Available at http://planet.uwc.ac.za/nisl

How to Write a Research Proposal

BCB 703:Scientific Methodology

Vanessa Couldridge

Communicate reasons, goals and design of intended research for the purposes of funding, permits, or postgraduate study

Proposals need to answer three main questions:

1) What research question is being asked?

2) Why is this research important?

3) How will this research be conducted?

Research ProposalsResearch Proposals

Research ProposalsResearch Proposals

Proposals generally include the following sections:

Summary

Introduction/ Background

Aims and Objectives

Methods

Reference list

Budget

Research ProposalsResearch Proposals

Proposals generally include

Provide a brief summary of your intended research and what you hope to achieve

Be clear and concise

Avoid unnecessary jargon

Make an impact on the reader

SummarySummary

SummarySummary

Background information relevant to your proposed research

Current state of knowledge in the field

Identify gaps in that knowledge

Set up your research question

Your research must lead to the advancement of the field in some way

Cite relevant literature

IntroductionIntroduction

IntroductionIntroduction

Make it clear exactly what it is that you plan to accomplish

This is the crucial part of your proposal

Be specific

Write clearly

State your hypotheses

Say what you hope to determine by testing these hypotheses

Aims and ObjectivesAims and Objectives

Aims and ObjectivesAims and Objectives

Should be as detailed as possible

State what statistical analyses you will use

If you have any preliminary data, include it

Include a timeline, for example:

MethodsMethods

Activity Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Collect animals from field x x

Run experimental trials x x x

Statistical analysis x x

Write-up x x x

MethodsMethods

List all the literature cited in your proposal

Follow standard CSE referencing format (covered in a previous chapter)

ReferencesReferences

ReferencesReferences

Provide a detailed break-down of all the expenses you are likely to incur

For example: equipment or consumables that you may need to buy, accommodation and food if you are going on field trips, petrol for traveling

Be as accurate as you can

Obtain quotes if necessary

BudgetBudget

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BudgetBudget

Writing a good proposal takes time

It is a valuable exercise that helps you to:

Review the literature

Develop your research ideas

Clarify exactly what will be required

Plan your time

Practice your writing skills

And Finally…And Finally…

and Finally…and Finally…