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
- problem is too broad and complex
- 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.
