In academia, a research proposal is a document proposing a research project. This proposal generally constitutes a request for sponsorship of their research. An example research proposal is an outline of your proposed project that is designed to explain all the important factors of your proposed research.
All the research proposals are evaluated on the cost and potential impact of the proposed research, and on the soundness of the proposed plan for carrying it out.
Key factors of Research Proposal
A good research proposal should contain the following key factors,
- The proposal should highlight its originality and significance of the research.
- It should define a clear research question and approach to answer the same.
- Give a clear explanation of the existing literature in the field and challenges to face in the research process.
- Justify, Why you are the right person to undertake the research?
In this article, in order to help the researchers to write a successful research proposal ilovephd provides the 9 important steps to write a good research proposal with example.
9 important steps in writing a research proposal with Example
First of all, the research proposals are not the same in size. It may vary based on the funding agency you going to apply for. So it is important to check the format and guidelines of the particular funding agencies you apply to. However, A typical proposal may contain 2500-3000 words.
1. Abstract
As always, the abstract is the key area where all the evaluator check first.
- It should be short and crispy in 5-7 lines.
- It should include the problem statement of your research and a solution to solve the problem or idea to fix the problem.
2. Introduction
The second most important part of the proposal is the introduction. An impressive introduction must include the following points.
- The introduction must have 5-7 lines which highlight the important aspects of the domain.
- This an eye-opening content of your research so it generally holds the 20% to 30% of acceptance ratio of the proposal.
3. Problem statement in research proposal
A problem statement is build based on valuable research questions such as what is the problem that you have identified in your research area? or What is the current problem faced and what are its persisting effects? Also, it should follow some important attributes which are mentioned below.
- Good research questions are comprised of 1-3 lines along with the reason that they are asked for.
- The problem statement includes the main research modes such as conceptual, theoretical, empirical, and normative, as appropriate and rationale.
- Highlight the significance of the research proposal whether it is applicable in academic or in other areas of the research.
4. Purpose of the study
This section briefly describes the purpose of your study and why you are going to do this study in a crisp and clear manner.
5. Objective and Significance of the research
The impact of the study need to be clearly stated in the proposal also it should answer the following 4 questions.
- What are your goal and achievement?
- Through your research what are you contributing?
- What is the need and importance of your research?
- What is the use and what is going to change or happen in the end through your research?
6. Methodology
A sixth most important point to write a fine proposal is to write a research methodology with the questions how you are going to start your research right from literature review till the end conclusion in 4 to 5 points.
7. Expected results of the project
This section includes the expected result of your research. 2 to 3 lines of approximate result with its achievement on the target application.
8. Research Proposal – Estimated Budget
Budgeting is one of the important parts to be estimated. It is divided into two parts “Non-Recurring Budget” & “Recurring Budget”.
What is Recurring Budget?
A recurrent budget tracks ongoing revenues and expenses that occur on a regular basis, be they monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually. Also known as an operational budget, a recurrent budget includes line items such as wages, utilities, rent or lease payments, and taxes.
This part comprises of salary budget (if you hire anyone like JRF, SRF, fellows), Budget for consumables( yearly expenditures), Budget for travel (within your country or abroad), Budget for other costs / contingencies ( purchasing of books, review papers, taking prints, Xerox, demonstration, electricity charges, institute infrastructural charges etc.).
What is Non-Recurring Budget?
This part you have to state what are all the machines, software’s, equipment you want. This is a one-time purchase. So have a clear idea of what all you need to start your research experiment.
A separate table of the entire summary of the budget estimate has to be developed stating all the total of different budgets in a single table and the GRAND TOTAL
9. References
Finally, include 1-4 high impact research works related to your research as a reference in your research proposal.
Hope, these 9 important Research Proposal Examples will help you to write a successful research proposal.
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