HOW TO WRITE YOUR

FULL-BLOWN
RESEARCH
PROPOSAL
by
Dr. Ronald M. Henson
Research Consultant
Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Introduction (2-3 pages)
- a prelude to research problem in macro
approach
- short but substantive write-up with highlight
of relevant literature to present the scope of
the study and its problem
- use statistics and literature that can present
state of the problem to rationalize the
research, but no diagram and tables
- link with the purpose of study
Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Background of the Study (1-2 pages)
- state clear reasons in pursuing the
topic
- present the context in which topic is
viewed on micro-approach and area of
investigation
- cite briefly the setting of the study with
historical description,
participants/respondents
Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Theoretical Framework (2-3 pages)
- describe and explain the theory/theories on
which to anchor the problem drawn from
related literature and studies
- clarify relationship between and among the
major concepts of the theory/theories and its
proponent
- if any, original model is presented as is;
otherwise draw the diagram of theory
Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Conceptual Framework (2-3 pages)
- discuss the elements of the cited
theory/theories as applied in the study
- replace concepts of the theory/theories with
study variables
- explain the relationships of the variables
founded on the theory/theories
- draw the conceptual diagram showing study
variables
Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Statement of the Problem (2-3 pages)
- present the research problem in
interrogatory form
- start research problem with a short
introductory paragraph on the intent of
the study
- close with the main research question
Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Sub-Problems/Research Objectives (1 page)
- clear, definite and measurable statement or
sub-problems/objectives (intentions)
- sub-problems (also in question form) as
breakdown of main problem and objectives
to show intentions of research (infinitive to +
research action word), do not repeat the
main problem in the sub-problems
- number and sequence (grade) the statements
of sub-problems/objectives
- serve as point of reference in reporting
findings
Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Assumptions and/or Hypotheses (1/2 page)
- state assumptions that identify relevant
statements that were taken for granted
and not verified by the study, no
variable testing
- state hypothesis if variables relationship
will be tested (bi-variates/multi-variates)
Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Significance of the Study (1-2 pages)
- present the contributions of research to
various sectors (to the field, society,
government/organizations)
- address theoretical and practical
significance
- explain in paragraph form addressing
each sector in relating importance of
the study findings
Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Scope and Limitations of the Study (1-2 pages)
- state limits of the locus (location and
sampling)
- state the extent of mode of investigation
(modus)
- state limits of subject matter covered (focus)
- weaknesses of the study beyond control of
the researcher
- state inability/restrictions of the study in
generalizing the findings
Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Operational Definitions (1-2 pages)
- not dictionary definitions but define based on
literature cited with relevance to study
- limit to important terms/concepts/variables
used in the study
- arrange terms alphabetically
- define theoretical terms with proper
attribution of source (using APA)
- operationalize definition with reference to
variables of the study
Chapter II – Review of Related
Literature and Studies
 Related Literature (10-15 pages)
- comprehensive, up-to-date and relevant
- follow research trails – human trail (interviews and
primary sources), paper trail (secondary materials by
foreign and local authors, printed documents) and
electronic trail (cyber, CDs, AV)
- synthesize collated information, and integrate ideas
(do not cut and paste) relevant to your study
- document sources and avoid plagiarism
- present the review thematically with appropriate
sub-headings anchored on variables of the study
(outlining helps)
Chapter II – Review of Related
Literature and Studies
 Related Studies (2-5 pages)
- cite documented studies from local and
foreign researches
- use theses/dissertations/research
journals in locating studies related to
your own topic
- summarize findings of study in citation
of related studies
Chapter III – Research
Methodology
 Research Design (1 -2 pages)
- discuss plan of study generally classified as
descriptive, exploratory or experimental
- establish if research is quali or quanti
- explain purpose of the study
- identify method used whether survey,
content analysis, case study etc.
- describe the details in variables and
interventions to be made by researcher
Chapter III – Research
Methodology
 Sample and Sampling Technique (1-2 pages)
- describe the sample or units of analysis
(sampling locale, sampling size, sampling
technique whether probability – random,
stratified or cluster, or non-probability –
purposive, snowball, quota, census)
- describe characteristics of samples
- state eligibility requirements for participation
of respondents/participants
- mention method of determining sample size
like use of Slovin’s Formula and compute
how size was derived
Chapter III – Research
Methodology
 Instrumentation (2-3 pages)
- describe the instrument used (e.g. questionnaire,
interview guide, coding sheet etc.)
- present the major parts of the instrument based on
method used
- include the range of scores and give interpretation
like Likert scale etc.
- describe the construction of instrument, tell if
adapted from another instrument but with
permission
- describe the pilot testing (pre-test) of instrument
Chapter III – Research
Methodology
 Data Collection Procedures (1 page)
- describe data collection in clear, step by step
manner
- describe the distribution of instrument and
instructions given including locale and time
- discuss precautions on ethics and human
rights and procedures to avoid intrusion
- discuss types of data collected, whether
primary or secondary and source of such
information
Chapter III – Research
Methodology
 Statistical Treatment of Data and Formula (1 page)
- state analytic procedures employed and
provide computational formula and state
level of significance to specific data
- describe the general statistics to show
sample demographics like %, ranking, means
etc.
- inferential statistics such as chi-square,
ANOVA, t-test etc. will be used to show
hypothesis testing