Writing a Proposal

Sparrow

Freshman II

Before starting your research, you should submit a proposal that describes the nature of your research and indicates how you will conduct it

What is it?What is it?

The proposal serves TWO purposes

It forces you as a researcher to clarify your own thinking.

It allows your supervisor to realize the organization and the clarity of the ideas

The format of the proposal is fairly standard The format of the proposal is fairly standard and needs to contain the following elements:and needs to contain the following elements:

Title

Background

Aims and Objectives (Rationale)

Structure

Methodology

What is the What is the TitleTitle??

A short clear indication of your focus

What is the What is the BackgroundBackground??

You need to demonstrate that you know what you are talking about, and that you have an overall idea of the facts surrounding the topic in question.

What is the historical background or context?

Who was/were involved?

How did it change history?

Why is it important? A success? A failure?

When?

Where?

What is the What is the RationaleRationale??

That section should be designed to explain the problem you seek to address; as well as the reason for your choice.

The aim is the inclusive driving force of the research. Thus, you should add your Research Question

The objectives are the means by which you intend to achieve the aims.

EXAMPLE

Aim:Aim: This research aims to identify

and to produce an analysis of the factors influencing the learning process of children below six years old.

EXAMPLE

Objectives:Objectives: The research seeks to determine:a) The nature and effect of

sociological variables

b) The nature and effect of individual variables.

What is the What is the StructureStructure??

Mainly, this part is a fundamental vision of your research.

How many parts will it include?

What each part/section will discuss?

How the research will be developed?

What are the possible outcomes?

Informative?

Argumentative?

What is the What is the MethodologyMethodology??

After framing your ideas, you need to explain how you plan to achieve the aims and objectives.

What methods do you plan to use?

What is the nature of your sources?

How will you use them?

Different parts of your research may require different Different parts of your research may require different methods or analysis, thus you will have to explain which methods or analysis, thus you will have to explain which method you have used for which purpose and why.method you have used for which purpose and why.

Now you are ReadyNow you are Ready

Good Luck