Writing in Your Discipline Writing the Research Proposal

The Purpose You will propose a research or development project to a director, dean, department, or agency (real or potential).

The Scope Requires you to argue persuasively in favor of your proposal. Why is this a problem or issue in need of addressing? How is your approach unique? How will you build on previous work?

The Parameters How thorough is your plan? What are its distinctive elements? What are you requesting? Resources? Time? Who approves these elements?

Recommended Reading Guide for Writing a Funding Proposal National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases IUPUI Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program Proposals to NASA

Checklist and Hints Study previous proposals, both in your field and outside. Consider the visual elements – Remember text layout is a visual design element as well. What graphs, charts, diagrams will be needed?

Checklist and Hints (Cont.) Select an authentic topic. Prepare a proposal for an actual funding opportunity - see IUPUI undergrad listings or develop in your field. The IUPUI link listed earlier has a CFP (call for proposal) which is a good template. Develop the Communication Context.

Checklist and Hints (Cont.) Introduction: Succinctly state what you propose to do. Problem: Make it clear to the reader how you will address the goal - Why is it important to your reader (which can be different from why it is important to you)?

Checklist and Hints (Cont.) Objectives: State the issues to be resolved for your solution to be successful. Separate the objectives from the solutions. State them in a succinct list.

Checklist and Hints (Cont.) Solutions: State your solution. Describe the plan for achieving the objectives.

Checklist and Hints (Cont.) Methodology: What are your methods? Provide a workable schedule with milestones. Describe each phase. What facilities, equipment, and resources are needed? Make the steps clear - provide a chart for the schedule.

Checklist and Hints (Cont.) Cost: What are the costs? Budget statement? Costs of resources? Estimate of work-hours required and cost of additional staff, consultations, and salary. Can you demonstrate a savings resulting from the success of your project?

Checklist and Hints (Cont.) Here is the bare minimum to include in your proposal: Introduction Problem Solution Costs The minimum is not enough - this is the skeleton of the proposal. To do your topic justice, include all aspects of the proposal.

Persuasion – Strategies A proposal, to be successful, must be persuasive. Here are some steps outlined in the Anderson text and useful to your work.

Persuasion – Strategies (Cont.) Understand the reader’s background: Cultural - Academic fields - Previous research Evaluate bias your readers may have concerning your proposal.

Persuasion – Strategies (Cont.) Learn: Focus on the reader’s values. Hone in on core beliefs as it relates to your proposal and the field.

Persuasion – Strategies (Cont.) Address your reader’s concerns and prepare counter arguments. Show that your reasoning is sound. Organize to create a positive response. Build a relationship with your reader.

Persuasion – Strategies (Cont.) Ethics: As emphasized throughout this course, apply an ethical approach to your proposal. Too often, ethics are ignored to the detriment of the field. Have you presented your case truthfully and without embellishment?

Wrapping Up… Read the assignment. What is your topic? Complete the Communication Context. Pay attention to the schedule (don’t let the deadlines sneak up on you).