The Research Proposal

Preconditions

An Appropriate Problem

An appropriate problem is one that has these attributes

• Considerable, continuing personal interest
• There is some supporting literature, but the problem itself will yield an original result
• A pilot study of some sort has been done to demonstrate that the methodology is likely to work well
• The costs of conducting the research are affordable
• [If a thesis or dissertation]An enthusiastic, knowledgeable faculty member is available to direct and assist

Substantial Reflection and Deep Thinking

Given the original contribution requirement of research, one of the expectations is that you will eventually know more about this problem than anyone else, i.e. that you will become an expert. This means that you should have spent a considerable amount of time reading in the problem area and becoming notably familiar with the current literature, including knowledge of strengths and gaps. Reflecting and pondering on the problem area, including some consideration of likely independent variables is important.

Reasonable Knowledge of the Research Process

Clearly, research requires considerable time and effort, especially if you hope to find reasonably large generalizations. You need to know exactly which steps are involved in the research process and what they require. Knowledge of the appropriate research methodology is particularly important.

Why Is A Proposal Needed?

An Outline

A proposal is similar to an outline and surely you have learned how useful it is to create an outline before you write a paper. The proposal is a detailed outline for your research project. As a draft, it is relatively easy to ask for suggestions for improvement, see if journal editors might be interested in the resulting publication and the like. Since the proposal/outline is not yet final, there is ample opportunity to revise and improve.

A well-done proposal will insure that the research is conducted efficiently and economically. A well organized and well written proposal is easily read and makes gathering suggestions for improvement relatively easy. Snags, problems, and missing elements are soon identified.

A Pilot

Another way to look at the proposal is to see it as a pilot study or trial run for the larger research project that you hope to do later. A proposal that includes some test data collection is likely to discover problems and opportunities while there is still time to revise and change.

Indication Of Intent

Since preparing the proposal involves some time and effort, the proposal indicates that there is a serious commitment to the research enterprise and not just a casual interest. This is particularly true in academe, where a proposal must be approved before you can register for thesis or dissertation hours. The better the proposal, the more likely that the researcher will find faculty eager to participate in the committee. Funders normally require a substantial research proposal before they will consider an application for funding. Book editors will require a substantial proposal before considering a research-based manuscript.

Traditional Elements

The research proposal is a mini version of the research article, thesis, or dissertation. Thus, it contains each of the elements found in the parent document.

1. An introduction and problem statement that clearly and persuasively indicates why the problem should be investigated. Note that the proposal must be professional in every respect. This should not look like a draft, especially a first draft
2. A comprehensive review of the appropriate literature with some indication of strengths and gaps as well as the degree to which the literature will support the research while allowing you to make an original contribution.
3. A statement of objectives and hypotheses.
4. A thoughtful research design or methodology section with some mention of population, sample, design, data collection, analysis and interpretation, as well as mention of reliability and validity of the instrument if you use one.
5. An indication of cost via a preliminary, but well researched budget.
6. Anticipated results.
7. A calendar with dates or deadlines for the several stages of the research.

Approval

When the proposal is approved or accepted, you begin your research project with more confidence, especially if a committee of knowledgeable faculty have indicated their enthusiasm for your work. Since approval represents a sort of contract, you need to consider how to handle changes since some change is likely as the research unfolds. Note that substantial changes will mean a return to the approver for another approval.