WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

8 ELEMENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

AZMI ABDUL LATIFF LECTURER UMB 1042-TECHNICAL WRITING

8 ELEMENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL Background of the study Statement of the problem Objectives of the study Significance of the study Limitation of the study Definition of terms Methodology

1. Background of the study

Establish the area of research in which your work belongs, and to provide a context for the research problem. Provides information to the research topic.

1. Background of the study

In an introduction, the writer should create: i. reader interest in the topic, ii. lay the broad foundation for the problem that leads to the study.

2. Statement of the problem

When you start a research, you have a question that you wish to seek answer for. The question leads to a problem that needs to be solved by the research. Begin the research with A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM or THESIS STATEMENT

3. Objectives

States what your research hopes to accomplish.

4. Significance of the study

Why your research is important and what contributions will it give to the field.

State how your findings CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE and WHY it is IMPORTANT that the research be carried out.

5. Limitation of the study

It is not possible to include ALL aspects of a particular problem. STATE WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED! A too wide area of investigation is impractical and will lead to problems. SPECIFY THE BOUNDARIES of your research.

6. Definition of terms
Terms or concepts that you use should be defined and explained unless they are familiar or obvious. Refer to authoritative sources for definitions.

7. Literature review
Shows that you are aware of the literature study that is required in your research area. Your review a substantial amount of reading materials before writing your proposal. Shows that you have the theoretical knowledge in your chosen research area

7. Literature review

By reviewing related literature at this stage, it will make you: i. aware of other similar work which has been done. ii. expose methodologies that have been adopted and which you may use or adapt. iii. provide sources of information that you do not have yet.

7. Literature review

By reviewing related literature at this stage, it will inform you: iv. if a chosen area has already been researched extensively. v. approaches that you do not know of before

8. Methodology
Describe data that you will use in the research, the methodology to be adopted and justify your choice of methodology Inform readers a. kinds of data going to be collected b. research procedure (interviews? observations? questionnaires?)

8. Methodology
If outside organisations involved, explain how you are going to get hold of the data. Indicate why the methodology is used. If existing methodology is not to be used, explain why you need to use an adapted methodology.

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