Research begins when a researcher identifies a research problem/question and ends with a solution/answer.

What is a research proposal?

A research document proposing a research project. A statement of intent.

Three key components

• What you plan to research (i.e. your research topic)
• Why it is important (your justification)
• How you plan to investigate (your practical approach)

Purpose: convince your research supervisor, university board

• Suitable (for the requirements of the degree)
• You have the Expertise
• Manageable (given the time and resource constraints you will face)

Importance of a research proposal?

1. Makes your intentions known
2. Provides justification for funding
3. Guides research throughout the process
4. Allows you to plan and identify steps that
   will be undertaken in the research study
5. Helps you to determine time and resources
   needed

Characteristics of a good research proposal

1. Adequate background information : Have sufficient
   information to convince your readers that you have an
   important research idea
2. Clear Research problem : Justifies the need to carry out
   the study
3. Relevant Literature: Show good good grasp of the
   relevant literature and the major issues
4. Adequate Resources : Show that that you have the
   competence, work plan and resources to complete it.
5. Achievable objectives : You Research proposal must state
   what you plan to accomplish, why you want to do it and how
   you are going to do it.
6. Continuity among sections of the
   proposal: Show continuity among proposal
   sections; objectives must logically conclude the
   introduction and justification
7.  Clear objectives : Objectives must be few,
   clearly stated and lead to well worded
   hypotheses
8. Testable hypothesis: Hypotheses must be
   stated such that treatment selection and
   important measures are obvious
9. Clear methodology : Methodology must
   be related to the objectives and individual
   working hypotheses: methodology should
   clearly show how each objective will be
   achieved.
10. Written properly : Quality of your
    proposal writing matters. Your writing should
    be coherent, clear and compelling

Components of a research proposal

Note: Components may differ based on your discipline. Always check for format and structure with your Department and University