Research proposal format:
The following contents of the research proposal must be included:
– Summary
– Introduction into the General Topic
– Problem Statement and Justification of the Research Project
– Objectives of the Study and Hypothesis
– Literature and Research Review
– Research Methodology
– Data Collection, Analysis and Evaluation of Data
– Expected Results and Output of the Study
– Budget and Time frame
– Bibliography
– Appendix, e.g. Tables templates, Questionnaires, definitions etc.
1. Introduction: The student will need to introduce what the research proposal topic is about.
2. Problem Statement: You need to identify a very specific problem within the stated topic. Present the specific problem as a general statement stating why the problem is important enough to study. Include any corrections or feedback you received from the Component 1. (Estimated length – one paragraph)
3. Rationale for the Research: You will need to explain what the study intends to accomplish. What rationale was used to determine the importance for this study? How does your study relate to larger issues? Make a persuasive statement to justify the reason for the study. Why is the study important? To whom is it important? What benefits will occur if this particular study is done? (Estimated length – half a page)
4. Statement of the Research Objectives: Identify the objectives and the purpose for the study.
Example: The purpose and the objectives for this study are to ….
5. Hypothesis: A hypothesis is really an educated guess. A hypothesis results when the questions are transformed into statements that express the relationships between the variables within the proposed study.
6. Definition of Terms: Define a minimum of five terms used throughout the proposal so that readers can be sure to understand the meaning of the terminology used.
7. Summary: Include a restatement of the problem and a summary of the proposal.
Literature Review
A minimum of five relevant research articles are to be analyzed for the Literature Review. The articles used are to be cited in the Literature Review of the Research Proposal. They are also to be included in the references page.
Review of the Relevant Literature/Related Research/Literature Review: Provide a minimum of five research studies that address the same topic chosen for the proposal.
What are the similar areas of study or studies that lead up to the current research?
Identify the importance of the questions being asked.
Report on the current status of the topic.
Analyse the relationship between the literature reviewed and the problem statement.
Research Methods.
1. Method, Participants, Research Design, Instrumentation, and Data Collection Plans.
Method/Research Procedure/Methodology: Determine the method of research for the proposal. Examples could be: qualitative, quantitative, and case study .
Participants: Provide specific identification for the proposed participants for the
study. Include a description, the possible number within the population, the proposed location, and the selection procedure. Identify how a representative sample will be drawn from the population.
Research Design: Determine how to conduct the data collection and the proposed analysis.
Instrumentation and Data Collection Plans: State the sources and/or instrument(s) proposed to be used to record the data (surveys, interview protocols). Identify the procedure. Determine how to specifically conduct the research based on the proposed sample.
Proposed Analysis of the Data. (Estimated length – one to two pages)
Identify what results are expected from the sample. Identify how the categories of responses will be determined and analyzed.
What variables will be included in the analyses?
Identify the dependent and independent variables if such a relationship
exists.
Will computer software be used in the analysis? If so, identify what will be used.
Implications and Limitations, Appendices and References
Identify and label a minimum of two (2) implications and a minimum of two (2) limitations for the proposed study.
Create and submit the Time Schedule for the proposed research and resources needed, as well as additional personnel, budget details)
The consent forms, and the questions used for the surveys/questionnaires/interviews. (These must be attached as appendices)
Guidelines:
– The use of facts to present sound arguments, with the support of both theoretical information gained from the course and further readings. Use of graphical illustration wherever possible would provide extra marks.
– Within the proposal; every concept used should give a definition whenever required.
NOTE: (Quantitative method is required and can slightly change the research title and research question relevant to the method if needed)
