Showing posts with label Research Proposal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Research Proposal. Show all posts

Friday, September 28, 2018

Research Proposal, its Functions and its Elements



Research Proposal, its Functions and its Elements

A: What is Research Proposal?

The research proposal is a blue print of the proposed project. It can be compared with the blue print of a building, which is prepared by an architect before the bids are let and the construction is started. It is also called the outline or the synopsis of the study.

The research proposal is a plan of action and a strategy to be carried out according to the objectives of the study. It is the plan or the strategy, which counts more than it could, carried out in mechanical fashion.

The preparation of a research proposal is an important step in the research process. All research institutions require that a proposal must be prepared and submitted for approval before work is started on the project. Improving procedures in a research activity are important, but it is not sufficient if they are not carefully planned and systematically carried out. A worthwhile research project is likely to result only form a well-designed proposal. The initial draft proposal is subjects to modifications in the light of analysis by the student himself and his project adviser, and other members of the advisory committee.


B:      Functions of the Research Proposal

As can be derived from its concept, the research proposal may serve the following functions:

1.               It provides guidelines to the researcher for adopting the systematic approach towards the solution of the problems.
2.               It provides a basis for the evaluation of the proposal by researchers. It makes aware the researcher of the problems and difficulties he/she will have face in his study
3.               It restores confidence in researcher about the feasibility and worth of his investigations.
4.               It stimulates the researcher and moves him to the goal of completing his project
5.               It also enables the adviser to assess the progress of work of his advisee at regular intervals   


C:      What is not a good proposal?

What is a good proposal or what is not a good proposal is an important question to be looked into by the research student and his adviser. It is in the interest of the research student to understand the characteristics of a good proposal and to avoid certain unsuitable subject for inquiry. It is not easy for a research student to find a problem suitable for research if he/she has not developed a clear concept of the system or a thorough understanding of the area he has specialized in his programme and intends to undertake a related problem. The soundness of a project depends more on the nature of the problem. As a general rule, if a problem is formulated any of the following terms, it would be unsuitable for research, and therefore, so framed, would not provide clear guidelines and direction to the researcher.  

a.                If the problem is too broad and complex to be handled in one inquiry
b.               If the problem is too subjective and is based on personal opinion or whims of the researcher or of others which cannot be supported by facts?
c.                If the problem is of highly controversial because of the nature of the material one’s own pre-conception
d.               If the problem is too familiar and does not lead to some unknown domain of knowledge
e.                If the problem is too technical and of complex nature for which the researcher has no theoretical background

Major elements of the proposal  

It is, now, interrelated to discuss briefly the important parts of the research proposal. This discussion is confined to the place and the adviser of a research student can perceive role of each element as.

1.              Problem of the Study

One of the most difficult problems for a research student is the selection of a suitable problem. How it can be identified? What are its resources? What are suitable problem areas from which a problem could be picked up? The answers of such questions are not in the purview of this paper. The advisor’s main concern is to look into the suitability and feasibility of the problem selected by him/her for inquiry. In proposal, the adviser has to see that the problem selected for investigation by the researcher is:

a.                Significant in view of the educational theory and practice,
b.               Appropriate to the effectively solved through the process of research,
c.                Feasible to the carried through a successful conclusion
d.               Opens doors for future investigation
e.                Possess practical value to the evolutionists, students, parents and community
f.                 Enjoys the characteristics of originality and novelty
g.                Enjoys the characteristics of interest and desire of the researcher

2.       Statement of the problem

The selection of the problem ultimately leads to the analysis of the problem. After singling out relevant facts, explanation, causing the difficulty and tracing their relationship, the researcher then state them in to a formal descriptive statement. The quality of such statement is that it gives a unified picture of the problem in all its dimensions.

The basic issue is to be considered in the proposal is that how far the statement of the problem has been thoroughly viewed through a logical, theoretical or conceptual frame work and passed through the process of selection and execution and finally reduced to manageable size.  Other attributes expected of a good problem statement are that;

a.                It has been expressed in simple terms
b.               It has been expressed in clear and unambiguous terms
c.                It relates to general incidents
d.               It justifies its significance
e.                It indicates possibilities of empirical testing

3.    Objectives of the study

When a problem for a research purpose is selected and its conceptual framework is determined for sharpening its focus, the third essential step is to state its objectives. The problem of the study and the objectives of the study are not the same. If a problem signifies the relationship of variables, the objectives are how to eliminate such factors in future. Thus the objectives are the product, which are perceived by the student to be accomplished through his study. While checking the research proposal, the advisor has to see that objectives so framed, for investigations are,

a.                Not free- floating
b.               Realistic enough to be realized
c.                Significant in the sense that they add to new knowledge already known
d.               Evolved from the conceptual frame
e.                Contributing to the social utility
f.                 Contributing to the enhancement of scientific interest

4.    Hypothesis/questions

 Statement of the hypotheses or questions is the fourth essential element of the study and of the proposal. After the problem is identified, statement is sharpened and objectives narrow down to the ultimate end, hypotheses are formulated in two step process

a.                Selecting key question to be persuaded
b.               Operationalizing the definitions that will be employed for the major variables in the study 

In research the term hypothesis implies deviation within a hypothetical-deductive theoretical system of a particular assertion or prediction. In simple words hypotheses are tentative answers to the questions. They are shrewd educated guesses. They are subjected to test for confirmation or dis-conformation on empirical grounds. They are usually stated in positive or literary from; however, the statistical hypotheses are stated in negative or null form.

Hypotheses are to be developed when the degree of sophistication of conceptual framework is high approximating that of a hypothetical- deductive theory, while questions are more appropriate when the degree of sophistication is low and rigorous deduction are either not required or possible.

The guide of a research student is interested to see that he has formulated major hypotheses and several other minor hypotheses in his proposal. They are expected to establish clearly the nature of the problem and the logic underlying it. Hypotheses so formulated or questions so framed are expected to possess some other characteristics such as:

a.                They are reasonable
b.               They are consistent with objectives
c.                They are stated in simple possible terms
d.               They can be tested and accepted or rejected
e.                They are verifiable
f.                 They have been inferred from the theory or conceptual framework in straightforward deductive manner.
g.                They are limited in scope
h.                They are consistent with known facts
i.                 They possess the validating quality

5.    Review of the related literature

As mentioned earlier, in a theoretical framework clarification and isolation are important decisions to be logically taken by the researcher, but these decisions depend upon the insight imagination and rationality of the researcher. If the researcher is unable to develop such understanding, this conceptual framework on which the entire research rests, will remain vague and confused. This is one of the reasons that the study of the related literature is emphasized. It helps the researcher to realize how many facts of the problem exist and what other logical framework has been applied to solve the same problem earlier.

A researcher which is not based on the review of the related literature may remain in isolated study, having, at least, only accidental relevance to what has gone before. Synthesis of major studies helps the researcher to outline the problem area and suggests answers for further research.

While studying the related literature a researcher may come to know what has been done. And what is still to be done? It helps him/her to eliminate the repetition or duplication of what has already been investigated. It also provides useful hypotheses.

In the proposal, the researcher is required to chalk out a plan of what is most important to be reviewed.

Such review should include:

a.                Reported problem or closely related problems
b.               Research designs of various nature
c.                Designs of studies used, including procedures, instruments etc.
d.               Population have been studied
e.                Variables that could have affected the findings
f.                 Weaknesses those were apparent in the previous studies
g.                Suggestions for further studies provided in the research reports
h.                Policy statements of the Government related to the area of the study
i.                 Special reports prepared by national or international agencies on the subject

6.    Research Procedure/design

This part of the proposal outlines the entire research plan to be carried out. It mainly describes

a.                What must be done?
b.               How it will be done?
c.                What data will be needed?
d.               What data-collecting device will be used?
e.                How sources of data will be located?
f.                 How data will be organized?
g.                How data will be analyzed and conclusions drawn?

7.    Time Schedule

The time schedule will be the last element of the proposal. It indicated perhaps of the project activities. It should be prepared in advance so that the researcher could budget his time and energy effectively. Dividing the project into phases and assigning each phase deadline for its completion helps to synthesis and regularize the research work and minimizing the natural tendency to procrastinate. In view of the critical time limitation, time scheduling is not only essential but also it would stimulate the researcher towards the completion of his work well in time.

REFERENCES

Format of Research Proposal

Title Page
1.1          Introduction
1.2          Background and Justification
1.3          Objectives of the Study
1.4          Significance of the Study
1.5          Research Questions
2.1          Research Design
2.2          The nature of the Study
2.3          Population
2.4          Samples
2.5          Methods and Tools of Data collection
2.6          Limitations
2.7          Delimitation
2.8          Ethical Considerations
2.9          Research Methods/Timeframe
REFERENCES

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Research Proposal / Format



By Sultan Muhammad Khan

The research proposal is a blue print of the proposed project.
The research proposal is a plan of action and a strategy to be carried out according to the objectives of the study
Definition:  A research plan is a detailed description of a proposed study to investigate a given problem.
  • It includes the justification for the hypothesis to be tested.
  • It shows the detailed presentation of the research steps to be followed in collecting & analyzing the required data & projected time & schedule for each major step.
  • It must be completed before a study is begun
  • A well-thought-out plan saves time, reduces the probability of costly mistakes & generally results in high quality research
The preparation of a research proposal is an important step. All research institutions require that a proposal must be submitted for approval before work is started on the project
Functions of the Research Proposal
1. It provides guidelines to the researcher for adopting the systematic approach towards the solution of the problems.
2. It provides basis for the evaluation of the proposal by researcher’ and aware the researcher of the problems and difficulties that he/she will have to face in his study
3. It restores confidence in researcher about the feasibility and worth of his investigations.
4.            It motivates the researcher and                moves him to  complete his project and reach his Goal
5.            It also enables the adviser to assess the progress of work of his advisee at regular intervals   

What is not a good proposal
  1. problem is too broad and complex
  2. If the problem is too subjective and is based on personal opinion
c.    If the problem is of highly controversial
d.    If the problem is too familiar and does not lead to some unknown domain of knowledge
Major elements of the proposal
1.1  Introduction
1.2  background and justification
1.3  Objectives of the study
1.4  Significance of the study
1.5  Research Questions
1.6  Hypothesis
2.1  Research Design
2.2  the nature of the study
2.3  Population
2.4  Sample
2.5  Methods and Tools of Data Collection
2.6  Limitation
2.7  Delimitation  
2.8 Ethical Considerations
2.9 Research Timeframe
References
Ø  Problem of the Study:
                Significant
                Feasible to be carried out
                Opens doors for future investigation
1.1  Introduction
The main purpose of the introduction is to provide the necessary background or context for your research problem. State the research problem, which is often referred to as the purpose of the study.
1.2  Background and justification
Present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth doing with the help of Review of the related literature
A. Reported problem or closely related problems
b.  Research designs of various nature
C. Designs of studies used, including procedures,   instruments etc.
1.3  Objectives of the study
Ø  Realistic
Ø  Add new knowledge
Ø  Related to the topic
1.4  Significance of the study
The importance and outcomes of the study.
1.5  Research Questions
Drawn from the objectives of the study or the topic of the study
1.6  Hypothesis
                a.  Selecting key question(s)
                b. They are reasonable
                c. They are consistent with objectives
                D. They are verifiable
                E. They are testable
Research Procedure/design
This part of the proposal outlines the entire research plan to be carried out. It mainly describes
What must be done?
b. How it will be done?
c. What data will be needed?
d. What data collecting device will be used?
e. How sources of data will be located?
f.  How data will be organized?
g. How data will be analyzed and conclusions drawn?
2.1  Research Design
                What research design you want to use for your                 research.
2.2  The nature of the Study
The nature of the study section is typically the one in which the research design is laid out and discussed. Researcher describe the basic methodology that he /she used (the subjects, how data collected and describe the procedures used for collection of the data
2.3  Population
A research population is generally a large collection of individuals or objects that is the main focus of a scientific query.
2.5  Samples
A sample is a finite part of a statistical population whose properties are studied to gain information about the whole(Webster, 1985).
2.6  Methods and Tools of Data Collection
Method and tools for data collection ( interview, questionnaire)
2.7 Limitations
Limitations are influences that the researcher cannot control.  They are the shortcomings or conditions  that cannot be controlled by the researcher
 2.8 Delimitations
Delimitations are choices made by the researcher which should be mentioned. They describe the boundaries that the researcher set for the study.
2.9  Ethical Considerations
Follow the ethical code of conduct of the research and Keep in view the rights of the participants and protect their data.

Research Timeframe /Time Schedule
Listing of major activities or phases of the proposed study
Expected completion time for each activity or phase
Develop Research Proposal and obtain approval              60 Days
Develop and Improve instrument                                            10 Days
Download Researches                                                                   10 days
Administer instrument and Data collection                         70 days
Data analysis                                                                                      30 days
Research Report writing                                                                              60 days

REFERENCES 

APA style
Format of Research Proposal
Title Page (Topic of the study)
1.1          Introduction
1.2          Background and Justification
1.3          Objectives of the Study
1.4          Significance of the Study
1.5          Research Questions
2.1          Research Design
                The nature of the Study
                Population
                Samples
                Methods and Tools of Data collection
Limitations
Delimitation
Ethical Considerations
Research Methods/Timeframe

REFERENCES

APPENDIXES     
The need for complete documentation generally needs the inclusion of appropriate appendixes in proposals
Appendixes may include
         Original scales or questionnaires
         If an instrument is copyrighted, permission in   writing to reproduce the instrument from the     copyright holder
         Proof of purchase of the instrument
         Interview protocols.
         Sample of informed consent forms.
         Cover letters sent to appropriate stakeholders.
         Official letters of permission to conduct research.