A research proposal is a document that outlines a proposed research project and seeks sponsorship or approval to proceed. It is typically written by a researcher or graduate student and is used to persuade a potential supervisor, funding agency, or other stakeholders to support the proposed research.
The format of a research proposal can vary depending on the specific requirements of the funding agency, institution, or academic department, but there are some general guidelines that apply to most research proposals.
One common structure for a research proposal includes the following components:
Introduction: This section provides an overview of the research question or problem being addressed, the significance of the research, and the context in which the research will be conducted.
Literature review: This section reviews and synthesizes the existing research on the topic, highlighting gaps or areas for further investigation.
Methodology: This section describes the research design, sample size and selection, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques that will be used in the study.
Expected outcomes: This section outlines the anticipated results of the research and how they will contribute to the field.
Budget and timeline: This section provides a detailed breakdown of the resources (e.g., personnel, equipment, materials) required for the research, along with an estimated timeline for completion.
References: This section lists the sources cited in the proposal.
Here is an example of a research proposal in the social sciences:
Title: "Exploring the Impact of Parental Involvement on Student Achievement in Urban Schools"
Introduction:
There is a growing body of research suggesting that parental involvement can have a positive impact on student achievement. However, most of this research has been conducted in suburban or rural settings, leaving a gap in our understanding of how parental involvement affects student achievement in urban schools. This proposed study aims to fill this gap by examining the relationship between parental involvement and student achievement in a sample of urban schools.
Literature review:
Recent studies have shown that parental involvement in education is associated with a range of positive outcomes for students, including higher grades, improved attendance, and greater engagement in school (Henderson & Mapp, 2002). However, the literature on parental involvement in urban schools is limited, and there is a need for more research on this topic in order to inform policy and practice in these settings (Lee & Burkam, 2003).
Methodology:
The proposed study will be a quantitative, cross-sectional design using data from a nationally representative sample of urban schools. Parental involvement will be measured using a standardized survey instrument, and student achievement will be assessed using standardized test scores. Hierarchical linear modeling will be used to examine the relationship between parental involvement and student achievement, controlling for a range of demographic and school-level variables.
Expected outcomes:
It is expected that the results of this study will provide important insights into the ways in which parental involvement affects student achievement in urban schools. The findings of this study may inform the development of strategies to promote parental involvement in these settings, with the goal of improving student outcomes.
Budget and timeline:
The total budget for this study is $50,000, which includes funding for research assistants, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of findings. The study is expected to be completed within one year.
References:
Henderson, A. T., & Mapp, K. L. (2002). A new wave of evidence: The impact of school, family, and community connections on student achievement. Austin, TX: Southwest Educational Development Laboratory.
Lee, J., & Burkam, D. T. (2003). Inequality