1. WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Professor Alok Kanti Bhowmik

2. I. THE TOPIC FOR RESEARCH / TITLE OF THE DISSERTATION
The topic / title of the proposed research is to be formulated in very clear and compact language.

3. II. BROAD OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This section will be in the nature of an Introduction which will give (preferably in separate sub-sections and sub-headings, e.g. II.1, II.2…)
the theoretical background, if any, of the proposed study;
Some relevant facts about the specific study area (both historical and contemporary);

4. II. Broad Objectives Contd.
Major objectives and scope of the proposed study (in broad terms).
The implications and justifications of the proposed study.

5. III. BRIEF REVIEW OF LITERATURE IN THE FIELD
Give structured summaries ( in separate paragraphs), of a few relevant articles/ books closely related to the proposed field of study. The structure of each summary may be along this line:
Publication details.
Major research questions/hypotheses/issues discussed.
Methodology followed including study area, sample size,if any.

6. III. Review of Literature Contd.
Major findings/conclusions/observations of the study.
8-10 relevant articles/books for a research proposal, but more for the final dissertation.

7. IV. MAJOR RESEARCH GAPS
This section will identify the major perspectives/angles from which the topic has not been properly
investigated/studied/discussed as yet by the authors of the articles/books reviewed.
Actually this section will be a prelude to the following section in which the major research questions/hypotheses of the proposed study will be identified.

8. V. MAJOR RESEARCH QUESTIONS/HYPOTHESES OF THE PROPOSED STUDY
This section will identify, in order of importance, the major research issues either in clear cut question form or in the language of a hypothesis.
This may be followed by brief justification or the rationale for each of the hypothesis stated.

9. VI. LIST OF VARIABLES AND DEFINITIONS
Identify the variables involved in or related to each of the research questions/hypothesis mentioned in Section V and give a classified list of such variables under separate heads (e.g. social, religious, economic, environmental etc.).
In this section, if necessary, give clear definitions of some key-words, terms or concepts used in the study.

10. VII. METHODOLOGY
This section will give some idea about the methodology to be followed including the size of the ‘universe’, the proposed ‘sample’, and its distribution, a tentative plan for the field work,if any, the statistical tools and techniques to be used, list of major sources of secondary data and any other relevant methodological aspect.

11. Methodology Contd.
In the case of a proposal to be submitted to a funding organization/agency, the detailed time frame for completing the study is to be given.
Major head-wise Budget for the study is also to be given separately.

12. VIII. POSSIBLE LIMITATIONS AND BIASES IN THE PROPOSED STUDY
It may be necessary in this section to give a modest assessment of the probable limitations of the methodology adopted, availability of data/records, and the findings/conclusions of the study.

13. IX. POLICY IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROPOSED STUDY
A brief paragraph on the significance and importance of the study, followed by identification of the specific areas (and concerned authorities) in which appropriate policies may be designed on the basis of expected findings of the present study.

14. X. SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY
Give a list of selected articles and books relevant for the study,-- following the standard bibliographic norms/style.