differentiate between research proposal and report writing

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Difference Between Research Proposal and Research Report

On the other hand, a research report is the culmination of the research endeavour. It is a great way to explain the research work and its outcome to a group of people. It is the outcome of the study conducted at the time of the research process.

This article will help you understand the difference between research proposal and research report.

Content: Research Proposal Vs Research Report

Comparison chart, definition of research proposal.

Research Proposal can be defined as the document prepared by the researcher so as to give a description of the research program in detail. It is typically a request for research funding, for the subject under study. In other words, a research proposal is a summary of the research process, with which the reader can get quick information regarding the research project.

The research proposal seeks final approval, for which it is submitted to the relevant authority. After the research proposal is submitted, it is being evaluated, considering a number of factors like the cost involved, potential impact, soundness of the plan to undertake the project.

It aims at presenting and justifying the need and importance to carry out the study, as well as to present the practical ways, of conducting the research. And for this, persuasive evidence should be provided in the research proposal, to highlight the necessity of the research.

Further, it must discuss the main issues and questions, which the researcher will address in the study. Along with that, it must highlight the fundamental area of the research study.

A research proposal can be prepared in a number of formats, which differs on the basis of their length. It contains an introduction, problem hypothesis, objectives, assumptions, methodology, justification and implication of the research project.

Definition of Research Report

Research Report can be defined as the document in which the researched and analysed data is organized and presented by the researcher in a systematic manner. It is a publication, comprising of the purpose, scope, hypothesis, methodology, findings, limitations, recommendations and conclusion of the research project.

Simply put, a research report is the record of the research process. It is one of the most important segments of the research, as the research work is said to be incomplete if the report is not prepared.

A research report is a document containing collected and considered facts, taken to provide succinct and comprehensible information to people.

Once the research process is over, the entire work is produced in a written material, which is called a research report . It covers the description of the research activities, in an elaborated manner. It contains Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Discussion of Results and Findings, Bibliography and Appendices.

A research report acts as a method to record the research work and its outcome, for future reference.

Key Differences Between Research Proposal and Research Report

The difference between research proposal and research report is discussed as under:

• A research proposal signifies a theoretical framework within which the research is carried out. In finer terms, a research proposal is a sketch for the collection, measurement and analysis of data. A research report implies a scientific write-up on the research findings, which is prepared in a specific format.
• While the preparation of a research proposal is considered as the first step to research work, preparation of a research report is the final step to the research work.
• A research proposal is prepared at the beginning of the project. In contrast, the research report is prepared after the completion of the project
• A research proposal is written in the future tense, whereas the tense used in the research report is past tense, as well as it is written in the third person
• The length of a research proposal is about 4-10 pages. On the contrary, the length of the research report is about 100 to 300 pages.
• The research proposal is concerned with the problem or topic to be investigated. Conversely, the research report focuses on the results of the completed research work.
• The research proposal determines what will be researched, the relevance of the research and the ways to conduct the researched. As against, the research report determines what is researched, sources of data collection, ways of data collection (i.e. survey, interview, or questionnaire), result and findings, recommendations for future research, etc.
• Research Proposal includes three chapters i.e. Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology. Contrastingly, Research Report covers the following chapters – Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Results, Interpretation and Analysis, Conclusion and Recommendation.

Basically, a research proposal defines the planning stage of the research work, which is prepared in written format, to know its worth. On the other hand, the research report signifies the concluding stage of the research work.

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Proposal vs. Report

What's the difference.

A proposal and a report are both written documents that serve different purposes. A proposal is a persuasive document that outlines a plan or idea and seeks approval or funding for its implementation. It typically includes an introduction, problem statement, objectives, methodology, timeline, and budget. On the other hand, a report is a factual document that presents information or findings on a specific topic or project. It provides a detailed analysis of the subject matter, including research, data, and recommendations. While a proposal focuses on convincing the reader to support a particular initiative, a report aims to inform and provide insights based on research and analysis.

Further Detail

Introduction.

When it comes to written communication in various professional settings, two common types of documents that are often encountered are proposals and reports. While both serve distinct purposes, they share some similarities as well. In this article, we will explore the attributes of proposals and reports, highlighting their differences and similarities, and discussing their unique characteristics.

Purpose and Audience

One of the primary distinctions between proposals and reports lies in their purpose and intended audience. A proposal is typically created to suggest a plan of action, request funding or resources, or propose a solution to a problem. It aims to persuade the reader to take a specific course of action. On the other hand, a report is designed to present factual information, findings, or analysis on a particular topic. Its purpose is to inform and provide insights to the reader, often without a call to action.

Proposals are commonly directed towards decision-makers, stakeholders, or potential clients who have the authority to approve or reject the proposed plan. The audience for reports, however, can vary widely depending on the context. Reports may be intended for colleagues, supervisors, clients, or even the general public, depending on the nature of the information being presented.

Structure and Format

Another significant difference between proposals and reports lies in their structure and format. Proposals typically follow a specific format that includes sections such as an executive summary, introduction, problem statement, proposed solution, budget, timeline, and conclusion. These sections are organized in a logical sequence to present a persuasive argument.

Reports, on the other hand, may have a more flexible structure depending on the purpose and context. They often include sections such as an introduction, methodology, findings, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations. However, the specific sections and their order may vary based on the type of report and the organization's guidelines.

Both proposals and reports may include supporting materials such as charts, graphs, tables, or appendices to provide additional information or evidence. However, the inclusion of these elements is more common in reports, where data visualization and supporting evidence play a crucial role in conveying the information effectively.

Tone and Language

The tone and language used in proposals and reports also differ to some extent. Proposals often adopt a persuasive and assertive tone, aiming to convince the reader of the proposed idea's value and benefits. The language used in proposals is typically more formal and professional, focusing on presenting a compelling argument and showcasing the writer's expertise.

Reports, on the other hand, tend to have a more objective and neutral tone. The language used in reports is generally more factual and concise, focusing on presenting information accurately and objectively. While the writer's expertise is still important, the emphasis is more on providing an unbiased analysis or summary of the topic at hand.

Research and Analysis

Both proposals and reports often require research and analysis, but the extent and focus of these activities can vary. Proposals typically involve conducting research to identify the problem, understand the target audience, and gather evidence to support the proposed solution. The analysis in proposals is often centered around the potential benefits, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of the proposed plan.

Reports, on the other hand, may involve more extensive research and analysis, depending on the topic and purpose. Reports often require gathering data, conducting surveys or interviews, and analyzing the information to draw meaningful conclusions. The analysis in reports is focused on interpreting the data, identifying trends, and providing insights or recommendations based on the findings.

In conclusion, proposals and reports are two distinct types of written communication that serve different purposes and target different audiences. Proposals aim to persuade and convince the reader to take a specific course of action, while reports focus on presenting factual information and analysis. The structure, tone, language, and research involved in each document type also differ to some extent. Understanding the attributes of proposals and reports is essential for effective communication in various professional settings, enabling individuals to tailor their writing to the specific needs and expectations of their audience.

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• How it works
• Homework answers

What is the Difference Between Research Proposal and Research Report?

When it comes to academic or scientific, quantified research, there are several steps writers need to be aware about before diving head-first into the hypothesis. There is a rhyme and a reason for these steps, and they are mostly to make the student aware of the process and to gather and organize ideas, thoughts, and examples in an efficient manner. One common mistake students make when writing research projects is mixing up their research proposal and research report. Of course, both of them are closely related to the research itself.

What is a research proposal?

The proposal step of research precedes the actual research itself. This is the stage where a student should outline in detail what questions they will explore and analyze. As a preparation stage, the research proposal is presented at the beginning of the research project with the aim of justifying the need for a deeper analysis and probing into the question or hypothesis. The proposal outlines the methods that will be used to carry out the research and the design of the research to ensure that the results are reliable and efficient. 

What is a research report?

Similar to the proposal, the research report is a crucial role in the entirety of a research project. The research report is presented after the research has been conducted already. This can be seen as a post-report stage, as it analyses the information and results of the research and summarizes the student’s findings. The aim of a research report is to critically analyze the proposed hypothesis or questions as well as the results of said research. In some cases, this will be called a thesis or dissertation – a major assignment for college and university students trying to achieve their degree. 

So, how can I write them?

The aims of the research proposal and report are relatively different, so the content of each one will also vary to a certain degree. What’s most important is that the research is supported and recognized.

Inside of a Research Proposal

The proposal lays out many steps and ideas before conducting the research – so it is essential to have a structure or outline that matches with the results you will be looking for. Typically, a good research proposal is five to seven pages long, or 2,000 words or more.

The proposal outline will include:

• Title – a title should be straightforward and clear at first glance
• Background Information – this includes issues related to your proposed research, as well as the rationale behind the research. It should also include literary sources that will be used to reference from, or maybe where the proposed question or hypothesis derived from. If the topic is widely discussed, there can also be a summary of the topics discussed and the ongoing developments happening at the moment. 
• Research Questions – the main part of the research project, the question is what you will be doing research on. It serves as a starting point from where students can branch off into other problems and issues that may arise during the research step. This segment can change based on the information you gather pre-research. 
• Methodology – this outlines the process of the research and the resources students will need to conduct the research. It should include the theoretical framework – or how the research will be approached and if they are appropriate for the proposed questions. Theoretically, it should include possible limits of the research and the advantages of the predicted outcome. 
• Plan of work – This segment details the amount of time needed to conduct the research and a detailed outline of the schedule to complete the research. Its essential to understand the scope of the project and to set a date to have the research completed in order to analyze the information at the appropriate time. 
• Bibliography – just like any academic writing, a bibliography lists the references students will use for the research and a handful of resources at their disposal during the research process. 

Inside of a Research Report

The research report is the golden egg of the research – it provides the results and information students will be searching for. The report comes post-research and serves as the dissertation or thesis that is a deeper analysis of the information. 

The research report will include:

• A Cover Sheet – this provides the reader all the information about the writer and the proposed topic.
• An abstract – a basic summary of the report itself, the abstract includes the sample size of research, the treatment of the research, the design of the research, and the implications of the research. This is not meant to be longer than a page – just a briefing on the proposed research before diving into the deep analysis. 
• Introduction – this stretched beyond the information in the abstract and should include supportive statistics and the purpose and the significance of the research in the scope of a community or the globally. This prepares the reader with the information needed to follow the research steps and the reasons why these steps were taken. 
• Research questions – the hypothesis should be presented in this segment, outlining a broader idea and moving towards specific and detailed questions. There should be a large distinction between the quantitative-based questions, and the qualitative-based questions here, to make things more clear for the reader to follow. Students should have more than one hypothesis to be considered a well-conducted research project, as it widens the scope and the purpose of the research. 
• Review of literature – the resources used to conduct the research should be present here. This qualifies the research done and supports it with evidence from literature related to the topic itself. It should be able to refute evidence and support the main ideas. The sources should be linked together so as to provide synthesis.  
• Method and Results – The methods used during the research period should be detailed at this segment – mentioning the samples, the setting, the treatment, and the data analysis. The results should also be described in details, again differentiating between quantitative and qualitative results.
• Discussion – the final aspect of the research project includes an open discussion about the work done. It should restate the hypothesis and check to see if it was correct or incorrect and see why. It should also include the limitations of the study – and maybe reasons why it turned out to be correct or incorrect. The discussion should be wrapped up with a conclusion and a closing summary of the entire research project. 

If students are about to embark on the journey of a research project, it’s essential to know and understand the stages involved so that the process will move along much smoother. 

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Research Proposal vs. Research Report: What's the Difference?

Key Differences

Comparison chart, content focus, primary audience, research proposal and research report definitions, research proposal, research report, who reads a research proposal, what is a research proposal, can a research proposal guarantee funding, what does a research report include, what is the main goal of a research proposal, when is a research report prepared, is a literature review included in a research proposal, what happens if a research proposal is approved, do research proposals need ethical approval, what differentiates a research report from a proposal, how detailed should a research proposal be, are research reports always published, how long is a typical research report, do research reports require peer review, is a research report subjective or objective, can a research report influence future studies, what role does methodology play in a research proposal, are research reports accessible to the general public, can a research proposal be rejected, are conclusions part of a research report.

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Difference Between Research Proposal and Research Report

The Research Proposal is the way a researcher presents the research problem and communicates the need for research. It is a crucial part of the application process. It provides a brief overview of the research questions the researcher is trying to answer. It also outlines the research methodology that the researcher will use.

A research report, on the other hand, is the result of a research project. This report is an excellent way to present the results of your research to others. It is the result of the study that was conducted during the research process.If you have any problems with writing and want someone “ do my research paper for me ”, turn to professionals.

This article will explain the differences between a research proposal and a research report.

• 1 Definition of a Research Proposal
• 2 Definition of Research Report
• 3 Conclusion

Definition of a Research Proposal

A Research Proposal is a document that the researcher creates to describe the research program in detail. This is usually a request for funding for the subject being studied. A research proposal, in other words, is a summary or description of the research process that provides quick information about the research project.

After the research proposal has been approved, it is sent to the appropriate authority. Once the research proposal has been submitted, it will be evaluated to determine if the cost, potential impact, and soundness of the plan for the project are all considered.

The purpose of the proposal is to justify the necessity and importance of the study and to show the practical methods for conducting it. To demonstrate the necessity of the research, the proposal should contain persuasive evidence.

It must also discuss the major issues and questions that the researcher will address during the research. It must also highlight the main area of the research study.

There are many formats that can be used to create a research proposal. The length of each format will vary. It includes an introduction, problem hypothesis, and assumptions.

Definition of Research Report

Research Report is the document that organizes and presents the data collected and analyzed. It’s a publication that includes the purpose, scope, and hypothesis of the research project, as well as the methodology, findings, limitations, recommendations, and conclusion.

A research report is simply the record of the research process. This is the most important analyzed search because it is the record of the research process.

A research report is a collection of facts that have been carefully considered and are intended to be succinct, understandable information for people.

After the research is complete, all work is written down, and this is known as a research report. This document describes the research activities in detail. It includes Introduction, Literature Review and Methodology.

Research reports are used to document the research process and its results for future reference.

There are key differences between a Research Proposal or a Research Report.

Below is a discussion on the difference between a research proposal and a research report.

A research proposal is a framework that guides the research. A research proposal can be described as a plan for collecting, measuring, and analysing data. A research report is a written description of the research findings. It follows a particular format.

Preparing a research proposal is the first step in research work. However, the final step is writing a research report.

The research proposal is created at the start of the project. The research report, however, is completed after the project has been completed.

Research proposals are written in future tense. However, the research report’s tense is in past tense. It is also written in third person.

A research proposal should be between 4-10 pages. The research report, on the other hand, is approximately 100 to 300 pages.

The topic or problem to be researched is the focus of the research proposal. The research report, on the other hand, focuses only on the findings of the completed research.

The research proposal outlines the scope of research, its relevance and the methods to be the used. The research report,the  on the other hand, determines the scope of the research, data sources, data collection methods (i.e. Survey, interview, questionnaire), results and conclusions, as well as recommendations for future research.

Three chapters make up the Research Proposal: Introduction, Literature Review and Methodology. Introduction, Literature Review and Research Methodology are the three chapters of Research Proposal. The Research Report, on the other hand, covers the following chapters: Introduction, Literature Review and Research Methodology. Results, Interpretation, Analysis, Conclusion, and Recommendation.

A research proposal is basically the planning stage for the research work. It must be prepared in writing format to prove its value. The research report, on the other hand is the end of the research process. Open this review to take a look at trustworthy writing services.

Research Proposal and Report Writing

• First Online: 01 January 2013

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• Pradip Kumar Sahu 2  

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Research is a systematic process and research proposal is the documentation of the process in a stepwise manner. Discussions have been made on the type of research from a qualitative point of view. For successful implementation of research program, funding is a major aspect; at the same time there are various established and reputed research organizations to carry out different types of researches. Each and every research organization has clear-cut guidelines for framing research proposals. Besides, the above researches are also carried out by the individual researcher. Moreover, there are certain researches which do not require dependence on financial support for carrying out research program. However, a research program should always be documented in the form of research proposals. The content, steps, and procedure of writing a research proposal may vary to some extent, but there are certain common points to be documented in any research proposal. A research proposal is a stand-alone document which clarifies what the proposed project is about, what it is trying to do and achieve, how it will go about doing that, what we will learn from it, and why it is worth learning. It is a document written to convince funding agencies and academic bodies that the project is worth their attention. If the research proposal is asking for financial support, then there are several components to a strong grant application. First, the subject must be creative, exciting, and worthy of funding. Second, the project must have been developed through a rigorous, well-defined experimental plan. One of the most important points to consider when presenting a research proposal for funding is presenting the information in crystal clear language with the application following the rules and guidelines of the funding authority. The research idea, questions, or problems must be very clearly stated and persuasive and address a demonstrable gap in the existing literature. One must be sure that the departmental staffs are interested in the subject area and available for the project. One must also ensure that the scope of the project is reasonable and must remember that there are significant limits to the size and complexity of a project that can be completed and written up within a given period of time. Assessment of proposals takes place not only for their intellectual ambition and significance but also for the likelihood that the researcher can complete this project. International agencies, particularly the agencies in the Western countries, use objective criteria in screening the proposals. In India, the evaluation is subjective, that is, by peer review. Experts review the projects, and few promising projects are approved directly; some are accepted with modifications, and a fairly large number of projects are rejected. Most rejections are mainly attributed to inappropriate presentation style. While reviewing a project proposal, the following points are generally given importance along with other factors: (a) how best are the intellectual quality and merit of the study; (b) what is its potential impact; (c) how holistic is the proposal, whether the research proposal is likely to produce new data and concepts or confirm existing hypotheses; (d) are the hypotheses valid and whether these have been presented with supporting evidences; (e) whether the aims are logical; (f) whether the procedures proposed are appropriate, adequate, and feasible for the research; (g) whether the investigators/proposers are qualified and competent enough as shown by their credentials and experience; (h) are the facilities adequate and the environment conducive to the research; and (i) is there any other organization where the similar types of work are being conducted, if so how the present proposal is different from that, and so on.

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Sahu, P.K. (2013). Research Proposal and Report Writing. In: Research Methodology: A Guide for Researchers In Agricultural Science, Social Science and Other Related Fields. Springer, India. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-1020-7_14

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What (Exactly) Is A Research Proposal?

A simple explainer with examples + free template.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2020 (Updated April 2023)

Whether you’re nearing the end of your degree and your dissertation is on the horizon, or you’re planning to apply for a PhD program, chances are you’ll need to craft a convincing research proposal . If you’re on this page, you’re probably unsure exactly what the research proposal is all about. Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Overview: Research Proposal Basics

• What a research proposal is
• What a research proposal needs to cover
• How to structure your research proposal
• Example /sample proposals
• Proposal writing FAQs
• Key takeaways & additional resources

What is a research proposal?

Simply put, a research proposal is a structured, formal document that explains what you plan to research (your research topic), why it’s worth researching (your justification), and how  you plan to investigate it (your methodology). 

The purpose of the research proposal (its job, so to speak) is to convince  your research supervisor, committee or university that your research is  suitable  (for the requirements of the degree program) and  manageable  (given the time and resource constraints you will face). 

The most important word here is “ convince ” – in other words, your research proposal needs to  sell  your research idea (to whoever is going to approve it). If it doesn’t convince them (of its suitability and manageability), you’ll need to revise and resubmit . This will cost you valuable time, which will either delay the start of your research or eat into its time allowance (which is bad news). 

What goes into a research proposal?

A good dissertation or thesis proposal needs to cover the “ what “, “ why ” and” how ” of the proposed study. Let’s look at each of these attributes in a little more detail:

Your proposal needs to clearly articulate your research topic . This needs to be specific and unambiguous . Your research topic should make it clear exactly what you plan to research and in what context. Here’s an example of a well-articulated research topic:

An investigation into the factors which impact female Generation Y consumer’s likelihood to promote a specific makeup brand to their peers: a British context

As you can see, this topic is extremely clear. From this one line we can see exactly:

• What’s being investigated – factors that make people promote or advocate for a brand of a specific makeup brand
• Who it involves – female Gen-Y consumers
• In what context – the United Kingdom

So, make sure that your research proposal provides a detailed explanation of your research topic . If possible, also briefly outline your research aims and objectives , and perhaps even your research questions (although in some cases you’ll only develop these at a later stage). Needless to say, don’t start writing your proposal until you have a clear topic in mind , or you’ll end up waffling and your research proposal will suffer as a result of this.

Need a helping hand?

As we touched on earlier, it’s not good enough to simply propose a research topic – you need to justify why your topic is original . In other words, what makes it  unique ? What gap in the current literature does it fill? If it’s simply a rehash of the existing research, it’s probably not going to get approval – it needs to be fresh.

But,  originality  alone is not enough. Once you’ve ticked that box, you also need to justify why your proposed topic is  important . In other words, what value will it add to the world if you achieve your research aims?

As an example, let’s look at the sample research topic we mentioned earlier (factors impacting brand advocacy). In this case, if the research could uncover relevant factors, these findings would be very useful to marketers in the cosmetics industry, and would, therefore, have commercial value . That is a clear justification for the research.

So, when you’re crafting your research proposal, remember that it’s not enough for a topic to simply be unique. It needs to be useful and value-creating – and you need to convey that value in your proposal. If you’re struggling to find a research topic that makes the cut, watch  our video covering how to find a research topic .

It’s all good and well to have a great topic that’s original and valuable, but you’re not going to convince anyone to approve it without discussing the practicalities – in other words:

• How will you actually undertake your research (i.e., your methodology)?
• Is your research methodology appropriate given your research aims?
• Is your approach manageable given your constraints (time, money, etc.)?

While it’s generally not expected that you’ll have a fully fleshed-out methodology at the proposal stage, you’ll likely still need to provide a high-level overview of your research methodology . Here are some important questions you’ll need to address in your research proposal:

• Will you take a qualitative , quantitative or mixed -method approach?
• What sampling strategy will you adopt?
• How will you collect your data (e.g., interviews, surveys, etc)?
• How will you analyse your data (e.g., descriptive and inferential statistics , content analysis, discourse analysis, etc, .)?
• What potential limitations will your methodology carry?

So, be sure to give some thought to the practicalities of your research and have at least a basic methodological plan before you start writing up your proposal. If this all sounds rather intimidating, the video below provides a good introduction to research methodology and the key choices you’ll need to make.

How To Structure A Research Proposal

Now that we’ve covered the key points that need to be addressed in a proposal, you may be wondering, “ But how is a research proposal structured? “.

While the exact structure and format required for a research proposal differs from university to university, there are four “essential ingredients” that commonly make up the structure of a research proposal:

• A rich introduction and background to the proposed research
• An initial literature review covering the existing research
• An overview of the proposed research methodology
• A discussion regarding the practicalities (project plans, timelines, etc.)

In the video below, we unpack each of these four sections, step by step.

Research Proposal Examples/Samples

In the video below, we provide a detailed walkthrough of two successful research proposals (Master’s and PhD-level), as well as our popular free proposal template.

Proposal Writing FAQs

How long should a research proposal be.

This varies tremendously, depending on the university, the field of study (e.g., social sciences vs natural sciences), and the level of the degree (e.g. undergraduate, Masters or PhD) – so it’s always best to check with your university what their specific requirements are before you start planning your proposal.

As a rough guide, a formal research proposal at Masters-level often ranges between 2000-3000 words, while a PhD-level proposal can be far more detailed, ranging from 5000-8000 words. In some cases, a rough outline of the topic is all that’s needed, while in other cases, universities expect a very detailed proposal that essentially forms the first three chapters of the dissertation or thesis.

The takeaway – be sure to check with your institution before you start writing.

How do I choose a topic for my research proposal?

Finding a good research topic is a process that involves multiple steps. We cover the topic ideation process in this video post.

How do I write a literature review for my proposal?

While you typically won’t need a comprehensive literature review at the proposal stage, you still need to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the key literature and are able to synthesise it. We explain the literature review process here.

How do I create a timeline and budget for my proposal?

We explain how to craft a project plan/timeline and budget in Research Proposal Bootcamp .

Which referencing format should I use in my research proposal?

The expectations and requirements regarding formatting and referencing vary from institution to institution. Therefore, you’ll need to check this information with your university.

What common proposal writing mistakes do I need to look out for?

We’ve create a video post about some of the most common mistakes students make when writing a proposal – you can access that here . If you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary:

• The research topic is too broad (or just poorly articulated).
• The research aims, objectives and questions don’t align.
• The research topic is not well justified.
• The study has a weak theoretical foundation.
• The research design is not well articulated well enough.
• Poor writing and sloppy presentation.
• Poor project planning and risk management.
• Not following the university’s specific criteria.

Key Takeaways & Additional Resources

As you write up your research proposal, remember the all-important core purpose:  to convince . Your research proposal needs to sell your study in terms of suitability and viability. So, focus on crafting a convincing narrative to ensure a strong proposal.

At the same time, pay close attention to your university’s requirements. While we’ve covered the essentials here, every institution has its own set of expectations and it’s essential that you follow these to maximise your chances of approval.

By the way, we’ve got plenty more resources to help you fast-track your research proposal. Here are some of our most popular resources to get you started:

• Proposal Writing 101 : A Introductory Webinar
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51 Comments

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You’re most welcome. We don’t have any research proposals that we can share (the students own the intellectual property), but you might find our research proposal template useful: https://gradcoach.com/research-proposal-template/

Cheruiyot Moses Kipyegon

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Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

• Annotated Bibliography
• Analyzing a Scholarly Journal Article
• Group Presentations
• Dealing with Nervousness
• Using Visual Aids
• Grading Someone Else's Paper
• Types of Structured Group Activities
• Group Project Survival Skills
• Leading a Class Discussion
• Multiple Book Review Essay
• Reviewing Collected Works
• Writing a Case Analysis Paper
• Writing a Case Study
• About Informed Consent
• Writing Field Notes
• Writing a Policy Memo
• Writing a Reflective Paper
• 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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Home » Education » Difference Between Research Proposal and Research Report

Difference Between Research Proposal and Research Report

Main difference –  research proposal vs research report.

Research proposal and research report are two terms that often confuse many student researchers. A research proposal describes what the researcher intends to do in his research study and is written before the collection and analysis of data. A research report describes the whole research study and is submitted after the competition of the whole research project. Thus, the main difference between research proposal and research report is that a research proposal describes the proposed research and research design whereas a research report describes the completed research, including the findings, conclusion, and recommendations.

This article explains, 

1. What is a Research Proposal?      – Definition, Purpose, Content, and Characteristics

2. What is a Research Report?      – Definition, Purpose, Content, and Characteristics

What is a Research Proposal

A research proposal is a brief and coherent summary of the proposed research study, which is prepared at the beginning of a research project. The aim of a research proposal is to justify the need for a specific research proposal and present the practical methods and ways to conduct the proposed research. In other words, a research proposal presents the proposed design of the study and justifies the necessity of the specific research. Thus, a research proposal describes what you intend to do and why you intend to do it.

A research proposal generally contains the following segments:

• Introduction / Context/ Background
• Literature Review
• Research Methods and Methodology
• Research question
• Aims and Objectives
• List of Reference

Each of these segments is indispensable to a research proposal. For example, it’s impossible to write a research proposal without reading related work and writing a literature review. Similarly, it’s not possible to decide a methodology without determining specific research questions.

What is a Research Report

A research report is a document that is submitted at the end of a research project. This describes the completed research project. It describes the data collection, analysis, and the results as well. Thus, in addition to the sections mentioned above, this also includes sections such as,

• Conclusions
• Shortcomings
• Recommendations

A research report is also known as a thesis or dissertation. A research report is not research plan or a proposed design. It describes what was actually done during the research project and what was learned from it. Research reports are usually longer than research proposals since they contain step-by-step processes of the research.

Research Proposal: Research Proposal describes what the researcher intends to do and why he intends to do it.

Research Report: Research report describes what the researcher has done, why he has done it, and the results he has achieved.

Research Proposal: Research proposals are written at the beginning of a research proposal before the research project actually begins.

Research Report: Research reports are completed after the completion of the whole research project.

Research Proposal: Research proposals contain sections such as introduction/background, literature review, research questions, methodology, aims and objective.

Research Report: Research reports contain sections such as introduction/background, literature review, research questions, methodology, aims and objective, findings, analysis, results, conclusion, recommendations, citation.

Research Proposal: Research proposals are shorter in length.

Research Report: Research reports are longer than research proposals.

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The Difference Between Research Papers and Proposals

Research papers and proposals are two distinct yet closely related writing projects that can be confusing to differentiate between. This article seeks to explore the similarities and differences between research papers and proposals in order to better inform readers of their respective purpose, style, scope, structure, audience, and more. By the end of this article readers will have a greater understanding of both types of written work so they may make an informed decision about which project is best suited for their needs.

I. Introduction to Research Papers and Proposals

Ii. definition of research paper, iii. components of a research paper, iv. definition of proposal, v. components of a proposal, vi. differences between a research paper and proposal, vii. conclusion.

A World of Possibilities Research papers and proposals offer a window into the unlimited world of ideas. Whether it be delving into scientific discovery, exploring philosophical concepts, or uncovering ancient literature, these two forms of writing open up doors to new possibilities. But what exactly are research papers and proposals? While they share some similarities in terms of structure and purpose, there are key differences between them that should not be overlooked.

• Research Papers: typically involve an investigation process leading towards a synthesis report on any given topic – for example analyzing trends in poverty alleviation strategies worldwide.
• Proposals: focus more on offering solutions; often outlining various steps or processes needed to address particular issues – such as proposing changes within existing health care systems.

. It’s important to keep this distinction in mind when selecting which type is most suitable for your purposes.

A research paper is a type of academic writing that involves the use of scholarly sources and an analysis to investigate specific topics. Research papers often rely on primary or secondary data, such as surveys or experiments, to analyze and explain their findings. The resulting document provides new insights into a topic by examining existing information in a fresh way.

• Offers an initial exploration , providing possible solutions for further study.

The main components of a research paper, regardless of its subject or length, is the same. As such it is essential to understand what they are and how to include them in your work.

• Introduction: The introduction should provide an overview of your topic and explain why the issue you’re discussing matters. Additionally, be sure to note any gaps in knowledge that may exist regarding this particular topic so you can address these throughout the course of your paper.
• Literature Review: After providing background information on your chosen topic or problem area, conduct a thorough review of relevant literature from reliable sources. This will enable you to discuss current practices related to this field as well as explore various theories surrounding it.

A Proposal: An Overview

• At its core, a proposal is an offer of solutions to a particular problem.
• Proposals can come in many forms and for various purposes, but the basic structure remains the same across disciplines.

Therefore, when crafting a proposal you must demonstrate why your proposed plan not only provides a remedy but also brings value by outlining potential benefits as well as risks associated with the suggested solution. Additionally, explain who will benefit from this proposition (e.g., customers/stakeholders) and what resources are needed to implement such changes in order facilitate success. In addition to convincing others that they need your services/product/idea; effective communication goes hand-in-hand with successful selling. Use clear language and succinctly convey why this initiative would be beneficial and worth investing in.

A research proposal and paper are two distinct entities, although many individuals use the terms interchangeably. A research paper is a document that contains an analysis of data gathered from multiple sources on a particular topic. It must be well written with proper citations for any outside resources used in its composition. In contrast, a research proposal , while also including elements such as data collection methods and conclusions about the results of said methods, aims to persuade others to invest their own time or money into studying the same subject.

When constructing either type of document it’s important to consider all components necessary for successful completion:

• Problem Statement – Provides evidence that there is something worth exploring further.
• Literature Review – Examines previous studies related to your topic so you can place your work within larger context of existing knowledge.
• Research Methodology – Describes how you intend gather information; typically quantitative or qualitative approaches are employed.

Comparing a Research Paper and Proposal Research papers and proposals share certain elements, yet differ in purpose and execution. While both may involve extensive research, the former is generally focused on an existing topic or area of study while the latter endeavors to introduce a new concept. Below are some key points that differentiate between these two types of documents.

• A research paper , which can be based on primary sources such as interviews or surveys, typically begins with an introduction to its topic followed by analysis that supports it.
• In contrast, a proposal , often written for academic purposes like grant funding applications or college admissions decisions, provides specific information regarding what should be done in order to solve problems related to its subject matter.

. Generally speaking, this includes detailed descriptions about possible solutions along with any pertinent background data needed for evaluation.

In this research paper, the purpose was to compare and contrast a research proposal with an actual written research paper. Through exploring both topics in detail, it has been shown that there is a stark difference between them. A research proposal is more focused on providing an outline of what the researcher intends to accomplish whereas the completed project will go into far greater detail about each aspect of their study.

• Research Proposal : The primary aim of a proposal document is for approval by supervisors or academics; they are used as a tool for clarifying ideas and setting out clear objectives before any data collection takes place.
• Research Paper: This requires extensive work after approval has been given – from collecting relevant data to analysing results, all prior knowledge must be synthesised in order to form conclusions which can then be presented through writing.

In conclusion, this article has outlined the differences between research papers and proposals. Research papers are often used to explore a subject or answer questions through experiments and analyses while proposals attempt to present an argument for approval from another individual or organization. Knowing the distinction between these two forms of writing can help individuals better understand how best to approach their own projects and properly communicate with colleagues in academic settings.

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Like emails and business letters, reports and proposals are also a regular part of business writing in the work world, and any educated adult should feel at ease with proposing new ideas in writing. As with all effective writing, keep your audience, purpose, and voice at the forefront, and all should go well. “One of the most valuable classes I took in college was ‘Business Communication.’ We learned about writing professional emails, memos, and letters. I remember the professor telling us that when they surveyed local employers, business writing was one of the areas that had the most impact. I use the content and skills from that class more in my daily work than some of the subject matter from my major! Effective communication is crucial to what I do and has helped me to establish myself in the workplace.”  Megan Janes, Associate Director of Graduate and Adult Degree Admissions

• Analyze your audience. If you intend to propose something new, don’t just assume you know your audience; analyze them. Consider their age, location, education, employment, class, race, gender, religion, motivation, and interests. What do they think about, dream about, care about? What can you offer them that they don’t already know about or realize? Why will they listen to you?
• Know your purpose. In a sentence, what are you proposing and why? How do you hope your audience will think differently about life after reading your work? How is your purpose unique and essential? How will you teach your audience a new way of thinking?
• Articulate a methodology. A business proposal is not just about persuasion. Embedded in any effective proposal is a new way of doing that may demand change and risk. What new methods are you proposing, and how will your audience adopt and apply those new methods? What learning curve do you anticipate, and how will the information be shared in a way that is consistent, uniform, and transformative?
• Ponder a solution. What will be the end result? If your audience invests in the changes you are proposing, what can they expect to see and experience? Will a solution be evident immediately, or will it demand time, patience, and endurance?
• Consider the competition. Just as an effective argument must weigh opposing arguments, a successful business proposal must weigh the competition. What other options does your audience have, and why is your approach the most logical, meaningful, promising, and inspiring? Are there downfalls about the competition that your audience might not know, and are there benefits that you are asking them to overlook? Why?
• Be professional. Platitudes and generalities are not helpful in a business proposal. If you hope to form a relationship built on trust, focus your proposal on the specific qualities that will foster a mutual understanding. How can you ensure your audience that you are knowledgeable and trustworthy?
• Be persuasive. What will convince your audience to listen to your ideas? Will you use appeals of reason, emotion, or character? What evidence will you employ to demonstrate the truth of what you are suggesting? What data supports your cause? How will your voice, syntax, and diction aid in persuading your audience? How will the visual and mixed media components of your proposal strengthen your cause? What holes remain in your argument, and what will you do to fill them?
• Use a standard format and font. As with a business letter, the general standard is to hold to a basic font and layout: 12 point Times New Roman with 1” margins and clean, easy-to-read paragraphs or lists. What visuals will you include to ensure that your presentation is eye-catching and professional but not sloppy or distracting? Should you purchase software created specifically for business proposals and reports?
• Edit carefully. A single error in the simple math of the sentence, paragraph, or essay is enough to destroy the trust you are hoping to build with a potential new partner. How will you ensure that your work is error-free?
• Expect a response. Does your writing exude the confidence of someone who expects a positive result? How do you demonstrate to your audience that you are knowledgeable, authoritative, and confident? If you are the best in your field, how does that show in the words you have written in your proposal?

Exercise 28.1

Locate a business proposal you have prepared and consider it in light of each of the following standards. How does it fare?

• Analyze your audience.
• Know your purpose.
• Articulate a methodology.
• Ponder a solution.
• Consider the competition.
• Be professional.
• Be persuasive.
• Use a standard format and font.
• Edit carefully.
• Expect a response.

Exercise 28.2

Find a business proposal you have received from someone else for a school or work-related situation. Weigh the proposal in light of each of the following standards. How does it fare?

Exercise 28.3

Consider something you hope to accomplish or change. To whom should you write a business proposal to get a conversation started? Write the proposal according to the standards listed in this chapter.

The Simple Math of Writing Well Copyright © 2017 by Dr. Jennie A. Harrop is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Research Proposal vs Research Report: Main Differences

September 3, 2019 by studymumbai Leave a Comment

Research Proposal and Research Report are two terms that often confuse student researchers. Even though they might sound similar, there is a difference between the two, and the main difference is the period when it has to be produced during the course of the research work.

Main difference between the two:

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• A research proposal describes the proposed research and research design. What and how is the student planning to do? It describes what the researcher intends to do in his/her research study.
• A research report describes the completed research, including the findings, conclusion, and recommendations. It basically describes the whole research study

When is it to be submitted?

• A research proposal is written before the collection and analysis of data (basically before the main body of work begins).
• A research report is submitted after the competition of the whole research project (after most of the work is completed).

Main Sections A research proposal usually contains the following segments/sections:

• Introduction (provide the context/background)
• Literature Review (what literature already exists in that area)
• Research Methods and Methodology (how are you going to collect the data)
• Research question (What question are you trying to answer)
• Aims and Objectives (various objectives of the research)
• List of Reference

A research report will have all the sections listed above, but it will also include additional sections such as:

• Findings (of the research)
• Analysis (of the research)
• Conclusions (of the research)
• Shortcomings (observed)
• Recommendations (suggested)

Because of the additional sections, Research reports tend to be longer than research proposals .

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