“A research proposal is a concise and brief document that is proposing a research study or project.”
1. “What will be done?
2. Why it will be done?
3. How it will be done?
4. Where it will be done?
5. To whom it will be done?
6. What is the benefit of doing this?”
While writing a research proposal for academic purpose we include the following key Components
1) “Title
2) Introduction
3) Literature review
4) Methodology
5) References
6) Appendix”
1. Title
The first and most focused part of our research proposal is the title of our research proposal. If our title is proposing a good study that is solving a current problem or adding new knowledge in literature, then it will attract our supervisor or funding bodies (Funds to start a new entrepreneurial setup).
While writing the title of our research proposal we should consider that, our title must be.
a. Clear
b. Brief
c. Not consist of more than 15 to 20 words
d. Interesting to the readers
2. Introduction
The Second and most important part of the research proposal is introduction. Our research proposal introduction must provide an overview of our proposed study and also related background. Beside this our introduction should briefly focus on the major issues that are addressed in our proposal and should provide logic for their worth of attention.
Our introduction should be in simple language that is understandable and attractive for readers. While writing research for academic purpose we include the following ingredients in our introduction.
- “Background of the Study
- Statement of Problem/ Research Gap
- Research Questions
- Research Objectives
- Significance of the study
- Definitions of study variables”
1) Background of the Study
Background of study in research proposal enables the readers to understand the research problem and recent debate about it and provide an overview for the importance of studying a particular problem.
2) Statement of Problem/ Research Gap
A research Gap can be define as “A Problem or issue exist in the literature, theory or practice that leads to a need for study”
While writing this step we give a short summary of the research problem that we have identified in our proposal. We also provide the justification for the worth of this problem that why we should solve this problem and what are the benefits of solving this problem’
3) Research Questions
Whenever we identify a specific problem and explains some variables of interest related to this problem then we propose a relationship between these variables and phrase this relationship as a question.
4) Research Objectives
In this section we write the basic aims and objectives of our research proposal. While writing these objectives we should considered that.
a. Our research objectives must be relevant to the research problems
b. Our objectives should be specific, measurable and achievable
c. Our objectives should be realistic, and time bound
5) Significance of the study
Under this heading we provide the justification that how our proposed study will contribute in;
a. Improving or extending the existing knowledge in related areas
b. How the intended results will affects the theory, practice or policy
6) Definitions of study variables
At the end of our introduction, we also define our study variables.
These variables my independent, dependent, mediator and moderator.
3. Literature Review
“The review of literature provides the background and context for the research problem. Literature review helps us to generate ideas, form appropriate questions and facilitate process of research designing. We also develop our hypothesis based on literature review”.
The main purpose of the literature review is;
a. To see what has and has not been investigated?
b. To identify data sources
c. To identify different methods for measuring variables
d. To identify different studies that will provide supports study.
4. Research Methodology
a. “Research design
b. Population and sampling
c. Scales and measures
d. Data analysis Procedure”
a. Research Design
“A research design is referring to the overall strategy that we use to integrate the different components of the study in a coherent and logical ways.”
While writing the research design we include the following ingredients.
i. Type of study
Type of study explain the nature of our study that it may be descriptive, explanatory or exploratory. Beside this we also mention what type of data will be used by our study that may be qualitative or quantitative
ii. Study setting
Our study may be conducted in an artificial environment (that is contrived) or in a natural environment (that is non-Contrived). In study setting we mention our study is contrived or non-contrived.
iii. Time Horizon
Time horizon in research refers to the length of time over which data is collected and analyzed. It can be short-term, such as a few months or a year, or long-term, spanning several years or even decades.
iv. Unit of Analysis
Unit of analysis refers to the level at which data is collected and analyzed in a research study. It can be an individual, group, organization, community, or other entity that is being studied.
b. Population and sampling
i. Population
A population is a set of similar items or individuals which is of interest for our propose study. While writing our proposal we also mention the population of our study.
ii. Sampling techniques
Sampling technique may be Random or non-Random
iii. Sample Size
Sample size refers to the number of individuals that are selected from population for current study.
b. c. Variables and their measurement
In this section we categories our variables into independent, Dependent, mediator and moderator. Beside this we explain how we will measure these variables.
c. d. Data collection
In this section we explain the methods with which we will collect our data. In case of primary data we collect with the use of questionnaire, survey or interview.
Or in case of secondary data, we collect data from different data bases and websites such as World Bank, IMF site, central bank of relevant country.
d. e. Data Analysis
Data analysis refers to the statistical techniques with which we analyze our data. This is an important step in research proposal where we propose what type of test, we will use to analyze our data and which software will use to interpret these results.
4) References
At the end we cite all the references that we have use in our proposal to provide a theoretical base to our study.
5) Appendix
After writing the references we also include the section of appendix where we add additional documents that we use in our study. Such as questionnaire, interview format. Or survey questions etc.
How can we make our research proposal effective?
By using the following tips, we can make our research proposal effective.
1. Suitable title
2. Clear and specific aims
3. Theoretical support
4. Logical
5. Measurable
6. Achievable objectives
7. Problem solving
8. Complete research design
9. Less costly
10. Less time consuming
11. Easy to understand
12. Providing new methods, techniques or knowledge
====================Thank you================
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