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The objective of this document is to provide the brief guidelines for the MS/ M. Phil
candidates of Superior University to write a good research proposal. This document will
show that
1) You have the competence and work plan to complete the research.
2) You have a research idea which will lead to the creation of new knowledge and
understanding.
3) It includes sufficient information for us to evaluate the proposed study
Working Title
Working title is the foremost part of the research proposal. Therefore, it must be selfexplanatory that should give a clear idea to the reader that what you are going to undertake.
Specifically the title should encapsulate the precise identification of the problem, main
variables or concepts, and target population. It should reflect the clarity, conciseness and
effective arrangement of words in the title. The title is designed to stimulate the readers
interest. A good title should attract and inform the readers and be accurate. It needs to stand
out in some way from the other thousands of titles that compete for the readers attention,
but it also needs to tell the reader what the paper is about.
Abstract
The abstract begins with the statement of the problem which is based on the critical
analysis of the literature. The abstract continues with the research questions and
corresponding hypotheses (if used). Measures operationalizing the variables are identified
and the procedures are briefly described. It should be interesting enough to motivate a
reader to read the full proposal. An abstract maximum of 150 words should be given at the
top of second page. Further it is also important to mention key word at the end of abstract
in a separate head
Introduction/Background
The introduction of a proposal should begin with a capsule statement of what is being
proposed and then should proceed to introduce the subject to a stranger. It should give
enough background to enable an informed layman to place your particular research
problem in a context of common knowledge and should show how its solution will
advance the field or be important for some other work. The statement
Establish the field: assert briefly how significant, relevant, and important is
Research Paradigm
Research Approach
Philosophical Assumptions
Induction/ Deduction
Research Method
Qualitative/ Quantitative
Research Design
Population
Sample Size
Sampling Technique
Data Analysis
Ethical Consideration
References
List all the research studies you have cited in your proposal. The references should be
given in APA 6th manual style. Use of references in your study should be smart enough to
convey that you have read, understood and evaluated the work of previous researchers. You
can add the work of other that might be relevant to your topic but you have not actually
cited in your proposal for whatsoever reason can also be shown as bibliography.
b. Research Gap
c. Significance of Research
d. Research Questions
2. Theoretical Framework
a. Base theories
b. Relationships of constructs
3. Methodology
i.
a. Research Paradigm
Philosophical Assumptions
i.
b. Research Approach
Induction/Deduction
i.
c. Research Method
Qualitative/ Quantitative/ Mixed
ii.
5. Conclusion
10
6. References
11