Research Proposal Overview

Research Proposal Overview

• A research proposal is a plan for a research paper, outlining the research process.

Proposal Audience

• Academic community is the primary audience.
• Proposals may be required for sponsors (e.g., pharmaceutical companies, businesses) depending on the field.

Key Considerations

• The proposal anticipates the final research paper.
• A research proposal answers fundamental questions:
  • What: The research paper's topic and question.
  • How: Methodology used for the research.
  • Why: Significance and contribution of the research.

Proposal Structure

• No standardized structure exists.
• Common proposal components:
  • Introduction: Overview of the proposal and research.
  • Abstract: Concise summary of the research.
  • Background: Context of the research question, from broad to specific.
  • Research Question(s): Main and secondary questions the research addresses.
  • Thesis Statement (Working Thesis): Preliminary answer to the research question.
  • Literature Review: Summary and analysis of existing research, highlighting gaps.

Key Functions of the Proposal

• The proposal justifies the research and final paper.
• The literature review serves these crucial functions:
  • Academic Context: Shows research's contribution to existing scholarship.
  • Topic Grasp: Demonstrates understanding of the topic's complexities.
  • Original Contribution: Highlights the research's new insights.

Example Research Topic

• Example: Evolution of ideological rhetoric in American children's literature.
  • Possible sub-questions:
    • Manifestations of ideological rhetoric in children's literature (e.g., dialogue, descriptions).
    • Literary genres/works that best illustrate the rhetorical evolution.

Research Proposals

• A research proposal outlines the research, including conducting and writing.
• It is preliminary and subject to modification.
• Essential elements for a proposal include:
  • Introduction/background
  • Focused research question
  • Working thesis statement
  • Literature review
  • Methodology
  • Importance/significance
  • Preliminary schedule
  • Preliminary bibliography

Finding a Gap in Existing Literature

• A proposal needs a unique contribution (gap) in the field.
• This contribution can be achieved via:
  • New perspectives
  • Challenging existing assumptions
  • Different analytical lenses
  • New data/evidence
  • New combinations of existing research

Methodology

• The methodology section details the research procedures.
• Methods and theories to be employed must be clearly outlined.
• Approaches may be based on established theories, or a combination of approaches.
• Methodology should effectively answer the research question.

Importance of Research

• The importance section justifies the research's significance.
• It details how research will increase knowledge, skills, and understanding, possibly challenging established beliefs.

The Importance of a Preliminary Outline and Schedule

• A preliminary outline forms a framework, adaptable as needed.
• A schedule helps maintain focus and motivation.
• Deadlines and communication with a supervisor are crucial.

Preliminary Bibliography

• The preliminary bibliography lists potential sources.
• Not exhaustive; can include unread materials.
• A diverse range of sources ensures a robust research base.
• Priority is on source variety over sheer quantity.

Academic Modesty

• Acknowledging limitations is essential.
• Recognizing the contributions of others is crucial.
• Academic modesty doesn't equate to lacking confidence in the research. A blend of confidence and recognition of others' expertise is ideal.

Key Points

• A research proposal is vital in the research process.
• Well-crafted proposal leads to a well-focused and planned research project.
• Comprehensive consideration of all elements increases the likelihood of successful research.