A research proposal is written to propose a project generally in science or academics and sometimes requests sponsorship. It can be solicited or unsolicited. Solicited research proposal means that you are submitting a proposal as a response with specified requirements such as Request for Proposal (RFP) while unsolicited research proposal is submitted without prior request. An academic research proposal usually written as part of the initial requirements of writing a thesis, research paper or dissertation. Below are some of the elements of the research paper.
• Introduction
It will provides background information about the proposed research. It should create reader’s interest and reach out for specific audience.
• Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework is written to hold or support a theory of a research since it introduces and describes the theory which explains why the research problem is under study.
• Statement of the Problem
It identifies and describes the problem being solved. It contains the general analysis approach. It answers the question, “Why does this research need to be conducted?”
• Purpose of the Study
It should provide specific and accurate summary of the overall purpose of the study.
• Review of the Literature
It contains the background and context of the research. It provides outline for establishing the significance of the study and a benchmark for comparing the results of the study with other findings. The writer shares the results of the other studies that are closely related to the study being proposed.
• Hypothesis or Questions
Hypothesis is a statement about the relationship between two variables.
• Methods/Procedure/Design
It considers the heart of the research because it describes all the activities in order to perform the proposed study including the methods as well the procedures and design to be used in the study.
• Sampling
Sampling is used to measure the validity of the research.
• Instrumentation
It contains the instruments to be used such as surveys, scales, interview, protocols, observation grid, and so on.
• Data Collection
It provides the plans on how to collect data such as survey, administration procedures, and interview or observation procedures.
• Date Analysis
It specify the procedures you will use, and label them accurately like for instance ANOVA, MANCOVA, HLM, ethnology, case study, grounded theory.
• Limitation and Delimitations
A limitation will identifies potential weaknesses of the study while the delimitation reports on how the study will be narrowed in scope.
• Significance of the Study
It provides about the significance of the study such as how the study will benefit or impacts others.
• References
It provides references used in the study