How to Write a Research Proposal
How to write a research proposal
There is no single format for research proposals. This is because every research project is different. Different disciplines, donor organisations and academic institutions all have different formats and requirements. There are, however, several key components which must be included in every research proposal. The specific research problem will dictate what other sections are required.
Key components are:
• A description of the research problem.
• An argument as to why that problem is important.
• A review of literature relevant to the research problem.
• A description of the proposed research methodology.
• A description of how the research findings will be used and/or disseminated.
DESCRIBING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
Before your proposal can make sense to a reader, he or she must understand clearly what the proposed research will be about. Therefore, you would do well to begin this section with a clear and simple formulation of your research question. Read the following examples:
• This research project explores the extent to which vigilantism is growing within different sectors of the South African population. In particular the research focuses on the factors which promote and maintain vigilantism in our society.
• Many community projects in rural Mpumalanga rely on micro-enterprises (such as community gardens and spaza shops), to extend the income generating potential of communities. The following is an investigation of the extent to which these micro-enterprises do actually influence the broader economic position of these communities.
Flesh out this section with some or all of the following:
• Where does this research question come from? If it arises out of a debate in the literature, introduce that debate.
• Clarify or quantify any concepts which may not be clear.
Have a look at a very simple example:
This research project explores the extent to which vigilantism is growing within different sectors of
There is no single format for research proposals. This is because every research project is different. Different disciplines, donor organisations and academic institutions all have different formats and requirements. There are, however, several key components which must be included in every research proposal. The specific research problem will dictate what other sections are required.
Key components are:
• A description of the research problem.
• An argument as to why that problem is important.
• A review of literature relevant to the research problem.
• A description of the proposed research methodology.
• A description of how the research findings will be used and/or disseminated.
DESCRIBING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
Before your proposal can make sense to a reader, he or she must understand clearly what the proposed research will be about. Therefore, you would do well to begin this section with a clear and simple formulation of your research question. Read the following examples:
• This research project explores the extent to which vigilantism is growing within different sectors of the South African population. In particular the research focuses on the factors which promote and maintain vigilantism in our society.
• Many community projects in rural Mpumalanga rely on micro-enterprises (such as community gardens and spaza shops), to extend the income generating potential of communities. The following is an investigation of the extent to which these micro-enterprises do actually influence the broader economic position of these communities.
Flesh out this section with some or all of the following:
• Where does this research question come from? If it arises out of a debate in the literature, introduce that debate.
• Clarify or quantify any concepts which may not be clear.
Have a look at a very simple example:
This research project explores the extent to which vigilantism is growing within different sectors of