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.