example of research proposal in community development

17 Research Proposal Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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A research proposal systematically and transparently outlines a proposed research project.

The purpose of a research proposal is to demonstrate a project’s viability and the researcher’s preparedness to conduct an academic study. It serves as a roadmap for the researcher.

The process holds value both externally (for accountability purposes and often as a requirement for a grant application) and intrinsic value (for helping the researcher to clarify the mechanics, purpose, and potential signficance of the study).

Key sections of a research proposal include: the title, abstract, introduction, literature review, research design and methods, timeline, budget, outcomes and implications, references, and appendix. Each is briefly explained below.

Watch my Guide: How to Write a Research Proposal

Get your Template for Writing your Research Proposal Here (With AI Prompts!)

Research Proposal Sample Structure

Title: The title should present a concise and descriptive statement that clearly conveys the core idea of the research projects. Make it as specific as possible. The reader should immediately be able to grasp the core idea of the intended research project. Often, the title is left too vague and does not help give an understanding of what exactly the study looks at.

Abstract: Abstracts are usually around 250-300 words and provide an overview of what is to follow – including the research problem , objectives, methods, expected outcomes, and significance of the study. Use it as a roadmap and ensure that, if the abstract is the only thing someone reads, they’ll get a good fly-by of what will be discussed in the peice.

Introduction: Introductions are all about contextualization. They often set the background information with a statement of the problem. At the end of the introduction, the reader should understand what the rationale for the study truly is. I like to see the research questions or hypotheses included in the introduction and I like to get a good understanding of what the significance of the research will be. It’s often easiest to write the introduction last

Literature Review: The literature review dives deep into the existing literature on the topic, demosntrating your thorough understanding of the existing literature including themes, strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the literature. It serves both to demonstrate your knowledge of the field and, to demonstrate how the proposed study will fit alongside the literature on the topic. A good literature review concludes by clearly demonstrating how your research will contribute something new and innovative to the conversation in the literature.

Research Design and Methods: This section needs to clearly demonstrate how the data will be gathered and analyzed in a systematic and academically sound manner. Here, you need to demonstrate that the conclusions of your research will be both valid and reliable. Common points discussed in the research design and methods section include highlighting the research paradigm, methodologies, intended population or sample to be studied, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures . Toward the end of this section, you are encouraged to also address ethical considerations and limitations of the research process , but also to explain why you chose your research design and how you are mitigating the identified risks and limitations.

Timeline: Provide an outline of the anticipated timeline for the study. Break it down into its various stages (including data collection, data analysis, and report writing). The goal of this section is firstly to establish a reasonable breakdown of steps for you to follow and secondly to demonstrate to the assessors that your project is practicable and feasible.

Budget: Estimate the costs associated with the research project and include evidence for your estimations. Typical costs include staffing costs, equipment, travel, and data collection tools. When applying for a scholarship, the budget should demonstrate that you are being responsible with your expensive and that your funding application is reasonable.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: A discussion of the anticipated findings or results of the research, as well as the potential contributions to the existing knowledge, theory, or practice in the field. This section should also address the potential impact of the research on relevant stakeholders and any broader implications for policy or practice.

References: A complete list of all the sources cited in the research proposal, formatted according to the required citation style. This demonstrates the researcher’s familiarity with the relevant literature and ensures proper attribution of ideas and information.

Appendices (if applicable): Any additional materials, such as questionnaires, interview guides, or consent forms, that provide further information or support for the research proposal. These materials should be included as appendices at the end of the document.

Research Proposal Examples

Research proposals often extend anywhere between 2,000 and 15,000 words in length. The following snippets are samples designed to briefly demonstrate what might be discussed in each section.

1. Education Studies Research Proposals

See some real sample pieces:

• Assessment of the perceptions of teachers towards a new grading system
• Does ICT use in secondary classrooms help or hinder student learning?
• Digital technologies in focus project
• Urban Middle School Teachers’ Experiences of the Implementation of
• Restorative Justice Practices
• Experiences of students of color in service learning

Consider this hypothetical education research proposal:

The Impact of Game-Based Learning on Student Engagement and Academic Performance in Middle School Mathematics

Abstract: The proposed study will explore multiplayer game-based learning techniques in middle school mathematics curricula and their effects on student engagement. The study aims to contribute to the current literature on game-based learning by examining the effects of multiplayer gaming in learning.

Introduction: Digital game-based learning has long been shunned within mathematics education for fears that it may distract students or lower the academic integrity of the classrooms. However, there is emerging evidence that digital games in math have emerging benefits not only for engagement but also academic skill development. Contributing to this discourse, this study seeks to explore the potential benefits of multiplayer digital game-based learning by examining its impact on middle school students’ engagement and academic performance in a mathematics class.

Literature Review: The literature review has identified gaps in the current knowledge, namely, while game-based learning has been extensively explored, the role of multiplayer games in supporting learning has not been studied.

Research Design and Methods: This study will employ a mixed-methods research design based upon action research in the classroom. A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control group design will first be used to compare the academic performance and engagement of middle school students exposed to game-based learning techniques with those in a control group receiving instruction without the aid of technology. Students will also be observed and interviewed in regard to the effect of communication and collaboration during gameplay on their learning.

Timeline: The study will take place across the second term of the school year with a pre-test taking place on the first day of the term and the post-test taking place on Wednesday in Week 10.

Budget: The key budgetary requirements will be the technologies required, including the subscription cost for the identified games and computers.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: It is expected that the findings will contribute to the current literature on game-based learning and inform educational practices, providing educators and policymakers with insights into how to better support student achievement in mathematics.

2. Psychology Research Proposals

See some real examples:

• A situational analysis of shared leadership in a self-managing team
• The effect of musical preference on running performance
• Relationship between self-esteem and disordered eating amongst adolescent females

Consider this hypothetical psychology research proposal:

The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Stress Reduction in College Students

Abstract: This research proposal examines the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on stress reduction among college students, using a pre-test/post-test experimental design with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods .

Introduction: College students face heightened stress levels during exam weeks. This can affect both mental health and test performance. This study explores the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions such as meditation as a way to mediate stress levels in the weeks leading up to exam time.

Literature Review: Existing research on mindfulness-based meditation has shown the ability for mindfulness to increase metacognition, decrease anxiety levels, and decrease stress. Existing literature has looked at workplace, high school and general college-level applications. This study will contribute to the corpus of literature by exploring the effects of mindfulness directly in the context of exam weeks.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n= 234 ) will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, receiving 5 days per week of 10-minute mindfulness-based interventions, or a control group, receiving no intervention. Data will be collected through self-report questionnaires, measuring stress levels, semi-structured interviews exploring participants’ experiences, and students’ test scores.

Timeline: The study will begin three weeks before the students’ exam week and conclude after each student’s final exam. Data collection will occur at the beginning (pre-test of self-reported stress levels) and end (post-test) of the three weeks.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: The study aims to provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress among college students in the lead up to exams, with potential implications for mental health support and stress management programs on college campuses.

3. Sociology Research Proposals

• Understanding emerging social movements: A case study of ‘Jersey in Transition’
• The interaction of health, education and employment in Western China
• Can we preserve lower-income affordable neighbourhoods in the face of rising costs?

Consider this hypothetical sociology research proposal:

The Impact of Social Media Usage on Interpersonal Relationships among Young Adults

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effects of social media usage on interpersonal relationships among young adults, using a longitudinal mixed-methods approach with ongoing semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data.

Introduction: Social media platforms have become a key medium for the development of interpersonal relationships, particularly for young adults. This study examines the potential positive and negative effects of social media usage on young adults’ relationships and development over time.

Literature Review: A preliminary review of relevant literature has demonstrated that social media usage is central to development of a personal identity and relationships with others with similar subcultural interests. However, it has also been accompanied by data on mental health deline and deteriorating off-screen relationships. The literature is to-date lacking important longitudinal data on these topics.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n = 454 ) will be young adults aged 18-24. Ongoing self-report surveys will assess participants’ social media usage, relationship satisfaction, and communication patterns. A subset of participants will be selected for longitudinal in-depth interviews starting at age 18 and continuing for 5 years.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of five years, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide insights into the complex relationship between social media usage and interpersonal relationships among young adults, potentially informing social policies and mental health support related to social media use.

4. Nursing Research Proposals

• Does Orthopaedic Pre-assessment clinic prepare the patient for admission to hospital?
• Nurses’ perceptions and experiences of providing psychological care to burns patients
• Registered psychiatric nurse’s practice with mentally ill parents and their children

Consider this hypothetical nursing research proposal:

The Influence of Nurse-Patient Communication on Patient Satisfaction and Health Outcomes following Emergency Cesarians

Abstract: This research will examines the impact of effective nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction and health outcomes for women following c-sections, utilizing a mixed-methods approach with patient surveys and semi-structured interviews.

Introduction: It has long been known that effective communication between nurses and patients is crucial for quality care. However, additional complications arise following emergency c-sections due to the interaction between new mother’s changing roles and recovery from surgery.

Literature Review: A review of the literature demonstrates the importance of nurse-patient communication, its impact on patient satisfaction, and potential links to health outcomes. However, communication between nurses and new mothers is less examined, and the specific experiences of those who have given birth via emergency c-section are to date unexamined.

Research Design and Methods: Participants will be patients in a hospital setting who have recently had an emergency c-section. A self-report survey will assess their satisfaction with nurse-patient communication and perceived health outcomes. A subset of participants will be selected for in-depth interviews to explore their experiences and perceptions of the communication with their nurses.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including rolling recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing within the hospital.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the significance of nurse-patient communication in supporting new mothers who have had an emergency c-section. Recommendations will be presented for supporting nurses and midwives in improving outcomes for new mothers who had complications during birth.

5. Social Work Research Proposals

• Experiences of negotiating employment and caring responsibilities of fathers post-divorce
• Exploring kinship care in the north region of British Columbia

Consider this hypothetical social work research proposal:

The Role of a Family-Centered Intervention in Preventing Homelessness Among At-Risk Youthin a working-class town in Northern England

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effectiveness of a family-centered intervention provided by a local council area in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth. This case study will use a mixed-methods approach with program evaluation data and semi-structured interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative data .

Introduction: Homelessness among youth remains a significant social issue. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in addressing this problem and identify factors that contribute to successful prevention strategies.

Literature Review: A review of the literature has demonstrated several key factors contributing to youth homelessness including lack of parental support, lack of social support, and low levels of family involvement. It also demonstrates the important role of family-centered interventions in addressing this issue. Drawing on current evidence, this study explores the effectiveness of one such intervention in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth in a working-class town in Northern England.

Research Design and Methods: The study will evaluate a new family-centered intervention program targeting at-risk youth and their families. Quantitative data on program outcomes, including housing stability and family functioning, will be collected through program records and evaluation reports. Semi-structured interviews with program staff, participants, and relevant stakeholders will provide qualitative insights into the factors contributing to program success or failure.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Budget: Expenses include access to program evaluation data, interview materials, data analysis software, and any related travel costs for in-person interviews.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in preventing youth homelessness, potentially informing the expansion of or necessary changes to social work practices in Northern England.

Research Proposal Template

Get your Detailed Template for Writing your Research Proposal Here (With AI Prompts!)

This is a template for a 2500-word research proposal. You may find it difficult to squeeze everything into this wordcount, but it’s a common wordcount for Honors and MA-level dissertations.

Your research proposal is where you really get going with your study. I’d strongly recommend working closely with your teacher in developing a research proposal that’s consistent with the requirements and culture of your institution, as in my experience it varies considerably. The above template is from my own courses that walk students through research proposals in a British School of Education.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
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• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
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8 thoughts on “17 Research Proposal Examples”

Very excellent research proposals

very helpful

Very helpful

Dear Sir, I need some help to write an educational research proposal. Thank you.

Hi Levi, use the site search bar to ask a question and I’ll likely have a guide already written for your specific question. Thanks for reading!

very good research proposal

Thank you so much sir! ❤️

Very helpful 👌

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A sample of project proposal by a community based organisation

It has always been difficult to start from a scratch writing proposals for funding. While every proposal is written in response to a call by prospective donor with their own guidelines, it is important to have something that you can refer to. This proposal was sent to UNDP in Malawi through a Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) for consideration after being successful at concept note stage. I hope you will learn one or two issues here.

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Construction in West Africa

Samuel Laryea

Many of the current textbooks used to teach construction-related courses in West African institutions fail to fully articulate the local construction practices and stylized facts that are unique to construction in the region. !is textbook is an attempt to begin bridging this gap. !e main aim is to illuminate some of the main issues and local practices relating to construction in West Africa, to provide a basis for understanding the nature of the construction sector in the subregion, and its relationship with local practices elsewhere in the world. !e idea of writing a textbook on construction in West Africa emerged during the WABER 2010 Conference which took place in Accra, Ghana on 19-21 July. Looking at the 150+ participants comprising of construction academics, researchers and practitioners, we saw the WABER conference as an opportunity to mobilise ourselves and take this "rst step of providing a useful textbook for students and researchers of construction in West Africa. Although the o#cial title of the book is: “Construction in West Africa”, its origins and process of development has led most people to simply refer to it as the “WABER Book”. !e end result just goes to show what we can collectively achieve when we work together, share ideas and combine what we know. !e chapters have been written by ten academics of West African origin based in six different countries. !e reviewers of the draft chapters for the book are based in ten countries. !is scope and diversity is one of the strengths underpinning the textbook, in that, the authors touch on a variety of interesting areas and draw upon a broad array of experiences. In some chapters, the authors have been able to relate their experiences of the construction sector in West Africa to local practices elsewhere. !e "rst chapter addresses the nature of economies in West Africa and its relationship with the construction sector. !e production of construction goods, services, utilities and works happens within an economic context. This chapter helps in our understanding of some of the issues relating to demand and supply of construction goods and services, stylized features of the construction sector, and economic institutions that support the construction industry such as banks, insurance "rms, derivative markets and non-bank "nancial institutions. !e second chapter provides a lens for understanding some of the historical antecedents shaping the construction of buildings and infrastructure in West Africa. Architecture and urbanisation in most West African cities have been significantly influenced by the colonial period. Many buildings in West African cities were constructed during the colonial period, as evidenced by the structures in areas such as Accra, Lagos, Abidjan and Bamako. However, one interesting thing about these buildings is how they have been incorporated over time into the local and dynamic fabric of the locality, although their uses may have changed over time according to the needs of the population, they continue to stand and testify to the British and French influence of this period and African adaptability in the independence period. !e third chapter deals with the commonly seen architecture and building forms in West Africa. !e concepts of traditional architecture, colonial architecture and contemporary architecture are examined to consider the potential implications on future design and construction practices. !is chapter examines the material form and construction of speci"cally West African architecture, attempting a brief survey of buildings from the nomadic dwellings of the Saharas dry savannah belt, through to the rainforest wattle and daub settlements, to the stilt buildings found in the mangrove swamps in coastal West Africa. It highlights the relationship of building construction and form to socio-cultural economic and environmental contexts in each case. As construction activities involve input from people with the relevant knowledge and skills, the fourth chapter on human resources explores some of the common Human Resources practices in public and private construction sectors, particularly, in Ghana and Nigeria. Key issues discussed include the role and demand of human resources, workforce compositions and human resource challenges. A useful point discussed is the need for better strategic management of the construction workforce to improve the development and sustenance of the construction sector and its contribution to the economic development of the subregion. One of the initial activities carried out for every construction project or property development is planning. !is may be carried out in formal and informal ways depending on the scale of the development, location and regulatory requirements. Although there is evidence of some level of planning and building regulations during the pre-colonial era in most countries in West Africa, it was not until the colonial administration that formal planning and building regulations were institutionalised. Several decades a%er independence, most of the legislations and institutions established still take centre stage in current planning and building regulatory activities. With increasing urbanization in West African countries, the adequacy and strength of such institutions are put to test. In the "%h chapter, three issues are discussed in relation to the planning processes and building regulations of countries in West Africa, i.e. the planning process, building regulations and the state of cities. vii Procurement approaches and contract networks are essential parts of construction projects. In a wider sense, procurement processes relate to the methods and relationships involved in the acquisition of goods, utilities, services and works. In construction, a procurement strategy describes the roles, responsibilities and relationships of the various organizations involved in developing the funding, design, construction and operation of a building or facility. In the sixth chapter, some of the salient issues covered include the institutional framework within which construction is procured; how to develop a tendering and procurement strategy for a construction project appropriate to its context; key constraints on organizing construction supply chains; and the impact of the economy on the options open to a procurer of construction work. Anyone involved in procurement decisionmaking should have a clear understanding of the various stages of deciding on a procurement policy, including sources of funds, management of design, management of construction, integration of supply chain, calculation of price, and method for selecting contracting parties including consultants. !ey also need to have an understanding of the various kinds of contracts used in construction. !e seventh chapter focuses on the calculation of price which is a fundamental activity in construction contracts. !ere are various techniques of how prices are calculated i.e. "xed price or cost reimbursement. !is mechanism for calculating the construction price has an impact on the pricing strategy of a contractor, and on the risks associated with cash #ow, "nancial protection and, ultimately, price. !e issues covered include the calculation of construction costs, elements of a bidding price, factors considered by contractors in deciding whether or not to bid for a project, and risks that a$ect pricing levels. !ree important concepts relating to price formation in contracts are cost, price and value. Cost refers to the amount people pay for their resources. Price refers to the amount for which people sell their products or services. Value refers to the amount buyers are willing to pay for products and services, i.e. how much it is worth to the buyer. !e relationship between these three concepts is vital in procurement and price formation in construction contracts. Once a project is planned and the contractual arrangements are set out between the employer, contractor and other members of the supply chain, appropriate materials and methods need to be mobilised for actual production of the work on a construction site. Chapter eight o$ers a detailed explanation of various kinds of methods and materials used in construction production, particularly in Ghana. It discusses the indigenous self-built construction techniques in Ghana and provides comprehensive range of alternative solutions covering contemporary and conventional methods of construction. Some of the key areas described relate to construction methods of foundations and retaining structures, ground water control, #oors, walls, doors and windows and roofs, which form the major components of a building structure. Most of these are illustrated with drawings viii and photographs of actual construction techniques in progress. Education is key to the development and future of the construction professions and industry in West Africa. !e "nal chapter looks at the major academic institutions in the region that provide built environment education, and the courses o$ered. Most part of the built environment education o$ered in universities has traditionally been focused around six main areas of architecture, building, estate management, quantity surveying, surveying and geoinformatics, and urban and regional planning. New areas like construction management, project management, real estate, and procurement management are emerging. It is crucial to keep the built environment programmes o$ered in West African institutions fresh and upto- date. A possible way to achieve this is to align the programmes with changing national needs and global trends. As to the best of our knowledge this is the "rst textbook of its kind focusing on West Africa. It is impressive to have such an important piece of academic material from a wide range of West African academics. We wish to thank and commend all eight authors of this first edition on a job well done. Editors Construction in West Africa

Shahira Amiza

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• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

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

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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”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

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:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

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:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

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.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

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

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:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

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.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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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 project, and one for a PhD-level dissertation. We also start off by unpacking our free research proposal template and discussing the four core sections of a research proposal, so that you have a clear understanding of the basics before diving into the actual proposals.

• Research proposal example/sample – Master’s-level (PDF/Word)
• Research proposal example/sample – PhD-level (PDF/Word)
• Proposal template (Fully editable) 

If you’re working on a research proposal for a dissertation or thesis, you may also find the following useful:

• Research Proposal Bootcamp : Learn how to write a research proposal as efficiently and effectively as possible
• 1:1 Proposal Coaching : Get hands-on help with your research proposal

PS – If you’re working on a dissertation, be sure to also check out our collection of dissertation and thesis examples here .

FAQ: Research Proposal Example

Research proposal example: frequently asked questions, are the sample proposals real.

Yes. The proposals are real and were approved by the respective universities.

Can I copy one of these proposals for my own research?

As we discuss in the video, every research proposal will be slightly different, depending on the university’s unique requirements, as well as the nature of the research itself. Therefore, you’ll need to tailor your research proposal to suit your specific context.

You can learn more about the basics of writing a research proposal here .

How do I get the research proposal template?

You can access our free proposal template here .

Is the proposal template really free?

Yes. There is no cost for the proposal template and you are free to use it as a foundation for your research proposal.

Where can I learn more about proposal writing?

For self-directed learners, our Research Proposal Bootcamp is a great starting point.

For students that want hands-on guidance, our private coaching service is recommended.

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

14 Comments

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10 Grant Proposal Writing for Community Initiatives

Dr. Mahbub Hasan MSW, Ph.D.

• What is a Grant Proposal?
• Why are grant proposals developed?
• What are the standard components of a grant proposal?
• Process in developing a grant proposal
• Writing Components of a grant proposal
• Project cost and Budget
• Examples of a Grant Proposal
• Examples of Grant Call

Introduction

A grant proposal is an idea and a dream where community aspirations are communicated with funders by an agency or community group. Our communities have various assets, but sometimes they need external support to address the pressing and immediate needs of the community members.  This chapter will focus on defining a grant proposal and when and why you should write it. This chapter will describe key elements of a grant proposal and how to write it logically using result-based management. This chapter also explains how to create a project budget and work plan, by sharing an example of a request for proposals and a written grant.

1. What is a Grant Proposal?

A  grant  is a sum of money given to an agency or individual to address a problem or need in the community. The written document that one prepares to request or apply for this money (funding) is a  grant proposal (Berkowitz & Wadud, 2022). A grant proposal is an expression of partnership to work together on common interests and achieve common goals. This document briefly explains community issue/needs, how the issue affects community members, and provide the rationale for why the issue should be addressed through collaborative efforts with the community.

A grant proposal communicates how this funding will make a positive change in people’s lives. Grant proposals are prepared as per the funder’s guidelines, including a description of the desired interventions or community change initiatives, inputs and recourses -both financial and technical support required for the community initiative. Some funders may provide only financial support, some may provide in-kind support (such as technical expertise needed), and some funders/agencies partner with local agencies and community groups for community initiatives. For example, agencies like United Way Greater Toronto and ActionAid International provide both financial and technical support for community initiatives or projects. Agencies such as Women and Gender Equality Canada and  City of Toronto  provide grants to community agencies and groups for their project. An agency like VSO International provides technical support to community initiatives by placing volunteers.

1.1 Where might you find postings of Calls for Proposals

• Web sites for individual government agencies and foundations
• Newsletter circulated by NGOs networks
• Advertisements on social media and newspapers

1.2 Grants are competitive!

Winning a grant is challenging because many agencies submit their unique project ideas for community change. Usually, a funder has specific amounts of grants to disburse in a particular year or a period. A funder cannot fund all projects. For example, while working as Program Officer of Canada Fund for Local Initiatives ( CFLI ) in Bangladesh in 2005, our office received 54 grant proposals from local agencies. Most agencies wanted to address critical community issues and submit their project proposals. However, we had to select only 11 proposals for funding. Our team lead was the Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh. Our team initially selected 17 unique project ideas submitted by the agencies, and then we created Project Approval Document to present to the High Commissioner. Finally, we selected 11 projects for funding through a consultative process. Some key considerations for selection were:

• whether the initiative will address pressing community needs
• project location
• whether the project is logically organized
• if the project goals are aligned with CFLI,
• project inputs and budget are relevant and consistent with project goal and objectives
• community engagement strategies
• how the project activities will be monitored and results will be evaluated
• organizational capacity to successfully complete the project

2. Why are grant proposals developed? 

In the community development sector, agencies and groups work with the community to address emerging issues, build community assets, enhance harmony and collaboration, and socio-economic, cultural, and spiritual development. In doing this work, community workers continuously dialogue with community members, identify their challenges and needs, and develop an action plan. In an agency setting, Community workers share ongoing community needs and aspirations with their program and resource mobilization team. They jointly develop a formal proposal and seek support from funders such as government agencies, private organizations, trusts, and foundations with similar interests and mission mandates.

2.1 When is a grant proposal developed? 

As a community worker, you may plan to submit a proposal for a new initiative or ongoing project that might need additional resources to achieve the goal. Usually, the funders announce calls for grant proposals where donors state their mission, priorities, amount of grants, eligibility for recipient agency and criteria for the community initiatives, what activities will be funded, and timeframe for proposal submission. A grant proposal creates a partnership between two like-minded agencies that have similar interests. In this partnership, one will be directly involved with the community and will implement a project to achieve desired goals set by the community. At the same time, another will provide financial and technical support to the implementing agency to achieve community change.

2.2 Who develops a grant proposal?

Writing a grant proposal is teamwork. A grant proposal has various components such as a statement on community needs/issues, project description, project implementation, and community engagement strategies and budget. As a community worker, you should have the knowledge and skills to develop a grant proposal. In this regard, you must collaborate with your colleagues with specific skill sets such as communications, creative writing, project management, human resource, and financial management. Your teamwork will increase the probability of winning in this competitive process.

3. What are the standard components of a grant proposal?

The following components are standard in grant proposals, and funder asks for information:

• Describe community needs /statement of the Problem
• Project Description ( describe project goal(s) , objectives , activities; how project will be delivered, how community will be engaged and benefitted)
• Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (how project will be monitored; describe criterial and tools for project evaluation)
• Budget (provide cost for human resources -the major cost in project, program delivery cost, administrative costs; community and agency contribution; exact amount asking from funder)
• Applicant Qualifications (registration, experience in the sector)
• Future Funding Plans / Plans for Sustainability
• Appendices (Work plan, audited financial report of the agency, recent annual reports, agency policies etc)

How do you prepare a  winning  grant proposal?

• Following all directions
• Well-organized proposal sections that are integrated and easy to comprehend
• Well researched and documented statement of the problem
• Statement of the problem or need in a way that explicitly addresses the funder’s priorities
• Creative or innovative strategies for addressing the need
• Feasible goals and objectives
• Measurable objectives
• A sound evaluation plan

4. Process in developing a grant proposal

Successful grant writing is a bottom-up approach. You should engage community people (who are directly or indirectly impacted by the community issues) in this process. Remember, community people are the experts and have first-hand experience with the issue and needs. As community workers, our role is to capture the community voice, including needs and aspiration, and transform it into a community initiative.

After identifying the issues through community consultations, our next step would be gathering relevant statistics, relevant research reports, and recent news stories from mainstream media, both electronic and print media such as newspapers and television. Funders want to hear a compelling story about the community by sharing their voices, concerns, and aspirations. To explain a community issue and its urgency for support, we should provide facts from recent statistical reports, research reports, and news stories. Identify community assets and resources that will be utilized to address the community issue. Most funders want to see what community resources will be utilized.

Understanding the grant call and requirements is the most critical step in the grant proposal writing process. You should review funders’ websites, their vision, mission, priorities, and guidelines for the specific grant call you are interested in applying to. Most funders organize orientation sessions to discuss their priorities and funding guidelines. You should join such a session to gain more deeper knowledge about the grant call. Your participation in the orientation session may help you for building a network with funders and develop a partnership. You can contact the funder for clarification about guidelines.

Community engagement in every stage of the project cycle is an essential indicator for winning a grant proposal. So ask the community how they want to contribute to the project cycle, such as planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. It is our responsibility to explain the project cycle to the community and share how they can participate and provide leadership in the community initiative. One of the ways to engage the community in the project/initiative is to recruit project staff from the community. Of course, the staff has the required skill sets and experience to perform the tasks. We can always build staff capacity through ongoing training and mentoring. Recruiting volunteers is another way to engage the local community with your initiative. Your project should plan how many volunteers you need to recruit, what skill sets are required for performing the volunteer roles, and how the volunteers will be appreciated.

While developing a grant proposal, you should discuss it with local agencies and gather their perspectives on the community issues. Collaboration with other local agencies will make your grant proposal stronger, and sometimes is a requirement of the grant. Collaboration may mean that local agencies write a ‘letter of support’ for your grant proposal application. As well, you can  obtain letters of support for your project from local elected representatives and administrators who are interested in working on the issues.

Finally, ensure that your agency has an updated website with a clear and unique vision, mission, values, principles, and program and project details with stories. These should be outlined in your strategic plan. Your agency should have updated financial information, audited reports, and annual report. Your agency should have updated policies such as human resources, administration, finance, Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies.

5. Logframe

A logframe is a methodology used to provide a structure for designing, monitoring and managing humanitarian projects ( Save the Children ).  A community worker should know about the basics of logframe as they use it project designing and management. The following video introduces the purpose of a logframe in humanitarian projects and gives a brief overview of how a logframe is produced .  

Video: Humanitarian Logframes

Source: YouTube, https://youtu.be/L8n4PwpFsHc

6. Writing Components of a grant proposal

A grant proposal has critical components, and you must answer the following questions to make your grant proposal. You will get instructions for the word limit. You are required to create short paragraphs to write each section. Please do not forget to answer all questions in your shorter paragraphs under each section.

Video: Grant Writing: The Basics

Source: YouTube, https://youtu.be/WddrcheOYkA

6.1 Describe community needs

In this section, you are going to provide information about a challenge that the community is facing. You should define the problem and provide information from your community needs assessment. You must explain clearly with supporting statistics/facts that the issue/problem impacts community people. To write this section, you can do a Problem tree analysis to define the problem and examine the root causes of the problem. You can use some direct quotes from community members. Funders review this section carefully to understand the situation and urgency of community needs.

Problem tree analysis

The following section is written based on Results-based management for international assistance programming at global affairs Canada: A how-to guide by Global Affairs Canada. (2016). This reproduction is a copy of the version available at https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/funding-financement/results_based_management-gestion_axee_resultats-guide.aspx?lang=eng&_ga=2.60928748.1391290644.1661586075-2032413860.1655745558

The problem tree is one of the methods used most frequently at Global Affairs Canada—although staff and partners may choose to use others. This is a visual situation analysis tool that enables its users to break down a very complex issue into its components, and then to examine and explore the cause-and-effect relationships between these components. It enables users to identify potential reach (intermediaries and beneficiaries), activities, outputs and outcomes for a project and gives users an idea of other key stakeholders and how they relate to and experience the issues. As such, it is particularly well suited to supporting the articulation of a theory of change and the development of a logic model.

Its key steps are:

• Identify the core problem(s).
• Identify the causes and effects.
• Note the relationships.
• Review the problem tree.
• Create a solution tree.

Source: Global Affairs Canada, 2016, p.69

In a problem tree, the trunk represents the core problem(s), the roots represent the causes of the core problem and the branches represent the effects.

Once the first four steps of problem-tree exercise have been completed, compare the findings to those findings of other exercises, such as program/portfolio review and donor mapping, and budget and organizational priorities, to determine which elements of the situation the project will attempt to address. Next, develop a solution tree for the selected elements. For each selected negative statement, the solution tree should contain a corresponding outcome statement, and output or activity statement.

6.2 Project Participants/Stakeholders

• Who is directly affected by the issue? Here describe your community/project participants who will be closely engaged and supported by your project.
• Who is indirectly affected by the issue?
• Who is (community groups) currently working with/connected with the affected population?

Stakeholders include beneficiaries/project participants , intermediaries , implementers and donors as well as other actors (Global Affairs Canada, 2016).

6.3 Project Description

In this section, you should create logical framework and describe each section.  Funders usually expect that you provide a logical framework and describe your project idea in a compelling way. The project description is the critical section where you logically share your plan and theory of change. Here is some tips to write this section:

• How do you plan to address community needs utilizing community assets and capacities?
• Demonstrate that each project objective is SMART (i.e., Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-specific) and therefore credible.
• Use activity/action words: facilitate, conduct, deliver, promote, train, provide, repair, etc.
• Under each objective, briefly describe specific activities that relate to the objective.
• Your project objectives and activities must be based on Community Development Principles.
• Detail why your proposed strategies and activities are unique and innovative and will effectively respond to the community’s needs.

6.4 Describe alignment between community needs, agency involvement, and funder’s priorities 

• Outline your agency’s vision, mission, experience, and priorities in dealing with the issues in the neighborhood and project participants
• Demonstrate community development and resident engagement expertise and knowledge of your agency regarding the local community
• How does your request reflect the priorities of the funder?

6.5 The theoretical basis for the interventions

• Your project activities, objectives, and goals should be connected to at least one or two Community Development theories (e.g. Systems Theory, Anti-Oppressive Practice, Indigenous Worldviews, etc.). We have discussed some theories in this resource book.
• Create a diagram on the theory of change. This will make your grant proposal unique, and it will get the attention of funders. This basis of your theory of change should be your Logical framework/ RBM .

 6.6 Project Organization

  In this section, you should highlight some key points such as:

• a) How will the proposed project be implemented? Outline your human resource plan (number of project staff and volunteers who will be engaged in the project). Please allocate staff and volunteer costs in the project budget.
• b) Create a project organogram to show human resources for project administration.

Do not forget to review the funders’ website and priorities and match it with your project goals and ideas. Moreover, use keywords, terminologies, and facts used by funders which will help you to show alignments between your project and funders’ priority.

6.7 Community Engagement

Most funders are interested in how you plan to engage the community in every stage of the project cycle, i.e., from project inception to closing.

Shared ownership

The project must be “based on shared ownership of decision-making.” In the context of development, participatory approaches came into practice in “response to ‘top down’ approaches to development, in which power and decision-making [was] largely in the hands of external development professionals” (Global Affairs Canada, p.25)

Involving the appropriate people

Taking a participatory approach means that all key stakeholders—including intermediaries and beneficiaries, both female and male—are involved and consulted throughout the project’s life cycle, from planning and design to implementation, monitoring and reporting (Global Affairs Canada, p.25)

Allocating appropriate time and resources during the project life cycle

Appropriate time and resources should be allocated to ensure that all key stakeholders are involved in planning, joint monitoring, evaluation and decision-making throughout the project life cycle (Global Affairs Canada, p.25).

Integration of Gender Equality, Environmental Sustainability

• Gender equality results are fundamental to program effectiveness, as it ensures that women and men receive the tailored support they need to achieve similar outcomes. Global Affairs Canada’s Gender Equality Policy for Development Assistance Objectives
• To advance women’s equal participation with men as decision-makers in shaping the sustainable development of their societies
• To support women and girls in the realization of their full human rights, and
• To reduce gender inequalities in access to and control over the resources and benefits of development

Using the appropriate methodologies

A participatory approach can be facilitated through many different methodologies. Project teams should choose those most appropriate to the context in which they are working.  Any methodology chosen must also encourage equitable and gender sensitive participation (Global Affairs Canada, p.25).

In writing Community engagement section, you should focus on the following points:

• Demonstrate how the project participants, such as low-income residents and other equity-seeking groups, will be involved and participate in the project.
• Explain methods used for community involvement, engagement, participation, and empowerment (avoid “clientizing” community members).
• What strategies are you using to build power in the community?
• What steps will you take to try and ensure the project is sustainable?

6.8 Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Monitoring and evaluation have always been fundamental aspects of good project and program management. In project management, “the term ‘Monitor’ means to collect performance data with respect to a plan, produce performance measures, and report and disseminate performance information” (PMI, 2013, p.546). And “Monitor and Control project work means the process of tracking, reviewing, and reporting the progress to meet the performance objectives defined in the project management plan” (PMI, 2013, 546).

Here are few questions and tips for creating your monitoring and evaluation section:

• How will you recognize if you are running a successful project?
• Determine how you will monitor your project (planned activities vs. progress and corrective actions).
• How will you measure your program outcomes? (planned objectives and results/outcome and project goal)
• Describe types of documents (i.e., attendance, meeting minutes, etc.) and systems (excel database) your agency will use to record data and assess progress.
• Describe methods (i.e., survey, case study, interview, Focus Group Discussion, etc.) that will be used to evaluate project outcome/results.

6.9 Project Learning and Results Dissemination

• Describe how project achievements and lessons learned will be shared with United Way and relevant stakeholders (other neighborhoods, agencies, policymakers).
• How will your agency collaborate with United Way in sharing best practices?
• Demonstrate the capacity to act as a local convener/issue leader.

7. Work plan

The source of information of this section is Feminist Response and Recovery Fund call for proposals: How to develop your application by  Women and Gender Equality Canada.  This reproduction is a copy of the version available at https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/funding/funding-programs/feminist-response-recovery-fund/feminist-response-recovery-fund-how-develop-application.html#sectionE

The purpose of the work plan is to provide the Funder with information regarding the key activities and timelines for your project ( Government of Canada , 2022). While an organization often relies on a detailed work plan for project management, for the purposes of your proposal you are encouraged to only include the key activities that have a direct impact on the project objectives.

The key activities you propose need to:

• be realistic in terms of project duration and funding available
• be listed in a chronological order
• be well-defined and linked to project objectives and deliverables or outputs
• include timelines that are feasible and reflect the requirements of the activities being proposed
• include information to demonstrate how the project outcomes will be sustained beyond the duration of project funding
• include the involvement of partners or stakeholders, if applicable
• Compare the activities to your budget to ensure you have the resources required to carry-out the project activities.

Sample Work Plan by Author: 

8. Project Budget

The project budget is an estimate of all the funds needed to carry out the activities of the project. Budgets are broken down into individual lines that are determined by what the funder wants to see and the actual costs of your project (e.g. staff salaries and other project administration cost).

Every project, no matter how big or small, involves costs. It’s very rare to have endless piles of money at the ready, so having a planned budget for a project is a must. As the project manager, you’ll be accountable for sticking to the budget, so you need to be sure it’s right ( Australian Institute of Project Management, 2022 ).

8.1 What is a project budget?

A project budget is the total estimated cost of completing each project activity over each phase of a project. It’s important as it helps set expenditure expectations and is critical in getting project approval, ensuring funds are ready at the right time, and measuring performance. It’s a dynamic document, continuously monitored, reviewed, and updated throughout the project ( Australian Institute of Project Management, 2022 ).

8.2 What are the components of a project budget?

Project budgets contain all the costs associated with the project. It generally includes:

• Labour costs: employee wages, benefits, payroll taxes, and overheads.
• Material procurement costs: goods, services, equipment, and supplies needed for the project that come from external providers.

8.3 Sample Budget Template 

Project Title:_ _ _

Duration of Project: _ _ _

Start date: (April 1 or the effective date of this agreement, whichever is latest) (YYYY-MM-DD)

Project completion date (YYYY-MM-DD): _ _ _

* e.g. Indirect administrative expenditures may not to exceed $6,521.75 for a $50K project.

• Compare your budget and work plan to ensure all expenses including human resources and materials required to deliver each activity are included and expenses not clearly linked to activities may be removed ( Government of Canada, 2022 )
• Administrative costs will not be approved where they are higher than funders celling (15-20% of the total funding requested from the Funder ( Government of Canada, 2022 ).

Some Clarification on key budget  terms based on Government of Canada:

This source of this section is Feminist Response and Recovery Fund call for proposals: How to develop your application by  Women and Gender Equality Canada. This reproduction is a copy of the version available at https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/funding/funding-programs/feminist-response-recovery-fund/feminist-response-recovery-fund-how-develop-application.html#sectionE

Eligible expenditures are those considered necessary to support the purpose of the project and are costs incurred after the signature of the agreement. There are two types of eligible expenditures:

• direct delivery expenditures:  expenses related to the implementation of the project and easily traced to specific activities
• administrative expenditures:  expenses related to an organization’s ability to administer and support project activities
• All budget costs must be rounded to the nearest dollar.

Financial contributions  offset expenditures related to the project. Examples include, but are not limited to, funding provided by other levels of government and funding provided by private-sector organizations or foundations.

In-kind contributions  are non-monetary goods or services provided instead of cash. For the project’s budget, a reasonable monetary value should be applied to in-kind contributions. Examples include, but are not limited to, staff and volunteer time, services, programs, office space and administrative services necessary for the proposed project that would otherwise have to be purchased. Organizations cannot request reimbursement for in-kind contributions  ( Government of Canada, 2022 )

Assessment criteria

• The budget effectively itemizes and details expenditures and demonstrates that these are reasonable (in other words, costs are aligned with regional standards and other related norms).
• The budget demonstrates how project expenditures are directly linked to the activities as described in the work plan.
• The budget includes the required resources to deliver the project or demonstrates that the organization has the capacity to deliver based on the listed in-kind contributions.
• The total amount of administrative expenditures does not exceed 20% of the total funding requested from the Department.
• The total amount requested from the Department does not exceed the allowable funding level based on the project reach.

9. Examples of a Grant Proposal

Project :  Rural Community Recreation Project: Increase Access to Technology for People with Disabilities

Project summary:

The Rural Community Recreation Project will address barriers to recreation participation faced by adults with disabilities. Assistive Technology Partnerships, in collaboration with multiple organizations, will promote inclusion, access, and availability of assistive technology used for recreation in two rural communities. Project activities will include community mapping of local recreation resources, training related to assistive technology use, provision of assistive technology devices to community recreation sites, and information dissemination.

Time frame:  January 1, 2004 – December 31, 2005

Requested funds:  $184,738

Please review project proposal details at Berkowitz & Wadud, 2022,  Community ToolBox.

Reflection Question:

• Please identify strengths and weakness of the grant proposal .

10. Example of Grant Calls

Community Development Grant Call from United Way. Please click on Example of a Grant Call to review it.

Grant Call from Canadian Women Foundation. Please click here to review grant call .

• Please identify key components of the grant call
• Please list eligible costs outlined in the grant call

KEY TAKEAWAYS AND FEEDBACK 

We want to learn your key takeaways and feedback on this chapter.

Your participation is highly appreciated. It will help us to enhance the quality of Community Development Practice and connect with you to offer support. To write your feedback, please click on  Your Feedback Matters .

Global Affairs Canada. (2016). Results-based management for international assistance programming at global affairs Canada: A how-to guide.  https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/funding-financement/results_based_management-gestion_axee_resultats-guide.aspx?lang=eng&_ga=2.60928748.1391290644.1661586075-2032413860.1655745558. Author also received this publication directly form Global Affairs Canada via email. 

Australian Institute of Project Management. (2022). The ultimate guide to project budgets. Retrieved on August 8, 2022, from https://www.aipm.com.au/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-project-budgets#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20project%20budget,right%20time%2C%20and%20measuring%20performance .

Center for Community Health and Development. (2022).  Chapter 42. Getting Grants and Financial Resources . University of Kansas. Retrieved July 24, 2022, from the Community Tool Box:  https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/finances/grants-and-financial-resources

Government of Canada. (2022 ). Feminist Response and Recovery Fund call for proposals: How to develop your application. Retrieved on August 8, 2022, from https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/funding/funding-programs/feminist-response-recovery-fund/feminist-response-recovery-fund-how-develop-application.html#sectionE

Blake, M. (2022). How to Apply for Grants in Simple Steps.  Retrieved on August 8, 2022, from https://charity.lovetoknow.com/Free_Grant_Applications

Rivera , M. (2022). 7 Steps to Writing the Perfect Project Proposal: https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/small-business/project-management/articles/project-proposal/

Community Capacity Building Project: Introduction to Proposal Writing Module

https://www.gov.nl.ca/iet/files/CCB_ProposalWritingGuide.pdf

Community Development Practice: From Canadian and Global Perspectives Copyright © 2022 by Dr. Mahbub Hasan MSW, Ph.D. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Home » How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

Table of Contents

How To Write a Research Proposal

Writing a Research proposal involves several steps to ensure a well-structured and comprehensive document. 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. Introduction:

• Provide an introduction to your research topic, highlighting its significance and relevance.
• Clearly state the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Discuss the background and context of the study, including previous research in the field.

3. Research Objectives

• Outline the specific objectives or aims of your research. These objectives should be clear, achievable, and aligned with the research problem.

4. Literature Review:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings, identify gaps, and highlight how your research will contribute to the existing knowledge.

5. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to employ to address your research objectives.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques you will use.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate and suitable for your research.

6. Timeline:

• Create a timeline or schedule that outlines the major milestones and activities of your research project.
• Break down the research process into smaller tasks and estimate the time required for each task.

7. Resources:

• Identify the resources needed for your research, such as access to specific databases, equipment, or funding.
• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources to carry out your research effectively.

8. Ethical Considerations:

• Discuss any ethical issues that may arise during your research and explain how you plan to address them.
• If your research involves human subjects, explain how you will ensure their informed consent and privacy.

9. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

• Clearly state the expected outcomes or results of your research.
• Highlight the potential impact and significance of your research in advancing knowledge or addressing practical issues.

10. References:

• Provide a list of all the references cited in your proposal, following a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

11. Appendices:

• Include any additional supporting materials, such as survey questionnaires, interview guides, or data analysis plans.

Research Proposal Format

The format of a research proposal may vary depending on the specific requirements of the institution or funding agency. However, the following is a commonly used format for a research proposal:

1. Title Page:

• Include the title of your research proposal, your name, your affiliation or institution, and the date.

2. Abstract:

• Provide a brief summary of your research proposal, highlighting the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

3. Introduction:

• Introduce the research topic and provide background information.
• State the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Explain the significance and relevance of the research.
• Review relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings and identify gaps in the existing knowledge.
• Explain how your research will contribute to filling those gaps.

5. Research Objectives:

• Clearly state the specific objectives or aims of your research.
• Ensure that the objectives are clear, focused, and aligned with the research problem.

6. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to use.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate for your research.

7. Timeline:

8. Resources:

• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources effectively.

9. Ethical Considerations:

• If applicable, explain how you will ensure informed consent and protect the privacy of research participants.

10. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

11. References:

12. Appendices:

Research Proposal Template

Here’s a template for a research proposal:

1. Introduction:

2. Literature Review:

3. Research Objectives:

4. Methodology:

5. Timeline:

6. Resources:

7. Ethical Considerations:

8. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

9. References:

10. Appendices:

Research Proposal Sample

Title: The Impact of Online Education on Student Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study

1. Introduction

Online education has gained significant prominence in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes by comparing them with traditional face-to-face instruction. The study will explore various aspects of online education, such as instructional methods, student engagement, and academic performance, to provide insights into the effectiveness of online learning.

2. Objectives

The main objectives of this research are as follows:

• To compare student learning outcomes between online and traditional face-to-face education.
• To examine the factors influencing student engagement in online learning environments.
• To assess the effectiveness of different instructional methods employed in online education.
• To identify challenges and opportunities associated with online education and suggest recommendations for improvement.

3. Methodology

3.1 Study Design

This research will utilize a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The study will include the following components:

3.2 Participants

The research will involve undergraduate students from two universities, one offering online education and the other providing face-to-face instruction. A total of 500 students (250 from each university) will be selected randomly to participate in the study.

3.3 Data Collection

The research will employ the following data collection methods:

• Quantitative: Pre- and post-assessments will be conducted to measure students’ learning outcomes. Data on student demographics and academic performance will also be collected from university records.
• Qualitative: Focus group discussions and individual interviews will be conducted with students to gather their perceptions and experiences regarding online education.

3.4 Data Analysis

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analysis. Qualitative data will be transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and themes.

4. Ethical Considerations

The study will adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of participants. Informed consent will be obtained, and participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

5. Significance and Expected Outcomes

This research will contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of online education on student learning outcomes. The findings will help educational institutions and policymakers make informed decisions about incorporating online learning methods and improving the quality of online education. Moreover, the study will identify potential challenges and opportunities related to online education and offer recommendations for enhancing student engagement and overall learning outcomes.

6. Timeline

The proposed research will be conducted over a period of 12 months, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.

The estimated budget for this research includes expenses related to data collection, software licenses, participant compensation, and research assistance. A detailed budget breakdown will be provided in the final research plan.

8. Conclusion

This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes through a comparative study with traditional face-to-face instruction. By exploring various dimensions of online education, this research will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and challenges associated with online learning. The findings will contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational practices and help shape future strategies for maximizing student learning outcomes in online education settings.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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• Writing a Research Proposal
• Generative AI and Writing
• Acknowledgments

The goal of a research proposal is twofold: to present and justify the need to study a research problem and to present the practical ways in which the proposed study should be conducted. The design elements and procedures for conducting research are governed by standards of the predominant discipline in which the problem resides, therefore, the guidelines for research proposals are more exacting and less formal than a general project proposal. Research proposals contain extensive literature reviews. They must provide persuasive evidence that a need exists for the proposed study. In addition to providing a rationale, a proposal describes detailed methodology for conducting the research consistent with requirements of the professional or academic field and a statement on anticipated outcomes and benefits derived from the study's completion.

Krathwohl, David R. How to Prepare a Dissertation Proposal: Suggestions for Students in Education and the Social and Behavioral Sciences . Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2005.

How to Approach Writing a Research Proposal

Your professor may assign the task of writing a research proposal for the following reasons:

• Develop your skills in thinking about and designing a comprehensive research study;
• Learn how to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature to determine that the research problem has not been adequately addressed or has been answered ineffectively and, in so doing, become better at locating pertinent scholarship related to your topic;
• Improve your general research and writing skills;
• Practice identifying the logical steps that must be taken to accomplish one's research goals;
• Critically review, examine, and consider the use of different methods for gathering and analyzing data related to the research problem; and,
• Nurture a sense of inquisitiveness within yourself and to help see yourself as an active participant in the process of conducting scholarly research.

A proposal should contain all the key elements involved in designing a completed research study, with sufficient information that allows readers to assess the validity and usefulness of your proposed study. The only elements missing from a research proposal are the findings of the study and your analysis of those findings. Finally, an effective proposal is judged on the quality of your writing and, therefore, it is important that your proposal is coherent, clear, and compelling.

Regardless of the research problem you are investigating and the methodology you choose, all research proposals must address the following questions:

• What do you plan to accomplish? Be clear and succinct in defining the research problem and what it is you are proposing to investigate.
• Why do you want to do the research? In addition to detailing your research design, you also must conduct a thorough review of the literature and provide convincing evidence that it is a topic worthy of in-depth study. A successful research proposal must answer the "So What?" question.
• How are you going to conduct the research? Be sure that what you propose is doable. If you're having difficulty formulating a research problem to propose investigating, go here for strategies in developing a problem to study.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failure to be concise . A research proposal must be focused and not be "all over the map" or diverge into unrelated tangents without a clear sense of purpose.
• Failure to cite landmark works in your literature review . Proposals should be grounded in foundational research that lays a foundation for understanding the development and scope of the the topic and its relevance.
• Failure to delimit the contextual scope of your research [e.g., time, place, people, etc.]. As with any research paper, your proposed study must inform the reader how and in what ways the study will frame the problem.
• Failure to develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed research . This is critical. In many workplace settings, the research proposal is a formal document intended to argue for why a study should be funded.
• Sloppy or imprecise writing, or poor grammar . Although a research proposal does not represent a completed research study, there is still an expectation that it is well-written and follows the style and rules of good academic writing.
• Too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues . Your proposal should focus on only a few key research questions in order to support the argument that the research needs to be conducted. Minor issues, even if valid, can be mentioned but they should not dominate the overall narrative.

Procter, Margaret. The Academic Proposal.  The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Sanford, Keith. Information for Students: Writing a Research Proposal. Baylor University; Wong, Paul T. P. How to Write a Research Proposal. International Network on Personal Meaning. Trinity Western University; Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences, Articles, and Books. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing a Research Proposal. University Library. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Structure and Writing Style

Beginning the Proposal Process

As with writing most college-level academic papers, research proposals are generally organized the same way throughout most social science disciplines. The text of proposals generally vary in length between ten and thirty-five pages, followed by the list of references. However, before you begin, read the assignment carefully and, if anything seems unclear, ask your professor whether there are any specific requirements for organizing and writing the proposal.

A good place to begin is to ask yourself a series of questions:

• What do I want to study?
• Why is the topic important?
• How is it significant within the subject areas covered in my class?
• What problems will it help solve?
• How does it build upon [and hopefully go beyond] research already conducted on the topic?
• What exactly should I plan to do, and can I get it done in the time available?

In general, a compelling research proposal should document your knowledge of the topic and demonstrate your enthusiasm for conducting the study. Approach it with the intention of leaving your readers feeling like, "Wow, that's an exciting idea and I can’t wait to see how it turns out!"

Most proposals should include the following sections:

I.  Introduction

In the real world of higher education, a research proposal is most often written by scholars seeking grant funding for a research project or it's the first step in getting approval to write a doctoral dissertation. Even if this is just a course assignment, treat your introduction as the initial pitch of an idea based on a thorough examination of the significance of a research problem. After reading the introduction, your readers should not only have an understanding of what you want to do, but they should also be able to gain a sense of your passion for the topic and to be excited about the study's possible outcomes. Note that most proposals do not include an abstract [summary] before the introduction.

Think about your introduction as a narrative written in two to four paragraphs that succinctly answers the following four questions :

• What is the central research problem?
• What is the topic of study related to that research problem?
• What methods should be used to analyze the research problem?
• Answer the "So What?" question by explaining why this is important research, what is its significance, and why should someone reading the proposal care about the outcomes of the proposed study?

II.  Background and Significance

This is where you explain the scope and context of your proposal and describe in detail why it's important. It can be melded into your introduction or you can create a separate section to help with the organization and narrative flow of your proposal. Approach writing this section with the thought that you can’t assume your readers will know as much about the research problem as you do. Note that this section is not an essay going over everything you have learned about the topic; instead, you must choose what is most relevant in explaining the aims of your research.

To that end, while there are no prescribed rules for establishing the significance of your proposed study, you should attempt to address some or all of the following:

• State the research problem and give a more detailed explanation about the purpose of the study than what you stated in the introduction. This is particularly important if the problem is complex or multifaceted .
• Present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth doing; be sure to answer the "So What? question [i.e., why should anyone care?].
• Describe the major issues or problems examined by your research. This can be in the form of questions to be addressed. Be sure to note how your proposed study builds on previous assumptions about the research problem.
• Explain the methods you plan to use for conducting your research. Clearly identify the key sources you intend to use and explain how they will contribute to your analysis of the topic.
• Describe the boundaries of your proposed research in order to provide a clear focus. Where appropriate, state not only what you plan to study, but what aspects of the research problem will be excluded from the study.
• If necessary, provide definitions of key concepts, theories, or terms.

III.  Literature Review

Connected to the background and significance of your study is a section of your proposal devoted to a more deliberate review and synthesis of prior studies related to the research problem under investigation . The purpose here is to place your project within the larger whole of what is currently being explored, while at the same time, demonstrating to your readers that your work is original and innovative. Think about what questions other researchers have asked, what methodological approaches they have used, and what is your understanding of their findings and, when stated, their recommendations. Also pay attention to any suggestions for further research.

Since a literature review is information dense, it is crucial that this section is intelligently structured to enable a reader to grasp the key arguments underpinning your proposed study in relation to the arguments put forth by other researchers. A good strategy is to break the literature into "conceptual categories" [themes] rather than systematically or chronologically describing groups of materials one at a time. Note that conceptual categories generally reveal themselves after you have read most of the pertinent literature on your topic so adding new categories is an on-going process of discovery as you review more studies. How do you know you've covered the key conceptual categories underlying the research literature? Generally, you can have confidence that all of the significant conceptual categories have been identified if you start to see repetition in the conclusions or recommendations that are being made.

NOTE: Do not shy away from challenging the conclusions made in prior research as a basis for supporting the need for your proposal. Assess what you believe is missing and state how previous research has failed to adequately examine the issue that your study addresses. Highlighting the problematic conclusions strengthens your proposal. For more information on writing literature reviews, GO HERE .

To help frame your proposal's review of prior research, consider the "five C’s" of writing a literature review:

• Cite , so as to keep the primary focus on the literature pertinent to your research problem.
• Compare the various arguments, theories, methodologies, and findings expressed in the literature: what do the authors agree on? Who applies similar approaches to analyzing the research problem?
• Contrast the various arguments, themes, methodologies, approaches, and controversies expressed in the literature: describe what are the major areas of disagreement, controversy, or debate among scholars?
• Critique the literature: Which arguments are more persuasive, and why? Which approaches, findings, and methodologies seem most reliable, valid, or appropriate, and why? Pay attention to the verbs you use to describe what an author says/does [e.g., asserts, demonstrates, argues, etc.].
• Connect the literature to your own area of research and investigation: how does your own work draw upon, depart from, synthesize, or add a new perspective to what has been said in the literature?

IV.  Research Design and Methods

This section must be well-written and logically organized because you are not actually doing the research, yet, your reader must have confidence that you have a plan worth pursuing . The reader will never have a study outcome from which to evaluate whether your methodological choices were the correct ones. Thus, the objective here is to convince the reader that your overall research design and proposed methods of analysis will correctly address the problem and that the methods will provide the means to effectively interpret the potential results. Your design and methods should be unmistakably tied to the specific aims of your study.

Describe the overall research design by building upon and drawing examples from your review of the literature. Consider not only methods that other researchers have used, but methods of data gathering that have not been used but perhaps could be. Be specific about the methodological approaches you plan to undertake to obtain information, the techniques you would use to analyze the data, and the tests of external validity to which you commit yourself [i.e., the trustworthiness by which you can generalize from your study to other people, places, events, and/or periods of time].

When describing the methods you will use, be sure to cover the following:

• Specify the research process you will undertake and the way you will interpret the results obtained in relation to the research problem. Don't just describe what you intend to achieve from applying the methods you choose, but state how you will spend your time while applying these methods [e.g., coding text from interviews to find statements about the need to change school curriculum; running a regression to determine if there is a relationship between campaign advertising on social media sites and election outcomes in Europe ].
• Keep in mind that the methodology is not just a list of tasks; it is a deliberate argument as to why techniques for gathering information add up to the best way to investigate the research problem. This is an important point because the mere listing of tasks to be performed does not demonstrate that, collectively, they effectively address the research problem. Be sure you clearly explain this.
• Anticipate and acknowledge any potential barriers and pitfalls in carrying out your research design and explain how you plan to address them. No method applied to research in the social and behavioral sciences is perfect, so you need to describe where you believe challenges may exist in obtaining data or accessing information. It's always better to acknowledge this than to have it brought up by your professor!

V.  Preliminary Suppositions and Implications

Just because you don't have to actually conduct the study and analyze the results, doesn't mean you can skip talking about the analytical process and potential implications . The purpose of this section is to argue how and in what ways you believe your research will refine, revise, or extend existing knowledge in the subject area under investigation. Depending on the aims and objectives of your study, describe how the anticipated results will impact future scholarly research, theory, practice, forms of interventions, or policy making. Note that such discussions may have either substantive [a potential new policy], theoretical [a potential new understanding], or methodological [a potential new way of analyzing] significance.   When thinking about the potential implications of your study, ask the following questions:

• What might the results mean in regards to challenging the theoretical framework and underlying assumptions that support the study?
• What suggestions for subsequent research could arise from the potential outcomes of the study?
• What will the results mean to practitioners in the natural settings of their workplace, organization, or community?
• Will the results influence programs, methods, and/or forms of intervention?
• How might the results contribute to the solution of social, economic, or other types of problems?
• Will the results influence policy decisions?
• In what way do individuals or groups benefit should your study be pursued?
• What will be improved or changed as a result of the proposed research?
• How will the results of the study be implemented and what innovations or transformative insights could emerge from the process of implementation?

NOTE:   This section should not delve into idle speculation, opinion, or be formulated on the basis of unclear evidence . The purpose is to reflect upon gaps or understudied areas of the current literature and describe how your proposed research contributes to a new understanding of the research problem should the study be implemented as designed.

ANOTHER NOTE : This section is also where you describe any potential limitations to your proposed study. While it is impossible to highlight all potential limitations because the study has yet to be conducted, you still must tell the reader where and in what form impediments may arise and how you plan to address them.

VI.  Conclusion

The conclusion reiterates the importance or significance of your proposal and provides a brief summary of the entire study . This section should be only one or two paragraphs long, emphasizing why the research problem is worth investigating, why your research study is unique, and how it should advance existing knowledge.

Someone reading this section should come away with an understanding of:

• Why the study should be done;
• The specific purpose of the study and the research questions it attempts to answer;
• The decision for why the research design and methods used where chosen over other options;
• The potential implications emerging from your proposed study of the research problem; and
• A sense of how your study fits within the broader scholarship about the research problem.

VII.  Citations

As with any scholarly research paper, you must cite the sources you used . In a standard research proposal, this section can take two forms, so consult with your professor about which one is preferred.

• References -- a list of only the sources you actually used in creating your proposal.
• Bibliography -- a list of everything you used in creating your proposal, along with additional citations to any key sources relevant to understanding the research problem.

In either case, this section should testify to the fact that you did enough preparatory work to ensure the project will complement and not just duplicate the efforts of other researchers. It demonstrates to the reader that you have a thorough understanding of prior research on the topic.

Most proposal formats have you start a new page and use the heading "References" or "Bibliography" centered at the top of the page. Cited works should always use a standard format that follows the writing style advised by the discipline of your course [e.g., education=APA; history=Chicago] or that is preferred by your professor. This section normally does not count towards the total page length of your research proposal.

Develop a Research Proposal: Writing the Proposal. Office of Library Information Services. Baltimore County Public Schools; Heath, M. Teresa Pereira and Caroline Tynan. “Crafting a Research Proposal.” The Marketing Review 10 (Summer 2010): 147-168; Jones, Mark. “Writing a Research Proposal.” In MasterClass in Geography Education: Transforming Teaching and Learning . Graham Butt, editor. (New York: Bloomsbury Academic, 2015), pp. 113-127; Juni, Muhamad Hanafiah. “Writing a Research Proposal.” International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences 1 (September/October 2014): 229-240; Krathwohl, David R. How to Prepare a Dissertation Proposal: Suggestions for Students in Education and the Social and Behavioral Sciences . Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2005; Procter, Margaret. The Academic Proposal. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Punch, Keith and Wayne McGowan. "Developing and Writing a Research Proposal." In From Postgraduate to Social Scientist: A Guide to Key Skills . Nigel Gilbert, ed. (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2006), 59-81; Wong, Paul T. P. How to Write a Research Proposal. International Network on Personal Meaning. Trinity Western University; Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences , Articles, and Books. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing a Research Proposal. University Library. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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11.2 Steps in Developing a Research Proposal

Learning objectives.

• Identify the steps in developing a research proposal.
• Choose a topic and formulate a research question and working thesis.
• Develop a research proposal.

Writing a good research paper takes time, thought, and effort. Although this assignment is challenging, it is manageable. Focusing on one step at a time will help you develop a thoughtful, informative, well-supported research paper.

Your first step is to choose a topic and then to develop research questions, a working thesis, and a written research proposal. Set aside adequate time for this part of the process. Fully exploring ideas will help you build a solid foundation for your paper.

Choosing a Topic

When you choose a topic for a research paper, you are making a major commitment. Your choice will help determine whether you enjoy the lengthy process of research and writing—and whether your final paper fulfills the assignment requirements. If you choose your topic hastily, you may later find it difficult to work with your topic. By taking your time and choosing carefully, you can ensure that this assignment is not only challenging but also rewarding.

Writers understand the importance of choosing a topic that fulfills the assignment requirements and fits the assignment’s purpose and audience. (For more information about purpose and audience, see Chapter 6 “Writing Paragraphs: Separating Ideas and Shaping Content” .) Choosing a topic that interests you is also crucial. You instructor may provide a list of suggested topics or ask that you develop a topic on your own. In either case, try to identify topics that genuinely interest you.

After identifying potential topic ideas, you will need to evaluate your ideas and choose one topic to pursue. Will you be able to find enough information about the topic? Can you develop a paper about this topic that presents and supports your original ideas? Is the topic too broad or too narrow for the scope of the assignment? If so, can you modify it so it is more manageable? You will ask these questions during this preliminary phase of the research process.

Identifying Potential Topics

Sometimes, your instructor may provide a list of suggested topics. If so, you may benefit from identifying several possibilities before committing to one idea. It is important to know how to narrow down your ideas into a concise, manageable thesis. You may also use the list as a starting point to help you identify additional, related topics. Discussing your ideas with your instructor will help ensure that you choose a manageable topic that fits the requirements of the assignment.

In this chapter, you will follow a writer named Jorge, who is studying health care administration, as he prepares a research paper. You will also plan, research, and draft your own research paper.

Jorge was assigned to write a research paper on health and the media for an introductory course in health care. Although a general topic was selected for the students, Jorge had to decide which specific issues interested him. He brainstormed a list of possibilities.

If you are writing a research paper for a specialized course, look back through your notes and course activities. Identify reading assignments and class discussions that especially engaged you. Doing so can help you identify topics to pursue.

• Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) in the news
• Sexual education programs
• Hollywood and eating disorders
• Americans’ access to public health information
• Media portrayal of health care reform bill
• Depictions of drugs on television
• The effect of the Internet on mental health
• Popularized diets (such as low-carbohydrate diets)
• Fear of pandemics (bird flu, HINI, SARS)
• Electronic entertainment and obesity
• Advertisements for prescription drugs
• Public education and disease prevention

Set a timer for five minutes. Use brainstorming or idea mapping to create a list of topics you would be interested in researching for a paper about the influence of the Internet on social networking. Do you closely follow the media coverage of a particular website, such as Twitter? Would you like to learn more about a certain industry, such as online dating? Which social networking sites do you and your friends use? List as many ideas related to this topic as you can.

Narrowing Your Topic

Once you have a list of potential topics, you will need to choose one as the focus of your essay. You will also need to narrow your topic. Most writers find that the topics they listed during brainstorming or idea mapping are broad—too broad for the scope of the assignment. Working with an overly broad topic, such as sexual education programs or popularized diets, can be frustrating and overwhelming. Each topic has so many facets that it would be impossible to cover them all in a college research paper. However, more specific choices, such as the pros and cons of sexual education in kids’ television programs or the physical effects of the South Beach diet, are specific enough to write about without being too narrow to sustain an entire research paper.

A good research paper provides focused, in-depth information and analysis. If your topic is too broad, you will find it difficult to do more than skim the surface when you research it and write about it. Narrowing your focus is essential to making your topic manageable. To narrow your focus, explore your topic in writing, conduct preliminary research, and discuss both the topic and the research with others.

Exploring Your Topic in Writing

“How am I supposed to narrow my topic when I haven’t even begun researching yet?” In fact, you may already know more than you realize. Review your list and identify your top two or three topics. Set aside some time to explore each one through freewriting. (For more information about freewriting, see Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” .) Simply taking the time to focus on your topic may yield fresh angles.

Jorge knew that he was especially interested in the topic of diet fads, but he also knew that it was much too broad for his assignment. He used freewriting to explore his thoughts so he could narrow his topic. Read Jorge’s ideas.

Conducting Preliminary Research

Another way writers may focus a topic is to conduct preliminary research . Like freewriting, exploratory reading can help you identify interesting angles. Surfing the web and browsing through newspaper and magazine articles are good ways to start. Find out what people are saying about your topic on blogs and online discussion groups. Discussing your topic with others can also inspire you. Talk about your ideas with your classmates, your friends, or your instructor.

Jorge’s freewriting exercise helped him realize that the assigned topic of health and the media intersected with a few of his interests—diet, nutrition, and obesity. Preliminary online research and discussions with his classmates strengthened his impression that many people are confused or misled by media coverage of these subjects.

Jorge decided to focus his paper on a topic that had garnered a great deal of media attention—low-carbohydrate diets. He wanted to find out whether low-carbohydrate diets were as effective as their proponents claimed.

Writing at Work

At work, you may need to research a topic quickly to find general information. This information can be useful in understanding trends in a given industry or generating competition. For example, a company may research a competitor’s prices and use the information when pricing their own product. You may find it useful to skim a variety of reliable sources and take notes on your findings.

The reliability of online sources varies greatly. In this exploratory phase of your research, you do not need to evaluate sources as closely as you will later. However, use common sense as you refine your paper topic. If you read a fascinating blog comment that gives you a new idea for your paper, be sure to check out other, more reliable sources as well to make sure the idea is worth pursuing.

Review the list of topics you created in Note 11.18 “Exercise 1” and identify two or three topics you would like to explore further. For each of these topics, spend five to ten minutes writing about the topic without stopping. Then review your writing to identify possible areas of focus.

Set aside time to conduct preliminary research about your potential topics. Then choose a topic to pursue for your research paper.

Collaboration

Please share your topic list with a classmate. Select one or two topics on his or her list that you would like to learn more about and return it to him or her. Discuss why you found the topics interesting, and learn which of your topics your classmate selected and why.

A Plan for Research

Your freewriting and preliminary research have helped you choose a focused, manageable topic for your research paper. To work with your topic successfully, you will need to determine what exactly you want to learn about it—and later, what you want to say about it. Before you begin conducting in-depth research, you will further define your focus by developing a research question , a working thesis, and a research proposal.

Formulating a Research Question

In forming a research question, you are setting a goal for your research. Your main research question should be substantial enough to form the guiding principle of your paper—but focused enough to guide your research. A strong research question requires you not only to find information but also to put together different pieces of information, interpret and analyze them, and figure out what you think. As you consider potential research questions, ask yourself whether they would be too hard or too easy to answer.

To determine your research question, review the freewriting you completed earlier. Skim through books, articles, and websites and list the questions you have. (You may wish to use the 5WH strategy to help you formulate questions. See Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” for more information about 5WH questions.) Include simple, factual questions and more complex questions that would require analysis and interpretation. Determine your main question—the primary focus of your paper—and several subquestions that you will need to research to answer your main question.

Here are the research questions Jorge will use to focus his research. Notice that his main research question has no obvious, straightforward answer. Jorge will need to research his subquestions, which address narrower topics, to answer his main question.

Using the topic you selected in Note 11.24 “Exercise 2” , write your main research question and at least four to five subquestions. Check that your main research question is appropriately complex for your assignment.

Constructing a Working ThesIs

A working thesis concisely states a writer’s initial answer to the main research question. It does not merely state a fact or present a subjective opinion. Instead, it expresses a debatable idea or claim that you hope to prove through additional research. Your working thesis is called a working thesis for a reason—it is subject to change. As you learn more about your topic, you may change your thinking in light of your research findings. Let your working thesis serve as a guide to your research, but do not be afraid to modify it based on what you learn.

Jorge began his research with a strong point of view based on his preliminary writing and research. Read his working thesis statement, which presents the point he will argue. Notice how it states Jorge’s tentative answer to his research question.

One way to determine your working thesis is to consider how you would complete sentences such as I believe or My opinion is . However, keep in mind that academic writing generally does not use first-person pronouns. These statements are useful starting points, but formal research papers use an objective voice.

Write a working thesis statement that presents your preliminary answer to the research question you wrote in Note 11.27 “Exercise 3” . Check that your working thesis statement presents an idea or claim that could be supported or refuted by evidence from research.

Creating a Research Proposal

A research proposal is a brief document—no more than one typed page—that summarizes the preliminary work you have completed. Your purpose in writing it is to formalize your plan for research and present it to your instructor for feedback. In your research proposal, you will present your main research question, related subquestions, and working thesis. You will also briefly discuss the value of researching this topic and indicate how you plan to gather information.

When Jorge began drafting his research proposal, he realized that he had already created most of the pieces he needed. However, he knew he also had to explain how his research would be relevant to other future health care professionals. In addition, he wanted to form a general plan for doing the research and identifying potentially useful sources. Read Jorge’s research proposal.

Before you begin a new project at work, you may have to develop a project summary document that states the purpose of the project, explains why it would be a wise use of company resources, and briefly outlines the steps involved in completing the project. This type of document is similar to a research proposal. Both documents define and limit a project, explain its value, discuss how to proceed, and identify what resources you will use.

Writing Your Own Research Proposal

Now you may write your own research proposal, if you have not done so already. Follow the guidelines provided in this lesson.

Key Takeaways

• Developing a research proposal involves the following preliminary steps: identifying potential ideas, choosing ideas to explore further, choosing and narrowing a topic, formulating a research question, and developing a working thesis.
• A good topic for a research paper interests the writer and fulfills the requirements of the assignment.
• Defining and narrowing a topic helps writers conduct focused, in-depth research.
• Writers conduct preliminary research to identify possible topics and research questions and to develop a working thesis.
• A good research question interests readers, is neither too broad nor too narrow, and has no obvious answer.
• A good working thesis expresses a debatable idea or claim that can be supported with evidence from research.
• Writers create a research proposal to present their topic, main research question, subquestions, and working thesis to an instructor for approval or feedback.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to write your research proposal, with examples of good proposals.

Research 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:

• Highlight how it is original or significant
• Explain how it will develop or challenge current knowledge of your subject
• Identify the importance of your research
• Show why you are the right person to do this research
• Research Proposal Example 1 (DOC, 49kB)
• Research Proposal Example 2 (DOC, 0.9MB)
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• Research Proposal Example 4 (DOC, 49.5kB)

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• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on 30 October 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on 13 June 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organised and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, frequently asked questions.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

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

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

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’
• Example research proposal #2: ‘ Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use’

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

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:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

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:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesise prior scholarship

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.

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:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

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

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:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

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.

Cite this Scribbr article

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 3 September 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/the-research-process/research-proposal-explained/

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Home » Articles » How to write a proposal for development work in your community

How to write a proposal for development work in your community

Answering a short list of questions should help communities request work, and potential investors understand the work that lies ahead.

While working in low-resource regions around the world, I have received numerous proposals from communities in need. These proposals have ranged from educational needs, to environmental conservation, to general infrastructure projects. Some of them were well thought out, detailed, and make arguments for the proposed project. But others lacked the clarity needed to convince a potential donor or investor. Documents such as these need to answer “why” and “how” for an investor or development agency. Moreover, by answering these questions, the community gains an understanding of how much of their own time and expertise will be required to complete such a project.

One proposal for development work that I received in Nduti, Kenya, was one of these under-cooked documents. It started off as a story about a safari and a meal, with some non-descript details of a non-governmental organization; then it mentioned water, an assessment report, an existing borehole and the need for a polytechnic, and it concluded with costs for an electric pump. The writer clearly indicated that there was a need and a story to tell with lots of relevant information. Unfortunately, it was disorganized and left me to guess as to what exactly they wanted.

I returned to Nduti to meet with the community to clarify what, exactly, they were requesting. They showed me a broken-down well and hand pump that had been provided by Impact East Africa in 2003. It had broken some years earlier, but the organization had left without training the community in how to fix it. The first couple of times the pump broke, the community pooled their money together to pay a professional from a nearby town to come fix it. The pump began to break so often, though, that fixing it was not financially viable. Clearly, the community needed a new pump. They also spoke of a plan to irrigate nearby public land. NGOs had given them seeds for moringa, watermelon, tomatoes, peppers and other fruits when the pump was working. Once the pump broke however, the crops could not be irrigated and would fail. They then discussed ideas about leasing the irrigated land to nearby families. They had some great ideas – ideas that would really bring the community forward. They just needed to get them onto paper.

I handed them an outline of questions that I wanted them to consider. I provide the outline below. It could be applied to any of the proposals that I have received. Answering the following questions should help communities and potential investors understand the work that lies ahead.

Introduction

• Name of proposal
• Estimated total cost
• Name of community organization
• Name of author and postion in organization

Description of Organization

• How many board members?
• What are the goals of the organization?

Location and climate

• Population Industries
• Problems (Health? Employment? Education?)

Previous Donors and Activities

• What did they do?
• How did their projects help?
• How did they not help?
• Were any reports produced? Please attach.

This kind of Information is uncommon in proposals from developing communities. However, such documentation is needed. It is often the case that charitable organizations have undertaken projects previously. Some projects worked well, others have failed. Knowledge of these histories would help potential investors understand the complications. Also, the community will need to reflect upon their recent history and ask, “Is this what we really want?”

What is left to do? What problems remain?

This will clarify that while assistance from one group or another may have helped, the major issues are still unsolved. It will also transition into a discussion of solutions.

What are some solutions?

• Which one (or two) are the most important and will have the most positive impact on the community?

When communities provide a series of possible solutions and identify the best, the investor can catch a glimpse of their thought process. This also allows a development professional to consider possible alternatives.

What is involved with the solution?

• Where is the proposed location?
• How much will materials cost?
• How much will labor cost?
• Will the community be willing to volunteer their labor? Why or why not?

Often engineers, educators and health professionals are in short supply in a developing community. Therefore, these questions are difficult for them to answer. Providing any relevant information, though, will assist the investor in substantiating costs. It will also show the community’s dedication to helping the project succeed.

After the project is complete, and the donor has left, what organizational structure will be put in place to ensure the continued viability of the project?

• How will the community pay for maintenance of the project?
• Will rent, fees or insurance be paid by the residents?
• Who will be overseeing the operation?
• How will corruption be prevented?
• How will this project open doors for the community to solve its other problems on its own?

This is the most difficult part of this proposal. It not only asks for financial considerations from the community, but insists that the community understand that this project will be theirs. And if they are willing to work to build it, they must be willing to prepare and to work to maintain it.

• How will this project solve the problem? (Restate “why” in #6)
• How much will it cost? (restate, summarize #7)
• Thank you, contact information

While the first two items may seem redundant, proposals must be written for both the investor that reads through the document chronologically, line by line, as well as for the donor who may skip to the end before reading; asking “Okay, what and how much?”

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Comments from the Community

21 Comments

I COME Papua new guinea, one of the developing countries.

I need lots to do in my community but how do i get the information.

Thanks paul Yakira

iam a papua new guinean and work as a school teacher. iam thinking of helping rural communities to build school infrastructure so children can enjoy the same previllege as children in urban areas enjoy. please i need helping information on how to write community project proposal for financial assistance from donor agencies.

I’m a health worker in dearly need to help my community get clean safe water so I need informatiom on how to write a development project proposal. thanks

I need more info about working in our community, this was helpful but writing it to satisfaction needs your help Thank you

I AM IN GHANA AND I HAVE THOUGHT OF HELPING MOST OF THE RURAL COMMUNITIES IN IT TRAINING. PLEASE CAN YOU GUIDE ME ON HOW TO DRAFT A PROPOSAL TO THE REGIONAL MINISTER AND OTHER ABOVE AUTHORITIES. THANK YOU

Hi, i want to write proposal of building community hall to the investor. Can u please assist me with how to write it, Coz i really want to impress investors

i d love to hear about your proposals for your community. am also planning the same for my country kenya. 🙂

sample of project proposal for development work in communnity

This can make a differant to some one whos cluless like me but an example would make it more cleare.

I am nicholas chw I need to write aproposal to our MP to built us an office in an hospital we are atouched to.please help.

Am Polly from Uganda. I love to conserve by mobilizing and training people living around our national parks in art and craft. As an artist and a service provider in these parks, I have proved that poaching is rampant. How can I help my country.

This is what all grassroots organisations need.It answers all the questions asked by donors during their monitoring visits to communities. Thank you.

Hi, i am Juma Benjamin from south sudan, i wuld like your help on how i can generate community development project that would target the youths by empowering them in skills and sustainability that can stop their mind set from arms and cattle raiding activities, thanks.

thank you so much..so helpful!

This is one of our assignment for the ED 192 ,that we should write one of the project proposal based on one of the specific needs of school community. So I need alot to do but how could I get my information..

Thank you for the piece of information on how to write better during proposal writing.

I need more news feeds on this area.

Best Regards,

Hi, u am Saidu OSMAN Conteh fringe Sierra Leone. I would really want to help me write a project proposal for a school toilet facility

The content is good and useful.Requestion for sample drafts that can ive a guide to come up with a proposal.

Thanks Susan – Uganda f

Hi all, Anybody to help me, i would like to write a proposal on changing old windows to a new ones to an organization.

Plz forward to me

I like to reconstruct our regular kitchen into the modular kitchen we face them so many problems can you help me from where do I have to start and who will go to help me? I hope I will get a response from you.

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Community Development Research Topics & Dissertation Titles

Topic suggestions for research in community development.

With our unique capability to suggest relevant and timely topics, we act as a compass, guiding individuals and organizations to areas of utmost significance. By offering a roadmap of pertinent themes and dialogues, we not only foster informed conversations but also catalyze meaningful transformations within communities. Whether one is a beginner keen on understanding the basics or a seasoned expert looking to explore deeper facets, our topic suggestions offer clarity, direction, and inspiration, ensuring community development initiatives are both impactful and well-informed. Our help serves as a pivotal resource for those venturing into the sphere of community development research topics.

✔  Effects of Cultural practices and Knowledge systems on community development:  The study will examine how cultural practices within a community affect community development. In addition, the researcher will examine the impact of knowledge systems within a community on development.  The research will also recommend the best ways to employ cultural practices and knowledge systems in promoting community development. 

✔  Gender responsibilities in community development :  In many societal settings, different genders are assigned different roles. These roles are also assigned based on age and the strength of individuals within the community. This research will assess the role of shared gender responsibilities toward community development.

✔  Effects of technology on indigenous community development .:  Indigenous communities engage in traditional methods of doing things. This study will focus on changes that indigenous communities go through with the introduction of technology, how they adapt to such changes, and their influence on community development. 

✔  Impact of religion and socio-economic differences on community development: A Case study:  There are many religious practices all over the world and with the freedom of worship; people within a community choose the religion that suits them. Some communities have different religious beliefs as well as socioeconomic statuses. This study will assess the impact that those differences have on the growth of a community.

✔  Understanding the differences between urban and rural community development:  Urban and rural community settings do not have equal opportunities in terms of resources, technology, and knowledge. This study will compare the two community settings and how the differences in the two communities present an opportunity for them to grow together. Request  help with a dissertation topic in MA community development from our firm and you will get credible services.

✔  The interrelations between community development and availability of health services:  This study will use multiple case studies to gather data from two communities. The study will examine the differences in community development based on the availability of healthcare services. It will, therefore, be determined whether better health services lead to better community development and vice versa.

To come up with a great topic means that you need to first have some idea or area of interest that you prefer and even where you may need expert help to fine-tune that; this way you will be able to  write and defend a research proposal on community development  and even where you may need us to assist, it will be easier for you.

The Gravity of an Impactful Research Title about Community

In the realm of research, the title is the first point of contact for potential readers. An impactful research title not only piques interest but also succinctly encapsulates the essence of your study on community. It's a window into the study's objectives, offering a snapshot of its scope, methodology, and anticipated outcomes. Understanding how to develop a defendable title is a very crucial step in the research process.

The emphasis is on the critical role that a well-crafted research title plays in attracting attention, generating interest, and conveying the significance of community-focused research. A compelling title should not only be catchy but also reflect the depth and importance of the study, drawing the audience into the research topic. Before identifying a great title, it is significant to identify research gaps in the context of community and this involves a systematic approach. Researchers can begin by conducting a comprehensive literature review to understand the existing body of work. This process helps in identifying what has already been studied, published, and established within the field. By analyzing the existing literature on community, researchers can pinpoint areas where there is a lack of sufficient information, conflicting findings, or unanswered questions and so come up with appealing titles for further research about community.

To settle for the most suitable title for a community-focused research project, one should consider other key factors. For instance, the title should be clear and concise, providing a glimpse into the central theme of the study. It should effectively communicate the research's purpose, scope, and potential contributions. Additionally, a compelling title often incorporates keywords that resonate with the target audience and reflect the core concepts of the research. Moreover, a suitable research title for a community-oriented study should be relevant and timely. It should address current issues or gaps in knowledge within the community context, demonstrating the research's potential to make a meaningful impact. The inclusion of terms that evoke a sense of community, collaboration, and social relevance can enhance the title's resonance.

Furthermore, researchers should strive for creativity and originality in their titles. A unique and memorable title can set a research project apart and generate interest. However, it is crucial to balance creativity with clarity to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Ideally, the gravity of an impactful research title about community lies in its ability to attract attention, convey the research's essence, and contribute to its overall impact. By considering factors such as clarity, relevance, and creativity, researchers can identify a title that not only captures the essence of their work but also resonates with the broader community and academic audience.

Navigating Community Research Topics: A Comprehensive Guide

1. unraveling research topics related to community problems.

Every community, irrespective of its size or location, grapples with challenges. Addressing these community problems through focused research can lead to actionable insights. Delving into this realm can encompass:

• Socio-economic Dynamics: Analyze how rising unemployment rates might fracture community ties or how economic disparities influence communal cohesion.
• Healthcare Access: Investigate the ripple effects of inadequate healthcare facilities on community well-being, emphasizing physical and mental health outcomes.
• Urbanization Concerns: Examine the impacts of gentrification, assessing its implications for original community members and exploring potential solutions for harmonious urban development.

2. Spotlight on Community Based Research Topics

Community-based research signifies a collaborative approach, integrating community members into the heart of the research process. This approach ensures the results resonate with the community's authentic experiences. Potential topics include:

• Community Agriculture Initiatives: Delve into how community gardens or urban farming projects impact local engagement, nutrition, and environmental consciousness.
• Educational Outreach: Assess the effectiveness and long-term impacts of community-driven educational initiatives, focusing on both children and adult learners.
• Conservation Collaborations: Explore how local communities perceive, participate in, and benefit from conservation projects, ensuring sustainable ecological futures.

3. Diverse Avenues of Community Related Research Topics

Beyond immediate community issues, there's a broader universe of community research encompassing various forms of communal gatherings:

• Digital Communities: Investigate how online communities, from social media groups to professional networks, shape individual identities, foster connections, and occasionally exacerbate societal divides.
• Professional Cohorts: Dive into niche professional communities, like healthcare or arts, to comprehend their internal dynamics, challenges, and contributions to the larger societal fabric.
• Cultural Cohesion: Study the role of community arts, music, and literature programs in promoting intercultural understanding, preserving traditions, and fostering a sense of shared identity.

Community research topics are as diverse as communities themselves. While the challenges each community faces are unique, the common thread is the pursuit of understanding and improvement. As we immerse ourselves in detailed research, we are not only gaining knowledge but also paving the path for actionable insights and tangible change. Embracing these topics with depth and dedication can lead to a more informed and cohesive societal fabric.

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Latest Research Areas on Community Development

Best-Programs-Community-Development-Courses-Online.pdf   |   Universities-that-offer-Masters-in-Community-Development.pdf   |   Why-Studying-Community-Development-is-Such-important.pdf

More Free Sample Research Topics On Community Development

• A study on the interrelations between community development and availability of health services.
• The Role of Ethics and Social Responsibility in Organizational Performance and Success.
• The Benefits of Local Government Administration on Community Development.
• Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Sustainable Management Activities towards Customer Satisfaction.
• An Investigation into the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Sustainability of Organizations.
• The Impact of Labor Training and development on the Performance of an Organization
• An Investigation into the Contribution of Public Infrastructure towards Community Development.
• An Investigation into the Role of Non- governmental Organizations in Community Development.
• The Benefits of Organizational Involvement in Transformative Community Development.
• An Investigation into the Factors Influencing Women Empowerment and Community Development.
• The Benefits of Using Technology for Economic Advancement and its Impact on the Development of the Community.

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How to Conduct a Great Research Project on Comm. Development

As a scholar, you are likely to view the community development course as the appreciation of a balanced community that has people with a similar vision. Development in itself is the process of improving the strengths of a particular community. In general, development means that the people of a community are responsible to see that change takes place. In the modern world, people have rested all the responsibility for the development of a community on their leaders. As a scholar, you have a task to evaluate a vital area within community development. Here are some hints on writing a great MA community development dissertation project : community development as a course that is crucial to return the communal responsibility, discussing the state in the current world where people in communities are living in fear, shame, and silence, ways in which virtues such as sharing, kindness, honesty, and others can be restored in a community, the evaluation of community development on history, traditions, and social structures, discussing the process of ownership, control, decision-making, and participation in a community, and the evaluating why people give power to their leaders.It is imperative to avoid a dissatisfactory topic if you want to write a master's dissertation that your instructor will award a high grade. Take a significant step towards your academic excellence by working on a suitable dissertation topic. You need to give an account of how collective action can be taken to address the problems affecting the community; however, this can only happen if you have a very relevant topic. 

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