Writing a Research Proposal
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- Sue Starfield 5
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One of the earliest documents that doctoral scholars have to write is a research proposal in which they provide a rationale and motivation for the research study they plan to undertake. This chapter discusses the form and function of a typical research proposal and provides a range of tools and techniques that can assist doctoral or graduate students in conceptualising and writing this high-stakes document.
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In the North American context, PhD submissions are known as dissertations , while in countries with British higher education traditions, they are referred to as theses. In this chapter, I use them interchangeably to refer to the written submission of a doctoral candidate for examination.
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School of Education, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Sue Starfield
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Sydney School of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Aek Phakiti
Department of Linguistics, Germanic, Slavic, Asian and African Languages, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
Peter De Costa
Applied Linguistics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
Luke Plonsky
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Starfield, S. (2018). Writing a Research Proposal. In: Phakiti, A., De Costa, P., Plonsky, L., Starfield, S. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Applied Linguistics Research Methodology. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59900-1_9
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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59900-1_9
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Online ISBN : 978-1-137-59900-1
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Research Proposals: a practical guide
This book uniquely draws a parallel between a research proposal and a sales pitch. The book provides guidance on what to include and what to omit from your proposal and demonstrates how to `sell' your research idea.
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Research Proposal Example/Sample
Detailed Walkthrough + Free Proposal Template
If you’re getting started crafting your research proposal and are looking for a few examples of research proposals , you’ve come to the right place.
In this video, we walk you through two successful (approved) research proposals , one for a Master’s-level project, and one for a PhD-level dissertation. We also start off by unpacking our free research proposal template and discussing the four core sections of a research proposal, so that you have a clear understanding of the basics before diving into the actual proposals.
- Research proposal example/sample – Master’s-level (PDF/Word)
- Research proposal example/sample – PhD-level (PDF/Word)
- Proposal template (Fully editable)
If you’re working on a research proposal for a dissertation or thesis, you may also find the following useful:
- Research Proposal Bootcamp : Learn how to write a research proposal as efficiently and effectively as possible
- 1:1 Proposal Coaching : Get hands-on help with your research proposal
FAQ: Research Proposal Example
Research proposal example: frequently asked questions, are the sample proposals real.
Yes. The proposals are real and were approved by the respective universities.
Can I copy one of these proposals for my own research?
As we discuss in the video, every research proposal will be slightly different, depending on the university’s unique requirements, as well as the nature of the research itself. Therefore, you’ll need to tailor your research proposal to suit your specific context.
You can learn more about the basics of writing a research proposal here .
How do I get the research proposal template?
You can access our free proposal template here .
Is the proposal template really free?
Yes. There is no cost for the proposal template and you are free to use it as a foundation for your research proposal.
Where can I learn more about proposal writing?
For self-directed learners, our Research Proposal Bootcamp is a great starting point.
For students that want hands-on guidance, our private coaching service is recommended.
Psst… there’s more!
This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .
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The research proposal is a summary of the plan you are contemplating for carr ying out in the form. of a dissertation - by making you put it down into a standard format and r equiring you to ...
Designing your own study and writing your research proposal takes time, often more so than conducting the study. This practical, accessible guide walks you through the entire process. You will learn to identify and narrow your research topic, develop your research question, design your study, and choose appropriate sampling and measurement ...
books already exist to guide proposal writers in the research grant context (for example, Lauffer, 1983, 1984; Lefferts, 1982; Meador 1991; Miner and Griffith, 1993; Schumacher, 1992). But, while written mainly with the dissertation student in mind, much of what is said in this book applies to proposals in both contexts.
developing the initial research proposal. In 2018, the United States government spent $142.9 billion funding research and. development activities.1 This funding makes up only a portion of the overall research. enterprise in the U.S., as funded research dollars also come from private and non-profit.
Research Projects and Research Proposals. This book is a guide to writing scientific research proposals for sub-mission to funding agencies. It approaches the topic by placing it in the larger context of planning and carrying out a research project, of-fering guidance on selecting a suitable research topic, organizing and planning the project ...
research in your proposal. The research proposal serves a triple goal, namely explaining why there is a need for your research, detailing why your research is feasible and perspectives of your research. As such writing a research proposal is a valuable exercise even if you do not pursue a scientific career. You will have to
gain access to examples of successful research proposals. Punch (2012) con-tains examples of research proposals from several disciplines that use qualita-tive, quantitative and mixed methods approaches. He also provides a useful list of other manuals that contain examples of research proposals (pp. 138-140).
Written by an experienced and best-selling author, this handbook uniquely draws a parallel between a research proposal and a sales pitch. The book provides guidance on what to include and what to omit from your proposal and demonstrates how to 'sell' your research idea. Denscombe ably guides you through each stage of the process: With top tips ...
A good proposal should have the following basic elements, though their order and weighting can of course vary: 1) A working title: make this clear and descriptive. ... conduct research in the relevant languages, but the level of knowledge required varies between disciplines. If you are unsure, please consult your prospective supervisor).
Research Proposals: A Practical Guide: A Practical Guide. Denscombe, Martyn. McGraw-Hill Education (UK), Sep 1, 2012 - Education - 178 pages. This helpful step-by-step handbook will guide the reader through each stage of doing a research proposal from choosing a subject right through to writing it up. Preview this book ».
1. Research Proposal Format Example. Following is a general outline of the material that should be included in your project proposal. I. Title Page II. Introduction and Literature Review (Chapters 2 and 3) A. Identification of specific problem area (e.g., what is it, why it is important). B. Prevalence, scope of problem.
Table 7-1 Breakdown of the research proposal per semester 136 Table 7-2 Main assessment criteria 141 Figures Figure 3-1 Link between topic, question and conceptual significance 40 Figure 3-2 Logical sequence of a research proposal based on a research question 53 Figure 3-3 Logical sequence of a research proposal based on a
Research proposals have a limit on words or pages so you won't be able to analyse the whole existing body of literature. ... Journal articles, books, PhD theses, public policies, government and learned society reports are better than non-peer-reviewed information you may find on the internet. The University's Library hosts online guidance ...
Therefore this book is intended to help those who are unfamiliar with the process of proposal writing or who want to improve their chances of success in a complex and demanding field. Indeed, some of the skills and abilities required can be trans-ferred directly from other pursuits once their relevance and importance is understood; others may ...
The 1,500 word research proposal is an important element of your application to doctoral study, whether full-time or part-time. It offers you the opportunity to outline the research you intend to conduct, including how you plan to go about it, and how your research might make a contribution to a theoretical or empirical evidence base.
2014 •. Martyn Denscombe. The Good Research Guide is a best-selling introductory book on the basics of social research. It provides practical and straightforward guidance for those who need to conduct small-scale research projects as part of their undergraduate, postgraduate or professional studies. Download Free PDF.
the audiences for the study. Thus, in this book, philosophical assumptions, research approaches, research designs, and research methods are four key terms representing a perspective about research flow from broad constructions of research to the narrow procedures of methods. Table 1.1 explains these key terms in more detail.
Research proposal examples. Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We've included a few for you below. Example research proposal #1: "A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management".
Detailed Walkthrough + Free Proposal Template. If you're getting started crafting your research proposal and are looking for a few examples of research proposals, you've come to the right place. In this video, we walk you through two successful (approved) research proposals, one for a Master's-level project, and one for a PhD-level ...
For the Higher Degrees Committee, two copies of the proposal and for the Faculty Academic Ethics Committee three copies of the complete proposal must be handed in to the Faculty Research Administrator, Ms. Helen Selolo, room 7227, Johan Orr Building, Doornfontein Campus, Telephone 406 2660.
between innovative small business concerns and through Federal-funded research or research and . development (R/R&D). The approved FY24.2 topics solicited for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Small Business . Innovation Research (SBIR) Program are included in these instructions followed by the full topic description.
PHASE II PROPOSAL CERTIFICATIONS. ... If yes, you are required to include a PDF or Word document of your NASA Research License as part of your proposal package submission. As described in section 3 of this solicitation, the offeror meets the following requirements completely: 7. All 10 parts of the proposal narrative are included in part order ...
Program. Proposals submitted in response to DAF topics shall not include TABA. AIR FORCE PROPOSAL EVALUATIONS . Proposals will be evaluated for overall merit in accordance with the criteria discussed in the 24.2 BAA. DAF is seeking varying technical/scientific approaches and/or varying and new technologies