riting a research proposal or being assigned to write one can feel like a daunting, overwhelming task. But provided you have your topic passionately grasped, your goals in mind, and your provided you have all the elements, you can put the whole thing together with less frustration and taking up less of your precious time.
The components of a research proposal also depend upon your audience (as do most pieces of writing, of course); your audience is typically a group or individual who needs to be convinced of the veracity and viability of a project, a plan, a system. Once you know whom you will be addressing, you can set up an outline. Here are the major and essential components you should include in a research proposal:
INTRODUCTION
A. STATEMENT of PROBLEM-state the problem clearly, and discuss the importance of the problem as it needs attention/solutions.
B.STATEMENT of CAUSE/EFFECT RELATIONSHIP-define the cause and effect relationship…as it is relevant to the problem/proposed research proposal plan.
C.STATEMENT of CONSTRUCTS-define each construct that will be involved, using language an intelligent reader can understand without using jargon that is too specific to the field.
D.LITERATURE REVIEWS/CITATIONS-Using at the least five references, provide abstracts of each.
E. STATEMENT of HYPOTHESIS-Here determine your prediction, clearly stating the intent, the proposed outcome, and the connection to your literature—where relevant.
METHODS SECTION
SAMPLES
F.SAMPLING PROCEDURE(S)- Discuss your sampling choices and procedures, using appropriate sampling methods and clearly describing the kind of method used, the population, the sampling frame, and whether the survey or evaluation participants are volunteers.
G.SAMPLE DESCRIPTION-Describe the sample in terms of viability, including the problems anticipated with contacting and measuring.
H.EXTERNAL VALIDITY-Here explain how easily generalized the sample is, considering sample frame and population.
MEASUREMENT
I.MEASURES-Briefly describe each outcome measurement construct, including appropriate citation and references, where applicable.
J.MEASURE CONSTRUCTION-Clearly word questionnaires, tests, and interviews; adequately and appropriately describe data collection procedures; and briefly describe type of scaling system (if any) used and how it was implemented.
K.RELIABILITY/VALIDITY- All measures must be accompanied by a discussion of both reliability and validity—specifying estimation procedures used for reliability and explaining how you assessed construct validity.
DESIGN/PROCEDURES
L.DESIGN-clearly present design in text and in note formats, and ensure the design is relevant and appropriate to the problem and includes consideration of the hypothesis.
M.INTERNAL VALIDITY-discuss any threats to the internal validity (including those which are not well-controlled) and explain how these are addressed by the design
N.DESCRIPTION of PROCEDURES-Provide an overview of how the study will be conducted, detailing the intended sequence of events and actions, and being sure to include ample information.
RESULTS
O. STATEMENT of RESULTS-Be succinct and use plausible results relevant to the research.
P. TABLES-Be sure the tables are correct, accurate, and correctly-formatted to point to the research.
Q.FIGURES-Be sure the figures are clearly presented and relevant to the research by way of accurate descriptions.
As well, you will want to attach a brief abstract, include your references page, and discuss in a closing section the implications of the study. You will also want to use the appropriate formatting and style, both of which are detailed in handbooks and in online sources and style guides. So don’t be deterred…instead, do one thing at a time, and do it carefully, clearly, and well!
