The Research Proposal Purpose of the Research Proposal

The Research Proposal

Purpose of the Research Proposal l 1. To inform the reader of nature of your proposed research. l l l What is the problem? What is its extent? 2. To convince the reader of the value of your proposed research. l l Is this project worth the time and money? Will it make a difference to the world?

Purpose of the Research Proposal l 3. To demonstrate your expertise and competency in a particular area of study. l l Do you have the qualifications to conduct this research? Have you informed yourself of the existing theory and data relevant to your topic? Do you have the necessary skills to conduct the research? 4. To plan the research project and provide a step-by-step guide to the tasks necessary for its completion. l l l What are the key stages of the work? What are the priorities? How do the various components fit together?

FYI… l l l This is a first draft. It will be revised! You must email your Proposal to your advisor and make him/her aware this is your first draft, and that you will follow up at a later date for their signature, after you make their/my suggested changes. Please cc me on this email. The final version will be due, with the advisor’s signature, in 3 rd quarter.

Formatting Issues l l l Typed, single-spaced, 12 point readable font. Include the headings – in BOLD print Respond in paragraph format. l l l Complete sentences Complete thoughts Third person POV Don’t forget the area for signatures. Attach Rubric when you submit.

Structure of the research proposal l l l l Title Overview of Research Background and History Problem Statement and Rationale Research Methodology Product Overview Logistical Considerations Approval

Structure of the Research Proposal Title - Clear, informative, and “catchy” l Make it clever. l l Ask a question. l l Humpty Dumpty had a Great Fall: A Study of Teens and Brain Injury Provide a visual image. l l What Happens When You Die Without A Will? An Academic-Year. Long Study of Estate Planning Use a common phrase. l l Is Your Fido Fat or your Tabby Flabby? An Analysis of Pet Obesity Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Am I Thin Enough? A Study of the Psychological Roots of Anorexia and how the Transition to College may Exacerbate Them Be straightforward. l Laboratory Simulations of Surface Alteration on Small Bodies through Seismic Activity

Structure of the Research Proposal l Overview of Research (new section): l l l What is the general area(s) of investigation? What specific area(s) within the field will be investigated researched and/or studied? What proven need will be addressed? What real problem will be solved? (In other words, why is this important and why should we care? ) What will be the topic of the synthesis paper? What specific components will you argue in your thesis?

Structure of the Research Proposal l From Research Hypothesis Assignment – Include revisions when writing proposal l Background and History l Problem Statement and Rationale l Research Methodology

Structure of the Research Proposal l Product Overview (new section): l l l What will be the product(s) and/or outcome(s) of the year of study? (In other words, after you do primary research, what will you create to showcase your information? ) Who is the specific, targeted audience of the project? Who, other than the student, will learn or benefit as a result of the work? To whom will the outcomes be communicated? For whom is the product or result intended? How will the product and outcomes be communicated to or performed for the selected audience? What will be the outlet vehicle (i. e. , presentation, performance, etc. )?

A Side-Note about Products l When selecting the format of your product, consider… l l l What will best address the need or gap in the knowledge identified through your research? How do professionals in your field of study communicate their results? Who will be the intended audience for your product, , and what would most effectively communicate your information to that group?

Structure of the Research Proposal l Logistics (new section) l Budget l l What specific resources will you need to complete your project? Other considerations l l Are there transportation needs? Are there equipment needs? Does special permission need to be obtained? Are there copyright considerations?