Writing your research proposal

Third meeting

Purposes of the research proposal

1. Organizing our ideas. It will help us in organizing our ideas in a coherent manner. 2. Convincing your audience that the work you intend to do is achievable in the given timescale. If you do not convince them (tutor, attendees) then you will have saved yourself a great deal of time and frustration.

The content of the research proposal

Title : This title may be your first attempt. You may change the title as your work progresses. The title should closely mirror/ reflect the content of your proposal. Background/ introduction: You will show that the research you intend to do worth the effort. You may start from general to specific by referring to the literature. You may express the research problem that needs solving.

The content of the research proposal

Research question / problem The background should lead smoothly to the research problem and objectives. You should have one research problem. Be careful to write the research objectives precisely and can be observed.

The content of the research proposal

Hypothesis You may it in the following forms: 1. Question form. 2. Correlation 3. Differences between populations. Testing the hyp. 1. Null hyp. 2. Alternative hyp.

The content of the research proposal

Method: You will mention how you will perform your research. You will justify your choice of method. This include two elements: 1. Research design: identify research sample, population, 2. Data collection: primary data, secondary data.

The content of the research proposal

Literature review. Research structure. References: