Show that you understand the current state of research on your topic.
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
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.
Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:
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:
To guide your introduction , include information about:
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:
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.
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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:
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
Research phase | Objectives | Deadline |
---|---|---|
1. Background research and literature review | 20th January | |
2. Research design planning | and data analysis methods | 13th February |
3. Data collection and preparation | with selected participants and code interviews | 24th March |
4. Data analysis | of interview transcripts | 22nd April |
5. Writing | 17th June | |
6. Revision | final work | 28th July |
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:
To determine your budget, think about:
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.
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 21 August 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/the-research-process/research-proposal-explained/
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If you are a PhD doctoral or Master’s student approaching graduation, then a large research project, dissertation, or thesis is in your future. These capstone research projects take months if not years of preparation, and the first step in this process is first writing a compelling, organized, and effective research proposal.
Check out the key differences between dissertation and thesis .
We’ve got some good and bad news for the PhD and Master’s graduate students out there.
First, the bad news. Research proposals are not easy to write. They require lots of preparation and planning. They can also seem to be an administrative task, with your PhD advisors constantly reminding you to write something that you’re not yet sure about. And of course, it’s also yet another written document that could be rejected.
Now, the good news. Research proposals help you organize and focus your research. They also eliminate irrelevant topics that your research cannot or should not cover. Further, they help signal your academic superiors (professors, advisors, scientific community) that your research is worth pursuing.
Research proposal checklists go one step further. A research proposal checklist helps you identify what you will research, why it is important and relevant, and how you will perform the research.
This last part is critical. Research proposals are often rejected for not being feasible or being unfocused. But an organized research or thesis proposal checklist can help you stay on topic.
This article goes into the following topics about research proposal checklists:
Research proposals are documents that propose a research project in the sciences or academic fields and request funding or sponsorship.
The primary objective is to convince others that you have a worthwhile research project as well as an organized plan to accomplish it.
A main purpose of a research plan is to clearly state the central research topic or question that you intend to research while providing a solid background of your particular area of research.
Your research proposal must contain a quick summary of the current literature , including gaps in your research area’s knowledge base as well as areas of controversy, which together demonstrate your proposal is relevant, timely, and worth pursuing.
But what functions does a research proposal perform?:
An effective research proposal should answer the following questions:
A compelling research proposal should answer the following questions:
A feasible research proposal should answer the following questions:
Use this research proposal example checklist as an aid to draft your own research proposal. This can help you decide what information to include and keep your ideas logically structured.
Remember, if your research proposal cannot effectively answer every single question below, then you may want to consult your advisor. It doesn’t mean your chosen research topic is bad; it just means certain areas may need some additional focus.
Click here for the full Research Proposal Example Checklist in .pdf form
The title of your research proposal must attract the reader’s eye, be descriptive of the research question, and be understandable for both casual and academic readers.
The title of your research proposal should do the following:
The introduction typically begins with a general overview of your research field, focusing on a specific research problem or question. This is followed by an explanation of why the study should be conducted.
The introduction of your research proposal should answer the following questions:
Your proposal’s introduction section should also clearly communicate why your research is significant, relevant, timely, and valid.
To effectively confirm the significance of your proposal, make sure your study accomplishes the following:
In the literature review section, you should provide a review of the current state of the literature as well as provide a summary of the results generated by your research. Determine relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research to support your research claim.
State an overview and significance of your primary resources and provide a critical analysis highlighting what those sources lack and future directions for research.
Following the literature review, it is a good idea to restate your main objectives, bringing the focus back to your own project. The research design or methodology section should describe the overall approach and practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.
To help you write a clear and structured methodology, use your plan and answer the following issues. This will give you an outline to follow and keep you on track when writing this section of your research proposal.
Additionally, explain how your results will be processed:
Read about how to explain research methods clearly for reproducibility .
Your discussion and conclusion section has an important purpose: to persuade the reader of your proposed research study’s potential impact. This section should also directly address potential weaknesses and criticisms put forth by other researchers and academics.
Although it comes at the end, your reference section is vital and will be carefully scrutinized. It should include all sources of information you used to support your research, and it should be in the correct citation format.
Use the Wordvice APA Citation Generator to instantly generate citations in APA Style, or choose one of the formats below to generate citations for the citation style of your academic work:
Although every research proposal is unique, it is a good idea to take a look at examples of research proposals before writing your initial proposal draft. This will help you understand the academic level you should aim for. Be sure to include a reference list at the end of your proposal as described above.
In addition to reading research proposal examples, you should also outline your research proposal to make sure no crucial information or research proposal sections are missing from your final manuscript. Although the sections included in a research proposal may vary depending on whether it is a grant, doctoral dissertation, conference paper, or professional project, there are many sections in common. Knowing the differences before you draft will ensure that your proposal is cohesive and thorough.
It’s vital to take the time to redraft, edit, and proofread a research proposal before submitting it to your PhD advisor or committee. Researchers and graduate students usually turn to a professional English editing service like Wordvice to improve their research writing.
Our academic services, including thesis editing , dissertation editing , and research paper editing , will fully prepare any academic document for publication in academic journals.
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A research proposal is a preliminary document submitted to the approval authority to state the major objectives of a research project or study. It includes the reason for the research, guidelines, methodology, and benefits.
A research proposal also includes the methodologies and strategies to carry out the research. When writing a thesis, dissertation, or research paper, research proposals are required.
1. introduction.
This is an initial pitch for your research study meant for sponsors, approval authorities, and related professionals. The aim is to help them understand your love and passion for the subject. It should answer the following questions in brief:
● What is the central idea or problem to which this research will find a solution?
● What methods will be used?
● How should the research problem be analyzed?
● What benefits will it offer to society, sponsors and participants?
Learn how to draft an attention-grabbing introduction for your research proposals with the help of PowerPoint presentation templates using this guide .
In this section, describe the roots of your research study. Write this section assuming your audience needs an explanation for everything. This section will work as a dictionary for technical jargon used in research.
Mention existing studies and literature pieces associated with your research. The purpose of a literature review section is to show former publications as evidence of the originality to support your research. Write your own understanding of these previous findings. Do not copy the literature or its wording .
Add comments where you feel those studies are lacking and how your study will fill that void.
A literature review is rich in information and, hence, needs to be written in simple and understandable language. Structure the literature review in a compact, readable manner. We suggest breaking up the literature review into categories for easy assimilation and dissemination.
Pro tip: Choose an alphabet like “C” and make five categories starting with the same alphabet. Example as follow:
In this section, you will discuss data collection methods, techniques used to analyze that data, and validation of outcomes. This passage is important to convince the reader that the method you used was the most suited for your research purpose and that the results obtained are valid. As the reader is not actually reading your research, he/she might not be aware of the method and results; therefore, it is crucial to draft this section in a logical and thoughtful manner.
The best practice to follow while writing this section is to explain the methodologies in light of available literature. While describing a research operation, including the time you will spend completing the task. Finally, do share the obstacles you will encounter during your research and ways to go negotiate these obstacles.
In this section of the research proposal, you will share expected results and their impact on policies, existing research, future studies, and daily life. Use this part to talk about potential benefits and the research process. Answer questions like how this study will impact ongoing research.
Reiterate the importance and significance of your research in the conclusion. After reading this section, one must have the answers to questions like what prompted the research, solutions someone gets from this study, research design, and potential implications.
Cite the resources used to draft the research proposal. You can do it in the form of ‘references’ or ‘bibliography.’ This section shows that these are the sources for your research, and the work is accomplished (not duplicated) using these sources. A standard format of writing the citations is, e.g., source - author - history.
Research proposals are crucial for planning and presenting your investigation in a coherent manner. It allows you to get funds showcasing your knowledge of the problem domain. Here’s a list of 10 pre-designed research proposal templates , each allowing you to present your bid in a unique way.
This comprehensive step-to-step guide will help you understand the process of designing a proposal. With the help of our sample research proposal presentation deck , you can lay emphasis on elements of the research proposal that suit your specific needs.
Download this template
Academic research is a detailed study of a problem and finding facts and solutions through systematic and scientific procedures. While you are new to the world of research and presentation, this Academic Student Research Proposal Sample Template is the best way to start.
Once you find facts, literature, and other knowledge related to your research, how you present it to the audience is the convincing factor. This research paper proposal presentation example will help you impress the audience with your findings presented in an organized manner. Some of the pointers you get are issues addressed, proposed solutions, constraints, current practices, and advancements with this presentation template.
Our designers devised this research proposal sample for a thesis with great effort to add value to a research project. It covers a list of resources, data collection types, data analysis methods, and approaches to data collection. Using this template, walk your potential sponsor through the thesis timeline, from reading and research to other tasks and milestones.
Research has become a common thread in professional industries and pursuits as a way of testing the waters. In-depth research will be the first step when you want to penetrate a new market or improve an existing business. This template will help you draft a research proposal as a way to know the game you are going to play.
Organizations are investing massive amounts of money and resources in market research. This is a huge opportunity if you are running a research services firm. Cash in on this opportunity with this research proposal template to help our clients spot an opportunity before anyone else. Download now!
Research involves both quantitative and qualitative results. Employ this research proposal template to convince investors that you are the master of both techniques. Share the timeline, research objectives, deliverables (in terms of numbers), methods, investment, and key achievements with this sample research proposal template.
Use trusted quantitative & qualitative analysis methods to analyze research proposal data and present it in comprehensive manner with these sample presentation templates .
Businesses must know what customers expect from their products. For this, organizations start their product development with thorough market research. Design a winning bid and land new clients using our content-ready market research proposal. Help your organization or clients develop high-quality products in sync with demand with this market research proposal PPT layout.
Identify solutions to questions like profitable investment areas, target audience, and customer demands with the help of this template. Promise your clients an efficient market penetration strategy to generate revenue and increase the customer base with the use of this research proposal presentation template.
One of the seven methodologies to conduct successful research is the Survey. It helps gather massive data. Draft a survey research proposal using this ready-to-use presentation template and help the organization understand the market. Impress your client with your research and presentation skills with this pre-designed one-page proposal template .
From marketers to engineers, everyone uses research proposals with two objectives in mind. The first is to get the audience’s attention towards a problem, and the second is to secure funding. After studying multiple successful research proposals, our exclusive templates are designed to help you meet the research objectives.
Use our research proposal presentation templates designs to draft your research proposal and win clients in the first meeting!
1. what is the format of a research proposal.
A research proposal is a formal way to standardize, present ideas, and think about a significant matter or issue. The best format for drafting a research proposal is simple; it is similar to writing a detailed research thesis. It should start with an introduction of your research, including background, literature review, reason, benefits of research, potential implications, conclusion, and references.
Drafting a proposal in an intelligent and comprehensive manner is important for better connecting with all stakeholders. You can do this by dividing the research proposal into seven small and interconnected parts:
1. Title page and cover letter: Start your research proposal with a neat and professional cover letter. It is an integral part of a business research proposal, request for proposal (RFP), and funding proposals.
2. Table of contents: It is an all-inclusive guide for the reader so that he/she can easily reach the section of his/her interest.
3. Introduction/summary/ abstract: Here, you share a brief about your research problem and the solution you offer. Convince the reader that you have deep and comprehensive knowledge about the subject.
4. Background and significance: This is an extended part of the introduction. It helps the audience gain familiarity with the subject by putting the relevant or existing proofs forward. Here, you also share the importance and benefits of your study.
5. Literature review: It is the most complex and technical part of the proposal. Make it as simple as possible to keep the reader on track. It shares previous relevant breakthroughs in your problem domain.
6. Plan or approach: In this part, you will share and compare the methodologies, techniques, approaches, and reasons why they are the most suited for your research question.
7. References: This part is important as, here, you demonstrate your source material for gaining specialized knowledge or expertise. It validates the authenticity of your research work. References in research are essential to prove that your research is unique and original. This section is important as it also shows that your work is a synthesized or advanced version of previous research. It is not duplicated or plagiarized.
The most basic research proposal must include at least these four things:
1. Research Overview
2. Research context
3. Research Methods
4. Significance and implications
There is no standard upper or lower limit to the research proposal length or word count. It should answer these questions in detail — what is your research question, your proposed solution, how do you plan to do it, and what benefits will it give to investors and society? You should aim to complete the proposal in less than 2,500 words.
An executive summary or introduction is the most important of a research proposal. It introduces your work and also lists its aim. One must draft it creatively to ensure the stakeholders are curious and impressed and want to know more.
Download the free Research Plan Proposal PDF .
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Research degrees
How to write your research proposal, with examples of good proposals.
Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It tells us about the question you want to answer through your research. It is a chance for you to show your knowledge of the subject area and tell us about the methods you want to use.
We use your research proposal to match you with a supervisor or team of supervisors.
In your proposal, please tell us if you have an interest in the work of a specific academic at York St John. You can get in touch with this academic to discuss your proposal. You can also speak to one of our Research Leads. There is a list of our Research Leads on the Apply page.
When you write your proposal you need to:
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Research proposal examples. 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".
Make sure you can ask the critical what, who, and how questions of your research before you put pen to paper. Your research proposal should include (at least) 5 essential components : Title - provides the first taste of your research, in broad terms. Introduction - explains what you'll be researching in more detail.
Ensure your sentences are concise and use plain language. A research proposal usually contains about 2,000 to 4,000 words or four to seven pages. Don't use too many technical terms and abbreviations assuming that the readers would know them. Define the abbreviations and technical terms.
The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Stress Reduction in College Students. Abstract: This research proposal examines the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on stress reduction among college students, using a pre-test/post-test experimental design with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Introduction: College students face heightened stress levels ...
Research Proposal Example/Sample. Detailed Walkthrough + Free Proposal Template. If you're getting started crafting your research proposal and are looking for a few examples of research proposals, you've come to the right place. In this video, we walk you through two successful (approved) research proposals, one for a Master's-level ...
Research proposals, like all other kinds of academic writing, are written in a formal, objective tone. Keep in mind that being concise is a key component of academic writing; formal does not mean flowery. Adhere to the structure outlined above. Your reader knows how a research proposal is supposed to read and expects it to fit this template.
Here is an explanation of each step: 1. Title and Abstract. Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research. Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal. 2.
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 ...
A well-structured research proposal includes a title page, abstract and table of contents, introduction, literature review, research design and methodology, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, timeline and budget. Visme's research proposal examples and templates offer a great starting point for creating engaging and well-structured ...
Your research proposal aims should be centred on: Relevance - You want to convince the reader how and why your research is relevant and significant to your field and how it is original. This is typically done in parts of the introduction and the literature review. Context - You should demonstrate that you are familiar with the field, you ...
Title Page: - Title of the Research Proposal. - Your Name and Affiliation. - Institutional Affiliation (if applicable) - Date of Submission. Abstract: - A concise summary of your study, typically around 150-250 words. It should briefly introduce the problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Introduction:
Here are additional tips on how to write a great research proposal: Avoid overly tentative or hesitant language such as "it appears that…" etc. Rather, be confident with your statements such as "I argue that…". Use subheadings and bullet lists to break up large sections of your 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 ...
Writing a proposal or prospectus can be a challenge, but we've compiled some examples for you to get your started. Example #1: "Geographic Representations of the Planet Mars, 1867-1907" by Maria Lane. Example #2: "Individuals and the State in Late Bronze Age Greece: Messenian Perspectives on Mycenaean Society" by Dimitri Nakassis.
An organized, well-written, concise, complete proposal = an easier to conduct experiment. A good proposal is like a good sales pitch. In the world of graduate studies and scientific research a proposal is the means by which funding is secured. Good writing when paired with a thorough understanding of the subject matter is a valuable skill to ...
Research proposal examples. 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'.
Determine relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research to support your research claim. State an overview and significance of your primary resources and provide a critical analysis highlighting what those sources lack and future directions for research. List your primary sources.
Here's a list of 10 pre-designed research proposal templates, each allowing you to present your bid in a unique way. 1. Research Proposal Steps PowerPoint Sample Template. This comprehensive step-to-step guide will help you understand the process of designing a proposal.
Research proposals. Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It tells us about the question you want to answer through your research. It is a chance for you to show your knowledge of the subject area and tell us about the methods you want to use. We use your research proposal to match you with a supervisor or team of supervisors.
1. Write a descriptive title that directly describes the intended research. 2. Write an introduction which summarises the proposed research directions in the present tense. 3. Write a literature review which positions your proposed research in the field. It should show how the work of other scholars connects to your proposed topic and identify ...
research script good afternoon panelist! aejay alexia nicole under the advisory of engineer crispin licataoa. today be discussing the study that we did in ... Contract Proposal. San Jose Park 1, Cavite ... One example of this effort is the Green Building The Code seeks to improve the efficiency of building performance through a framework of ...
The main purpose of this study is to determine whether athletic competition interferes with student athletes' academic performance. The research involved 80 student-athletes from Southville IV National High School for the School Year 2018-2019. The previous school year's data were used to determine the frequency (f) distribution and percentage ...
Script for Proposal Defense Emcee: Good morning/Good afternoon to each and every one we are gathered here this morning/afternoon to present our completed research as partial fulfillment of the requirements in Practical Research II. Hence, I am tasked to introduce to you my co-members. They are (one by one will step forward, and introduce one's n name to the panel of jurors) Zierene Mae ...
Please refer to the ERG budget guidelines for further guidance on research stipends. The required special proposal forms and budget guidelines are found at the bottom of this page. The deadline for proposals is 23:59 GMT, 19 August 2024. Topic areas and sample research topics: Energy
Increased funding for a wall on the US-Mexico border - one of Trump's signature proposals in 2016 - is proposed in the document. Project 2025 also proposes dismantling the Department of Homeland ...