Quarter 3 –

Module 5 :
Research Proposal
 Research Proposal
A science investigatory project (SIP) refers to a
science-based research project or study that is
performed by science research students. A SIP is
typically a science experiment performed in a
school laboratory setting with the class separated
into small groups and can form part of a
scientific congress or fair project. It aim s to
provide students with an engaging way to learn more
about science and the skills of performing scientific
research.
 Research Proposal
Students often find it difficult to start making an
investigatory project.
However, taking the investigatory project by phase makes
it easier. Phases of Conducting Science Investigatory Project:
• Phase I: The Proposal - detailed written plan and
design of the experiment
• Phase II: The Experimentation – soon after the proposal
is approved, and entails skills for laboratory investigation
• Phase III. The Output – consist of the written report, the
exhibit, and oral defense
 Research Proposal
The proposal is a detailed written plan of how
the project will be done. It is like designing an
experiment. It is simply a structured, formal
document that explains what you plan to research
(i.e., research topic), why it is worth researching
(i.e., significance and relevance ), and how you
plan to investigate it ( i.e., methodology). Since
it is yet to be done, the future tense of the verbs is
used.
 Research Proposal
Important points to remember:
• An organized, well-written, concise, and
complete proposal is the key to conduct a more
straightforward experiment.
• In the world of scientific research, a good
proposal leads to secure possible funding.
• Good writing, when paired with a thorough
understanding of the subject matter, is a valuable
skill to possess.
 Research Proposal
Before any research project begins, detailed plans are
essential. Designing and planning a whole research
project involves choosing a researchable topic and
preparing a well -developed research proposal. These
activities need to be carried out under the guidance of a
teacher -coach and qualified scientist who will advise
on methodological issues and reading materials that
will help refine the research project. Ultimately, a good
proposal serves as a valuable direction finder that helps
the researchers to get going on their project with more
confidence.
 Research Proposal
A research proposal describes what you will
investigate, why it is important, and how you
will do the research. The format of a research
proposal varies between fields, but most
scientific research proposals should contain at
least these elements:
 Research Proposal
A. Rationale /Introduction
B.1. Research Question
2. Hypothesis
C. Detailed description of the following:
1. Procedures
a. Materials
b. Methods
2. Risk and Safety Considerations
3. Data Analysis
D. Bibliography
 Research Proposal
Good topic
The ability to develop a good research topic is an
important skill. A teacher may assign a specific
topic, but most often, the researcher is
required to select a topic of interest.
Use the following guide questions to help
generate topic ideas:
• Do you have a strong opinion on current
social, health, and environmental issues?
 Research Proposal
• Did you read or see a news story recently that
has caught your interest or made you think
about it?
• What is the science-related topic of interest
that you would like to know more about?
 Research Proposal
What Makes a Good Research Topic?
• A topic must be narrowed and focused enough to be
interesting yet broad enough to find adequate information.
• When you “think like a researcher” you are focused
on a research question rather than a research topic.
• Be able to articulate the problem that underlies the
question.
• This problem must have social significance.
• The solution being argue d for in the proposal must
be arguable and feasible based on reliable evidence.
 Research Proposal
What Makes a Good Research Topic?
• A topic must be narrowed and focused enough to be
interesting yet broad enough to find adequate information.
• When you “think like a researcher” you are focused
on a research question rather than a research topic.
• Be able to articulate the problem that underlies the
question.
• This problem must have social significance.
• The solution being argue d for in the proposal must
be arguable and feasible based on reliable evidence.
 Research Proposal
Furthermore, consider the other practicalities
such as the requirements of the curriculum, the
amount of time the research should be completed ,
and how difficult it will be to access sources and data
on the topic before moving onto the next stage .
Note: Connect your chosen topic to the ISEF
Categories and Subcategories . Click on the link:
https://www.societyforscience.org/isef/categories-
and subcategories/
 Research Proposal
Research Title
The title summarizes the main idea or ideas of a
study. A good title contains the fewest possible
words needed to adequately describe the
content and/or purpose of the research paper. It
is the part of a paper that is read the most, and it
is usually read first, therefore, the most
important element that defines the research
study.
 Research Proposal
Create a Working Title
The working title should be developed early in
the research process because it can help anchor
the focus of the study in much the same way the
research problem does. It can help reorient the
researcher back to the main purpose of the
study if went wandering while writing.
 Research Proposal
Effective titles have several characteristics that reflect
general principles:
• Indicate accurately the subject and scope of the study.
• Suggest a relationship between variables that
supports the major hypothesis.
• Highlight the research problem under investigation.
• Is limited to 10 to 15 substantive words.
• Takes the form of a declarative statement and does
not use an exclamation mark at the end.
• Is concise and comprehensive.
 Research Proposal
Like your hypothesis, the title of your experiment
also has a specific arrangement that shows the
relationship between the independent and dependent
variables. It is written in the following format:
“The effect of (Independent Variable) on the
(Dependent Variable).”

Example: “The Effect of ( Pesticides) on the

( Contamination of Plants ).”
 Research Proposal
Typically, a final title is created after the
research is completed so that the title accurately
captures what has been done. It describes (a)
the topic, (b) the method, (c) the sample, and
(d) the results of your study.
 Research Proposal
Problem

A research problem is a specific issue,

difficulty, contradiction, or knowledge gap which
aims to be addressed. It pinpoints exactly what
the study wants to find out and gives a clear
focus and purpose.
 Research Proposal
Main Problem
A broad problem area is the under-explored
aspect, concern, conflict, or controversy. The goal is
to find a gap that the research project can fill. Identify
this main problem by reading reports, following up on
previous research, and talking to people who work and
are experts in the relevant field. The main research
problem is usually divided into more manageable
sub-problems. When writing the problem, formulate
it as a problem statement or research question.
 Research Proposal
Sub -Problems
Sub ‐problems are solved to solve the
overall research problem or sub ‐questions are
answered to answer the overall research
question.
A good research question is essential to guide
your scientific research paper or project. It
pinpoints exactly what the study wants to find out
and gives a clear focus and purpose.
 Research Proposal
The kind of question to be used depends on
what to discover and the type of research to be
conducted. Scientific questions require
explanations, prior knowledge and are testable.
A testable question can be answered by
designing and conducting an experiment. Note:
Use prior knowledge regarding scientifically
testable questions.
 Research Proposal
Let us look at our examples:
Main Problem: What are the effects of using conventional
farming?
Sub -Problems:
1. What are the major components used in conventional
farming?
2. What are the effects of chemically made pesticides when
used on plants?
3. What are the health and environmental issues related to the
use of pesticides ?
4. What is an efficient alternative to counter the issues?
 Research Proposal
Hypothesis
A hypothesis is an educated guess about the
answer to the problem/question or sub-
problems/question will be. When the problems
or questions have been stated, then formulate
one of the hypotheses.
 Research Proposal
Can you formulate hypotheses with the
example problems on conventional farming ?
Let us state first the title :
“The Effect of Pesticides on the Contamination
of Plants”
Then, formulate hypotheses on one of the
problems: .
 Research Proposal
Hypothesis: “If the amount of pesticides
given on plants increases, then their
contamination increases.
 Research Proposal
Hypothesis: “If the amount of pesticides given
on plants increases, then their contamination
increases.
Ha: An increase in the amount of pesticides given
to plants will increase their contamination.
Ho: An increase in the amount of pesticides
given to plants will not increase their
contamination.
 Research Proposal
After developing your initial research
hypothesis (the prediction that you want to
investigate), it is important to restate the null
(Ho), and alternative (Ha) hypothesis in terms
of the population parameter . The alternate
hypothesis is usually your initial hypothesis that
predicts a relationship between variables. The
null hypothesis is a prediction of no relationship
between the variables you are interested in.
 Research Proposal
Ha: An increase in the amount of pesticides
given to plants will increase their
contamination.
Ho: An increase in the amount of pesticides
given to plants will not increase their
contamination.
 Research Proposal
Ha: An increase in the amount of pesticides
given to plants will increase their
contamination.
Ho: An increase in the amount of pesticides
given to plants will not increase their
contamination.
 Research Proposal
Rationale/Introduction
The rationale for research outlines why you
wanted to research the topic of your choice. It
is the justification of the study and specifies the
need to research the topic.
 Research Proposal
Begin by doing a thorough literature review to
understand what is already known. Then, identify
the gaps in knowledge or the problems that are ye t
to be solved. Justify that the study will address a
knowledge gap since no previous research was done
on this aspect. Explain the problem that the study
addresses. Then, give a brief background of the
problem. After that, you should mention if it has bee
n addressed in any form before. It will lead up to the
research question and the aims of the study.
 Research Proposal
These key elements are summarized as:
• Present the topic and get the reader
interested - what is the topic and why it is
interesting or important.
• Provide background or summarize existing
research - provide an overview of the most
relevant research that has already been
conducted and a sort of miniature literature
review.
 Research Proposal
• Detail the specific research problem -
clarify how the research fits in and what
problem it addresses .
• Position your approach - specify what it
intends to find out by presenting the research
question, hypothesis, and objectives clearly and
directly .
 Research Proposal
• Detail the specific research problem -
clarify how the research fits in and what
problem it addresses .
• Position your approach - specify what it
intends to find out by presenting the research
question, hypothesis, and objectives clearly and
directly .
 Research Proposal
Other Elements of Rationale/Introduction
A. Significance of the Study
The significance of the study is a written
statement that explains why your research was
needed. It is a justification of the importance
of your work and the impact it has on your
research field, its contribution to new
knowledge , and how others will benefit from it.
 Research Proposal
In the example rationale , the knowledge gap may
be the adverse effect of pesticides on plants, its
chain effects on humans as consumers, and the
balance in the ecosystem . The broad significance of
the study would be in the understanding of
conventional farming using these chemically made
pesticides . The specific contribution has been to
show a significant difference in the use of the
alternative solution to the problem, its benefits, and
the improvements it offers.
 Research Proposal
B. Scope and Delimitation of the Study
Scope and delimitations are important
elements of a study . The scope of a study
explains the extent to which the research area
will be explored in the work and specifies the
parameters within which the study will be in use
.
 Research Proposal
In the above example, the researcher wants
to know the effect of pesticides on the
contamination of plants . However, there is only
a certain aspect the researcher can cover, so the
scope will have to be narrowed down to a
certain section like what specific chemicals are
involved and on what specific plants will be
used as experimental units, and the method of
testing to be performed..
 Research Proposal
Other practices in agricultural farming like
chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, and
insecticides related to the contamination of
plants will not be investigated. These would
form the delimitations of the study.
 Research Proposal
• What is an IMRaD report?
• “IMRaD” format refers to a paper that is
structured by four main sections: Introduction,
Methods, Results, and Discussion. This format
is often used for lab reports as well as for
reporting any planned, systematic research in
the social sciences, natural sciences, or
engineering and computer sciences.
 IMRad
Introduction – Make a case for your research
The introduction explains why this research is
important or necessary or important. Begin by
describing the problem or situation that motivates the
research. Move to discussing the current state of
research in the field; then reveal a “gap” or problem in
the field. Finally, explain how the present research is a
solution to that problem or gap. If the study has
hypotheses, they are presented at the end of the
introduction.
 IMRad
Methods – What did you do?
The methods section tells readers how you
conducted your study. It includes information about
your population, sample, methods, and equipment.
The “gold standard” of the methods section is that it
should enable readers to duplicate your study.
Methods sections typically use subheadings; they are
written in past tense, and they use a lot of passive
voice. This is typically the least read section of an
IMRaD report.
 IMRad
Results – What did you find?
In this section, you present your findings.
Typically, the Results section contains only the
findings, not any explanation of or commentary
on the findings (see below). Results sections are
usually written in the past tense. Make sure all
tables and figures are labeled and numbered
separately. Captions go above tables and
beneath figures.
 IMRad
Discussion – What does it mean?
In this section, you summarize your main
findings, comment on those findings (see
below), and connect them to other research.
You also discuss limitations of your study, and
use these limitations as reasons to suggest
additional, future research.
 IMRad
Abstract – Summarize the entire study
The abstract for the report comes at the beginning
of the paper, but you should write it after you have
drafted the full report. The abstract provides a very
short overview of the entire paper, including a
sentence or two about the report’s purpose and
importance, a sentence or two about your methods, a
few sentences that present the main findings, and a
sentence or two about the implications of your
findings.
 IMRad
Common problems in IMRaD drafts:
• The Abstract does not provide a clear statement
of the main findings.
• The Introduction does not communicate clearly
why the research is important.
• The Methods section is not detailed enough or is
disorganized.
• The Results section provides comments and
explanations instead of simply reporting results.