1. Writing an Undergraduate Research Proposal: Social Science
This workshop will:
- Consider the ways proposals differ from other types of academic writing
- Explore common components of many research proposals at this level
- Offer tips and strategies for writing up an effective proposal
Louise Livesey
Academic Skills Adviser
09/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

2. Academic Skills Advice
The Plan
How proposals are different to other assignments
Sections in a research proposal
Tips for writing an effective proposal
09/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

3. Academic Skills Advice
1.How proposals are different
to other assignments
A proposal’s function: to provide an outline of your intended research activity.
You need to include…
what your research question/s are
why you have chosen this research activity and field
the subject of your research activity
how you intend to undertake the research activity
why you have chosen these methods
09/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

4. Academic Skills Advice
1.How proposals are different
to other assignments
Use the future tense where needed
The proposed research will examine…
Possibly use first person
Use sections and headings
Short assignment
Agreement with your tutor
Possible specific format to course
09/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

5. Academic Skills Advice
2.Sections in a research proposal
Titles should…
reflect your aim/s
Identify the setting
Use the research question/s as a base
Be ‘concrete’ about what your are researching
09/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

6. Academic Skills Advice
2.Sections in a research proposal
Any issues with this title?
All change: the need for radical intervention at Moon Bank Inc. to enable BME managers to take their place in the boardroom.
Better but biased title
States who or what research about
Clearer about what the research will investigate
Locates research
Provides a ‘flavour’ of the project
Click for answers
09/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

7. Academic Skills Advice
2.Sections in a research proposal
Activity 1: Any issues with this title?
All change: an evaluation of the frameworks
in operation at Moon Bank Inc. which aim to facilitate BME managers to take their place in the boardroom: a case study of two branches in Liverpool and Cardiff.
Better again as it…
States the enquiry will be an ‘evaluation’
States the research methodology to be employed: ‘case study’.
Restricts the research further to ‘Liverpool and Cardiff
Are two assumptions:
That there are ‘BME managers’ at Moon Bank Inc.
That ‘frameworks…to facilitate BME managers to (ascend to) the boardroom’ are in existence.
Click for answers
09/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

8. Academic Skills Advice
2.Sections in a research proposal
How about this one?
All change: an evaluation of the frameworks in operation at Moon Bank Inc. which aim to facilitate BME managers to take their place in the boardroom : a case study of two branches in Liverpool and Cardiff.
Clear for me to write comments on
09/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

9. Academic Skills Advice
2.Sections in a research proposal
Aim: a fruit cake
Objectives: the key steps of baking. i.e. getting your ingredients together and following a recipe.
09/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

10. Academic Skills Advice
2.Sections in a research proposal
Introduction
Shorter literature review
Research design/Methodology:
Chose methods and tools
Rejected methods
Your stance
Ethical considerations:
Consent
Confidentiality and anonymity
Data storage
Access to results
Conclusion/recommendations
Timeframe
Reference list/bibliography
Click for each major bullet point
09/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

11. Academic Skills Advice
3.Tips for writing an effective proposal
Be clear and concise
Be relevant.
Learn to give and receive feedback
Use the following WHITTLE checklist:
What: is the research question
How: will you carry out your research
Importance: why is your research important?
Timely: why should your research be carried out now?
Title: does your proposed title tell a reader what the research is about?
Literature: have you identified the key research
End result: are the aims clearly defined and what will the end result be?
09/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

12. Academic Skills Advice
3.Tips for writing an effective proposal
What: is the research question – is it targeted and refined or to broad?
How: will you carry out your research – what is the methodology, methods and tools you have chosen and why? Why have you rejected others? What is your stance as a researcher?
Importance: why is your research important? Who are most likely to find your research important?
Timely: why should your research be carried out now?
Title: does your proposed title tell a reader what the research is about?
Literature: have you identified the key research carried out in your field? Do you show a clear link between the existing literature and your research?
End result: are the aims clearly defined and when you have finished your research, what will the end result be?
09/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

13. Academic Skills Advice Service
Where are we? Chesham Building B0.23. Give us a call or come speak to us Monday-Thursday 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm
Who am I? Louise, the dedicated workshop adviser.
Who can help me with study and writing skills? Lucy and Russell run Instant Study Skills Advice sessions Monday-Thursday and Writing Skills Clinics twice a week. You can also access self-help resources on our webpage.
Who can give me maths advice? Helen and Michael specialise in Maths support for students though clinics and pre-booked appointments.
How do I get in touch? Telephone:
09/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

14. Academic Skills Advice
Any questions?
Produced by Louise Livesey August 2014
09/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

15. International Student Barometer (ISB)
Launches Monday 26 October 2015
Eligible students have been sent an with a survey link from
ISB helps the University to:
understand the international student experience;
make improvements for you as students and;
understand what we are doing well.
But! We need students to fill out the survey:
more students = better data = better experience
You could win an iPad Mini 2 or a year’s gym membership with Unique Fitness for filling it out.