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COMPONENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The document outlines the essential components of a research proposal, including the introduction, literature review, methodology, and timetable. It emphasizes the importance of clearly defining the research problem, objectives, and questions, as well as conducting a thorough literature review to identify gaps in existing research. Additionally, it details the methodology section, focusing on variables, data collection methods, and ethical considerations, while also suggesting the use of GANTT charts for progress tracking.

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11 views4 pages

COMPONENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The document outlines the essential components of a research proposal, including the introduction, literature review, methodology, and timetable. It emphasizes the importance of clearly defining the research problem, objectives, and questions, as well as conducting a thorough literature review to identify gaps in existing research. Additionally, it details the methodology section, focusing on variables, data collection methods, and ethical considerations, while also suggesting the use of GANTT charts for progress tracking.

Uploaded by

john
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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COMPONENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

INTRODUCTION & STATEMENT OF PROBLEM EXPECTE


D DATE

Introduction , Background, Statement of Problem

This must identify the broad topic, the context for the study and its
relevance. It must also explain why the topic is worth researching.

Make sure that you have clearly identified and stated the problem that
your research will be tackling. You will be penalized if there is no clear
gap in the research

Research Objectives

The objectives of the study should be clearly stated and specific in


nature.

Sub-objectives/ Specific objectives

Each sub-objective should delineate only one issue. Use action-oriented


verbs such as ‘to determine’, ‘to find out’ and ‘to ascertain’ in
formulating sub-objectives, which should be numerically listed.

Research Question(s)

May be one or two main questions, or one main question with several
supplementary questions.

Research questions will typically reflect the research traditions in your


area of study. You can read completed theses for an idea of how
research questions have been stated;

Definition of key Terms

Define the key words or phrases used in the research questions


according to their meaning in your study (including terms which may
seem obvious to you, such as ‘Customer’).

COMMENTS

LITERITURE REVIEW

The preliminary literature review: (What other experts have said


about your topic/ study?)

This section should give a description of what is already known about


this area and short discussion of why the background studies are not
sufficient. Discuss the principal areas of research and theory implied by
the research questions

• Summarize what is already known about the field. Include a summary


of the basic background information on the topic gleaned from your
literature review
• Discuss several critical studies that have already been done in this
area both theoretical and empirical
• Point out why these background studies are insufficient. In other
words, what question(s) do they leave unresolved that you would like to
study?
• Specify the question(s) you are pursuing in your research proposal

For your sources try to highlight the following:


• What is the methodology employed?
• Theoretical framework?
• Empirical framework?

Refer to the Check list below from Saunders to evaluate the content of
your literature review

✔ Have you ensured that the literature covered relates clearly to


your research question and objectives?

✔ Have you covered the most relevant and significant theories of


recognised experts in the area?
✔ Have you covered the most relevant and significant literature
or at least a representative sample?
✔ Have you included up-to-date literature?
✔ Have you referenced all the literature used in APA format?

Your Literature review should focus on academic papers and sources


however you can also include additional background information from
the textbooks, class, and websites. (citations should be in APA style)

Make sure you include a theoretical framework that you have derived
from your readings. This is usually a visual representation of how your
variables are related.

COMMENTS

METHODOLOGY

Importance of Variables and Data specification

The way a variable is measured determines:


• the type of analysis that can be performed,
• the statistical procedures that can be applied to the data,
• the way the data can be interpreted and
• the findings that can be communicated.

The style of your report is entirely dependent upon the way the
different variables have been measured – that is, the way a question
has been asked and its response recorded. The way you measure the
variables in your study determines whether a study is ‘qualitative’ or
‘quantitative’ in nature. It is therefore important to know about the
measurement scales for your variables.

Research Design

This section should begin with a brief statement about methodology


and must include a statement about the key ethical implications of your
procedures.

Through research design, you decide for yourself and communicate to


others your decisions regarding:

• Data and measurement of variables :


• Study Design: what study design you propose to use, [this is
determined by the variables you have chosen]
• Data collection methods: how you are going to collect
information from your respondents,
• Data collection tool : When designing your questionnaire to
obtain information about a variable, visualise how you plan to
use the information generated. This is important because the
way you frame your questions determines the unit of
measurement which could be used to classify the responses. The
unit of measurement in turn dictates what statistical procedures
can be applied to the data and the way the information can be
analysed and displayed.
• Sampling Methods: how you are going to select your
respondents,
• Analysis: how the information you are going to collect is to be
analysed
• Findings and Conclusion: how you are going to communicate
your findings.

In addition, you will need to detail in your research design the


rationale and justification for each decision that shapes your answers to
the ‘how’ of the research journey. In presenting your rationale and
justification you need to support them critically from the literature
reviewed. You also need to assure yourself and others that the path you
have proposed will yield valid and reliable results.

Describe each procedure to be employed, including


likely sample sizes and points of access.

Attach copies of any test items, interview schedules, observation


schedules etc as appendices.
Attach also copies of letters of approach, consent forms or other
documentation you will be using for ethical purposes

PENDING
• Presentation of Draft proposal
• Incorporation of feedback; Refining of questionnaire
• Draft a letter of consent for your respondents/organization
• If targeting more that one organization, start compiling a list of
all possible organizations that you will wish to approach. Where
possible, identify a contact person with contact information

TIMETABLE & PROGRESS REPORTS


This should address key dates including (as relevant) ethical approval,
accessing the field, key readings, data collection, data analysis, drafts
to be completed, expected date for submitting your thesis..

Consider the use of GANTT charts for your progress reports

PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Mapping your objectives with your questionnaire [see Kumar chapter 9]

RESEARCH REQUIRED QUESTION


OBJECTIVE QUESTION INFORMATION

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