background preloader

Writing a research proposal

Facebook Twitter

Research Proposal. The main purpose of a research proposal is to show that the problem you propose to investigate is significant enough to warrant the investigation, the method you plan to use is suitable and feasible, and the results are likely to prove fruitful and will make an original contribution.

Research Proposal

In short, what you are answering is 'will it work? ' The level of sophistication or amount of detail included in your proposal will depend on the stage you are at with your PhD and the requirements of your department and University. In initial stages, the document you need to write will probably be three to five pages long.

It will give a general idea of what you are proposing to do but it isn't a binding contract. Often it serves as a starting point for discussions with your supervisor to firm up the topic, methodology and mechanics of your research. Qualitative Research Proposal Sample. A Time Between: The Full-Time Adult Undergraduate A Sample Qualitative Research Proposal Written in the APA 6th Style [Note: This sample proposal is based on a composite of past proposals, simulated information and references, and material I’ve included for illustration purposes – it is based roughly on fairly standard research proposal; I say roughly because there is no one set way of doing a qualitative research proposal.

Qualitative Research Proposal Sample

Much of its design is based on the nature of the research, your preferences, and your decisions about how to describe or portray what it is you plan to accomplish. The material in this document was adopted primarily from a dissertation proposal created by Dr. Nancy Gadbow. Introduction In recent years an increasing number of adult students are on college campuses seeking undergraduate degrees, filling some of the seats formerly occupied by the traditional, 18-22-year-old students (Apps, 1981; Cross, 1981; Leckie, 1988). The Purpose of the Study Definitions 1. 2. Setting. Develop a Research Proposal - Sample Proposals. Sample Research Proposals Review the following sample research proposals.

Develop a Research Proposal - Sample Proposals

As you review each, consider how each element in the proposal is described and explained by the researcher, consider what is included, in what order it is shared, and how elements are combined. Also consider what is omitted, and/or what new elements are included that have not previously been studied in class. Lastly, consider how the researcher composed the proposal with an audience in mind, and what elements of the proposal work to persuade that audience. As you review the proposals, select ones that are in your field of study AND ones that are of interest to you.

Key Elements of the Research Proposal. Do you know that the key element of your research proposal will be its methodology section?

Key Elements of the Research Proposal

Imagine this: You are competing with several other organizations for grant money to conduct an investigation into a new treatment for cancer. You will need to convince the grant foundation that their money will be well spent, and that you will manage this investigation well. How can they believe that you will produce results if you do not tell them about the methods you intend to use in order to assess and study your research and data? Will you conduct experiments, or will you study existing groups of individuals? Will you collect numerical data or anecdotes? In this section you will review different approaches, designs, procedures, and methods for investigating your area of research. Design Approach The overall design of a research project consists of its methods and procedures. Return to Procedure or Methodology Type of Design Used What are the main types of qualitative approaches to research?

A.