Writing a Research Proposal

Writing a research proposal is quite difficult and confusing. Therefore, I would like to share some general information to write a research proposal. A good research proposal has to contain seven major components, which are:

• Title:

• Gives research a direction
• Might slightly change at the final stage

• Aim:

• A statement of what the research will attempt to do
• Statement at strategic level

• Objectives:

• Translate the aim into coherent, operational statement
• Specify what is hoped to be discovered

• Hypothesis:

• A tentative proposition which is subject of verification through the investigation
• Research conclusion will either support or reject the hypothesis
• Suggest relationship between independent and dependent variables
• Indicates data requirement and suggests analysis to be performed
• Comprehension rather than restriction

• Methodology:

• Definition of main terms
• Assumptions & the justification of them
• Research and critically review theories, principles & literature relating to the subject of the research
• Evaluate analysis may be carried out with respect to data available, the objectives and hypothesis

• Program

• Time table (simple bar chart) showing the main research activities