General Outline of a Research Proposal

1.Introduction

The introduction is the part of the paper that provides readers with the background information for the research reported in the paper. Its purpose is to establish a framework for the research, so that readers can understand how it is related to other research" (Wilkinson, 1991, p. 96).

In an introduction, the writer should

i. create reader interest in the topic,

ii. lay the broad foundation for the problem that leads to the study,

iii. place the study within the larger context of the scholarly literature, and reach out to a specific audience (Creswell, 1994, p. 42).

2    Statement of the Problem

"The problem statement describes the context for the study and it also identifies the general analysis approach" (Wiersma, 1995, p. 404).

A problem statement should be presented within a context, and that context should be provided and briefly explained, including a discussion of the conceptual or theoretical framework in which it is embedded.

Clearly and succinctly identify and explain the theoretical framework that undergirds your study. This is of major importance in nearly all proposals and requires careful attention

3. Purpose of the Study

"The purpose statement should provide a specific and accurate synopsis of the overall purpose of the study" (Locke, Spirduso, & Silverman, 1987, p. 5). 

Try to incorporate a sentence that begins with "The purpose of this study is . . ." This will clarify your own mind as to the purpose and it will inform the reader directly and explicitly

4. Review of the Literature

The review of the literature provides the background and context for the research problem. It should establish the need for the research and indicate that the writer is knowledgeable about the area" (Wiersma, 1995, p. 406). 

It shares with the reader the results of other studies that are closely related to the study being reported (Fraenkel & Wallen, 1990). 

Demonstrate to the reader that you have a comprehensive grasp of the field and are aware of important recent substantive and methodological developments.

Delineate the "jumping-off place" for your study. How will your study refine, revise, or extend what is now known

5. Research Question(s) and/or Hypothesis(es)

 A research question poses a relationship between two or more variables but phrases the relationship as a question; a hypothesis represents a declarative statement of the relations between two or more variables (Kerlinger, 1979; Krathwohl, 1988).

A research question poses a relationship between two or more variables but phrases the relationship as a question; a hypothesis represents a declarative statement of the relations between two or more variables (Kerlinger, 1979; Krathwohl, 1988).

6. The Design--Methods and Procedure

"The methods or procedures section is really the heart of the research proposal. The activities should be described with as much detail as possible, and the continuity between them should be apparent" (Wiersma, 1995, p. 409).

Indicate the methodological steps you will take to answer every question or to test every hypothesis illustrated in the Questions/Hypotheses section

7. Sampling

 The key reason for being concerned with sampling is that of validity--the extent to which the interpretations of the results of the study follow from the study itself and the extent to which results may be generalized to other situations with other people (Shavelson, 1988).

The key word in sampling is representative. One must ask oneself, "How representative is the sample of the survey population (the group from which the sample is selected) and how representative is the survey population of the target population (the larger group to which we wish to generalize)?"

 When a sample is drawn out of convenience (a nonprobability sample), rationale and limitations must be clearly provided. If available, outline the characteristics of the sample (by gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or other relevant group membership

8. Instrumentation

 Outline the instruments you propose to use. If instruments have previously been used, identify previous studies and findings related to reliability and validity. If instruments have not previously been used, outline procedures you will follow to develop and test their reliability and validity. In the latter case, a pilot study is nearly essential.

9.  Data Collection

   Outline the general plan for collecting the data. This may include survey administration procedures, interview or observation procedures. Include an explicit statement covering the field controls to be employed. If appropriate, discuss how you obtained entré.

10. Data Analysis

 Specify the procedures you will use, and label them accurately (e.g., ANOVA, MANCOVA, ethnography, case study, grounded theory). If coding procedures are to be used, describe in reasonable detail. This labeling is helpful in communicating your precise intentions to the reader, and it helps you and the reader to evaluate these intentions.

11. Limitations and Delimitation

 A limitation identifies potential weaknesses of the study. Think about your analysis, the nature of self-report, your instruments, the sample. Think about threats to internal validity that may have been impossible to avoid or minimize -- explain.

A delimitation addresses how a study will be narrowed in scope -- how it is bounded. This is the place to explain the things that you are not doing and why you have chosen not to do them -- the literature you will not review (and why not), the population you are not studying (and why not), the methodological procedures you will not use (and why you will not use them). Limit your discussion of delimitations to the things that a reader might reasonably expect you to do but that you, for clearly explained reasons, have decided not to do.

12.  Significance of the Study

               

 Indicate how your research will refine, revise, or extend existing knowledge in the area under investigation. Note that such refinements, revisions, or extensions may have either substantive, theoretical, or methodological significance. Think pragmatically (in the best sense of that word). 

Most studies have two potential audiences: practitioners and professional peers. Statements relating the research to both groups are in order.

13. References

               

  Follow APA (1994) guidelines regarding use of references in text and in the reference list.

               

 Only references cited in the text are included in the reference list; however, exceptions can be found to this rule. For example, committees may require evidence that you are familiar with a broader spectrum of literature than that immediately relevant to your research. In such instances, the reference list may be called a bibliography (APA, 1994, p. 334).

14. Appendices

Original scales or questionnaires. If an instrument is copyrighted, permission in writing to reproduce the instrument from the copyright holder or proof of purchase of the instrument.

i. Interview protocols.

ii. Sample of informed consent forms.

iii. Cover letters sent to appropriate stakeholders.

iv. Official letters of permission to conduct research.