Orna Farrell

orna.farrell@dbs.ie
 What is a research proposal?

 Whatare the main elements in a research

proposal?

 What is your research topic?

“Good research proposals both give an
overview of the project and a well informed
discussion of the nuts and bolts of the
proposed research” (Burnett 2009)
 Connects with current literature
 Well though out, viable and timely
 Aware of strengths and limitations of your
proposed approach
 Ethics
 Research question
 Argument: why the research is important and
worthwhile
 Philosophical stance, e.g.. Positivist, feminist..
 Methodological approach which is reliable, valid &
viable
 Reasons for choice of methods
 Ethical issues
 Secondary reading: literature review
1. Title page & table of contents
2. Title
3. Aims & Objectives
4. Introduction to the research topic
5. Literature review
6. Research design
7. Ethical considerations
8. Conclusions and recommendations
9. Bibliography
 Title: should reflect the well defined aims of
the research. Should be concrete
Ex 1.
“Why are all the managers white at Moon Bank
Inc?”
Is this a good title for a research proposal?
 Here the researcher talks about the purpose of
the research
 Aims: general
 Objectives: specific
example aim: To evaluate the formal and
informal processes of promotion within
Moon Bank.
example objective: Do all candidates have an
equal chance of finding out about
forthcoming promotion opportunities?
 Explain:
What the research topic is?
Why have you chosen it?
Why is the topic important?
Research methods used:
 Is it qualitative or quantitative?
 How will data be collected and analysed?
 Why have you chosen particular methods?
 What are the advantages and limitations of the
research methods used?
 How are you positioned in the research as the
researcher
 How will you go about gaining your participants
consent?

 How will
participants confidentiality and
anonymity be maintained?

 What will you do with the data you

collect, including personal details?
 How will your participants have access to the
results of your research?
 Identify some the potential
of the project
including theoretical, methodological, policy
and other issues
 Burnett, J.(2009) Doing your social science
dissertation. London: Sage.
 McMillan, K. &Weyers, J. (2009) How to write
dissertations and project reports. Pearson
Prentice Hall.