THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

by: Dr. Ghulam Dastgeer

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Purpose of the Research Proposal

To present the question to be
researched and its importance
To discuss the research efforts of others
who have worked on related questions
To suggest the data necessary for
solving the question

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The Research Sponsor

All research has a sponsor in one form
or another:
In a corporate setting, management
sponsors research
In an academic environment, the
student is responsible to the class
instructor

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What are the Benefits of the Proposal

to a Researcher?
Allows the researcher to plan and
review the projects steps
Serves as a guide throughout the
investigation
Forces time and budget estimates

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How to Structure the Research Proposal?

Create proposal modules
Put together various modules to tailor
your proposal to the intended audience

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Modules in a Research Proposal

Abstract
Table of contents
Chapter 01

Introduction/background to the
study
Problem Statement
Research Objectives
Research Questions
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Purpose and Scope of Study

 Significance of Research
Theoretical
practical

Chapter 02

Literature Review
Operational definitions
Existing models and theories with focus on identifying gap in
literature (historically preferred)

Conceptual/Theoratical Framework

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Dependent and independent variables

Relationships among variables
Hypotheses
T.F Diagram

Chapter 03

Research Design

Study type
The Population (actual and targeted)
Sample and sampling strategy
The measurement Instrument
Unit of analysis
Data Processing and Analysis
Statistical tools
Statistical software

Researcher Interference
Limitation of Study

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 Budget

Tentative Time Frame For Research

Tentative Structure of Dissertation

Bibliography
Appendices
Questionnaire
Any extra information

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What to include in the Appendices?

A glossary of concepts, constructs, and
definitions
Samples of the measurement instrument
Other materials that reinforce the body of
the proposal

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Evaluating the Research Proposal

Introduction:
How strongly researcher introduced background of his/her
study.
Especially the last paragraph where you providing base to your
problem statement and research objectives.
Problem Statement:
Is problem statement is new?
Current/fresh references in the problem statement matters
most.
Local perspective in problem statement have great value
(theoretical or practical).
Clarification of gap in literature.

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 Research Objectives:
Is proper link between objectives and problem statement
established?
No objective should be beyond the problem statement.
Establish clear link between research objectives and
research questions.
Most of your objectives should be prevalent in your
theoretical framework.
Objectives should be in achievable form.
Vague and unclear objectives are not acceptable.

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 Research Questions:
Have you established link between
research questions, research objectives,
theoretical framework and problem
statement?
Questions should be in question form.

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 Major topics should be easily found and

logically organized
Proposal must meet specific guidelines
set by the sponsor (like your university)
Technical writing style must be clearly
understood and explained (like APA)

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