Lecture No.

5
Research Methodology

Proposal Writing
Research Methodology

Organizing a Research Proposal

Basic Sections in a Research Proposal Title of Study Introduction Significance of Research Literature Review Methodology Research design Data analysis policy implications Ethical statements Timeframe/Plan & Budget Primary references

Title of Study Gives reader a sense of what you are examining Do not make it too general Needs to summarize what you are doing

 Introduction of main question & interest in the study Introduces the reader to the topic in question May begin with a brief historical overview Shows why you are interested in the study

 Significance of Research, Main aim, & Hypotheses Indicate contribution your study makes to the field of knowledge, its wider implications or uses Your researchs overall aim Specific questions (hypotheses) that you will address separately

 Methodology & Research design Discusses in detail how you will collect the data and conduct the research May include quantitative, qualitative, or action research Details whether interviews, surveys, content analysis, case studies, stratified samples, or meta analysis were used Provides estimates of reliability, validity, and the norms of the instruments used

 Data analysis Discusses the methods used to prove your hypotheses Tip: deal with each hypothesis separately and mention the analysis that will be conducted

 Policy Implications You should have some idea of expected outcomes based on the research conducted in the past You may use a pilot study or fragments of other similar research to forecast outcomes further focuses your research aims

 Ethical statements Discuss the ways in which your study will protect confidentiality, anonymity, and the physical and mental well-being of participants Other codes of conduct (e.g., relevant governmental/other established codes) also need to be mentioned

 Timeframe of study & budget Provides timeline for the study Lists the times and dates of each step of your research process Budget estimate of costs involved in your study (need not be too detailed)

 Primary references Should highlight the appropriate texts Your supervisor may also direct you toward other essential texts Never underestimate the value of a good reference list

Well-structured well written Clear, concise, and to the point Consider: Paragraph organization Follow controlling idea Explain, elaborate, or define Evidence, examples, or illustrations Between 100-150 words Avoid long paragraphs of 250+ words One main idea = one paragraph

Writing

 Research proposals, which are expressions of intent that the research should indeed take place, are not only structured, with about ten elements contained therein, they are convincing as well as concise, rather than obscuring ideas amongst a plethora of excessive words and wordiness. Research proposals are expressions of intent that the research should take place. They are not only structured, with ten sub-elements, they are convincing and concise. They should not vague ideas with excessive words and wordiness

Sentences Have you conducted a grammar and spell check? Have you defined words correctly? Is there one idea per sentence? Have you avoided overly long sentences? Have you read it out loud to pick up errors? Have you written a complete sentence?

Paragraphs Is there one main idea per paragraph? Is your paragraph relevant to the topic? Have you used topic sentences? Have you avoided short or overly long paragraphs? Is there a string of ideas from one paragraph to another? Have you linked paragraphs together? Have you read it out loud to pick up errors?

 Sections Is there a logical progression of ideas? Are sub-sections clearly labelled or signposted? Does it relate to an understanding of the research topic?

Style Is correct referencing style used? Is there appropriate use of evidence? Have you excluded emotive language? Is it the appropriate tone and level? Have you avoided slang or jargon?

Saving
Save frequently and print copies Save multiple copies

References
List all references In alphabetical order

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Research Proposal Development

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GANTT Chart (Time line)

Task
Survey Test GWT Analyze data Write Thesis
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Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

Budget
SUMMARY OF FUNDS REQUESTED (RO)
Year 1 Capital Equipment Recurrent Items Use of University Facilities Local Travel Costs Publication Costs Miscellaneous TOTAL 8000 1000 1000 500 2000 12500 Year 2 7500 6000 1000 1000 500 2000 18000 16000 1000 1000 2500 2000 22500 Year 3 TOTAL 7500 30000 3000 3000 2600 6000 53000

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