Structure of proposal: the following template may help:
a. Introduction | State the research question/hypothesis and discuss its justification, importance and topicality. |
b. Review of Literature/Research | Identify main themes and research approaches relevant to your research question/hypothesis, and how your research will add to existing knowledge. |
c. Design and Methodology | Describe and justify the design of the study and the research and analysis techniques you intend to adopt. You must comment on any ethical issues. |
d. Conclusion | A quick review of methods, together with a proposed timetable for the execution of the study. |
The written proposal should, as far as possible:
• Provide a rationale for the study and identify the aims/purpose of the research
• Identify a clear research question/hypothesis
• Develop a research design plan to engage with the question/hypothesis
• Devise appropriate research tools to carry out the plan
• Describe the proposed methods for analyzing the data
• Address the strengths and limitations of your proposed approach
• Identify ethical issues and propose appropriate actions
• Critically reflect on the whole research exercise (particularly on the choice of research methods and tools)