A research proposal is simply a document that is normally written by an academic or a scientist which helps to provide an in-depth idea for an investigation on a focus topic. The research proposal normally highlights the process from beginning to the end of the study and may sometimes be used when requesting financing for the project, or in the area of certification of performing some parts of the research or as a required task before the beginning the college dissertation. In contrast to other types of scientific articles, a research proposal is known to contain the curriculum vitas of the researchers. It is however important to understand that the curriculum vitae requested in a research proposal is to ensure that the personnel involved in the research are capable of doing it. From time to time, research sponsors normally call for research proposals for topics into which they fund the research.
The basic format of a research proposal is simple for people who have the knowledge of how research is carried out. There are actually many formats for a research proposal; however, the basic format must have an abstract, the problem, background to the problem, methodology, expected results and references. For example, the abstract should be a paragraph which summarizes the topic of your research, what will be the object off data collection, how your data is expected to be collected, the analysis and what kind of result you are expecting. Note that the breakdown of the abstract will become the body of the research.
Like mentioned earlier in the article, the exact format and requirements for a research proposal will vary depending on factors like the requirements of the institution and the type of research being proposed. However, the basics still apply to all kinds of research. The following steps will help you create a standard research proposal.
Step1
Create Title Page: Note that a title page is what introduces the title of your proposal, the primary institution you are connected to and your name. The title page should contain the sponsoring agency specified format otherwise apply the APA style, the page number in the upper right corner of the page.
Step2
Write the Abstract: You are expected to summarize the proposal in your abstract. Use 150 to 200 words to summarize the problem addressed your proposal, your proposed solution, your objective and your projected funding requirements. Note that you are expected to begin the text of the abstract under the word “abstract” and it must not be indented.
Step3
Create a table of content: For long research proposals, it is expected you create a table of content on the third or fourth page listing each of the section of your proposal.
Step4
Write your introduction: Note that in writing your introduction, it should contain the statement of the problem, significance of research and the purpose of research each written in its own paragraph.
Step5
Provide the Background Study: You are required to identify the research problem and show why the work is needed. At your discretion, you can break it into research question or research hypothesis.
Step6
Describe the proposed Research: Provide in details all information about your research which will include your proposed methodology or your approach.
Step7
Describe Institutional Resources that are relevant: describe what your institution can offer when you are planning the research with an institution background.
Step8
List Your References.
Step9
Identify the personnel and project a budget.
1
When identifying the personnel involved in the project, it is important to highlight their biological information. State the responsibilities and expertise of each contributor. However, note that this may not be necessary for shorter proposals.
2
Short research proposals that contain just a few pages may not need a table of content. However, long research proposals may also incorporate figures, illustrations and tables.
3
When describing the proposed research, be realistic about what you hope to achieve, be clear on your focus area and do not fail to spell out everything that the proposed research relies on.
4
Take a lot of time to prepare your research proposal. Do not be in a hurry to prepare a research proposal. Ensure you carry out background investigation or do a little preliminary research before creating your research proposal.
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