Research Proposal

Before any research study to be undertaken, it is important to device the

methodology to be used, duration of the study and the cost so that there
are no misunderstanding and/or frustration between the two parties
(authorized body and the researcher). This is usually accomplished with
the help of research proposal. The research proposal usually contains the
following:
1. The broad goal of the study
2. The specific problem to be investigated.
3. Details of procedures to be followed.
4. The research design i.e. the sampling design, data collection methods,
data analysis
5. The time frame of the study
6. The budget details which will be spend on specific items of the research.
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 Report Writing
It is important that the results of the study and recommendation to solve the
problem are effectively communicated to the sponsor, so that the suggestions
made are accepted and implemented, otherwise, all the efforts of the subject
would be in vain.
Report writing can be divided into the following main sections/Chapters
1. Title Page of the Report
2. Table of Contents
3. ABSTRACT of the Report
4. Introduction
5. Literature Review
6. Methodology
7. Results/Discussion
8. Summary, Conclusions and Recommendation
9. Appendix
10.References
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Section Purpose
Title Page Title of report
Student name/student number
Course/subject
Date due
Table of Contents Shows the sections of the report
Abstract Gives an ABSTRACT of the whole report
(Outlines -purpose, research method, findings, main conclusions and
recommendations): Use past tense
Introduction Outlines context, background and purpose
Defines terms and sets limits of the research
The reader/audience can easily identify what, how, why. At the end, contains the
objectives of the study.
Review of Literature Show that work already conducted in the area under study along with appropriate
references.
Methodology Explains how research was done and outlines how the data was collected. It provides
both the methods and methodology adopted in conducting the research.
Results/Findings Presents findings of the research. Facts only and no interpretation: Uses Tables and
may be combined with Discussion Graphs.
Presents an interpretation and evaluation of the results. Analyses results - draws
together different aspects of the findings, findings of other studies and refers to
literature.
Summary, Conclusions and Give all the findings of the study in summarized form.
Recommendation Brief statement of what was found and how it can be concluded (conclusions).
Suggest suitable changes or solutions based on the study findings (recommendation)
Appendix Contains the attachments of additional information (eg. surveys, questionnaires, data
set, glossary etc)
References All references used

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 Reference Style from Different Sources

Journal Article (Two authors):

Jeanquat, S., & Peluchette, J. (1997). Diversity in the work force and
management models. Journal of Social Work Studies, 43(3): 72-85.

Doctoral Dissertation
Kiren, R.S. (1997). Medical advances and quality of life. Unpublished
doctoral dissertation, Omaha State University.

Conference Proceedings Publication

Yeshwant, M. (1998). Revised thinking on Indian philosophy and
religion. In S. Pennathur (Ed.), Proceedings of the Ninth International
Conference on Religion, (pp. 100-107). Bihar, India: Bihar University.
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 Format of Style from Different Sources

Unpublished Manuscript
Hayat, Y. (2009). Consumer perception towards fast food restaurants
in district Peshawar. Unpublished manuscript, KPk Agricultural
University, Peshawar.

News Article
Poverty in Pakistan. (2008, July 15). The News, p.1.
Reference from Web
Author, I. (1998). Technology and immediacy of information [on-line]
Available http://www.bnet.act.com
Or
Heading of the topic. Web address, access date (July 15, 1998).

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 Reference Style: Sarhad Journal of Agriculture

Zaman, Q., Y. Hayat, S.M. Suhail, M. Khan and S.W. Shah.

2009. Small and large sample performance of Kaplan-Meir and
Shrunkan Kaplan-Meir survival functions. Sarhad J. Agric.
25(4): 671-680.

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 Bibliography

A list of sources of information (articles, books, and other

materials) on a specific topic. Bibliographies can be found at
an end of a book or article to indicate the items used to create
the item or to refer researchers to recommended further
reading.

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