Research Proposal Sample
Research Proposal Template
Please note that instructions (in italics) should be deleted and replaced by the appropriate entries. The word guides are a maximum. The proposal should include a list of references and a timeframe. The word count is 2500 – 3000.
1. Title
Give a clear and succinct title, indicating the problem area around which the research will be undertaken.
2. Background
Include a description of the background to your topic.
Explain why you have chosen the topic - give both business and personal reasons.
2.1 Aim
Aim of the project
Word Guide
Introduction and Business Reasons 325
Personal Reasons 75
3. Preliminary Review of the Literature
Give a brief critical review of the literature that you have read in writing the proposal. This should include current sources. Don’t forget to give a list of sources used (a minimum of 6) - use the Harvard Referencing system.
Have you a conceptual framework? If so, include.
Justify the need for the research.
Word Guide 1000
4. Research Questions
Here you should write your research questions as they emerge from the background and critical literature review.
4.1 Research Objectives
Here you outline your main objectives of your project? Develop these into 3-5 specific research objectives that begin with “To…” and use higher level verbs
Word Guide 200
5. Research Plan / Methodology
This is the most important section.
A clear description of the three phases of the Research Plan is required: Perspective Design and Data Collection Methods
What is the access and sampling strategy (including sample numbers)?
How will the data be analysed and presented?
What are the limitations of your research - comment briefly on validity, reliability and generalisability
Word Guide 1000
6. Ethical Considerations
What we are looking for here is a discussion of any ethical issues raised by your particular
Please note that instructions (in italics) should be deleted and replaced by the appropriate entries. The word guides are a maximum. The proposal should include a list of references and a timeframe. The word count is 2500 – 3000.
1. Title
Give a clear and succinct title, indicating the problem area around which the research will be undertaken.
2. Background
Include a description of the background to your topic.
Explain why you have chosen the topic - give both business and personal reasons.
2.1 Aim
Aim of the project
Word Guide
Introduction and Business Reasons 325
Personal Reasons 75
3. Preliminary Review of the Literature
Give a brief critical review of the literature that you have read in writing the proposal. This should include current sources. Don’t forget to give a list of sources used (a minimum of 6) - use the Harvard Referencing system.
Have you a conceptual framework? If so, include.
Justify the need for the research.
Word Guide 1000
4. Research Questions
Here you should write your research questions as they emerge from the background and critical literature review.
4.1 Research Objectives
Here you outline your main objectives of your project? Develop these into 3-5 specific research objectives that begin with “To…” and use higher level verbs
Word Guide 200
5. Research Plan / Methodology
This is the most important section.
A clear description of the three phases of the Research Plan is required: Perspective Design and Data Collection Methods
What is the access and sampling strategy (including sample numbers)?
How will the data be analysed and presented?
What are the limitations of your research - comment briefly on validity, reliability and generalisability
Word Guide 1000
6. Ethical Considerations
What we are looking for here is a discussion of any ethical issues raised by your particular