public relations research proposal example

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Public Relations Research Proposals Samples For Students

65 samples of this type

During studying in college, you will inevitably have to craft a lot of Research Proposals on Public Relations. Lucky you if linking words together and organizing them into meaningful text comes easy to you; if it's not the case, you can save the day by finding a previously written Public Relations Research Proposal example and using it as a model to follow.

This is when you will definitely find WowEssays' free samples collection extremely useful as it embodies numerous expertly written works on most various Public Relations Research Proposals topics. Ideally, you should be able to find a piece that meets your criteria and use it as a template to develop your own Research Proposal. Alternatively, our competent essay writers can deliver you an original Public Relations Research Proposal model written from scratch according to your custom instructions.

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Problem Statement Research Proposal

Application week 8 problem statement, free research design research proposal example, application draft mixed methods proposal.

Introduction This paper proposes a draft mixed methods proposal for a study on crisis management in companies. The study will select and justify one research method. It will then describe a survey, explain the rationale for the study, evaluate data collection methods, choose a sample size, evaluate some survey instruments, evaluate some research variables and lastly check on the data analysis and its interpretation.

Free Research Design Research Proposal Sample

Application draft qualitative proposal.

Introduction This paper purposes to propose a draft qualitative proposal for a study into crisis management. The paper will have a selection and justification of one research method. It will then a) describe a survey, b) explain the rationale for the study, c) evaluate data collection methods, d) choose a sample size, e) evaluate some survey instruments, f) evaluate some research variables and then check on the data analysis and its interpretation in a qualitative manner.

Good Natural Disaster - Flooding Research Proposal Example

Good draft quantitative proposal research proposal example.

The purpose of this paper is to propose a draft quantitative proposal for a research study in management. The paper will begin with a selection and justification of the research method. The paper will then (a) describe a survey design (b) rationale for the survey design (c) evaluate data collection method (d) evaluate the sample size (e) evaluate the survey instruments (f) evaluate the research variables and lastly check on the data analysis and interpretation of quantitative data.

Hypothesis and Research questions

Social network and privacy research proposal example, research proposal on audience, proposal assignment, research proposal on pr tactics promoting vytar basketball shoe for women.

“Advertising and public relations are emotional businesses.” It is not enough that viewers like the ad, they must experience/feel a connection with the message (Jugenheimer et al. p.297 ). In the latest product of Vytar, the ”ultimate basketball shoes for women” the company’s PR team works closely with the Vytar research and development department to effectively market the product using the least cost. In the next six months the promotions team will launch specific activities that are not only cost effective but are expected to persuade more customers to patronize this latest offering from Vytar.

The Product

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Thesis Statement: The United States has one of the highest rates of death by guns in the world. Almost everyone knows of someone that has been affected by gun violence, either self-inflicted or due to the actions of someone else. There are many people and organizations that want an increase in gun control laws in order to decrease gun violence. This paper will examine President Obama’s Gun Control Plan.

SOURCE #1: ENCYCLOPEDIC/REFERENCE SOURCE: Agresti, James D. & Smith, Reid K. “Gun Control Facts.” Just Facts. 13 June 2016. Web. 4 July 2016.

Is the text timely/recent? Relevant? How do you know?

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Women are an important part of the community. Women also called as mother, sister and life partner acts in the role of family making and binding human beings with their worldly life. It has been seen that several girl child don’t get the opportunity to go to school in underdeveloped and rural areas. This proposal has been developed to help Merlinn Foundation to collect money for organizing campaign to empower women education in rural areas.

Good Proposed Solution Research Proposal Example

Amongst mentally ill patients at high risk for early readmission, does the utilization of a multi-component transition care plan as compared to usual care help to improve early readmission rates?

Good Example Of Research Proposal On Research Objectives 6

Literature review.

Summary The literature review covers the challenge faced by McDonalds in the increasing opposition to marketing its products to children and having an image for producing unhealthy foods. The research objective is to find solutions for the company to implement so that it can change this perception about the company and reduce opposition to its business practices.

Section 1: Summary of Business Problem and Research Objectives 2 Section 2: Literature Search and Review 2 Analysis of the Literature Review 5 Section 3: Research Objectives and Methodology 6

References 7

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Abstract Capturing space in social media is a easy task, difficulty lies in capturing customer mindsets and their moulding their viewpoints about your business or product using the social media. Social Media has given a great opportunity to businesses but collecting distinct target groups under one roof who are open to any sort of communication and explore new things.

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Introduction This proposal will discuss the research topic, questions, and objectives. It will also include the methodology of the research, and the work plan which is designed to guide and track the organization of the research.

Research Question and Objectives

What are the drivers of the social media popularity and future trends {type) to use as a writing model.

EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE MARKETING STRATEGIES IN SMALL AND MEDIUM FIRMS. THE CASE OF GUERRILLA MARKETING APPROACH.

I: Introduction

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Substance abuse such as alcohol usage, tobacco smoking as well as others has been on mass media over the last two decades. Some of the popular mass media platforms where substance abuse is common nowadays may include music industry, TV series and now it has been rampant in the movie industry. American movie industry’s exposure on marijuana usage in on the rise as the USA government stand against the issue is changing every moment. This has facilitated the rise in usage of marijuana in movies such as Pineapple Express and Requiem For A Dream as well as others.

Thesis statement

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• Knowledge Base
• Starting the research process
• 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

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

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See an example

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 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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McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved April 15, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/

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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

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 Udemy Course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

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How To Write a Compelling Public Relations Proposal

A public relations proposal is a type of proposal that outlines the strategies, activities, and objectives of a public relations campaign. This document is crucial in the sales process , as it enables PR agencies and clients to set clear goals, expectations, and budgets for a successful PR campaign.

The main purpose of a public relations proposal is to persuade potential clients or stakeholders to invest in a specific PR campaign or project. To help close the sales deal , the proposal should clearly outline how the proposed strategy or campaign will benefit the business. It needs to outline all the elements involved in bringing the campaign to a successful resolution.

Public Relations Proposal Template

Win clients with a captivating and well-organized PR plan – create a strategic, customized, and effective public relations proposal quickly.

Eight steps to write a public relations proposal: key elements to include

Writing a PR proposal should follow one main goal: to convince potential clients that the proposed PR campaign will meet their objectives and deliver results. In order to do that successfully, there are some steps you will need to take and elements that must be included. These are:

1. Create a great executive summary

The first section of your proposal should be a concise summary outlining the key elements of your campaign suggestion. This element will "hook" your prospect, so be sure to include a visually attractive cover and a compelling look at your plan.

This summary should grab the attention of potential clients and briefly explain why they can benefit from your services. Keep it short and impactful, highlighting key points such as:

Target audience

• Proposed strategies

Expected results

Remember also to include a quick overview of your agency. This can be a pre-written introduction showcasing your team and media contacts and a high-level overview of previous successes.

2. Offer a quick situational analysis

A situational analysis is an in-depth examination of a company's current position, taking into account internal and external factors that may impact the success of a PR campaign. This section should assess the customer's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to provide context for your proposed strategies.

Some questions to consider include:

• What are the company's unique selling points?
• What are their current communication channels and messaging?
• What are the potential challenges they may face during a PR campaign?

3. Include market research results

Market share lends your strategy credibility and helps show you understand your client's industry and competitors. Showcasing some market research, statistics, or industry trends can also help convince potential clients of the validity of your proposed strategies.

4. Make an audience & awareness review

Show your customer you understand who the campaign is targeting and how it will promote brand awareness. Your audience review should highlight demographics, behaviors, interests, and pain points to prove that you comprehensively understand their target market.

5. Explain strengths & weaknesses

Once you understand your client's needs and target audience, the next step is to propose various strategies that could help achieve their objectives. This section should outline the pros and cons of each strategy, explaining how they align with the customer's goals and budget.

6. Include the goals and objectives

Explain what your campaign goals and objectives are. The key difference between a goal and an objective is that a goal is an overarching aim, while objectives are specific, measurable steps to achieve the goal. Clearly define both in this section and explain how they will be met.

7. Showcase the strategic plan

This is where you explain the actual plan, from A to Z: what you plan to do to help the company reach its objectives. This section should include the following elements:

The target audience is the specific group of individuals that your PR campaign seeks to reach, influence, and engage with. Understanding your target audience is vital as it allows for more strategic and effective communication, ensuring that your PR efforts resonate with those most likely to react positively and take action, thereby improving the overall success of your campaign.

Target media

Target media refers to the specific channels through which you plan to disseminate your PR messages, such as newspapers, magazines, TV channels, blogs, podcasts, or social media platforms. Selecting the right media outlets is critical as it affects the reach and impact of your PR campaign, ensuring your messages are delivered to your target audience most effectively.

Key message

What is the main message you want to share with your audience? What should they think or do once they see or interact with your campaign? Explain this as briefly as you can, so you can convince your prospect that your campaign idea is worth their attention (and budget).

Your tactics are the specific actions you will take to spread your key message to your target audience through your chosen media outlets. This could involve creating press releases, organizing events, leveraging social media influencers, or creating compelling content that aligns with the interests and needs of your target audience.

Provide an estimated timeline for the PR campaign, outlining when each tactic will be implemented. This allows clients to understand the schedule and flow of the campaign activities.

A detailed budget gives a clear picture of the costs involved in the campaign, including fees for agency work, media buying, event organization, content creation, and any other expenses. Providing a transparent, itemized budget helps build trust with the client.

Measure of success

Lastly, but crucially, define how you will measure the success of the campaign. This could be through media impressions, website traffic, lead generation, sales, or other measurable outcomes. This shows the client how you will track and prove the effectiveness of your PR efforts.

Campaign tactics

This is where you list out and explain each tactic in detail. For example, if your proposed tactic is to organize an event, describe the intended purpose of the event, potential venues, target audience, and expected outcomes. If your tactic is to create a media relations campaign, outline how you will pitch stories and secure media coverage.

Campaign timeline

Draw a timeline that shows the various stages of the campaign and when each tactic will be executed. This helps clients visualize the scope and duration of your proposed campaign -- and it helps you show them you have more than just a high-level idea but an actionable, step-by-step plan on what to do at each stage of the campaign.

In this section, explain what results you expect to achieve with your campaign in measurable terms. This could include an increase in media coverage or website traffic, a specific number of leads or sales generated, or improved brand awareness and reputation within the target audience. Providing expected results helps set realistic expectations for your client and shows them how their investment in the PR campaign will pay off.

Project scope

The project scope section is where you outline the scope of work that you will cover in your PR campaign. This could include the number of press releases, events, media coverage opportunities, or social media posts that you plan to produce and execute. Providing a detailed project scope helps clients understand what they can expect from your services and ensures that both parties are on the same page regarding the deliverables.

Last but not least, include a quick overview of how you will evaluate your campaign's success once it has concluded. This could include a post-campaign review of media coverage and engagement, a comparison of expected versus actual results, and any key learnings or insights gained from the campaign. Clients appreciate when you provide them with data-backed evaluations as it demonstrates your commitment to delivering tangible results.

8. Detail your pricing

Your sales proposal should also include a clear, detailed pricing table that breaks down the costs of each service and tactic offered. This helps clients understand how their budget will be allocated and allows for transparency in the pricing process. Be sure to itemize each cost, including any additional fees or expenses that may arise during the campaign. This will help avoid any confusion or surprises later on.

Remember that everything leading up to the pricing or budget outline should underline the value your customer is getting from your services. Show them how you will help them achieve their objectives and what makes your PR services stand out.

Make your PR proposal stand out with these three tips

The best sales proposals go the extra mile -- they're creative, personalized, and leave a lasting impression. Here are three tips to make your PR proposal stand out from the rest:

1. Start with a discovery meeting

This might sound basic, but it can make a difference in how you build a relationship with your prospect. You want to understand who your customer is, what they do, and why they need you. More importantly, you want to understand their audience and how they interact with them. A discovery meeting is essential in understanding all these elements to create a proposal addressing their needs.

Some of the questions to ask at this stage include:

• What is the company's mission and values?
• Who are their target audience, and what channels do they use to communicate with them?
• What public relations activities have they done, and what were the results?

2. Create a professional-looking design

Theoretically, you can create a simple PR proposal in a Google Sheets spreadsheet or a Doc, download it as a PDF, and call it a day.

But that wouldn't serve you very well.

You need to look professional -- because that's exactly how you will make your customer look too. You need to show you know what you're doing and that you're worth every penny. So invest in a professional design that includes your logo, some on-brand elements, and high-quality images or graphics.

3. Incorporate social proof

Part of why people buy things is because other people buy them. When you include social proof (customer quotes, testimonials, case studies) in your sales proposal, you show that other people trust and have seen success with your services.

Social proof can help build credibility and trust with your prospect and give them the reassurance they need to sign on as a client. So don't be shy about showcasing your past successes and happy clients - it could make all the difference in closing the deal .

Improve sales efficiency with content management

Align sales and marketing functions with a single destination for sales content

Example of public relations proposal template

Want to speed up your sales productivity , ensure consistency, and make sure you never miss the mark on what your proposal needs to include?

Get a public relations proposal template . For example, the Qwilr PR proposal template comes with everything you need:

• A clean, professional-looking design
• Infinite customization options
• All the proposal elements you need, including (but not limited to:)
• Executive summary
• Target audience and key messages
• Strategic Plan
• Market research showcase
• Project breakdown

Essentially, all you have to do is add your own branding and client specifics to the template. It also comes with a built-in eSignature, allowing your prospect to sign off on your proposal directly in the document - no more back-and-forth emails or printing, signing, and scanning documents. Just good, old-fashioned sales conversations (but with a modern, efficiency-driven twist).

What’s the best format for a public relations proposal?

The best format for a public relations proposal ticks the following boxes:

• It sets the stage (with a smart executive summary)
• It explains the proposed campaign (including market research, strategy, and timeline)
• It outlines the costs of running said campaign (emphasizing the value it provides.)

Final thoughts

People frequently perceive PR as intangible and hard to measure, which makes it difficult to sell, particularly in times of economic uncertainty.

It doesn't have to be this way, though. A good, well-written, cohesive, and comprehensive public relations sales proposal can make all the difference in convincing your prospect to invest in your services. It can help you outline not just what you plan to do, but the actual value your customer's getting out of it, too.

Remember your proposal should be about them, not you -- highlight how your services will help them achieve their goals. Take your time to understand your prospect's business, audience, and challenges to write targeted, personalized proposals that stand out and close the deal.

And make your processes simpler by using a template. It can save you time, make your proposals look more enticing, make it easy for clients to share them with their stakeholders, and ultimately help you land more clients.

About the author

Marissa Taffer | Founder & President of M. Taffer Consulting

Marissa Taffer is the Founder & President of M. Taffer Consulting. She brings over 15 years of sales and marketing experience across various industries to a broad range of clients.

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Chapter 8 Public Relations Research: The Key to Strategy

If you previously ascribed to the common misconception that public relations is a simple use of communication to persuade publics, Bowen (2003), pp. 199–214. you might be surprised at the important role that research plays in public relations management. Bowen (2009a), pp. 402–410. We can argue that as much as three quarters of the public relations process is based on research—research, action planning, and evaluation—which are three of the four steps in the strategic management process in the RACE acronym (which stands for research, action planning, communication, and evaluation).

8.1 Importance of Research in Public Relations Management

Public relations professionals often find themselves in the position of having to convince management to fund research, or to describe the importance of research as a crucial part of a departmental or project budget. Research is an essential part of public relations management. Here is a closer look at why scholars argued that conducting both formative and evaluative research is vital in modern public relations management:

• Research makes communication two-way by collecting information from publics rather than one-way, which is a simple dissemination of information. Research allows us to engage in dialogue with publics, understanding their beliefs and values, and working to build understanding on their part of the internal workings and policies of the organization. Scholars find that two-way communication is generally more effective than one-way communication, especially in instances in which the organization is heavily regulated by government or confronts a turbulent environment in the form of changing industry trends or of activist groups. See, for example, Grunig (1984), pp. 6–29; Grunig (1992a; 2001); Grunig, Grunig, and Dozier (2002); Grunig and Repper (1992).
• Research makes public relations activities strategic by ensuring that communication is specifically targeted to publics who want, need, or care about the information. Ehling and Dozier (1992). Without conducting research, public relations is based on experience or instinct, neither of which play large roles in strategic management. This type of research prevents us from wasting money on communications that are not reaching intended publics or not doing the job that we had designed them to do.
• Research allows us to show results , to measure impact, and to refocus our efforts based on those numbers. Dozier and Ehling (1992). For example, if an initiative is not working with a certain public we can show that ineffectiveness statistically, and the communication can be redesigned or eliminated. Thus, we can direct funds toward more successful elements of the public relations initiative.

Without research, public relations would not be a true management function . It would not be strategic or a part of executive strategic planning, but would regress to the days of simple press agentry, following hunches and instinct to create publicity. As a true management function, public relations uses research to identify issues and engage in problem solving, to prevent and manage crises, to make organizations responsive and responsible to their publics, to create better organizational policy, and to build and maintain long-term relationships with publics. A thorough knowledge of research methods and extensive analyses of data also allow public relations practitioners a seat in the dominant coalition and a way to illustrate the value and worth of their activities. In this manner, research is the strategic foundation of modern public relations management. Stacks and Michaelson (in press).

8.2 Purpose and Forms of Research

The purpose of research is to allow us to develop strategy in public relations in order to (a) conduct our campaigns with specific purpose and targeted goals, (b) operate as a part of the overall strategic management function in an organization, and (c) measure the effectiveness of public relations efforts. By conducting research before we communicate, we revise our own thinking to include the views of publics. We can segment those publics, tailor communications for unique publics, send different messages to specifically targeted publics, and build relationships by communicating with publics who have an interest in our message. This type of planning research is called formative research Planning research that is conducted so that what the publics know, believe, or value and what they need or desire to know can be understood before communication is begun. because it helps us form our public relations campaign. Stacks (2002). Formative research is conducted so that we can understand what publics know, believe, or value and what they need or desire to know before we began communicating. Thereby, public relations does not waste effort or money communicating with those that have no interest in our message.

Research also allows public relations professionals to show the impact made through their communication efforts after a public relations campaign. This type of research is called evaluation research Research that allows public relations professionals to show the impact made through their communication efforts after a public relations campaign. . Using both forms of research in public relations allows us to communicate strategically and to demonstrate our effectiveness. For example, formative research can be used to determine the percentage of publics who are aware of the organization’s policy on an issue of concern. Through the use of a survey, we might find that 17% of the target public is aware of the policy. Strategically, the organization would like more members of that public to be aware of the organization’s policy, so the public relations department communicates through various channels sending targeted messages.

After a predetermined amount of time, a survey practically identical to the first one is conducted. If public relations efforts were successful, the percentage of members of a public aware of the organization’s policy should increase. That increase is directly attributable to the efforts of the public relations campaign. We could report, “Members of the community public aware of our new toxic waste disposal initiative increased from 17% to 33% in the last 2 months.” Measures such as these are extremely common in public relations management. They may be referred to as benchmarking because they establish a benchmark and then measure the amount of change, similar to a before-and-after comparison. Stacks (2002); Broom and Dozier (1990). The use of statistically generalizable research methods allows such comparisons to be made with a reasonable degree of confidence across various publics, geographic regions, issues, psychographics, and demographic groups.

In this section, we will provide a brief overview of the most common forms of research in public relations management and providing examples of their uses and applications and professional public relations. Building upon that basic understanding of research methods, we then return to the theme of the purpose of research and the importance of research in the public relations function.

Formal Research

Research in public relations can be formal or informal. Formal research Research that typically takes place in order to generate numbers and statistics. Formal research is used to both target communications and measure results. normally takes place in order to generate numbers and statistics that we can use to both target communications and measure results. Formal research also is used to gain a deeper, qualitative understanding of the issue of concern, to ascertain the range of consumer responses, and to elicit in-depth opinion data. Formal research is planned research of a quantitative or qualitative nature, normally asking specific questions about topics of concern for the organization. Formal research is both formative , at the outset of a public relations initiative, and evaluative , to determine the degree of change attributable to public relations activities.

Informal Research

Informal research Research that typically gathers information and opinions through conversations and in an ongoing and open exchange of ideas and concerns. is collected on an ongoing basis by most public relations managers, from sources both inside and outside of their organizations. Informal research usually gathers information and opinions through conversations. It consists of asking questions, talking to members of publics or employees in the organization to find out their concerns, reading e-mails from customers or comment cards, and other informal methods, such as scanning the news and trade press. Informal research comes from the boundary spanning role of the public relations professional, meaning that he or she maintains contacts with publics external to the organization, and with internal publics. The public relations professional spends a great deal of time communicating informally with these contacts, in an open exchange of ideas and concerns. This is one way that public relations can keep abreast of changes in an industry, trends affecting the competitive marketplace, issues of discontent among the publics, the values and activities of activist groups, the innovations of competitors, and so on. Informal research methods are usually nonnumerical and are not generalizable to a larger population, but they yield a great deal of useful information. The data yielded from informal research can be used to examine or revise organizational policy, to craft messages in the phraseology of publics, to respond to trends in an industry, to include the values or priorities of publics in new initiatives, and numerous other derivations.

8.3 Types of Research

Research in public relations management requires the use of specialized terminology. The term primary research The collection of unique data, normally proprietary, that is firsthand and relevant to a specific client or campaign. It is often the most expensive type of data to collect. is used to designate when we collect unique data in normally proprietary information, firsthand and specifically relevant to a certain client or campaign. Stacks (2002). Primary research, because it is unique to your organization and research questions, is often the most expensive type of data to collect. Secondary research The collection of data that is typically part of the public domain but is applicable to a client, organization, or industry. It can be used to round out and support the conclusions drawn from primary research. refers to research that is normally a part of public domain but is applicable to our client, organization, or industry, and can be used to round out and support the conclusions drawn from our primary research. Stacks (2002); Stacks and Michaelson (in press). Secondary research is normally accessed through the Internet or available at libraries or from industry and trade associations. Reference books, encyclopedias, and trade press publications provide a wealth of free or inexpensive secondary research. Managers often use secondary research as an exploratory base from which to decide what type of primary research needs to be conducted.

Quantitative Research

When we speak of research in public relations, we are normally referring to primary research, such as public opinion studies based on surveys and polling. (The following lists quantitative research methods commonly employed in public relations.) Surveys are synonymous with public opinion polls, and are one example of quantitative research. Quantitative research Research that is based on statistical generalization. It allows numerical observations to be made in order for organizations to improve relationships with certain publics and then measure how much those relationships have improved or degraded. is based on statistical generalization . It allows us to make numerical observations such as “85% of Infiniti owners say that they would purchase an Infiniti again.” Statistical observations allow us to know exactly where we need to improve relationships with certain publics, and we can then measure how much those relationships have ultimately improved (or degraded) at the end of a public relations initiative. For example, a strategic report in public relations management for the automobile maker Infiniti might include a statement such as “11% of new car buyers were familiar with the G35 all-wheel-drive option 3 months ago, and after our campaign 28% of new car buyers were familiar with this option, meaning that we created a 17% increase in awareness among the new car buyer public.” Other data gathered might report on purchasing intentions, important features of a new vehicle to that public, brand reputation variables, and so on. Quantitative research allows us to have a before and after snapshot to compare the numbers in each group, therefore allowing us to say how much change was evidenced as a result of public relations’ efforts.

Methods of Quantitative Data Collection

• Internet-based surveys
• Telephone surveys
• Mail surveys
• Content analysis (usually of media coverage)
• Comment cards and feedback forms
• Warranty cards (usually demographic information on buyers)
• Frequent shopper program tracking (purchasing data)

In quantitative research, the entire public you wish to understand or make statements about is called the population In quantitative research, the entire public that is sought to be understood or about which statements are made. . The population might be women over 40, Democrats, Republicans, purchasers of a competitor’s product, or any other group that you would like to study. From that population, you would select a sample In quantitative research, a portion of a population that is sought for study. to actually contact with questions. Probability samples A randomly drawn portion of a population from which the strongest statistical measure of generalizability can be drawn. can be randomly drawn from a list of the population, which gives you the strongest statistical measures of generalizability. A random sample A randomly drawn portion of a population in which the participants have an equal chance of being selected. means that participants are drawn randomly and have an equal chance of being selected. You know some variants in your population exists, but a random sample should account for all opinions in that population. The larger the sample size (number of respondents), the smaller the margin of error and the more confident the researcher can be that the sample is an accurate reflection of the entire population.

There are also other sampling methods, known as nonprobability samples Research sampling that does not allow for generalization but that meets the requirements of the problem or project. , that do not allow for generalization but meet the requirement of the problem or project. A convenience sample A population sample drawn from those who are convenient to study. , for instance, is drawn from those who are convenient to study, such as having visitors to a shopping mall fill out a survey. Another approach is a snowball sample A population sample in which the researcher asks a respondent participating in a survey to recommend another respondent for the survey. in which the researcher asks someone completing a survey to recommend the next potential respondent to complete the survey. A purposive sample Research sampling in which a specific group of people is sought out for research. is when you seek out a certain group of people. These methods allow no generalizability to the larger population, but they are often less expensive than random sample methods and still may generate the type of data that answers your research question.

Quantitative research has the major strength of allowing you to understand who your publics are, where they get their information, how many believe certain viewpoints, and which communications create the strongest resonance with their beliefs. Demographic variables are used to very specifically segment publics. Demographics are generally gender, education, race, profession, geographic location, annual household income, political affiliation, religious affiliation, and size of family or household. Once these data are collected, it is easy to spot trends by cross-tabulating the data with opinion and attitude variables. Such cross-tabulations result in very specific publics who can be targeted with future messages in the channels and the language that they prefer. For example, in conducting public relations research for a health insurance company, cross-tabulating data with survey demographics might yield a public who are White males, are highly educated and professional, live in the southeastern United States, have an annual household income above $125,000, usually vote conservatively and have some religious beliefs, have an average household size of 3.8 people, and strongly agree with the following message: “Health insurance should be an individual choice, not the responsibility of government.” In that example, you would have identified a voting public to whom you could reach out for support of individualized health insurance.

Segmenting publics in this manner is an everyday occurrence in public relations management. Through their segmentation, public relations managers have an idea of who will support their organization, who will oppose the organization, and what communications—messages and values—resonate with each public. After using research to identify these groups, public relations professionals can then build relationships with them in order to conduct informal research, better understand their positions, and help to represent the values and desires of those publics in organizational decision making and policy formation.

Qualitative Research

The second major kind of research method normally used in the public relations industry is qualitative research. Qualitative research Research that allows the researcher to generate in-depth, quality information in order to understand public opinion. This type of research is not generalizable but it often provides quotes that can be used in strategy documents. generates in-depth , “quality ” information that allows us to truly understand public opinion , but it is not statistically generalizable. (The following lists qualitative research methods commonly employed in public relations.) Qualitative research is enormously valuable because it allows us to truly learn the experience, values, and viewpoints of our publics. It also provides ample quotes to use as evidence or illustration in our strategy documents, and sometimes even results in slogans or fodder for use in public relations’ messages.

Qualitative research is particularly adept at answering questions from public relations practitioners that began “How?” or “Why?” Yin (1994). This form of research allows the researcher to ask the participants to explain their rationale for decision making, belief systems, values, thought processes, and so on. It allows researchers to explore complicated topics to understand the meaning behind them and the meanings that participants ascribe to certain concepts. For example, a researcher might ask a participant, “What does the concept of liberty mean to you?” and get a detailed explanation. However, we would expect that explanation to vary among participants, and different concepts might be associated with liberty when asking an American versus a citizen of Iran or China. Such complex understandings are extremely helpful in integrating the values and ideas of publics into organizational strategy, as well as in crafting messages that resonate with those specific publics of different nationalities.

Methods of Qualitative Data Collection

• In-depth interviews
• Focus groups
• Case studies
• Participant observation
• Monitoring toll-free (1-800 #) call transcripts
• Monitoring complaints by e-mail and letter

Public relations managers often use qualitative research to support quantitative findings. Qualitative research can be designed to understand the views of specific publics and to have them elaborate on beliefs or values that stood out in quantitative analyses. For example, if quantitative research showed a strong agreement with the particular statement, that statement could be read to focus group participants and ask them to agree or disagree with this statement and explain their rationale and thought process behind that choice. In this manner, qualitative researchers can understand complex reasoning and dilemmas in much greater detail than only through results yielded by a survey. Miles and Huberman (1994).

Another reason to use qualitative research is that it can provide data that researchers did not know they needed. For instance, a focus group may take an unexpected turn and the discussion may yield statements that the researcher had not thought to include on a survey questionnaire. Sometimes unknown information or unfamiliar perspectives arise through qualitative studies that are ultimately extremely valuable to public relations’ understanding of the issues impacting publics.

Qualitative research also allows for participants to speak for themselves rather than to use the terminology provided by researchers. This benefit can often yield a greater understanding that results in far more effective messages than when public relations practitioners attempt to construct views of publics based on quantitative research alone. Using the representative language of members of a certain public often allows public relations to build a more respectful relationship with that public. For instance, animal rights activists often use the term “companion animal” instead of the term “pet”—that information could be extremely important to organizations such as Purina or to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Mixed Methods/Triangulation

Clearly, both quantitative and qualitative research have complementary and unique strengths. These two research methodologies should be used in conjunction whenever possible in public relations management so that both publics and issues can be fully understood. Using both of these research methods together is called mixed method research A research method that combines quantitative and qualitative research. This method is considered to yield the most reliable research results. , and scholars generally agree that mixing methods yields the most reliable research results. Tashakkori and Teddlie (1998). It is best to combine as many methods as is feasible to understand important issues. Combining multiple focus groups from various cities with interviews of important leaders and a quantitative survey of publics is an example of mixed method research because it includes both quantitative and qualitative methodology. Using two or more methods of study is sometimes called triangulation In public relations, the use of two or more methods of study in order to ascertain how publics view an issue. , meaning using multiple research methods to triangulate upon the underlying truth of how publics view an issue. See Stacks (2002); Hickson (2003).

8.4 Chapter Summary

In this chapter, we examined the vital role of research in public relations management, both in making the function strategic and in adding to its credibility as a management function. Because research comprises such a large part of the public relations process—three of the four steps in the strategic management process—we discussed the purposes and forms of commonly used research in public relations. The roles of formal and informal research were discussed, as well as the major approaches to research: quantitative (numerically based) and qualitative (in-depth based) as well as the types of types of data collection commonly used in public relations in the mixing of methods.

Research Methods in Advertising and Public Relations

• Advertising
• Public Relations

This guide's co-authorship has been compiled and edited by SU Libraries Graduate Student Assistant, Abdulrahman Alzahrani - SU School of Information Studies, SU Libraries Graduate Student Assistant, Sharanya Kanwar - SU School of Education,  and Michael Pasqualoni - Newhouse School Librarian, SU Libraries, Department of Research & Scholarship, Subject Instruction Team

Suggest Additions & Edits

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Public Relations - Research Methods

The pages within this guide contain a cross section of book titles, articles, dissertations, databases and additional SU Libraries guides to consider when exploring research methodologies in public relations SUMMON search tip:  Use  Summon's advanced search screen , to uncover additional sources like those highlighted below.  Enter the phrase "public relations" as a "subject terms" search word - and combine that search query with an AND and an additional "subject term" search word or phrase, such as:

• Methodology
• "Research Design"
• "Research Methods"
• "Statistical Methods"
• Qualitative
• Quantitative
• Articles and Dissertations

A brief sampling of scholarly articles and doctoral dissertations covering research methodologies in public relations. Use the Scopus database to retrieve references for subsequently published articles or book chapters that cite these references. If a reference below resides in Scopus, click on "SULinks" or "view at publisher" to arrive at full text for that source. If neither brings up the full source, manually verify whether SU has access to the journal title containing the article using the journals A to Z list , or if a book chapter, an advanced 'title' search for the title of the book using Summon .

• Abdullah, Z. (2012). Improving educational and professional standards of public relations professionalism: Towards a mixed methods research approach .  International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches,  6 (2), 109-124.
• Fussell Sisco, H. K. (2008).  Crisis communication and nonprofit public relations: A mixed-methods investigation   (Order No. 3332243). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (304458377). 
• Golitsynskiy, S. (2013).  Computational methods applied to mass communication research: The case of press release content in news media   (Order No. 3600003). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (1465060062).
• Johnson, T. L. (2014).  A Mixed Methods Approach of Communication Campaign Development and Assessment: Identifying the Needs of an Audience and Determining the Value in Evaluation   (Order No. 1562641). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (1566477823).
• Meadows, C. & Meadows III, C.W. (2014).  The history of academic research in public relations: Tracking research trends over nearly four decades .  Public Relations Review , 40 (5), pp. 871-873.
• Page, T.G., Capizzo, L.W. (2021).  From “an open field” to established “waves”: Public relations scholarship through the lens of Public Relations Review .  Public Relations Review , 47 (5), art. No. 102115.
• Pasadeos, Y., Lamme, M. O., Gower, K., & Tian, S. (2011). A methodological evaluation of public relations research .  Public Relations Review,  37 (2), 163-165.
• Reber, B.H., Cameron, G.T. (2003).  Measuring contingencies: Using scales to measure public relations practitioner limits to accommodation .  Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly , 80 (2), pp. 431-446.
• Rotarius, T., Wan, T. T. H., & Liberman, A. (2007). A typology of health marketing research methods-combining public relations methods with organizational concern .  Health Marketing Quarterly,  24 (3-4), 201-211
• Satterfield, J. R. (2013).  Public Relations Methods and Corporate Image Outcomes   (Order No. 3549025). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (1283088268). 
• Thompson, J.R., Burke, J.G. (2020).  Increasing community participation in public health research: Applications for concept mapping methodology .)  Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action , 14 (2), pp. 243-250.
• Toledano, M. (2017). Emergent methods: Using netnography in public relations research .  Public Relations Review,  43 (3), 597-604.

Here are links to additional SU Libraries research guides potentially useful to researchers in public relations

• Public Relations Resources
• Business Information Guide
• Numeric Data Resources
• Video Guide

A sampling of licensed Syracuse University Libraries databases often helpful for researchers in public relations

See also:  Databases A-Z: Business & Entrepreneurship   and   Databases A-Z:  Communication

• SAGE Research Methods Online Sage Research Methods Online (SRMO) provides access to information about research methods compiled from a variety of Sage publications, including books/handbooks, articles, and the “Little Green Book” series, Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences. SRMO is searchable and browsable by author, and it includes a methods map, as well as video tutorials. Results can be refined to focus on disciplines such as 'political science,' 'geography,' 'economics' or 'history.'
• SAGE Research Methods Cases Teaching cases in which a variety of research methods are used in a number of social sciences subject areas. Cases are incorporated into SAGE Research Methods Online.
• ABI/INFORM Collection Index and abstracts to publications in business, management, and news, as well as reports and working papers; includes some full text.
• Business Source Elite Business and economics journals and magazine articles, many with full text, including content from the Harvard Business Review.
• Emerald Insight Journals covering library and information science, and management, as well as other subject areas.
• SAGE Journals Online Journals published by Sage in numerous disciplines, including health, management, sociology, psychology and communications. Includes the archive of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
• Taylor & Francis Online Journals Journals covering humanities, behavioral sciences, business, economics, education, engineering, the environment, language, literature, physical sciences, politics/international relations, social sciences, and more.
• Communication Source Abstracts of publications covering advertising, discourse, linguistics, media studies, speech-language pathology, and other communication fields.
• Statista Data from both public and private sources related to a wide range of subjects, including consumers, digital markets, and companies; also includes forecasts, analysis, reports, and more.
• SimplyAnalytics Four simultaneous users. Users must also create their own personal profile. Application for mapping, analytics, and data visualization of variables such as demographics, employment, housing, market segments, businesses, consumer spending, brand preferences, technology, and public health. Includes data from Nielsen Claritas, Dun and Bradstreet, Simmons, GFK MRI, Easy Analytic Software (EASI), and Applied Geographic Solutions.
• Mergent Intellect Provides access to information about U.S. and international public and private companies, company news, and key business ratios. Searchable by company, person, or industry, this resource includes and greatly expands content in D & B Million Dollar Database and offers FirstResearch industry profiles, Indeed job search, Nielsen demographics, and a residential directory.
• SRDS Media Solutions Directories for television and radio broadcasting, digital media, print newspapers and magazines, place-based and outdoor media. Also includes local market audience, programmatic media planning, and digital network information.

Information about foundations, funding sources, grants, and corporate funders.

• Data Axle Reference Solutions Includes profiles on United States and Canadian companies (including smaller private companies), a U.S. New Businesses search (with new businesses added weekly), a U.S. Consumers/Lifestyles database (where consumers can be identified with criteria such as income level and area of interest/hobbies), and directories of U.S. and Canadian residents.
• Business Insights: Essentials Database for researching all business and management topics. Includes directory listings for over 300,000 companies as well as company profiles, industry ratings, product brands, company performance ratings, investment reports and ratings, industry statistics, financial overviews, financial ratios, etc. Formerly known as "Business & Company Resource Center."
• ProQuest News and Newspapers Search portal for multiple news and newspaper databases including Alt-PressWatch, Canadian Newsstream, Ethnic NewsWatch, GenderWatch, Global Breaking Newswires, International Newsstream, US Newsstream, and ProQuest Historical Newspapers. Text visualization options for selected newspapers are available on the TDM Studio platform; please see the ProQuest TDM Studio guide for access information.
• Access World News Current and past worldwide news sources, including international, local and regional newspapers, media transcripts, wire service content, college newspaper articles, magazines, blogs, video and audio.

News, business, and legal sources covering world news and companies, and including U.S. Supreme Court decisions, state, federal and international law, regulations, and law reviews.

PRweek (U.S. ed.)

03/10/2003 to 03/31/2018 in  ABI/INFORM Collection

03/01/2003 to 03/31/2003 in  ABI/INFORM Trade & Industry

03/10/2003 to 03/31/2018 in  ABI/INFORM Trade & Industry

11/16/1998 to 06/16/2014 in  Factiva

 Note: To search by publication title, choose Search builder, then Source; for "select source category" and use dropdown for Publications: A-Z; enter publication title in box next to Find a Source, then key "enter." Click on title in Source Results to search on that title. Enter terms in free text box, then select run search.

2010 to Present in  Print Holdings   some issues missing

03/01/2003 to 03/31/2003 in  ProQuest Central

03/10/2003 to 03/31/2018 in  ProQuest Central

05/09/2013 to 08/16/2021 in  Newsbank Access World News Research Collection 2021 Edition

Public relations tactics 

07/01/1994 to 12/31/2017 in  Business Source Elite

03/01/1998 to 01/31/2008 in  Research Library ,  ProQuest Central

Journal of public relations research

01/01/1992 to 15 months ago in  Business Source Elite ,  Communication Source

1993 to 2008 in  Print Holdings

01/01/1992 to 08/31/2007 in  Nexis Uni

01/01/1997 to Present in  Taylor & Francis Social Science and Humanities Library

Public relations review

Print Holdings

1975 to 1994 in  Backfile Package - Business, Management and Accounting (Legacy) [YBT]

Backfile Package - Business, Management and Accounting including Supplement 1 [YUB]

12/01/1994 to Present in  ScienceDirect Freedom Collection 2021

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Carefully Crafted on March 15

HOW TO Write a PR Plan: Situation Analysis, Research and Goals/Strategy/Objectives

This is Part 1 of a 3-part series.

I recently asked you to weigh in on content for the blog — choose your own adventure, if you will. Between the comments, tweets and emails I received, it was clear that you wanted more info about how to write a PR plan. After all, failing to plan is planning to fail . And, lucky for me, strategizing is one of my favorite PR activities. (There’s nothing better than getting praise from a client for a plan well received .)

No two PR plans are the same. If you take a “cookie cutter” cutter approach to public relations planning, you’re doomed to fail. Step back and take the time to do your homework. What are you trying to accomplish, and how are you going to get there? To create that framework, a plan should include some or all of the following sections:

• Executive summary
• Situation Analysis

Research Summary

• Goals/Strategy/Objectives
• Target Audience
• Key Messages

Now, keep in mind, not every plan needs to be a three-ring binder (or the equivalent in our online world) full of pages and pages of detail. Sometimes, a tactical PR timeline works just as well, as long as everyone is one the same page about the goals. That said, I’m going to walk you through each of these items and you can pick and choose the elements that make the most sense for your specific situation.

Executive Summary

Sometimes, we present plans to a large group of people, some of whom want all the nitty gritty, while others just want the high-level overview. If someone is only going to read two pages of your hard work, this is it. The summary is just that: an overview of the rest of the plan. If your plan is fairly brief, you can skip this section. If you do include it, make sure it’s an accurate reflection of the entire plan — not just an overview of the tactics. Odds are, if an exec is only reading the executive summary, he/she doesn’t want to get bogged down in tactical details. They’re probably more interested in the end result. What’s the problem and how are you going to solve it? (Tip: Write this section last. At least, that’s what works best for me!)

Every good PR plan is based on solid research. That can be extensive, in-depth research (which my friend Chuck Hemann will talk to you about any day) … or it can be a simpler way of collecting information. Research can include interviews with:

• Employees. But, don’t just talk to a bunch of “yes men.” Interview an accurate representation of the company — management to entry level. Each has a valuable perspective to offer. Try to conduct the interviews without other management in the room. INterviewees will be more forthcoming with honest answers if they feel like the information won’t be held against them.
• Current customers/clients. Why are they doing business with your company over the competition? What do they like about working with you? What do they not like? How do they think you’re perceived in the market?
• Former client interviews. This is where the real wealth of information lies. Why did someone choose to stop working with the company? How can PR play a role in addressing those issues?
• Focus groups. This doesn’t have to be expensive. It can even be done online. But, try to get a group of people together to spark conversation and understand how people perceive your company/service/product.
• Community leaders.

Sounds expensive, right? It doesn’t have to be. While a phone survey conducted by a professional research company is optimal, interviews conducted internally can work just as well. I once wrote a PR plan for an international religious organization’s quadrennial event. To keep their costs manageable, our agency conducted about 70 interviews by phone. Though time-consuming, it was an effective way to gather anecdotal evidence that provided the basis for the plan.

In addition to interviews, collect qualitative data:

• Conduct a survey. SurveyMonkey is an affordable, easy to use option.
• Assess online conversations. How often are people talking about your company vs. the competition? Who is talking? Are comments negative or positive?
• Competitive Analysis. Who is the competition and how are they positioning themselves? Define their brand vocabulary. Where and how are they promoting themselves? What are they doing well? What are they not doing well?

Goals/Strategies/Objectives

It can be hard to differentiate between goals, strategies and objectives. Sometimes it’s helpful to reference blog posts that effectively explain how each is different and how the three areas feed into each other. A quick definition of goals, strategies and objectives , courtesy of Amber Naslund :

Goals are your general intentions, the big picture aims. Your objectives are the outcomes that represent achievement of that goal. Things you can actually observe. In order to be classified as an objective, something has to be measurable.  You need a way of defining whether or not you have completed them successfully. Strategies are the action plans you’ll execute to reach the objective. Tactics are the pieces and parts of the strategy. So that’s the hierarchy.

Amber’s post about how to create measurable objectives is really easy to understand. Bookmark it to reference whenever you find yourself struggling to define and measure your PR efforts.

And there you have it.

Those are the elements that lay the foundation for the plan. So far, we’ve assessed the current situation and defined where we want to go next. Tomorrow, we’ll talk about who we need to reach and how to craft messages that will resonate. Then, we’ll get into planning tactics. Don’t miss out. If you’re not already a subscriber, I hope you’ll sign-up to receive prTini.com in your inbox or RSS reader .

Like what you’re reading? Why not “like” Geben Communication on Facebook , too!

[…] useful idea to gather information about the audience you are wanting to target is to develop a Public Relations plan. I think by doing this it will be time efficient, well organised and very […]

PR Campaign Proposal Example (Use This PR Proposal Template Structure)

Once someone has expressed an interest in PR services, it’s important to strike while the iron is hot and crack on with writing a PR proposal that ticks every box and captures the imagination.

With the right structure, a public relations proposal sample can offer plenty of much-needed inspiration for those who need to quickly fire out PR campaign proposals to prospective clients.

In this guide, we will dissect a PR campaign proposal example and break down each of the key components.

Understanding how all the components of a PR proposal come together to create a final document is vital to producing compelling, value-packed content.

The following PR campaign proposal example is designed to include all the key components that must be included in any successful pitch for new business.

By following this blueprint, PRs can have confidence in their PR proposals and ability to encourage prospective clients to sign on the dotted line .

Let’s break down the key sections of our PR proposal template.

Breaking Down A PR Proposal Template (5 Key Components)

Executive summary.

In the executive summary, PR professionals must deliver a short, sharp overview of what the client can expect from their services.

It should go without saying that this section must be strong enough to stand on its own and really sell the idea of using the agency’s services .

The executive summary should answer three stage-setting questions:

1 – Who is the target audience?

2 – What are the objectives of the campaign?

3 – What are the deliverables?

Proposed Solution

The proposed solution section is where PRs get to flex their creative muscles and show off what they are capable of. This part of the document should outline the strategy that will be used to achieve the objectives set out in the executive summary.

Avoid getting bogged down in details. Focus on big-picture thinking and setting out the broad strokes of the proposed campaign.

The timeline section is where PRs need to get into the nitty-gritty and show that they have a solid plan for delivering results within a desirable timeframe. This part of the document should outline a clear and achievable schedule for the deliverables set out in the executive summary.

A Gantt chart is a commonly used tool for presenting key milestones over time.

This section should offer a bit more detail about the PR agency. After reading the About Us section, prospective clients will start to get an understanding of what the agency is all about, what they stand for, and whether they are the right fit for their needs. In this section, PRs could:

1 – Outline the agency’s experience

2 – Introduce individual team members

3 – Highlight snippets from relevant case studies

Finally, the Budgets section should provide a clear and concise breakdown of the fees and costs associated with the proposed campaign. 

Fees relate to the amount of time that will be required to complete the campaign (usually based on the hourly rate of staff). Costs usually cover things like venue hire, content production or other third-party expenses that the agency will need to pay for.

Some budgets also include Disbursements which help with outgoings like printing or travel for example. 

You should attempt to map these directly to the deliverables set out in the executive summary to show prospective clients exactly what they are getting for their money. In other words, show them they are getting some bang for their buck.

Public Relations Proposal Writing Tips

First impressions count.

As with anything in life, first impressions count. The same is true for PR proposals. Prospective clients will make snap judgments about an agency based on the look and feel of their proposals, so it is important to make sure that everything is looking ship-shape before hitting send.

Don’t Be Afraid To Show Off

A PR proposal is a perfect opportunity to show off what an agency is capable of. After all, this document is effectively a sales pitch, so it makes sense to pull out all the stops and really sell the idea of working with the agency.

Use Testimonials And Case Studies

When attempting to win over a new client, social proof in the form of testimonials and case studies can be very powerful. Including a few quotes from happy clients or some impressive statistics from previous campaigns can help to solidify an agency’s reputation in the eyes of prospective clients.

Create A Vibrant Online PR Proposal With Releasd

To engage prospective clients, you can use Releasd ’s platform to win new business. Here’s a PR agency creds page for example.

To learn more about how to create interactive case studies and proposals with Releasd, contact us today to get started.

Related posts:

How to Make Better PR Reports (Six Actionable Tips)

Best practice for PR professionals looking to demonstrate the value of their work more effectively.

Can PR Metrics Truly Measure Outcomes & Impacts?

Richard Benson | MD, Releasd One of the most fiercely debated topics in PR surrounds the industry’s ability to prove

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Research Library

This research library is a database of all the public relations research conducted by the Institute for Public Relations segmented by topic area. IPR research focuses on a number of key topics that matter to the profession. IPR’s work is distinguished through its five  IPR Commission/Centers of Excellence.

Sign up for the weekly IPR Research Letter to stay up-to-date with the latest in public relations and communication research.

All our research is available for free. If you would like to support IPR, visit on our page to make a contribution.

IPR CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

Research Topics

• Advertising
• Agency Search
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Deconstructing Blog Series
• Digital/Social Media
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Disinformation/Misinformation
• Internal Communications
• International/Country Specific
• Interdisciplinary
• Investor Relations
• Measurement
• Media Relations
• Public Affairs
• Relationships

Latest Research

How do Adults use TikTok?

This blog is provided by the Digital Media Research Center (DMRC) Pew Research Center analyzed U.S. adults’ opinions on TikTok and how those opinions vary

How can News Portals Effectively Garner Community Attention?

Dr. Dam Hee Kim, Joshua von Herrmann, and Dr. Seungahn Nah researched the potential of news portals as influencers on civic engagement, specifically regarding community

How Can Organizations Manage Employee Dissent?

This blog is provided by the IPR Organizational Communication Research Center (OCRC) “Now more than ever, decision-makers can’t act alone; they must bring diverse perspectives

17 Research Proposal Examples

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)

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]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

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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Home » Blog » Dissertation » Topics » Public Relations » Public Relations Dissertation Topics (26 Examples) For Research

Public Relations Dissertation Topics (26 Examples) For Research

Mark Aug 15, 2021 Aug 16, 2021 Public Relations No Comments

Public relation is a practice of deliberately managing the spread of information between the organization and the public. The ability of a company to relate to the public has an impact on its reputation and position. We have listed down some of the most impressive public relations dissertation topics that you can practice on. The […]

Public relation is a practice of deliberately managing the spread of information between the organization and the public. The ability of a company to relate to the public has an impact on its reputation and position. We have listed down some of the most impressive public relations dissertation topics that you can practice on.

A list Of Public Relations Dissertation Topics

Topic with mini-proposal (paid service).

Along with a topic, you will also get;

• An explanation why we choose this topic.
• 2-3 research questions.
• Key literature resources identification.
• Suitable methodology with identification of raw sample size, and data collection method
• View a sample of topic consultation service

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24 The Importance of Research in Public Relations

Research is a crucial component of the public relations process. There are several key reasons why research is so important. First, research allows us to develop a PR strategy . For example, in our cookie example, research allows us to develop a strategy for one of our key publics with nostalgia as a main focus. This information will allow us to design specific campaigns with particular targets and goals, to ensure we aren’t wasting time, money, and energy. This helps public relations operate as a strategic function of the organization, contributing to overall organizational goals and objectives .

Another reason why research is so important in public relations is that it can be used to measure the effectiveness of our public relations efforts. For example, we can measure how often our key public is purchasing Scrumpties cookies before our campaign, during our campaign, and after out campaign. This way, we can understand if our campaign has an impact purchasing habits. Was the campaign worthwhile? Was it effective? Research helps us answer these questions and justify the value of public relations within organizations by directing funds to effective strategies.

If we do research before we begin communicating, we can ensure we are capturing the views of our publics . We can identify key publics, develop targeted communications based on what is important to our publics, and build relationships with those publics who may be interested in our messaging. This contributes to two-way communication , instead of outdated methods of disseminating information one way to our publics (Grunig, 1992). Research is what allows us to understand our publics, their needs, and their values, and ensures that we are as effective and strategic as possible in the public relations process.

If we didn’t do research, PR would not be a key strategic function of organizations. Instead, we would be making decisions based on hunches and instinct, and generating publicity without any clear sense of who our publics are and what matters to them. As a central, strategic function of organizations, public relations relies on research to identify issues, problem solve, prevent and manage crises, develop and maintain relationships with publics, and deploy useful strategies and campaigns to support organizational goals and objectives. Being able to understand, conduct, and report on research also allows public relations professionals to demonstrate the value and worth of PR activities and helps ensure PR is part of the organization’s dominant coalition. In short, research matters!

This chapter is a very brief introduction to public relations research. Research is complicated, and you will learn a lot more about research design, methods, and best practices throughout your degree. For now, it is important that you recognize why research is so important in public relations, and that you are aware of its critical function within the public relations process ( RACE ). You should know the difference between formal and informal research, understand what quantitative and qualitative research means, and be aware of two key research techniques: surveys and focus groups.

Grunig, J. E. (Ed.). (1992).  Excellence in public relations and communication management . Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

A plan of action or policy designed to achieve a major or overall aim

A goal is something that a person or group is trying to achieve.

An objective is a goal expressed in specific terms.

Any group(s) of people held together by a common interest. They differ from audiences in that they often self-organize and do not have to attune to messages; publics differ from stakeholders in that they do not necessarily have a financial stake tying them to specific goals or consequences of the organization. Targeted audiences, on the other hand, are publics who receive a specifically targeted message that is tailored to their interests.

A process by which two people or groups are able to communicate with each other in a reciprocal way

A process when a person or group sends a message and receives no feedback of any kind from the receiver

RACE formula includes Research, Action planning & Analysis, Communication, Evaluation

Foundations of Public Relations: Canadian Edition Copyright © by Department of Communication Studies is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Examples of research proposals

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)
• Research Proposal Example 3 (DOC, 55.5kB)
• Research Proposal Example 4 (DOC, 49.5kB)

Subject specific guidance

• Writing a Humanities PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
• Writing a Creative Writing PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
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PR Proposal Template

Easily customize this pr proposal template and send it online to impress your clients and get more proposals signed.

The original language of this template is English, but you can always use the translated text.

Prepared For Sam Daniel

Prospero team

[email protected]

Good PR isn’t just about how good you look, or how many people are talking about you. It’s about sending a codified message about who you are and what you’ve accomplished to the world. With that in mind, here at [company], we are dedicated to working with you to craft the image you want to convey, and then one by one taking careful steps to create that image where-ever you go. Our goal as your PR representatives? To take our contacts in print, social media, television, and more, and turn them into deeper brand awareness and demonstrable success for the project ahead of you.

Our team is a multifaceted group of skilled individuals from every part of the PR spectrum, and we dedicated to making your project success. 1. We’ve researched your project thoroughly, and are already excited about helping you with it. [Team member] and [team member] are experienced in your industry, and already have ideas on how to move ahead. 2. We’ve been the public relations force behind [influential client] and [influential client]. Their goals were similar to yours, and here [link to portfolio] you can see demonstrable records of success. 3. Our team has a combined [x] amount of years working in PR. 4, We won’t just be throwing your name into the media to see what sticks. Our strategy involves carefully determining which avenues will offer you the most benefit and then pursuing those to your ultimate advantage.

Our PR campaigns have three sections. The Pre-Buzz phase encompasses working up excitement includes ongoing targeted social media campaigns in the months leading up to your event. The Buzz phase includes pre-announcement press such as news coverage, press releases, and live event coverage, including talk shows and interviews. The Post-Buzz phase includes ongoing coverage, promoting customer testimonials (if applicable) and further local and national news coverage.

Since PRis an ongoing project, we’ll be using milestones to keep you abreast of the situation. Below is our scheduled list of milestones, assuming a six-month project. If you need to make any changes, please get in contact.

What’s Next

That’s a lot to take in, so if you have any questions, feel free to reach out. My phone number is [phone number], and Im available any time after 10 AM, Monday-Friday. You can also reach me at [email address], and ll respond as quickly as I can. After this proposal is approved, you and I will schedule our first meeting together. This is where we’ll sit down and discuss your project, the face you’d like to present to the world, and the ideas we have for making this happen. Work begins as soon as the first payment goes through. We look forward to starting work with you!

1. The agreement between [company] and [client] will commence on [date] and last until [date]. 2. By signing this agreement, [client] gives [company] the responsibility to execute public relations efforts that contribute to the positive public image of [client]. 3. The payment structure is as follows: 50% upfront, 50% after project completion. Methods include PayPal, Bank Transfer, or Credit Card. Please contact with any questions. 4, Any information received from the client will be kept strictly confidential. A confidentiality requirement is available by request. 5. [Company] will remain the sole provider of public relations services for [client]. [Client] agrees not to hire any company to do the same work as [company]. 6. Any documents submitted to [company] by the client will remain the client’s property. Any original documents produced by [company] will remain [company’s] property, and copies will be made for our records. 7. If any work is requested outside the scope of this agreement, a new assessment will be required. Depending on the results of the assessment, a new invoice may be required. 8.In the case of project cancellation by the client, the client agrees to pay for all work hours already completed.

Public Relations Proposal

Branding has always been essential to business growth. Without proper brand strategy and awareness, services and products marketed by your company will find it hard to succeed in the market. However, done right; Your product marketing will be easy and effective. That’s why you should start considering bolstering your branding efforts by creating a public relations proposal. With the use of this document, you can be sure that your teams will find it easy to create a subsequent PR plan and other documents. However, we also have an excellent creation guide that will surely be of help. Browse our resources below and start your expansion.

10+ Public Relations Proposal Examples

1. public relations proposal template.

• Google Docs

Size: A4, US

2. Public Relations Marketing Proposal

Size: 53 KB

3. Public Relations Consultant Proposal

Size: 392 KB

4. Request for Proposal for Public Relations Services

Size: 770 KB

5. Public Relations Media Proposal

Size: 234 KB

6. Proposal for Public Relations

Size: 838 KB

7. Public Relations Communications Proposal

Size: 92 KB

8. Request for Proposals for Public Relations Consultation

Size: 54 KB

9. Public Relations Grant Proposal

Size: 167 KB

10. Public Relations Proposal Example

11. Public Relations Service Proposal in PDF

Size: 105 KB

What is a public relations proposal?

A public relations proposal is a document that people can use to endorse strategies and plans that will advance the market’s awareness of the company and its services. This document is necessary before creating further PR plans and other documents.

What are the five essential elements of public relations?

Public Relations is not pure science. There are times when you create decisions based on chance and decisiveness. However, public relations still needs planning and precise decision-making. Listed below are five essential elements that will surely boost your public relations.

Demographics

The first element that will greatly boost your public relations is demographics. Having a defined demographics for public relations is an excellent way to boost your brand awareness and marketing. So make sure that you have a defined demographic.

The next thing that is essential to your public relations efforts is goals. In fact, realistic goals ; make sure that you have SMART goals if you want to boost your public relations. In this way, you can be sure that you will have progress and development.

Developing a message comes next. Branding, in today’s world, is filled with ambassadors who relay a message that either empowers, accepts, develops, or relates to their customers . In this way, the brand can be remembered depending on the relevance of the message.

Competition-Awareness

It is also essential for your company to learn about your competition. This should be part of the public relation’s scope of work as this can have a huge impact in making your marketing campaign successful or not.

Lastly, you should make sure that whatever it is you are trying to show to the masses that, it is relevant. A few years back, it was alright to focus more on masculinity and idealism—as our culture allows. However, in today’s market, even the most masculine brands seek to be more inclusive, and great sports apparel started making products for those less sporty. It just reinforces the idea that relevance sustains you in the market.

How to Create a Public Relations Proposal

A movement starts with a stirring. Dr. Luther King Jr. didn’t start on the pulpit with thousands of followers, nope. The movement started with those few people who realized what freedom and humanity means, those people who want to change the world for the better. The same thing happens with your programs , that’s why you need a proposal first. To help you with that, we have simple steps that you can follow to create a high-quality proposal.

Step 1: Capture Readers

The first thing that you should consider in creating your proposal is that it will capture the readers. Whether you are trying to capture a few investors for your nonprofit organization, or the company’s higher-ups for your research grant, it’s always an excellent choice to capture them with your executive summary.

Step 2: Develop Trust

The point of your proposal is to create action. It is to instill a sense of need to provide you with the resources to move. That’s why for your next step you should develop trust by putting your team or company profile in your proposal. Make sure that people can see the men and women responsible for the cause.

Step 3: Strategic Plan

Now that you have their attention and they can trust you that what you have is for their good, you can now include your plan. Make sure that you already performed a SWOT analysis before creating this plan. In this way, you can show the readers the need, the challenges, your advantages, and disadvantages—which can help them create a sound judgment.

Step 4: Financial Transparency

It is a basic rule that the readers of your proposal should understand the whole financial flow of the project or endeavor. This is necessary to ensure that you can succeed in your cause by providing you with enough finances to counter any present or future costs. If you can, make sure that you have a simple budget ready. If you need to, use samples and templates that you have above.

What does a PR person do?

Any employee working under public relations ensures that the company has a better image and that the market has enough brand awareness to cater to the marketing and advertising efforts of the business

What are the types of publics in public relations?

Public relations as simple as it sounds can be complex and huge. That’s why there are at least six types of public in public relations. Listed below are these different types of publics. 1. Traditional and nontraditional publics. 2. Latent, aware, and active publics. 3. Intervening publics. 4. Primary and secondary publics. 5. Internal and external publics. 6. Domestic and international publics.

What is another term for public relations?

In today’s business world, public relations is sometimes called communication or the communication department. These two are now interchangeable depending on the need or desire.

A few years ago, digital marketing was nothing but a thought. Now it is fast and expanding. That’s why if you want to stay afloat in the economy, it is necessary for your company to stay relevant by having a public relations/communication-arm. Whether you are only doing things through email or on social media, you need to consider having one. Do not worry, as everyone is a student in this area. If you are a person in this area, however, make sure that you have a client sample proposal that you can use to help your company dominate.

Proposal Maker

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Public Relations Proposal Template To Close Deals

Public relations consultants, firms, and other professionals will find this PR business template helpful when creating new PR campaign, event, and consulting services proposals. Included are sections that feature project objectives, deliverables, process, timeline, budget, and a statement of work. This public relations template also allows you to showcase your expertise with testimonials and case studies.

All of our proposal templates are 100% customizable so you can edit the copy, design, images, and layout to fit your business, brand, and projects.

Get 60% faster sign off with our online signature tool and get paid right in your proposal with the Stripe payment integration.

All Proposify proposal templates are 100% customizable.

Event Management Proposal Template

This proposal sample can be customized by event management companies to quote their event planning services.

Branding Proposal Template

For marketing agencies that specialize in branding services, this branding proposal template provides suggestions on how to format a successful branding proposal.

Learn why over 10,000 businesses love Proposify

Drag & drop library sections

Managing proposals is a breeze in Proposify. Save all your case studies, fees, images and team bios all in one central library.

Tag them, search them and drop them into your layout. Proposals just got... dare we say... fun?

Online previews & signatures

No more emailing big PDFs, printing and shipping proposals or faxing back signatures (ugh). Your client gets a branded, interactive proposal they can sign off electronically. No need for extra software or logins. Oh, and we tell you as soon as your client opens it.

Track everything

Keep a pulse on your the sales pipeline of your agency. Proposify lets you know your close rate, which sections of your proposals get viewed and for how long, and all kinds of insight into what goes into your most successful proposals so you can sell smarter.

Sync up your other apps

Proposals are just one part of your agency sales process. We tie together your other software, so you can import contacts from your CRM, auto create deals and generate invoices in your accounting software. We are regularly adding new integrations.

Customer Support to the Rescue

We understand that when you’ve got questions, especially when you’re on a tight proposal deadline, you NEED answers. Our customer happiness specialists are at the ready, armed with friendly, helpful, timely support by email or online messaging. We’re here to help, regardless of which you plan you’re on or if you’re just taking us for a test drive.

We Keep Your Data Safe and Private

When it comes to protecting your private information, we’ve got it locked down tighter than Alcatraz. We partner with Amazon Web Services, use 128-bit SSL encryption, and create daily backups. And we never, EVER disclose any data to third-parties without your permission. Rest easy, nothing’s getting out of here alive.

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They Said “Yes!” – What to Include in Your PR Proposal to Get Them to Say Yes

Finding Clients , Getting Started

Aug 13, 2013 | Finding Clients , Getting Started

Determine the Best Approach Writing a public relations proposal can be the beginning of a beautiful business relationship, but like a marriage proposal you need to tailor it. Prior to writing, you must to do your research to understand the client’s needs, interests and business environment. You should also spend some time getting to know the client through phone calls and/or face-to-face meetings, in addition to email exchanges. This will help you decide the best format and content for your proposal.

For a step-by-step guide to building successful proposals, including examples, Solo PR PRO Premium  members can   click here to download Proposal Power .

What to Include The following is a general list of sections that can be included in your PR proposals, as appropriate. Use the research you’ve done to tailor your proposal to the client’s needs and styles – pick and choose from this list. The length will also vary depending on the circumstances – a section may take one sentence, a paragraph or a page.

• Your name, company name, contact Information and date of your proposal.
• Expiration date of the proposal, if applicable – in more formal proposals with a longer review cycle, you may want to define that the proposal and fees are only good for a specific period of time, such as 90 days.
• Executive Summary/Situation Analysis – this section can be covered in a paragraph or two and is used to clearly state your understanding of the client’s problems/needs. In proposals, particularly formal proposals such as RFP responses, this is universally the one section that all reviewers will read.
• Reason for submission – identify if you are submitting the proposal in response to a meeting, discussion or invitation to bid.
• Recommended programs – this is where you tell them what you will do, but not specifics of how you will do it.
• Budget – this section is very important to the client, of course. Though you’ll spell out the specifics of your agreement in a contract, it’s important to define the scope of what the budget covers (e.g., two rounds of revisions) in the proposal.
• Exclusions or limitations – you may want to define what is not included in the proposal. For example, if press releases are part of your offering, you may want to identify that distribution fees are not included.
• Your expertise, experience and capabilities.
• Bios on account team (these may include subcontractors, employees or partners that will work on the account).
• Case studies or examples of past work (formatted as challenge, solution, results).
• Your recommendations – this section is more detailed than an overview of the services that you will provide, but not so detailed that you are giving them all of the information to implement the solution without you. Some pros opt to provide detailed information and provide an option for clients to pay them for the plan if used without being required to hire the consultant.
• Client references.

Is there anything you'd add to this list? Have any additional questions? Please share, along with any lessons learned, in the comments!

The what’s not included, huge. Have to make that very, very clear. If they’re ordering ‘off the menu’ or trying to buy the steak w/out the sides, 1) they still pay for all the work to get there and 2) ‘a la carte’ has its own price tag and limitations. Important to avoid scope creep where you can.

Other things to add to this list – basic workflows and procedures; required project management/collaboration tools; email or phone; office hours and holidays and deadlines. You’ve given a deadline for the proposal itself, but the work will also need to be scoped per client needs, be very clear about the timeframes. FWIW.

Nice additions to the list! Since every new business situation is different, there are some instances when detailed discussions happen between the acceptance of the proposal and the signing of the contract.But you’re absolutely right that it’s often appropriate and useful to layout more specifics of the working arrangement in the proposal. Thanks for weighing in!

A good research to understand the client’s needs, interests and business environment to get a succesful PR. Such a Great list, will keep in mind in my next PR article.

Department of Politics and International Relations

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• PhD research proposal
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Writing a research proposal

The research proposal is the main way in which we evaluate the quality of your research plans. You should aim to make your proposal about 1500-2000 words long.

Your proposal should include the following:

The title indicates the overall question or topic of the PhD. It should include any key concepts, empirical focus, or lines of inquiry that you aim to pursue, and it should be concise and descriptive. You can normally discuss changes in the title with your supervisor(s) should you be successful but it is important to try to choose a clear and engaging title.

Research questions

What are the questions or problems for politics or international relations that you are trying to understand and solve? In explaining these, it will be helpful to spell out what else we need to know in order to understand why you are framing the problem this way.

Research aims

In answering these questions, what will your research project do? What will it shed light on or help us to understand that we don’t really understand better?

Contribution

Why this project? Explain why your project is interesting, what its broader implications are, and – if you think this is relevant – why you are particularly well placed to tackle it. It is also valuable to reflect on who has worked on the topic before and to provide a brief literature review. Are there any good approaches to the topic, or particular articles or books, that you are drawing on or bad ones you want to push back against?

What are the sources you plan to use to answer your research questions? These will vary according to the nature of your research but may include study of particular texts, interviews, published or unpublished data, archival or policy documents, or field site visits, among others. Try to be as specific as you can and assess the possibility of access to relevant sources.

This includes thinking about the research methods you will use to analyse empirical sources (e.g., sampling, survey or interview design, data collection, discourse analysis) but may also include setting out the kind of theoretical framework you will employ or your approach to history or political ideas. What prior knowledge and skills do you bring to the project? What extra training may you need?

Structure and timetable

Include a provisional chapter structure and timetable to completion, covering the three years of the full-time programme or six years of the part-time programme, as appropriate.

To help you with your application here are some examples of PhD proposals which were successful in obtaining funding:  PhD sample research proposal 1 (PDF , 96kb) PhD sample research proposal 2 (PDF , 79kb) PhD sample research proposal 3 (PDF , 197kb)

Apply for a PhD now

Department of Politics and International Relations University of York , York , YO10 5DD , UK Tel: work +44 (0) 1904 323542 | Fax: fax 01904 323563

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