Writing a research proposal
Dr Amy Wang
Outline
What is a research proposal?
What does a research proposal consist of?
What features are there in a ‘good’
research proposal?
What is a research proposal?
“A proposal is a good plan that you have
chosen to follow in order to achieve your outcomes”
(Hart, 2007: 366)
Why write a proposal?
To explain to your supervisor and
research committee, what you intend to research, why you believe the research needs to be done and how you intend to do the research (=research design)
To demonstrate to your supervisor that you have developed the necessary
research skills
Elements in a research proposal
What you intend to research
Why the research is needed
How the research will be done
When the research will be done
What resources are needed
Who you will talk to
Where the data is
How to access the data
How the data will be analysed
What outcomes it may be
(Hart, 2007:
367)
You research proposal
2500-3000 words
Introduction
Research aims and research questions
Topic justifications
Literature review
Methodology and data collection (with rationales)
Sample size
Sampling criteria
Data collection
Data analysis
Anticipated issues/problems
Ethical considerations
Resources/ References
Pilot Study (2,000-2,500 words)
Abstract (not included in the word count)
Introduction
Methodology
Results
Analysis
Discussion (including critical evaluation)
Conclusion
References (not included in the word count)
Steps in writing a research proposal
Choosing a topic area
Reviewing relevant literature
Breaking down the topic and developing the research objectives
Devising questions (and hypotheses)
Deciding on research methods
Producing a research proposal
Evaluating the feasibility of your research
Structure of your dissertation
title page: title,
name, course, year
abstract
acknowledgements
contents
table of abbreviations (optional)
table of figures/tables (optional)
chapter 1: introduction
chapter 2: literature review
chapter 3: research methods
chapter 4: analysis,
findings and discussions
chapter 5: conclusions
references
appendixes
Features of a good research proposal
A good research proposal generally contains most of the following features:
interesting and innovative research questions
critical review of literature on the chosen topic
appropriate investigation approach (with good justifications)
first (or second) hand data
original and critical analysis
well-presented ideas or analysis
References
Biggam, J. 2008. Succeeding with your Master’s Dissertation: A step-by-step handbook. Berkshire: Open University Press.
Hart, C. 2007. Doing your Masters Dissertation. London: Sage.
