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How to write a proposal for your research paper?

A research proposal provides information about an academic paper such as the topic of research, relevance of the topic, and the process of generating and interpreting data. The proposal works as a blueprint that includes details about the following:

  • Topic and subject area of research
  • Reason for choosing the topic
  • Process of conducting the research
  • Anticipated timeline
  • Data sources
  • Sample design
  • Data collection technique
  • Technique for data analysis

Purpose of writing a research proposal:

A research proposal is written to convince the funding committee, educational institute, or an organization that your research project is worthwhile. The purpose of writing a proposal is to organize your ideas logically and convince the readers that your work is interesting and relevant to the field of study. Provide a context to explain the reason for choosing a specific topic of research. Include a brief on the methodology and other procedures used for generating the output data.

What to include in a research proposal?

  • The theme of your research
  • Relevance of the research topic to your field of study
  • Solution to the main research problem
  • Subject of the study
  • Importance of research
  • Contribution of the study

Components of a research proposal:

Title: Create a title for your proposal that helps the readers identify the main problem. The title should specify the aim and purpose of the study as well.

Introduction: Provide background information in the introduction section. Describe what is already known about the topic and who is the target audience. Explain the new insights that your research will contribute. This section contains the proposed title of your project as well as the name of the affiliated institute or university.

  • Central research problem
  • Topic of study
  • Methods and techniques
  • Relevance of research
  • Proposed outcome

Goals: Explain what you wish to achieve at the end of the research. What are your goals and aims? Do you want to test a hypothesis? Formulate the objectives based on the nature of your research and research question.

Problem statement: Write a specific problem statement that explains what you are trying to solve. The statement should include background information and a summary of the literature review. Address the knowledge gaps and include reasons for selecting a suitable topic.

Review of literature: Analyze other papers written in your subject area. This will help you compare theories, arguments, and methods used for the experiment. Talk about the arguments that you find persuasive and valid. In other words, show the new vision and perspective to your readers.

Research design: What is your approach through the research process? Mention whether it is a qualitative or quantitative study. What are your sources of information? Give a brief on the research design, tools, resources, methodology, and procedures. Explain what makes the methods suitable for the process.

Contribution: What are the implications of your study? How can your paper contribute towards the development in your respective field of study? Is your research going to solve a problem in your field? Highlight the positive aspects of the expected outcome.

Budget: Have you allocated a budget for your research? Make a list of materials, tools, and scientific equipment you would need for the experiment. Do not forget to include the cost of traveling.

Plan: Include a separate timeline for each section of your academic manuscript. Include the time for preparing the proposal, gathering information, data tabulation, drafting the report, and editing the paper.

Concluding statement: Finish your proposal by including a statement explaining the reason for conducting the study.  Was the research design and methodology appropriate? What are the implications and consequences of your study?

List of references: Create a list of references and mention the names of the information sources. Go to the journal’s website and check the formatting guidelines. If there are no specific instructions given, use a standard format of writing.

Checklist for creating a research proposal:

  • Is the context of the study described clearly?
  • Have you stated the aims and objectives of your study?
  • Are the variables and research questions described clearly?
  • Is the chosen method appropriate for the scientific study?
  • Are the methods and techniques valid?
  • Is your study practical?
  • Is your study ethical?
  • Have you followed the quality measures?