Steps in Writing a Research Proposal

Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to use the steps in writing a research proposal.

WRITING THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Writing a research paper is not an easy task. It is a product of hard work and there are no devices
that makes writing a research paper easy for anyone. However, there are ways to make writing less
tormenting to ensure that the result is good.

Below are the steps to follow to come up with a research proposal (Milward, 1983).

1. Choosing the Subject of Research

You must try to scan the existing problems in the area you are interested in. Follow
the subject and make a general and specific objective on what you want to do and focus on
it. Your chosen topic must be along your line of interest and work it out (See Unit 2).

2. Reading and Notetaking

These are two separate but related activities in research writing. You have to do
readings about the subject you want to do research on. Look for sources of information
and make sure to have enough and varied materials which you can find in the library. With
this resources, you can already write your bibliography (See Unit 3).

3. Construct a Preliminary Bibliography and Acknowledge Sources

The bibliography is a list of references which comprised of books, journal
publications, internet sources and other materials which the researcher believes is
important to be used in the research work. Acknowledging the sources gives respect to
authors whose work the researcher has borrowed in his paper (See Unit 4).

4. Outlining and Writing the Research Proposal

The research paper must have its central idea which is the reason you are writing
the paper. The thesis statement sums up in a sentence the message you want to convey to
the readers (See Module 5). Make an outline for your own consumption. This will indicate
the scope and the relationships of the different sections (See Unit 5).

5. Writing the Drafts

 Begin writing when your mind is fresh. Reserve a long continuous period of time
for writing the first draft. If possible, write the entire draft at one sitting. This process will
set a uniform tone throughout the paper (See Unit 6).