Lecture 8 Research Proposal

 Find out what is the required format of research proposal  Research Proposal is a solid and convincing framework of a thesis that must underline the originality of a research  It must contain a complete picture on what research you wanted to do and how are you going to conduct it

 Research proposal should delineate a significant contribution to the existing intellectual knowledge  The proposal must either challenge or support the existing literature on the proposed problem

 As such the proposal must answer these questions: 1) What I am going to do? 2) Who has done similar research? 3) What he/she has found? 4) How I am going to do this study? 5) Why this study is so unique? 6) Last but not least, carefully selected academic papers that converse the same problem must be referenced at the end

 Background of the study or introduction  Research problem  Research questions  Research objectives – general and specific  Literature review  Population and sample of study  Measurement of key variables  Research framework  Data collection method(s)

 Data analysis  Research schedule  Research budget  Research team members  These elements are useful for applying research grant from related organization  Each agency that provides research grant has its own research proposal format

 Typically research proposal has the following sub-headings: (Babbie, 2004) Part 1 * Background of study * Research problem * Research questions * Research objectives: general and specific * Significant of the research

Part II * Literature review – main and - current articles on the problem, issues and variables - local and international * Related Theory * Conceptual framework

Part III * Methodology that include - subjects and location of study - measurement - data collection methods - analysis - research schedule Part IV * References

 Writing proposal is not first time perfect  There would be few revisions until the advisor and committee members feel that your proposal is acceptable and you are ready to conduct the research  Take time to prepare your proposal adequately, otherwise you will spent more time correcting your research activities

 Front cover - Title of research - Name of group - Complete list of group members with matric number - Tutorial group and time - Name of study program

 For the proposal, use the following sub- headings: * Introduction * Background of research * Research problem * Research questions * Research objectives – general and specific * Literature review

* Research methodology - location of research - population of research - research population - sampling technique - data collection method(s) * One major variable of research - how it is defined and measured?

* Data analysis - computer software to be used - statistical procedures to be used * References * Attach the questionnaire as Appendix  Estimated length of the research proposal is about 10 – 15 pages, excluding questionnaire  Due date: 22 May 2012