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Title of your research proposal

Name: Academic year: Research Seminar for Educational Sciences Prof. Dr. Chang Zhu Thesis promotor: Prof. Dr. Date of submission:

Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences Master of Science in Educational Sciences

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Table of Contents

Abstract ............................................................................................................................................................... Introduction and problem statement ................................................................................................................

Introduction .....................................................................................................................................................

Problem statement ...........................................................................................................................................

Purpose/objectives of this research .................................................................................................................

Literature review ................................................................................................................................................ Review of related literature .............................................................................................................................

The theoretical base or conceptual framework of this research ......................................................................

Research questions ............................................................................................................................................. General research question ................................................................................................................................

Specific research quesitions ............................................................................................................................

Hypotheses if needed ......................................................................................................................................

Research design and methods ............................................................................................................................ Research context ..............................................................................................................................................

Population and research sample ......................................................................................................................

Instrument ...................................................................................................................................................

Data collection /procedure ...............................................................................................................................

Intervention/experimental design (if applicable) .............................................................................................

Data analysis methods .....................................................................................................................................

Expected results and significance of this research .......................................................................................... Expected results ...............................................................................................................................................

Significance of this research ...........................................................................................................................

Planning/time frame of the research .................................................................................................................

References ............................................................................................................................................................

Appendix ..............................................................................................................................................................

Instruments/Questionnaires .............................................................................................................................

Interview questions ..........................................................................................................................................

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Abstract

Write briefly the rational and the main objectives of your research. Introduce the research methods, instruments, samples and procedure of the research. Report briefly the main results and findings. Summarize the significance of this study or knowledge gained.

Introduction

It begins with a few short introductory paragraphs. The primary goal of the introductory paragraphs is to catch the attention of the readers and to introduce "why this research is useful and important". It sets the stage for the paper and puts your topic in perspective. The introduction often contains general statements about the need for the study.

The statement of the research problem is the focal point of your research. It can be just one sentence, with several paragraphs of elaboration.

While the problem statement itself is just one sentence, it is always accompanied by several paragraphs that elaborate on the problem. Present persuasive arguments why the problem is important enough to study. Include the opinions of others (eg. statements from previous research or other professionals). Explain how the problem relates to the current trends, real situation, etc.

The purpose is a single statement or paragraph that explains what the study intends to accomplish. You can also list the objectives if there are more than one objectives.

Literature review

Literature review is important because it shows what previous researchers have discovered. It is usually quite long and primarily depends upon how much research has previously been done in the area you are planning to investigate. If you are planning to explore a relatively new area, the literature review should cite similar areas of study or studies that lead up to the current research.

This part should also contain a definition of terms when appropriate. Include it if your paper uses special terms that are unique to your field of inquiry or that might not be understood by the general reader. "Operational definitions" (definitions that you have formulated for the study) should also be included. An example of an operational definition is: "For the purpose of this research, improvement is operationally defined as posttest score minus pretest score".

The theoretical framework can be one that is commonly accepted and applied in previous research. It can also be a conceptual framework that you propose for your current study, but based on existing theories and previous research. Make sure the theoretical framework is very relevant and indeed provides basis and guidance for your research.

Research Questions

List your general and specific research questions. When needed, also present the hypotheses.

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Method

The methodology section describes which research methods you will use and your basic research plan. It usually begins with a short introductory paragraph to state the general design, specific context and research methods to meet the purpose of this research. And then present the following specific sections:

Population and sampling

1) Define the population 2) Draw a representative sample from the population 3) The sample number and the background information of your sample Instrument/measures/questionnaires/interview questions

If you are using a survey that was designed by someone else, state the source of the survey. Describe the theoretical constructs that the survey is attempting to measure. If it is a questionnaire made by yourself, explain the details, such as the number of items, scales, sample items, and the scoring scheme. Often you can include a copy of the actual survey in the appendix.

If you use interviews, present your main interview questions.

Procedure

State exactly when the research begins and when it ends. Describe any special procedures that are followed (e.g., instructions for the participants, presentation of an informed consent form, the setting and length of experiments, the timeframe of observations, the time and procedure of the interviews, the administration methods of the survey, etc.).

Timeframe

Specify your research plan. For example, in which month your research instrument should be ready; when you will conduct the survey or interviews; when you will have the data input; when you will conduct the data analysis and complete your master thesis.

Data analysis

Which data analysis techniques will be used for this research. Usually each research question requires its own analysis. Thus the research questions should be addressed one at a time followed by a description of the type of statistical tests that are performed to answer that research question. State what variables are included in the analyses and identify the dependent and independent variables if such a relationship exists. For qualitative study, state the coding scheme and what analyses will be used.

Expected results

What do you expect and what would be the significance of this research? If possible, point out how your study relates to the larger issues in the relevant research area. It makes the purpose worth pursuing.

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Limitations

All research has limitations and its specific scope. Limitations are often imposed by time and practical constraints. Describe the extent to which the limitations might have influenced this research.

Implications

Present the theoretical and practical implications of your study. What are the contributions of this study to the relevant theories and educational practices?

References

List references in APA format alphabetically by author's last name.

Appendix

You can include a copy of any actual instruments to be used or supporting figures for your study.