WRITING A RESEARCH

PROPOSAL

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WHAT IS A RESEARCHPROPOSAL?
❑ A Research Proposal is a plan showing the
step‐ by‐step description of how a proposed
research will be undertaken.

❑ It reflects the researcher’s understanding of

the problem and ability to conduct the
research.

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 WHY A RESEARCHPROPOSAL?
❑ It gives an opportunity to think through your
project carefully, and clarify and define what you
want to research
❑ Provides you with an outline and to guide you
through the research process
❑ Lets your supervisor and department/faculty know
what you would like to research and how you plan
to go aboutit
❑ Helps the department to choose an appropriate
supervisor
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 AIM OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL – I
• Your Research Proposal needs to persuade the
members of the “Thesis Committee” that
your research will be most valuable and
fascinating
• You should have a clear idea in your mind that
your research is really going to be effective
• You should develop the exact strategies for
writing your research proposal.

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AIM OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL – II
❑ In the research proposal, you need to mention
the expected outcomes of your work, possible
difficulties, and time limits.
❑ This will persuade the “Thesis Committee” that
you have thought over the whole research
thoroughly.
❑ You need to beaware:
– What you want toachieve?
– What can bother you?
– How you can overcomeit?
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 A GOOD RESEARCHPROPOSAL
• Your RP should bedetailed
• You need to mention the methods you
are going to use for achieving the results
• You need to say why these methods
are suitable for that aim
• You need to give reasonable arguments that
will support your every point of view

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 THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL PROCESS
• Choosing a Topic
• Narrowing and focusing yourTopic (title)
• Formulating your Research Objectives orQuestions
• Outlining the key literature in the topic area/study
• Describing the research methodology including
the research designs and methods
• Proposingan approach to Data Analysis
• Developing a Project Schedule (Time Plan) and a
Budget /Resources you will need
• Developing a bibliography

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 FORMAT OF YOUR RESEARCH
PROPOSAL
IMRAD • Title
(Chapter 1-3) • Introduction /Background
• Significance of Study
• Literature Review
• Research Methodology
• Ethical Considerations
• Limitations and Constraints
• References
• Planning (Gantt Chart)
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 RESEARCH PROPOSAL (ON IMRAD)

TITLE
(Times New Roman, 14, Bold, ALL-CAPS, Center. Title should be in inverted triangle
format.)
<One single space>

Name of Author/s
(Times New Roman, 12, Bold, Center)
College
<One double space>

Introduction
(Headings must be in Times New Roman, font size 12, left-aligned and uppercase/ lowercase)
< double space>

The body shall be in Times New Roman, size 12, regular, ½ inch first line indention each paragraph and left-justified. The

headings of each section shall be indicated in the following order.

<double space AFTER EACH paragraph>
<One double space after the last paragraph>

(The Introduction can be presented by making use of sub-headings that may focus on the scope and importance of why the study is undertaken.
It can likewise dwell on the current problem in the field and the gap to be bridged by the study, as examples. However, it will be up to the authors
how they will be able to substantiate these aspects. The Review of Literature is likewise an essential feature that should be included in the
Introduction part of the write-up. The last part of the Introduction is devoted to presenting the Objectives of the Study.)
 RESEARCH PROPOSAL (ON IMRAD)

Research/Analytical Framework
Materials and Methods

Research Design
(Determines Who? What? When? Where? How? Why? Also includes the materials, interventions, outcome measures,
statistical analysis, sample size calculations, and ethical considerations, as the case may be.)

Data Gathering Tools and Techniques

Note: The RESEARCH PROPOSAL comprises the Introduction, Research/ Analytical Framework, and the
Materials and Methods including the subsections as presented above. The Abstract and Keywords
(shown above, after the Authors of the Study are presented after the study has been undertaken and
results have already been derived.
Submission of the RESEARCH PROPOSAL already includes the References (found on the last page of
the proposal), which will present the Related Literature and Studies cited by the study.

References
(References shall follow the APA Format – 7th Edition) In alphabetical order. Minimum of 30 references.