the research. Its essential to understand the scope of the project and to set a date to have the research completed in order to analyze the information at the appropriate time. 
• Bibliography – just like any academic writing, a bibliography lists the references students will use for the research and a handful of resources at their disposal during the research process. 

Inside of a Research Report

The research report is the golden egg of the research – it provides the results and information students will be searching for. The report comes post-research and serves as the dissertation or thesis that is a deeper analysis of the information. 

The research report will include:

• A Cover Sheet – this provides the reader all the information about the writer and the proposed topic.
• An abstract – a basic summary of the report itself, the abstract includes the sample size of research, the treatment of the research, the design of the research, and the implications of the research. This is not meant to be longer than a page – just a briefing on the proposed research before diving into the deep analysis. 
• Introduction – this stretched beyond the information in the abstract and should include supportive statistics and the purpose and the significance of the research in the scope of a community or the globally. This prepares the reader with the information needed to follow the research steps and the reasons why these steps were taken. 
• Research questions – the hypothesis should be presented in this segment, outlining a broader idea and moving towards specific and detailed questions. There should be a large distinction between the quantitative-based questions, and the qualitative-based questions here, to make things more clear for the reader to follow. Students should have more than one hypothesis to be considered a well-conducted research project, as it widens the scope and the purpose of the research. 
• Review of literature – the resources used to conduct the research should be present here. This qualifies the research done and supports it with evidence from literature related to the topic itself. It should be able to refute evidence and support the main ideas. The sources should be linked together so as to provide synthesis.  
• Method and Results – The methods used during the research period should be detailed at this segment – mentioning the samples, the setting, the treatment, and the data analysis. The results should also be described in details, again differentiating between quantitative and qualitative results.
• Discussion – the final aspect of the research project includes an open discussion about the work done. It should restate the hypothesis and check to see if it was correct or incorrect and see why. It should also include the limitations of the study – and maybe reasons why it turned out to be correct or incorrect. The discussion should be wrapped up with a conclusion and a closing summary of the entire research project. 

If students are about to embark on the journey of a research project, it’s essential to know and understand the stages involved so that the process will move along much smoother. 

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Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Research Proposal and Research Report

On the other hand, a research report is the culmination of the research endeavour. It is a great way to explain the research work and its outcome to a group of people. It is the outcome of the study conducted at the time of the research process.

This article will help you understand the difference between research proposal and research report.

Content: Research Proposal Vs Research Report

Comparison chart, definition of research proposal.

Research Proposal can be defined as the document prepared by the researcher so as to give a description of the research program in detail. It is typically a request for research funding, for the subject under study. In other words, a research proposal is a summary of the research process, with which the reader can get quick information regarding the research project.

The research proposal seeks final approval, for which it is submitted to the relevant authority. After the research proposal is submitted, it is being evaluated, considering a number of factors like the cost involved, potential impact, soundness of the plan to undertake the project.

It aims at presenting and justifying the need and importance to carry out the study, as well as to present the practical ways, of conducting the research. And for this, persuasive evidence should be provided in the research proposal, to highlight the necessity of the research.

Further, it must discuss the main issues and questions, which the researcher will address in the study. Along with that, it must highlight the fundamental area of the research study.

A research proposal can be prepared in a number of formats, which differs on the basis of their length. It contains an introduction, problem hypothesis, objectives, assumptions, methodology, justification and implication of the research project.

Definition of Research Report

Research Report can be defined as the document in which the researched and analysed data is organized and presented by the researcher in a systematic manner. It is a publication, comprising of the purpose, scope, hypothesis, methodology, findings, limitations, recommendations and conclusion of the research project.

Simply put, a research report is the record of the research process. It is one of the most important segments of the research, as the research work is said to be incomplete if the report is not prepared.

A research report is a document containing collected and considered facts, taken to provide succinct and comprehensible information to people.

Once the research process is over, the entire work is produced in a written material, which is called a research report . It covers the description of the research activities, in an elaborated manner. It contains Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Discussion of Results and Findings, Bibliography and Appendices.

A research report acts as a method to record the research work and its outcome, for future reference.

Key Differences Between Research Proposal and Research Report

The difference between research proposal and research report is discussed as under:

• A research proposal signifies a theoretical framework within which the research is carried out. In finer terms, a research proposal is a sketch for the collection, measurement and analysis of data. A research report implies a scientific write-up on the research findings, which is prepared in a specific format.
• While the preparation of a research proposal is considered as the first step to research work, preparation of a research report is the final step to the research work.
• A research proposal is prepared at the beginning of the project. In contrast, the research report is prepared after the completion of the project
• A research proposal is written in the future tense, whereas the tense used in the research report is past tense, as well as it is written in the third person
• The length of a research proposal is about 4-10 pages. On the contrary, the length of the research report is about 100 to 300 pages.
• The research proposal is concerned with the problem or topic to be investigated. Conversely, the research report focuses on the results of the completed research work.
• The research proposal determines what will be researched, the relevance of the research and the ways to conduct the researched. As against, the research report determines what is researched, sources of data collection, ways of data collection (i.e. survey, interview, or questionnaire), result and findings, recommendations for future research, etc.
• Research Proposal includes three chapters i.e. Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology. Contrastingly, Research Report covers the following chapters – Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Results, Interpretation and Analysis, Conclusion and Recommendation.

Basically, a research proposal defines the planning stage of the research work, which is prepared in written format, to know its worth. On the other hand, the research report signifies the concluding stage of the research work.

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December 27, 2021 at 12:08 am

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June 24, 2023 at 4:05 pm

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Queen Elizabeth Scholars - 2025 call for proposals

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Universities Canada and the Rideau Hall Foundation are pleased to invite members of Universities Canada or Colleges and Institutes Canada to submit a proposal for the seventh call of the QES program. QES 2025 will support projects that focus on the adaptation, response and resilience to a changing climate. This includes (but is not limited to) projects focused on biodiversity; agriculture; energy; climate and public health; economic impacts of climate change; air quality; community resilience; education; ecosystems; and water quality. Projects will support international study, research, or internships for outbound Canadian students and/or study and research for inbound international graduate students. All QES funded activities must be for academic credit/recognition. For all information on this call for proposals, please consult the  program guidelines .

Please note that each institution may only submit one application  through a central institutional account. The Office of the Vice-President (Global Engagement) will coordinate the McGill submission.  McGill full-time faculty members who are interested in this grant should submit the application documents to global.engagement [at] mcgill.ca no later than Friday, May 24 at noon to allow us meet the external application deadline of June 7, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. If you have questions about the QES program, please contact Matt Henderson at  qes2025 [at] univcan.ca . If you have any further questions, please contact  global.engagement [at] mcgill.ca .

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NSF to Solicit Proposals, Funding Requests for National AI Research Resource Pilot Demo Projects

The National Science Foundation’s Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure has announced its interest in receiving Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research — a.k.a. EAGER — proposals and supplemental funding requests for demonstration projects as part of the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Pilot .

According to a Dear Colleague Letter published Tuesday, the demonstration projects will be undertaken by teams of AI researchers, cyberinfrastructure specialists and domain scientists who are addressing research challenges that use or rely on one or more NAIRR Pilot resources.

NSF expects the multidisciplinary efforts to lead to scientific publications and demonstrate potential capabilities of a future NAIRR.

Interested stakeholders should first submit a three-page concept outline to NSF. The concept outlines should include a problem statement describing a specific research challenge, a draft budget and a description of the proposed work and NAIRR resources that will be required to perform the work.

NSF will return without review EAGER proposals and funding requests to parties that didn’t both submit an initial outline and were subsequently invited to fully submit by NSF.

“EAGER proposals and supplemental funding requests for demonstration projects submitted by July 10, 2024, will have the highest opportunity to be funded in FY2024. Submissions after July 10, 2024, may be considered in FY2025,” the letter states.

Call for proposals: Intersectional Gender Policy in Latin America

Open call for proposals for policy-oriented research to support local governments in improving equity and gender equality, with particular focus on Colombia, Guatemala and Sweden.

In the dynamic and complex socio-political landscapes of Latin America, the challenges of gender inequality intersect deeply with issues of growing economic inequality, social polarization and ethnic diversity. These challenges are further compounded in the lives of indigenous populations and Afro-descendant groups, who face unique barriers to equality due to a confluence of socioeconomic and ethnic marginalization.

Many local governments around the world are taking the lead in actively working towards gender equality, and there are many conducive initiatives in Latin America. ICLD is establishing a network of municipal partnerships in Guatemala, Colombia and Sweden on this topic and the present call for research should provide knowledge for coordinated action for measures accessible at the local level, to address the gender inequality trap from an intersectional perspective, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of inequality that transcends gender to encompass ethnicity, class, and more. The aim is not only to address the specific contexts of Colombia and Guatemala but also to inform broader applications, including regions with ethnic minorities or indigenous populations such as the five national minorities in Sweden, including the Sami in Northern Sweden, through the development of culturally sensitive, equitable, and effective gender equality policy.

This research initiative aims to explore the intersectionality of gender with other forms of marginalization, how local governments can address gender equality in a holistic manner, and provide recommendations to local governments and other actors promoting equality and equity within the framework of decentralized democracy. The research and the research team shall provide knowledge support to the ICLD network of municipalities. Read more about the network here: https://icld.se/en/what-we-do/network/network-for-gender-equality/

Potential research questions may include:

• How do gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status intersect to shape the experiences and opportunities of participatory local governance  of indigenous populations and Afro descendants in Colombia, Guatemala, and similar contexts in Latin America and beyond?
• In what ways can decentralized governance be optimized to enhance the development and implementation of equitable gender equality policies?
• How can participatory governance methods by local governments be employed and mainstreamed to ensure marginalised communities have a significant role in shaping gender policies that affect their lives?

ICLD encourages the use of participatory methodologies such as Participatory Action Research and Community-Based Participatory Research.

In addition, the research should map out at least 20 innovative policies and practices implemented by local governments to break unequal social norms and practices. The studies policies should go beyond quotas and women empowerment programs and special attention should be given to initiatives aimed to eradicate sexist social norms and cultural practices that limit the possibility for gender equality. study can include policies from around the globe and relate them to major global protocols, but special focus should be given to Latin America, particularly to Colombia and Guatemala where ICLD is establishing a network of local government for gender equality.

Deliverables

The projects shall produce:

• A detailed Research Report according to ICLD guidelines that articulates the findings and provides actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders.
• A concise Policy Brief according to ICLD guidelines aimed at translating complex research findings into practical guidance for the development and implementation of inclusive gender policies.
• A toolbox or pedagogical repository of inspiring policies for gender equality.

Please see ICLD’s previous publications for examples of research reports and policy briefs. Additionally, the project team must commit to organise a dissemination activity online, and be proactive in identifying and leveraging opportunities for knowledge dissemination in meetings of the ICLD network and other relevant fora. 

The deliverables shall be translated to exist in both English and Spanish.

Up to 400.000 SEK including personnel, operational cost of fieldwork and dissemination activity, translation of deliverables, and overhead (maximum 20%).

8 months from the signing of contract until deliverable submission. Applicants should provide a clear timeline with milestones.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be affiliated with an accredited research institution, which is to channel and administer the funds. The principal investigator must hold a PhD degree in a relevant field and be proficient in English and Spanish. Communication with ICLD is done in English.

How to apply?

The researcher or research team should submit a proposal using ICLD’s system SBS Manager. The portal requires an account to be made by the main applicant. The account and portal will also be used for contract writing, reporting and other administration around the grant. Make sure to start the application procedure well in advance of the deadline, to leave room for any unclarities and need for support.

In the application you must attach:

• Proposal using the following template: Research proposal template.docx
• CVs of the main project members
• It is highly encouraged to upload a letter of support from the local government(s) and/or active organisations where fieldwork will take place. Please utilize existing contacts or ask us for contact persons for selected municipalities. Guatemala City and Panajachel have specifically stated their desire to participate.
• Letter of intent from the research institution confirming they can administer the grant

Deadline for application: 18 August 2024, 23:59 CEST

For questions about this call, please contact [email protected].

Project Area

Sustainable development goals.

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Seeing the Parallels: Research Paper & Proposal Similarities

This article will explore the similarities between research papers and proposals, analyzing how these two types of documents rely on similar techniques to achieve different purposes. By looking at the structural elements in both a research paper and proposal, readers can gain insight into why certain conventions are used in each type of document. Additionally, an analysis of academic expectations for writing a research paper or proposal helps elucidate some important distinctions that exist between them as well. Understanding these differences is essential for producing effective pieces of writing within their respective fields.

I. Introduction: Seeing the Parallels of Research Paper & Proposal Similarities

Ii. understanding the nature of a research proposal, iii. understanding the purpose and objectives in writing a research paper, iv. defining common elements between a research proposal and a research paper, v. comparing key structural characteristics of a proposal and a paper, vi. examining methodological implications in both the contexts, vii. conclusion: exploring shared principles in crafting quality papers & proposals.

It is often easy to overlook the similarities between a research paper and a project proposal. But when one takes a closer look, they can see that there are several parallels in their structure and purpose. While each type of document serves its own specific use, it is worthwhile to appreciate how these two distinct writing styles come together to form an effective approach for addressing complex topics.

Both documents rely on outlining ideas and information through organized sections such as introduction, body paragraphs/arguments or evidence, conclusions/recommendations etc. This creates a framework for writers to effectively convey their point of view with clarity while helping readers navigate easily through the text. Moreover, both papers require background information about the topic at hand – which allows readers to get up-to-speed on what will be discussed in more depth later on. Finally, both essays also typically contain references (in terms of citing other works) throughout; ensuring that all claims made by authors have credibility.

• Objectives:

A research paper seeks out arguments within established theories whereas proposals aim towards introducing new solutions or initiatives. Despite this key difference though; good quality argumentation must still be present within either writeup if any progress is expected from them. At its core then; one could say that both types of writing strive towards creating persuasive content – regardless whether it’s trying to persuade others into adopting certain ideas (proposals), or persuading oneself further regarding existing opinions (papers).

Constructing a research proposal is an important step in the journey of researching and exploring a subject. It serves as the map, highlighting key details along the way towards writing your paper or project.

Similarities : On initial glance, both research papers and project proposals appear to be similar. They follow some common elements such as having clear objectives with defined metrics for evaluation; including methods that will lead to results; containing references from reliable sources; have proposed budgets if necessary and ensure feasibility.

• Research Paper – Focus on Investigation & Discovery
• Project Proposal – Emphasis on Action & Implementation

A research paper focuses primarily on investigation and discovery of information surrounding the chosen topic. Sources may vary between academic journals, online articles, books etc., with an emphasis given to primary data collection through interviews or surveys when possible. The main purpose is not only getting answers but also asking relevant questions pertaining to new understanding regarding this topic among fellow colleagues within its field.

On the other hand, preparing a project proposal calls for more than just collecting data – it requires actionable steps aimed at implementing solutions based off prior findings by use of resources such as funding applications or sponsorships where appropriate. Since these are typically intended for external stakeholders/partners there needs to be clarity around expected outcomes (i.e.: creating awareness campaigns) while outlining how they’ll contribute towards those objectives overall..

As an academic researcher, it is important to understand the purpose and objectives of writing a research paper. Doing so helps ensure that your work effectively meets the requirements of your field and contributes meaningfully to existing scholarship. At their core, both research papers and project proposals share similar elements—namely conveying information about a particular topic in detail through thorough analysis or experimentation.

However, there are key differences between the two genres when it comes to scope and format. A research paper is usually more comprehensive in its coverage than a project proposal; while researchers may explore many avenues throughout their exploration process, they will ultimately need to settle on one central idea or argument which serves as their thesis statement. The structure also differs greatly from that of a project proposal; typically involving sections such as introduction, literature review/background section(s), methodology & data collection tools (if applicable), findings & discussion of results/analysis, conclusion/implications for practice within the field etc.. In contrast, project proposals , particularly those required for grant applications generally focus heavily upon organizational goals rather than academic discovery itself—such documents should include details regarding program development plans with regards to budgeting needs & timelines along with strategies for evaluation success over time scales ranging from months-years depending upon funding sources provided by respective granting agencies etc..

When constructing research projects, it is important to understand the differences between a research proposal and a research paper. While both types of documents are intended to present data-driven evidence on an issue or topic, they each have distinct purposes.

• Similarities:

Both papers require extensive planning and organization for successful execution. Regardless if you’re writing a proposal or paper, developing an outline can be beneficial in ensuring that your content flows logically from one point to another. Moreover, creating appropriate citations helps support any claims made within either document by providing authoritative sources which lend credibility to your work.

• Distinctions:

Project Proposals and Research Papers: A Comparison of Key Structural Elements

Research papers and project proposals can share several key structural elements, although their respective purposes are significantly different. Each is built upon a clear thesis statement that functions as the foundation for its argument or objectives. Both types of documents will employ a logical sequence in presenting information by breaking it into paragraphs or sections according to topic; this organization allows the reader to easily understand the progression of ideas from one point to another.

In both research papers and project proposals, evidence must be included to support each primary claim made throughout. This evidence may take various forms such as quotes, tables, figures or data collected during field work or experiments; depending on what type of document you’re writing. Additionally, both should include an introduction describing why the topic being discussed is important as well as a conclusion which provides summaries and offers future directions for further study if applicable.

• Thesis Statement
• Organized Sequence Of Ideas

As researchers strive to understand the differences between a research paper and project proposal, it is essential to consider methodological implications in both contexts. A critical examination of this area can aid those seeking an understanding of the nuanced distinctions.

• Research Papers:

When crafting research papers, methodologies must be carefully designed. To effectively test hypotheses or answer questions being posed, exacting methods need to be outlined such as surveys, experiments or interviews that are appropriate for collecting relevant data points from which conclusions can then be drawn. Research should also take into account potential sources of bias that could lead to faulty conclusions being made if not identified and eliminated.

• Project Proposals:

The focus when preparing project proposals shifts away from just analyzing results but also on providing clarity around how they will be obtained through various tasks and activities during its duration. For example laying out detailed plans for reaching out customers as part of a marketing campaign needs consideration given not only towards measuring success metrics but ensuring customer privacy rights are respected throughout any associated outreach efforts. Thus by properly considering underlying implementation strategies necessary within each context valuable insight can ultimately contribute towards greater comprehension on what distinguishes one type of document over another enabling more informed decision-making when contemplating their use in pursuit of organizational objectives going forward.

When crafting papers and proposals, there are many shared principles. Research papers and project proposals can be thought of as two sides of the same coin; both involve deep research into a topic with purposeful organization and communication of that information.

• Clarifying Intention : Both types of documents begin with clarifying what it is you wish to explore or communicate through your work. This intention should be clearly stated at the outset, whether in a paper thesis statement or proposal objectives.
• Organizing Your Ideas & Data : After determining your overall goal, gathering relevant ideas/data from authoritative sources is essential for developing persuasive arguments. This data should then be organized logically within each document according to best practices (i.e., IMRAD structure for research papers).

English: This research paper has successfully highlighted the similarities between a research paper and proposal, demonstrating how both types of documents can be effectively used to address certain questions. Through this analysis, we have seen that although there are some clear differences in purpose and approach, the two do share several common characteristics that must be accounted for when developing either type of document. This work serves as an important reminder about the interconnected nature of writing tasks and their varying components; if one is careful enough to recognize these parallels, it will provide a valuable foundation from which more complex tasks can arise.