Guide for students to write best research proposal
Research writing is a tough task to perform. It requires dedication along with hard work and concentration. Research is an efficient tool for learning and as well as gaining knowledge. This is a proven truth. A research could create blocks for future researchers. It is efficient way in order to nurture the potential of researchers as well as achieve their academic goals. People could introduce new notions, innovations and conceptions through research. Also could add additional contents to the field of particular study. Thus could extend the knowledge of that specific area of learning. As a research is time taking task, this includes series of activities. It is almost impossible to achieve learning objectives without following the standard format of effective planning and research. Designing of blueprint is the most important task in order to start a research. Blueprints will help to present all the activities regarding the research in a systematic way that could assists the researcher regarding the paths of the research.
Definition of Research Proposal
Research proposal serves as the blueprint of the research including thesis, dissertation or any report. It presents the idea regarding the topic of the research. Research is not a small task that can be done by one person nor even possible to complete within one day. It is a large task and requires team effort for a certain period. Hence, blueprint of the task will present the opinion of all the team members before prepare the final report. A standard report could consist of 1000 to 300 words. It could be written within eight to nine pages. A properly designed proposal helps the researcher to execute the entire research in an efficient and systematic way. Research proposal also helps the researcher to convince others about the topic of the research, its detail inspiration, future scope, limitations and other related factors.
Importance of Research Proposal
Research proposal helps the researcher to conduct the research. Research proposal is required in order to finalise the research plan after initial steps of the research, which is discussion and presentation in front of the research committee. Research proposal acts as the foundation of work relationship including seniors, experts and supervisors. In case of large researchers, a proposal is required to submit in order to gain financial aids from authorities such as government or any other agency. As research proposal presents the significance of the research purpose, this helps to convince the authority regarding their fund investment for the research.
Writing procedure of a Research Proposal
Now as the definition and purpose of a research proposal is clear, prime question is the procedure of the research proposal. Thus, next part will discuss about the procedure of writing a research proposal.
There are no such rules and regulations regarding the structure of the research proposal. A standard research proposal consists of several chapters just like a dissertation. Hence, it should be segregated into different sections.
Title
In terms of writing, it is important to create a positive impression right from starting. Title of the research proposal is the first part and it will be reviewed at first by the authority. A title presents the prime idea behind the entire research. Hence, it is important that the title must be self-explanatory and should present the focus point of the research.
Length of the title is another important aspect as a standard title must be limited in length and enable to make their readers comprehend the prime concept behind the research work. A research is required to avoid long sentences while determine the research title as this only presents the over smartness of the writer. The researcher should keep it to be condensed and centred on the topic. At the same time, it will be descriptive one.
A title with short sentence and too much limitation on words could present the lack of creativity of the researcher. Even the shortest title should be enabled to present the purpose of the study.
Tip
Researcher should add catchy subtitle with an informative title to increase the appeal of the research work.
Abstract
First impression is the last impression. Abstract plays an important role regarding the initial impression of the readers on the research. As this creates initial impression on the readers, hence investment of the authority regarding the research project is vastly depended on abstract of the research. It conveys the messages regarding the purpose and efficiency of the research.
Length of the abstract will be limited within 200 to 300 words. It will present the research work as a summary. Abstract of the research proposal should be enabled to present the brief of the purpose of the research along with the requirements of the research work, related problems during the research, its prime objectives, those findings, which are researched during the project, a rational analysis based on the result of the research and conclusion of entire project. It will also present the further scope regarding the study.
The researcher should go through the abstract repeatedly and should take suggestions from their supervisors in order to make it more effective and efficient. Abstract of the research proposal should present detail information regarding the entire project.
Tip
In order to make the abstract more appealing, the learner should add personal judgement regarding reliability and validity of the research.
Introduction/Background
Introduction presents the foundation of the research proposal. It presents the significance of the study as well as its context. A properly designed introduction allows the readers to enter in the realm of specific area of study from general areas. It thus presents the background of the research study. It also presents the purpose of the research. Provides brief regarding the methodological approaches during the research in order to investigate the researched topic, put emphasis on the outcome of the research and determine the framework for the entire research.
An introduction of a research proposal should consist of basic information related with the proposal. There should be a introductory paragraph in the introduction of the research and should include the starting of the paragraph. This will cover two questions including what is the topic of the study and why this is an important topic to study.
Opening will be started just after the literature review where the writer should present prior knowledge regarding the topic of the research. Introductory paragraph must be ended with the observation of the researcher. It will also present the answer of most important yet common question regarding the research. It will be related with the additional factors that the researcher could add with the original information about the topic of the research.
TIP
Though introduction is the initial part of the research proposal, learners are advised to write the final paragraph of introduction after the completion of the writing.
Aims and Objectives
Aims and objectives of the research could present the summaries that the researchers are aiming to achieve through this research project. In other words, it presents the expectations of the researcher from this research study along with the overall research purpose. Hence, the researcher is required to determine the transparent and concise aims for the research.
Previous section puts emphasis on the answer of the question “why” in the context of the research. On the other hand, next section of the research will consider the answer of “how” regarding the procedure of the research. Hence, this section will focus on the answer of the question “what” regarding the purpose of the research. The factors associated to aims and objectives will consist of desired outcomes inclusive of information such as purpose of the study, expectations from the study and the factors which are necessary to be accomplished. It is important to remember to avoid usage of using general statements at the time of explanation of objectives and aims. Efforts should be directed towards being more specific to the goals and objectives. At the time of selection of objectives, it is important to choose objectives which are possible for achievement and not being overambitious at the time selection of objectives.
Literature Reviews
It is important to remember that no appreciation and reviews are granted for copying or using another's work. Thoroughly studying and clearing any doubts will help an improvement of quality of writing. As opined by Merriam (1998) literature review is basically an effective synthesis of published works.
It serves an important way and procedure of finding important and relevant data and reviewing from the context of literature review is an essential skill. Acquisition of this skills is an important and important process for literature review writing. This can be effectively acquired by identification of relevant sources of information. Before starting the work it is mandatory to review books journals and articles relevant to the sources of the study.
Literature review must be written in a systematic manner. It must be effectively divided into four sections and individual attention must be directed for each specific section. After giving a brief on literature review, it should constitute of three separate sections in support, against or alternative approaches It must be written in a way such that it will effectively give a reflection about analytical skills. It must be able to give clear ideas regarding a particular theory. It must contain analysis regarding the topic of the particular study and its focus.
Methodology
In the process of doing research, the area of the study is well known and defined, definition of title pages, introduction of the research problem, analyse and implement its results , understanding its objectives. Methodology deals with explanation regarding achievement of the objectives. Up To this specific point planning associated with specific techniques necessary to investigate the research problem is identified. This part is very crucial and important as this part will play an active role of representing the work and dedication towards the research work. This part must be written in past tense and must be able to satisfy two basic questions such as methods of data collection and its analysis.
There are many methods which can be used to investigate the research problem. Some of the useful methods such as questionnaire, survey, interview questions, general observations. Lastly, it must consist of sufficient amount of explanation or reason behind selection of this method. The methods selected must be in proper connection associated with the research problem and must be able to satisfy the objectives of the study.
Conclusion
It is basically the synthesis of all the key elements and main points used in the entire research culture. A good and strong conclusion plays an important role in making the readers believe the importance of it and how it can be used for future development
Conclusion written in well structured manner offers a wonderful opportunity to express the research work and outlines for the viewers. It offers an important opportunity for making and maintaining the final impression
While writing the conclusion, it is essential to use simple and lucid language; it must also be kept in mind to expresses it as clearly as possible. It must not contain any word or any figure, the researcher is certainly not aware of. Rewriting the results and theories that are only stated and mentioned previously will not make a good conclusion. Jotting down the key points and elaborating the importance and significance of research will make a proper conclusion
While writing the conclusion, thinking and mindset must be like the last chance of convincing the organisation or party to invest in the research. In addition to that sufficient emphasis towards mentioning the future scope for development is necessary to be included
Budget
The main reason for conducting the research work is money. It is the main reason for all the hard work and dedication to research work. The investors while going through the research work will want to know the amount of funding the researcher will need to investigate the research problem The researcher should make effective and accurate budget, while preparing the budget it is necessary to remember to make note of entire research consideration for budget planning. All the probable costs associated with investigation must be kept in account for fixing the budget of the research work
Preparation of accurate budget will consist of sufficient amount of time in thinking. The researcher may take sufficient amount of its time to think. If necessary taking the help of the supervisors and any other relevant persons having experience in the field or trade will offer help as well. After finalizing the budget conditions the amount must be mentioned to the investors as precisely as possible
Timeline
This portion of the research work will consist of description and analysis of time necessary to complete the whole research work. It will be represented in form of timelines related to individual tasks. The researcher is necessary to provide sufficient amount of benchmarks related to the study and the researches. Preparation of benchmarks related to the study will play an important role in getting grants easily. For instance, in case the researcher requires approximately four months of data collection, five months for analysis purposes and approximately three months for three months for arriving at a conclusion and approximately two months for assigning and composing everything together as a whole.
Preparation of proper time as per the flow of the process of the research will help the researcher to plan and align everything related to research and meet deadlines for each specific task. In addition to that, it will help the researchers in giving sufficient amount of time to the research which will help in improving the quality of the research. It also helps the researcher an setting and establishing deadlines for his work.
References
This section mainly consists of list of things that are used in the entire research works. It is important to mention the names of the researchers and any other names of documents to be sourced during the process of research. It consists of lists, journals and list of conferences or articles which are relevant to the research work. Different fields in referencing has different format of notations and denotations which are important for be followed. Different referencing style is adopted for different and respective countries. In general pattern it must be written in sets of alphabetical orders by the name of the author and books by them.
Points necessary to remembered at time of submitting a research proposal
- The research must be properly submitted by means of a proper cover letter
- Any kind of coping work of different authors must be avoided and any kind of plagiarism will be avoided at any costs
- Theories and diagrams must be explained with the help of relevant figures and charts
- Initiative towards making relevant charts , data models and tables must be used for data summarization of data. It also helps in representation of data in a comprehensive manner
- Effectively working and following re-thinking and retyping
- Using sufficiently short and effective sentences
- Making paragraphs more often
- Providing proper citation for every sources