Evaluation of a Research Proposal

Student Name:
Student Number:

1 = Unacceptable and 2 = Requires 3 = Satisfactory, 4 = Has much merit; 5 = As good as

leaves much room for much but needs some leaves a little room for possible
improvement improvement attention improvement

PROPOSAL CHECKLIST QUESTIONS Score Times by Final

Score

The Title:

1 The title is a true reflection of the contents of the proposal and contains the
1
important variables. The title is not too long yet descriptive.

The Introduction and Background:

2 The necessary background or context to the research problem is established

It is formulated clearly and understandably 2

Provides a brief but appropriate historical backdrop to the research problem

The Statement of the Problem:

3 Is formulated adequately in terms of defined concepts relevant to the topic and

field of study
4
Is congruent to the title as well as the aim of the study (addresses the same
issue/s)

The theory, practical problem or previous research from which it proceeds

logically, is clearly described.

The Research questions, objectives & hypotheses (if applicable):

4 Culminates in research questions, objectives & research hypotheses
There is a logical flow from the problem statement
1
These are formulated clearly in terms of the relationship between the important
variables

The Literature Review:

5 Is relevant to the aim and problem statement of the study and makes use of key
words/terms/concepts.

Is sufficiently comprehensive, notices theories relevant to the aim of the study

and uses essential information sources.

Offers a logically organised and integrated summary (in the student’s own
2
words, of course).

Presents previous research technically correctly and provides justified criticisms

of flaws in it.

Includes sufficient overview of the following aspects:

(i) underpinning theoretical framework,

(ii) literature review on constructs and

(iii) review of empirical work done on the constructs.

 PROPOSAL CHECKLIST QUESTIONS Score Times by Final
Score

The Research Methodology:

6 Is appropriate for the problem in question

Is described clearly in respect of the following aspects (so that it is replicable):

(i) Research paradigm – defined and justification for selection

(ii) Research design – defined and justification for selection 4

(iii) Research approach – defined and justification for selection

(iv) Research method – defined and justification for selection

(v) Population & sampling procedures - defined and justification for

selection

The measuring instruments:

a) contents are described briefly.

b) administering and/or data gathering procedures are described.

c) reliability and validity is discussed.

The Data Analysis:

are briefly described

7 1
are appropriate for the given problem (descriptive and/or inferential)

The General Sections:

8 The ethical considerations to be implemented are clearly discussed and defined

The delimitations of the study are clearly provided. 1

The outline and schedule of completion of the chapters are provided

Academic Writing:
9 Is limited to 10- 12 typed pages.

Includes a comprehensive cover page

Overall presentation is neat with clear layout

Conforms to layout requirements 2

Logical development - develops a logical, coherent sequence of material.

Thorough.
Communicative competence - no errors and the writing flows from start to
finish. Clear communication.
Referencing:

10 In-text referencing is done consistently and correctly

The APA 7th edition referencing style is used

2
Includes a reference list that is correctly referenced

Sources used are not older than 10 years (unless absolutely necessary)

Total Final Score

Adapted from Welman, J. C. & Kruger, S. J. (1999) Research Methodology for the Business and Administrative Sciences. Johannesburg:
International Thomson Publishing Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd.