Show that you understand the current state of research on your topic.
The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.
One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.
Download our research proposal template
Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.
Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:
The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.
Your introduction should:
To guide your introduction , include information about:
As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.
In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:
Following the literature review, restate your main objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.
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To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasise again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.
For example, your results might have implications for:
Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .
Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.
Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.
Download our research schedule template
Research phase | Objectives | Deadline |
---|---|---|
1. Background research and literature review | 20th January | |
2. Research design planning | and data analysis methods | 13th February |
3. Data collection and preparation | with selected participants and code interviews | 24th March |
4. Data analysis | of interview transcripts | 22nd April |
5. Writing | 17th June | |
6. Revision | final work | 28th July |
If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.
Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:
To determine your budget, think about:
Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement.
Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.
I will compare …
A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.
Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.
A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.
A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.
A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.
All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.
Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.
Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.
McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, June 13). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved 29 August 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/the-research-process/research-proposal-explained/
Other students also liked, what is a research methodology | steps & tips, what is a literature review | guide, template, & examples, how to write a results section | tips & examples.
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Rizky Akbar
IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 7 Issue 9, September 2020 ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 | Impact Factor (2020) – 6.72 www.ijiset.com
Niruba Jayasundara
The aim of this study was to investigate the difficulties encountered by the Higher National Diploma English students of Advanced Technological Institute, Trincomalee in using stress and intonation and to identity the errors in speaking and loud reading. The use of stress and intonation is very important in oral communication. Encountering difficulties in the use of stress and intonation has been a problem for Higher National Diploma students. As a result, this study was carried out. In this study, 25 Higher National Diploma students from the first-year and second-year of Advanced Technological Institute were randomly selected as the sample for investigation. This study was descriptive research and quantitative method was used to collect data. The research instruments used in this study were oral pronunciation test and audiotape recording. The oral pronunciation test was used to collect the data regarding the difficulties the students encounter in using stress and intonation. It consisted of 5 sets of words and 10 sentences with regard to stress and intonation, and audiotape recording was used to record the performance of the students. Later, their pronunciation errors were noted. According to the finding and results of the oral pronunciation test, 62% of the participants encountered difficulties in using word stress whereas 64% of the participants encountered difficulties in using sentence stress. Further, 68% of the participants encountered difficulties in using intonation. These difficulties and problems causes due to adult age, insufficient phonetic knowledge and lack of pronunciation practice. This problem can be overcome and the ability in using stress and intonation can be improved in their speaking and loud reading when pronunciation is introduced as separate component like grammar, writing etc in school English as a Second Language curriculum. Through implementing it at schools, natural pronunciation can be given before adulthood.
Costas Gabrielatos
Assessing the Importance of Stress and Intonation as Supra-segmental Features of Speech and Sound-attributes to the process of comprehension
Ahmed ALDUAIS
Uluslararası Dil, Edebiyat ve Kültür Araştırmaları Dergisi (UDEKAD)
The acquisition of intelligible pronunciation in a second language (L2) hinges on successfully managing the perception and production of speech features. In this regard, prosodic speech features, particularly intonation and word stress are of critical importance. This study investigates the diagnostic perception test results of the learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) (N=125) in Turkish higher education context, analyzing their scores on intonation and word stress sections. The results reveal that participants performed better on identifying final intonation patterns compared to word stress items while both areas demonstrated certain challenges. Scores were lower for items with final falling intonation, particularly evident in interrogative wh-/ how questions, suggesting complexities in processing this feature. Additionally, word stress accuracy decreased with increasing syllable count. No significant correlation was observed between intonation and word stress scores. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing intonation and word stress as distinct yet interconnected aspects of pronunciation, calling for effective instructional approaches to address these key components of L2 sound system.
Julia Urbina
International Journal of English Language Education
Mohammad wakil Hassani
Ilha do Desterro: A Journal of English Language, Literatures in English and Cultural Studies
Pedro Luis Luchini
Annual review of applied linguistics
Jaquayla Jenkins
For several decades of the 20th century, the main interest of pronunciation teaching research was in applying contrastive analysis techniques to the sound segments of the L1 and L2 to identify differences between them and so, it was assumed, to highlight areas where L1 transfer ...
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Sinem Sonsaat
Nadia Bouchhioua , Sam Hellmuth
Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching
Ewa Waniek-Klimczak
CATESOL Journal
Alif Silpachai
Journal of Phonetics
Alexander Francis
Francis Picavet
Thorold (Thor) May
Language Teaching
Tracey M Derwing
Maria Grazia Busa'
Robert Fuchs
Paola Sagastuy
International Journal of Multilingual Education, by Hirschi Kevin
International Journal of Multilingual Education
Donna Brinton
The CATESOL Journal
Nilton Hitotuzi
Truc Nguyen
International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Jane Setter
Mariko Kondo
Marwa Elshahawy
lotfi benhattab
Research in Language
Mahire Yakup
Journal of Language Teaching and Research
Sajjad Sepehrinia
sinta susanti
Investigating English Pronunciation: Trends and Directions
Jose A. MOMPEAN
Research degrees
How to write your research proposal, with examples of good proposals.
Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It tells us about the question you want to answer through your research. It is a chance for you to show your knowledge of the subject area and tell us about the methods you want to use.
We use your research proposal to match you with a supervisor or team of supervisors.
In your proposal, please tell us if you have an interest in the work of a specific academic at York St John. You can get in touch with this academic to discuss your proposal. You can also speak to one of our Research Leads. There is a list of our Research Leads on the Apply page.
When you write your proposal you need to:
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About the university, research at cambridge.
Faculty of English
You should ask yourself how your work might change the present state of scholarship in your field, and whether the topic is well suited to the resources provided at Cambridge. Even for MPhil courses we generally aim to admit not just those who propose a sensible topic, but those who have the potential to modify the present paradigms of research in their field. Most students, though, refine their research topics after they arrive in the light of what they discover or of advice from their supervisor, so you need not feel that you are inscribing your future in tablets of stone as you compose your proposal.
You may find it helpful to look at the following examples of successful research proposals.
It is vital that you show that your research is necessary. It is not enough that it happens to interest you. You should make clear that it will be of use and interest to others working in your field, or on a particular author, or indeed in neighbouring fields. You should show how your work will make a contribution to knowledge and to the practice of our subject.
© 2016 University of Cambridge
Department of Language and Linguistic Science
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In the 'Research Proposal' section of the main application form, please include only 100 words outlining your topic, and upload a fuller research proposal as a separate document, in the 'supporting documents' section.
This proposal should be between 1500 and 2500 words in length , and should contain at least the following:
This should allow the reader to place the research, at a glance, within an academic sub-field, as well as identifying the main issue to be addressed. It should not be more than 20 words long.
Outline the linguistic area in which you propose to conduct research. Why is it important and interesting? What is the need for further research in this area? You should provide a context for your research. Do this by referencing and briefly reviewing a number of key works in your chosen field, showing how your work is built on this prior research.
You should give at least one overarching research question, plus a number of more specific sub-questions. Make sure these questions all emerge from and are firmly grounded in the literature you have reviewed. Ensure that these questions — particularly the specific sub-questions — are researchable; that is, they should not be too broad or too general. You should also explain how these research questions can be considered original.
All projects will involve the collection of data of some kind. In some cases, this will be based on native-speaker judgements. Other projects will require experimental data, the use of existing or specially-created corpora, longitudinal observation, or sociolinguistic interviews - to name but a few data sources. Will you be able to gain access to the data in the quantities required? Are there ethical concerns which need to be overcome? You should also be as specific as you can at this stage about the kinds of analysis you will perform. What specific techniques will you use? What statistical analyses will you be performing (if any)? Mention any software you envisage using.
Before you formulate your proposal, you should look carefully through the Department of Language and Linguistic Science web pages to identify staff members who might be able to supervise your research. You may mention the person or people by name. You are also encouraged (though you are not obliged) to contact individual staff members to find out if they believe your ideas to be viable and if they would in principle be interested in supervising your project.
You should provide a list of the works you have referred to in your proposal. Don't list other works which may be relevant: this is to assure the reader that you have read and understood the literature you have cited.
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Research proposal examples. Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We've included a few for you below. Example research proposal #1: "A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management".
Ensure your sentences are concise and use plain language. A research proposal usually contains about 2,000 to 4,000 words or four to seven pages. Don't use too many technical terms and abbreviations assuming that the readers would know them. Define the abbreviations and technical terms.
Research Proposal for a PhD thesis in English Literature. Katherine Eve Bone. Provisional Title: Visual Perception and the Visual Imagination in the Poetry of Jo Shapcott, Selima Hill and Lavinia Greenlaw. In Edward Larrissy's Reading Twentieth Century Poetry: The Language of Gender and. Objects, only two female poets, Marianne Moore and Sylvia ...
Research proposals, like all other kinds of academic writing, are written in a formal, objective tone. Keep in mind that being concise is a key component of academic writing; formal does not mean flowery. Adhere to the structure outlined above. Your reader knows how a research proposal is supposed to read and expects it to fit this template.
Make sure you can ask the critical what, who, and how questions of your research before you put pen to paper. Your research proposal should include (at least) 5 essential components : Title - provides the first taste of your research, in broad terms. Introduction - explains what you'll be researching in more detail.
The purpose of the research proposal (its job, so to speak) is to convince your research supervisor, committee or university that your research is suitable (for the requirements of the degree program) and manageable (given the time and resource constraints you will face). The most important word here is "convince" - in other words, your ...
Take your time in composing your research proposal, carefully considering the requirements outlined below. Your proposal should not be more than 2,000 words. PhD degrees are awarded on the basis of a thesis of up to 100,000 words. The 'Summary of roles and responsibilities' in the University's Code of Practice for Supervisors and Research ...
Advice on Preparing a Research Proposal for a PhD Thesis in English. To be taken on as a PhD student, it is usually assumed that you will already have completed an MA in a relevant subject. This means that you will already have experience of writing a dissertation of between 10,000 and 20,000 words. The possession of an MA indicates (a) that ...
Research Proposal Example/Sample. Detailed Walkthrough + Free Proposal Template. If you're getting started crafting your research proposal and are looking for a few examples of research proposals, you've come to the right place. In this video, we walk you through two successful (approved) research proposals, one for a Master's-level ...
Writing a proposal or prospectus can be a challenge, but we've compiled some examples for you to get your started. Example #1: "Geographic Representations of the Planet Mars, 1867-1907" by Maria Lane. Example #2: "Individuals and the State in Late Bronze Age Greece: Messenian Perspectives on Mycenaean Society" by Dimitri Nakassis.
Here is an explanation of each step: 1. Title and Abstract. Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research. Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal. 2.
The 1,500 word research proposal is an important element of your application to doctoral study, whether full-time or part-time. It offers you the opportunity to outline the research you intend to conduct, including how you plan to go about it, and how your research might make a contribution to a theoretical or empirical evidence base.
Style: If space allows, provide a clear project title. Structure your text - if allowed use section headings. Present the information in short paragraphs rather than a solid block of text. Write short sentences. If allowed, provide images/charts/diagrams to help break up the text.
Your proposal should be a maximum of 2000 words long (excluding the list of references). There is no specific minimum but generally it should be at least 4 pages or 1500 words. There is also no formula for writing the proposal, but you are strongly advised to cover all of the points listed below. You may want to structure your proposal by using ...
For some research courses in sciences you'll join an existing research group so you don't need to write a full research proposal, just a list of the groups and/or supervisors you want to work with. You might be asked to write a personal statement instead, giving your research interests and experience. Still, for many of our research courses ...
Research proposal examples. Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We've included a few for you below. Example research proposal #1: 'A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management'.
Research Proposal and Literature Review Investigating the Effectiveness of Pronunciation Instruction for Improved Intelligibility in English Language Teaching (ELT) Annette Maguire University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) For a number of decades, pronunciation was relegated to the sidelines of English language pedagogy and research.
A quality example of a research proposal shows one's above-average analytical skills, including the ability to coherently synthesize ideas and integrate lateral and vertical thinking. Communication skills. The proposal also demonstrates your proficiency to communicate your thoughts in concise and precise language.
2. Pay Attention to Your Language. The success of a research proposal (especially in the English studies) is very sensitive to the language you use. It should be written in Standard English, be formal yet concise and devoid of unnecessary embellishments. Make sure you keep your text free of jargon, colloquialisms and contractions. 3.
Show why you are the right person to do this research; Examples of research proposals. Research Proposal Example 1 (DOC, 49kB) Research Proposal Example 2 (DOC, 0.9MB) Research Proposal Example 3 (DOC, 55.5kB) Research Proposal Example 4 (DOC, 49.5kB) Subject specific guidance. Writing a Humanities PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
An MPhil research proposal should be 500 words long, while a PhD proposal should be 800 words long. It needs to give those assessing your application an impression of the strength and originality of your proposed research, and its potential to make a contribution to knowledge. It should be written in clear, jargon-free prose.
This proposal should be between 1500 and 2500 words in length, and should contain at least the following: 1. Title of proposed research project. This should allow the reader to place the research, at a glance, within an academic sub-field, as well as identifying the main issue to be addressed. It should not be more than 20 words long.
Thesis Proposals. Examples of thesis proposals are included here in PDF format. Copies of theses completed in the M.A. in English & Writing Studies program can be accessed through the Pfau Library's CSUSB ScholarWorks database. Because the Public & Professional Writing concentration is so new, we do not have a sample proposal for it at this time.