How to write a research proposal

A step by step guide for preparing a strong and demanding research proposal

Applying for a PhD degree or master's and getting confused on where to start with your research proposal? Don’t worry!! Follow our simple guidelines.

1. What is a research proposal?

2. What is research proposal with example?

3.Why it is important

4.How do you start a research proposal?

5.How long a research proposal needs to be/How many words should a PhD proposal be?

6.How do you write a research proposal for a PhD in 500 words?

7.How long does it take to write a PhD research proposal?

8.What is the format of research proposal/What things a research proposal needs to cover:?

What is a research proposal-

In general, the research proposal defines what you will examine, why it’s important, and how you will do the research. By definition, research proposal is the summary of your research project work which is developed based on one’s finalized research topic.

What is research proposal with example?

A research proposal is a formal and structured document which explains what you actually plan to research (i.e. your interested research topic), and why it is worth to research(i.e. your reasoning and validation), and how you plan to examine it (i.e. your practical approach).

Why is it important?

Research proposals are significant as it outlines your actual research idea which includes the following details:

· literature studies on the existing research

· Approach and methodology employed

· Duration and viability

· Right resources.

How do you start a research proposal?

A good research proposal should consist of the following elements majorly:

Title-This is just a tentative title for your intended research.

Abstract-The proposal should include a concise statement of your intended research of no more than 100 words.

Literature Review

Research Questions.

Research Methodology.

Importance of Research.

Bibliography/References.

How long a research proposal needs to be/How many words should a PhD proposal be?

The research proposal should be under a range between 3000-5000 words, however it’s better to speak with your guide on this as each university will have different page length.

How do you write a research proposal for a PhD in 500 words?

Some universities may ask you to submit a very precise research proposal whose length or words should not exceed 500 words. Below are the major details which can be included while crafting a precise and simple proposal

1. Be approximately 500 words.

2. Include an outline of your research interests.

3. Detail your initial thoughts about a topic.

4. Have references to previous work.

5. Discuss the methodology and general approach you wish to take.

How long does it take to write a PhD research proposal?

Generally the PhD research proposal takes more time than other research proposal 3-6 months and while other takes maximum 1-2 months.

What is the format of research proposal/What things a research proposal needs to cover?

When developing a research proposal, you need to strictly follow your university format/guidelines. However, most of the research proposal should contain at least these following sections.

· Title of the research study

· Introduction of the research topic

· Background and Significance of the study

· Literature Review

· Research Design and Methods

· Preliminary Suppositions and Implications (Expected outcomes)

· Conclusion

· References

Each of the above-mentioned sections are elaborated as under:

Title of the research study

The research study title should be very clear, but memorable and swiftly telling your reader what’s your research about.

Introduction of the research topic:

A good introduction of the research area should be the beginning of any research proposal. Hence, it is very important to well organize your research proposal as this sets an significant tone for the remaining stages of your research proposal.

Literature Review:

Conducting of literature is an very important step in the research proposal as one need to know what are the problem gaps present with the existing study.

Normally, literature review needs done on considering atleast 8-10 years of recent reference research papers from reputed journals.

Aims and Objectives

Once you have identified the research gap, your will be able set the aims and objectives of your research project. The difference here is as follows:

· Your research aim is the broad expected outcome of the study.

· Your research objectives are narrower and more focused.

Research Design and Methods

Include and explore all the research methods and approaches which are more appropriate to the study.

Preliminary Suppositions and Implications (Expected outcomes)

The predicted outcomes(results) of your research study needs to be précised upon in this section.

Conclusion

The complete summary of the research study needs to be specified in this chapter.

References

The originality of the developed content (Plagiarism) is taken extremely across all academic levels, but even more so for research degree. Hence, make sure you reference the existing literature which you have used in writing the research proposal.