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  • How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

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

Structure of a research proposal

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

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

Introduction

Literature review.

  • Research design

Reference list

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

Table of contents

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

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

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

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

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Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

  • Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
  • Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

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

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

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

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

To guide your introduction , include information about:

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

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research proposal resources

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 March 16, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/

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Other students also liked, how to write a problem statement | guide & examples, writing strong research questions | criteria & examples, how to write a literature review | guide, examples, & templates, what is your plagiarism score.

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Blog Education

How to Write a Research Proposal: A Step-by-Step

By Danesh Ramuthi , Nov 29, 2023

How to Write a Research Proposal

A research proposal is a structured outline for a planned study on a specific topic. It serves as a roadmap, guiding researchers through the process of converting their research idea into a feasible project. 

The aim of a research proposal is multifold: it articulates the research problem, establishes a theoretical framework, outlines the research methodology and highlights the potential significance of the study. Importantly, it’s a critical tool for scholars seeking grant funding or approval for their research projects.

Crafting a good research proposal requires not only understanding your research topic and methodological approaches but also the ability to present your ideas clearly and persuasively. Explore Venngage’s Proposal Maker and Research Proposals Templates to begin your journey in writing a compelling research proposal.

What to include in a research proposal?

In a research proposal, include a clear statement of your research question or problem, along with an explanation of its significance. This should be followed by a literature review that situates your proposed study within the context of existing research. 

Your proposal should also outline the research methodology, detailing how you plan to conduct your study, including data collection and analysis methods.

Additionally, include a theoretical framework that guides your research approach, a timeline or research schedule, and a budget if applicable. It’s important to also address the anticipated outcomes and potential implications of your study. A well-structured research proposal will clearly communicate your research objectives, methods and significance to the readers.

Light Blue Shape Semiotic Analysis Research Proposal

How to format a research proposal?

Formatting a research proposal involves adhering to a structured outline to ensure clarity and coherence. While specific requirements may vary, a standard research proposal typically includes the following elements:

  • Title Page: Must include the title of your research proposal, your name and affiliations. The title should be concise and descriptive of your proposed research.
  • Abstract: A brief summary of your proposal, usually not exceeding 250 words. It should highlight the research question, methodology and the potential impact of the study.
  • Introduction: Introduces your research question or problem, explains its significance, and states the objectives of your study.
  • Literature review: Here, you contextualize your research within existing scholarship, demonstrating your knowledge of the field and how your research will contribute to it.
  • Methodology: Outline your research methods, including how you will collect and analyze data. This section should be detailed enough to show the feasibility and thoughtfulness of your approach.
  • Timeline: Provide an estimated schedule for your research, breaking down the process into stages with a realistic timeline for each.
  • Budget (if applicable): If your research requires funding, include a detailed budget outlining expected cost.
  • References/Bibliography: List all sources referenced in your proposal in a consistent citation style.

Green And Orange Modern Research Proposal

How to write a research proposal in 11 steps?

Writing a research proposal in structured steps ensures a comprehensive and coherent presentation of your research project. Let’s look at the explanation for each of the steps here:  

Step 1: Title and Abstract Step 2: Introduction Step 3: Research objectives Step 4: Literature review Step 5: Methodology Step 6: Timeline Step 7: Resources Step 8: Ethical considerations Step 9: Expected outcomes and significance Step 10: References Step 11: Appendices

Step 1: title and abstract.

Select a concise, descriptive title and write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology and expected outcomes​​. The abstract should include your research question, the objectives you aim to achieve, the methodology you plan to employ and the anticipated outcomes. 

Step 2: Introduction

In this section, introduce the topic of your research, emphasizing its significance and relevance to the field. Articulate the research problem or question in clear terms and provide background context, which should include an overview of previous research in the field.

Step 3: Research objectives

Here, you’ll need to outline specific, clear and achievable objectives that align with your research problem. These objectives should be well-defined, focused and measurable, serving as the guiding pillars for your study. They help in establishing what you intend to accomplish through your research and provide a clear direction for your investigation.

Step 4: Literature review

In this part, conduct a thorough review of existing literature related to your research topic. This involves a detailed summary of key findings and major contributions from previous research. Identify existing gaps in the literature and articulate how your research aims to fill these gaps. The literature review not only shows your grasp of the subject matter but also how your research will contribute new insights or perspectives to the field.

Step 5: Methodology

Describe the design of your research and the methodologies you will employ. This should include detailed information on data collection methods, instruments to be used and analysis techniques. Justify the appropriateness of these methods for your research​​.

Step 6: Timeline

Construct a detailed timeline that maps out the major milestones and activities of your research project. Break the entire research process into smaller, manageable tasks and assign realistic time frames to each. This timeline should cover everything from the initial research phase to the final submission, including periods for data collection, analysis and report writing. 

It helps in ensuring your project stays on track and demonstrates to reviewers that you have a well-thought-out plan for completing your research efficiently.

Step 7: Resources

Identify all the resources that will be required for your research, such as specific databases, laboratory equipment, software or funding. Provide details on how these resources will be accessed or acquired. 

If your research requires funding, explain how it will be utilized effectively to support various aspects of the project. 

Step 8: Ethical considerations

Address any ethical issues that may arise during your research. This is particularly important for research involving human subjects. Describe the measures you will take to ensure ethical standards are maintained, such as obtaining informed consent, ensuring participant privacy, and adhering to data protection regulations. 

Here, in this section you should reassure reviewers that you are committed to conducting your research responsibly and ethically.

Step 9: Expected outcomes and significance

Articulate the expected outcomes or results of your research. Explain the potential impact and significance of these outcomes, whether in advancing academic knowledge, influencing policy or addressing specific societal or practical issues. 

Step 10: References

Compile a comprehensive list of all the references cited in your proposal. Adhere to a consistent citation style (like APA or MLA) throughout your document. The reference section not only gives credit to the original authors of your sourced information but also strengthens the credibility of your proposal.

Step 11: Appendices

Include additional supporting materials that are pertinent to your research proposal. This can be survey questionnaires, interview guides, detailed data analysis plans or any supplementary information that supports the main text. 

Appendices provide further depth to your proposal, showcasing the thoroughness of your preparation.

Beige And Dark Green Minimalist Research Proposal

Research proposal FAQs

1. how long should a research proposal be.

The length of a research proposal can vary depending on the requirements of the academic institution, funding body or specific guidelines provided. Generally, research proposals range from 500 to 1500 words or about one to a few pages long. It’s important to provide enough detail to clearly convey your research idea, objectives and methodology, while being concise. Always check

2. Why is the research plan pivotal to a research project?

The research plan is pivotal to a research project because it acts as a blueprint, guiding every phase of the study. It outlines the objectives, methodology, timeline and expected outcomes, providing a structured approach and ensuring that the research is systematically conducted. 

A well-crafted plan helps in identifying potential challenges, allocating resources efficiently and maintaining focus on the research goals. It is also essential for communicating the project’s feasibility and importance to stakeholders, such as funding bodies or academic supervisors.

Simple Minimalist White Research Proposal

Mastering how to write a research proposal is an essential skill for any scholar, whether in social and behavioral sciences, academic writing or any field requiring scholarly research. From this article, you have learned key components, from the literature review to the research design, helping you develop a persuasive and well-structured proposal.

Remember, a good research proposal not only highlights your proposed research and methodology but also demonstrates its relevance and potential impact.

For additional support, consider utilizing Venngage’s Proposal Maker and Research Proposals Templates , valuable tools in crafting a compelling proposal that stands out.

Whether it’s for grant funding, a research paper or a dissertation proposal, these resources can assist in transforming your research idea into a successful submission.

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

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

How to Approach Writing a Research Proposal

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

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

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

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

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

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

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

Structure and Writing Style

Beginning the Proposal Process

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

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

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

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

Most proposals should include the following sections:

I.  Introduction

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

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

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

II.  Background and Significance

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

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

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

III.  Literature Review

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

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

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

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

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

IV.  Research Design and Methods

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

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

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

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

V.  Preliminary Suppositions and Implications

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

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

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

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

VI.  Conclusion

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

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

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

VII.  Citations

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

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

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

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

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

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How to Write a Research Proposal

Deeptanshu D

Table of Contents

how-to-write-a-research-proposal

In academia, especially in social and behavioral sciences, writing a research proposal is an essential first step while planning a new research project. A research proposal is an initial pitch, or theoretical framework that serves to introduce the topic and anticipated results of a project, provide an overview of the methods to be used, and convince the reader that the proposed research can be conducted successfully. It is very essential to know how to write a research proposal, whether you are a student trying to fulfill course requirements or a researcher looking for funding for scholarly research. But writing a well-structured proposal is easier said than done.

To make things simpler for you, In this article, I explained the fundamentals of a research proposal, its structure, the steps involved in writing a research proposal, and common mistakes to avoid. Continue reading to gain a thorough understanding of the concept and purpose of a research proposal. This blog will also enable you to write the research proposal quickly, reducing the likelihood of rejection.

What is a Research Proposal?

In simpler terms,  A research proposal is a document written to explain and justify your chosen research topic and the necessity to carry out that particular research by addressing the research problem. Likewise, a good research proposal should carry the proposed research's results and benefits, backed by convincing evidence.

Always keep your audience in mind while writing your research proposal. Your audience expects a concise summary and a detailed research methodology from you in the research proposal.

To begin, you must understand the purpose of a research proposal in order to effectively write a research proposal and also to receive swift approvals.

What is the purpose or importance of a research proposal?

importance-of-research-proposal

A research proposal's purpose is to provide a detailed outline of the process that will be used to answer a specific research problem. Whereas the goal of the research proposal varies from person to person. In some cases, it may be to secure funding, while in others, it may be to obtain a meager approval from the committee or the supervisor to proceed with the research project. Regardless of your research proposal's end goal, you are supposed to write a research proposal that fulfills its intended purpose of presenting the best plan for your research.

While writing a research proposal, you should demonstrate how and why your proposed research is crucial for the domain, especially if it is social and behavioral sciences. It would help if you showed how your work is necessary by addressing some key points like:

  • Bridging the gaps in the existing domain of research.
  • Adding new and fresh perspectives to the existing understanding of the topic.
  • Undervalued data in the current stats of the domain.

Furthermore, your research proposal must demonstrate that you, as an author, are capable of conducting the research and that the results will significantly contribute to the field of knowledge. To do so, include and explain your academic background and significance along with your previous accolades to demonstrate that you and your idea have academic merit.

What is the ideal length of a research proposal?

There are no hard and fast rules about how long a research proposal should be, and it varies dramatically from different institutions and publishers. However, as a standard domain practice, a research proposal is generally between 3000- 4000 words. A majority of globally reputed institutions follow the 3000- 3500 word limit.

Since the research proposal is written well before the research is conducted, you need to outline all the necessary elements your research will entail and accomplish. Once completed, your research proposal must resemble a concise version of a thesis or dissertation without results and a discussion section.

Structure of a research proposal

structure-of-research-proposal

When you recognize a gap in the existing books of knowledge, you will address it by developing a research problem. A research problem is a question that researchers want to answer. It is the starting point for any research project, and it can be broad or narrow, depending on your objectives. Once you have a problem, it is followed by articulating a research question. After that, you can embark on the process of writing a research proposal.

Whether your goal is to secure funding or just approval, nevertheless, your research proposal needs to follow the basic outline of a research paper, containing all the necessary sections. Therefore, the structure of a research proposal closely resembles and follows a thesis or dissertation or any research paper. It should contain the following sections:

As is well known, the first thing that catches the reader's attention is a catchy title. Therefore, you should try to come up with a catchy yet informative title for your research proposal. Additionally, it should be concise and clear to reflect enough information about your research question.

To create a good research proposal, try writing the title to induce interest and information in your readers. Pro-Tip: Avoid using phrases such as “An investigation of …” or “A review of …” etc. . These have been overused for ages and may reflect your research title as a regular entry. On the other hand, concise and well-defined titles are always something readers like and stand higher chances for a proposal approval.

2. Abstract

Write your abstract in a brief yet very informative way. It should summarize the research you intend to conduct. Put an emphasis on the research question, research hypothesis , research design and methods, and the key findings of your proposed research.

If you wish to create a detailed proposal, try including a table of contents. It will help readers navigate easily and catch a glance at your entire proposal writing. Check out this guide if you want to learn more about how to write a research abstract for your scholarly research.

3. Introduction

All papers need a striking introduction to set the context of the research question. While framing your research proposal, ensure that the introduction provides rich background and relevant information about the research question.

Your entire research proposal hinges upon your research question. Thus, fit should come out clearly in the intro. Provide a general introduction without clear explanations, and it might render your research proposal insignificant.

Start your research proposal with the research problem, engage your audience with elements that relate to the problem, and then shed some light on the research question. Then, proceed with your study's evidence-based justification, and you'll find that the audience is sticking with your proposal narrative.

While writing your research proposal, ensure that you have covered the following:

  • Purpose of your study.
  • Background information and significance of your study.
  • Introduction to the question, followed by an introduction to the paper.
  • Brief mention of the critical issues that you will focus on.
  • Declaration of independent and dependent variables of the research hypothesis. (You can learn more about the variables of the research hypothesis here .)

4. Literature Review

Writing a literature review is an important part of the research process. It provides the researcher with a summary of previous studies that have been conducted on a subject, and it helps the researcher determine what areas might need additional investigation in the existing research. Guidelines for the literature review vary for different institutions.

To effectively conduct and write a literature review check this guide . You can also use tools like SciSpace Copilot , our AI research assistant that makes reading academic papers a much easier task. You can use it to get simple explanations for complex text, maths, or tables. Copilot can be particularly helpful when you’re sifting through papers as you can quickly understand the abstract, get some context around the study, and identify if the paper is relevant to your project or not.

The literature review can either be kept as a separate section or incorporated into the introduction section. A separate section is always favorable and vital in gaining the research proposal approval. Additionally, a separate section for a literature review offers in-depth background data and demonstrates the relevance of your research question by emphasizing the gaps that have remained since the previous study.

Your research proposal’s literature review must contain and serve the following:

research proposal resources

  • To provide a reference of the studies and the researchers who have previously worked in the same domain.
  • To provide the build path of your research question.
  • To furnish a critical examination of the previous research works.
  • To present the research issues about the current investigation.
  • To convince the audience about the importance of your research in the relevant domain.

Need help you with your literature review? Try SciSpace Discover and get barrier-free access to scientific knowledge.

Discover millions of peer-reviewed research articles and their full-text PDFs here. The articles can be compiled in one place and saved for later use to conduct a Hassel-free literature review.

5. Research Methodology

Research design and methods is the section where you explain how you will be conducting the proposed research. Ensure that you provide and include a sufficient explanation for the chosen methods. Additionally, include some points explaining how your chosen methods will help you get the desired or expected results.

Provide ample information to the readers about your research procedures so that they can easily comprehend the methodology and its expected results. Through your research methodology, you can easily show your audience whether the results you are promising can be achieved or not.

Most importantly, make sure the methodology you choose—whether qualitative or quantitative—is the best fit for your research. You should also be able to justify your choice.

Additionally, you should properly explain both the quantitative and qualitative components of your research if they are both used. For a qualitative approach, you must offer more elaborate and in-depth theoretical-based evidence. On the other hand, for the quantitative approach, you must describe the survey or lab setup, sample size, tools, and data collection methods.

Make sure you have plenty of explanations for the research methodology to support how you approached the research problem.

6. Expected Research Results

The expected research results section is where the researcher states what they expect to find in their research. The purpose of this section is to provide a summary of the study's goals, as well as give an overview of what the researcher expects will be found out. These results must orient the reader in sync with the methodology section and provide the answers to the research questions.

7. Limitations

The limitations section of an academic research paper is a section in which the writers of the paper discuss the weaknesses of their study. They do this by identifying problems with their methods, design, and implementation. This section should also discuss any other factors that may have affected the results or accuracy of the study. This section allows readers to understand how much confidence they can place in the findings, and how applicable they are to other contexts.

Furthermore, it will also showcase your honesty and complete understanding of the topic. Your research proposal’s limitations can include:

  • Reasons for the chosen sample size.
  • Justifications for the availability of resources at hand.
  • Any unexpected error that might occur in the course of research as well.

8. Reference and Bibliography

If you don’t want your efforts to be tagged as plagiarized, ensure that you include the reference section at the end of the research proposal and follow the appropriate citation guidelines while citing different scholarly sources and various other researchers’ work.

For references, use both the in-text and footnote citations. List all the literature you have used to gather the information. However, in the bibliography, apart from including the references you have cited, you should include the sources that you didn't cite.

Reasons why research proposals get rejected

reasons-for-research-proposal-rejections

Research proposals often get rejected due to the smallest of mistakes. To keep the chances of getting your research proposal rejection at bay or a minimum, you should be aware of what grounds committees or supervisors often decide on rejection.

Follow through to understand the common reasons why research papers get rejected:

  • The proposal stated a flawed hypothesis.
  • The readers or the audience don't get convinced that the expected results will be anything new or unique.
  • The research methodology lacks the details and may appear unrealistic.
  • The research proposal lacks coherence in the problem statement, methodology, and results.
  • Inadequate literature review.
  • Inaccurate interpretation of expected results from the methodology.
  • Plagiarized or copied sections of the research proposal.

Common mistakes to avoid

common-mistakes-to-avoid-while-writing-a-research-proposal

You must stay aware of the research proposal guidelines and best writing manners. To maximize the approval chances of your research proposal, you should try to avoid some common pitfalls like:

  • Making it verbose

Try explaining the various sections of the research proposal economically. Ideally, you should strive to keep your writing as a concise, brief, and to the point as possible. The more concisely you explain the purpose and goal of your research proposal, the better.

  • Focusing on minor issues than tackling the core

While writing the research proposal, you may feel every issue is important, and you should provide an explanatory note for that. However, stay wiser while selecting the importance of issues. Avoid falling into the trap of trivial issues, as it may distract your readers from the core issues.

  • Failure to put a strong research argument

The easiest way your readers can undermine your research proposal is by stating it is far more subjective and sounds unrealistic. A potent research argument describing the gaps in the current field, its importance, significance, and contributions to your research is the foremost requirement of a good research proposal.

Remember, even though you are proposing the objective, academic way, the goal is to persuade the audience to provide you with the required research approval.

  • Not citing correctly

Understand that when you are going for some research, its outcome will contribute to the existing pool of knowledge. Therefore, always cite some landmark works of your chosen research domain and connect your proposed work with it.

Providing such intricate details will establish your research's importance, relevance, and familiarity with the domain knowledge.

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Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches

Student resources, research proposal tools and sample student proposals.

Sample research proposals written by doctoral students in each of the key areas covered in Research Design --quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods—are provided as a useful reference. A Research Proposal checklist also serves to help guide your own proposal-writing.

›   Morales Proposal_Qualitative Study

›   Kottich Proposal_Quantitative Study

›   Guetterman Proposal_Mixed Methods Study

›   Research Proposal Checklist  

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How to Write a Research Proposal: Examples and Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal: Examples and Templates

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to write a research proposal! Whether you are a student or a researcher, the ability to write a well-structured and compelling research proposal is essential. A research proposal is a written document that outlines your proposed research project, including its objectives, methods, and expected outcomes. It serves as a schedule or roadmap for your research, helping you stay organized and focused throughout the process.

Writing a research proposal can be a daunting task, but fear not – we’re here to help! In this article, we will provide you with examples and templates to guide you through the process. We’ll cover everything from the basic structure of a research proposal to tips for making your proposal strong and convincing. So, whether you’re new to research proposal writing or looking to improve your skills, keep reading!

Before we dive into the details, it’s important to remember why research proposals matter. A well-written research proposal demonstrates that you have a clear understanding of your research topic and its implications. It also shows that you have a logical and organized approach to conducting research. Academics and researchers frequently cite and use research proposals to analyze and evaluate the feasibility and relevance of proposed research projects. Therefore, investing time and effort into writing a high-quality research proposal can greatly increase your chances of getting your project approved and making a valuable contribution to your field.

Key Components of a Research Proposal

Literature review.

The literature review is an essential part of a research proposal as it demonstrates your knowledge of the existing research and the gaps in the literature that your study aims to fill. It should present a critical analysis of relevant articles, books, and other sources that have been conducted within the field. The literature review helps situate your research within the broader academic context and justifies the need for your study.

Prioritize recent sources and avoid citing too many articles to keep your literature review concise and focused. Remember to analyze the key findings and arguments presented within the literature.

Research Questions or Hypotheses

Your research questions or hypotheses are the central focus of your research proposal. They articulate the specific objectives of your study and guide your data collection and analysis. Your research questions should be clear, specific, and feasible, while hypotheses state the expected relationship between variables.

Methodology

Significance and contribution.

In this section, you should explain the significance of your research and its contribution to the field. Identify the potential impact your study may have and highlight the value it brings to academics or practitioners. State why your research is unique or innovative and how it adds to existing knowledge.

The budget section is a common requirement for research proposals, particularly if you are applying for funding. Outline the expected costs of your research project, including any necessary resources, equipment, or participant compensation. Be detailed and realistic in your budget planning to ensure the feasibility of your project.

By following these key components and guidelines, you can create a well-structured and compelling research proposal that showcases the value and feasibility of your research.

Examples of Successful Research Proposals

2. research questions and objectives.

The research questions and objectives should be clearly stated and specific. They should demonstrate a strong understanding of the topic and explain what the research aims to achieve. It is important to remember that the research goals should be achievable within the proposed time frame and resources. Failing to clearly articulate the purpose and objectives of the research can weaken the proposal.

3. Methods and Procedures

This section needs to outline the methods and procedures that will be used to collect and analyze data. It should explain why these methods were chosen and how they will help answer the research questions. Including a timeline for each step of the research process is also useful. By demonstrating a clear plan for data collection and analysis, readers can be confident in the feasibility and rigor of the proposed research.

4. Implications and References

5. participants and surveys/interviews.

If your research involves participants, it is important to explain how you will recruit and select them. Furthermore, if surveys or interviews will be conducted, describe the process of designing and administering these instruments. This section should ensure that the proposal addresses ethical considerations and provides a clear plan for data collection from human subjects.

Examining examples of successful research proposals can be useful while writing your own. It helps you understand the structure, methods, and tone that should be used, as well as provides insight into common elements and formatting techniques. Make sure to review and polish your proposal before submitting it, and if in doubt, seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or others experienced in proposal writing.

Templates and Resources for Writing a Research Proposal

When it comes to writing a research proposal, having a template or resources at hand can greatly help you structure your mind and guide you in the right direction. There are various templates available that can provide a basic structure for your proposal, making it easier for you to organize your thoughts and present your ideas clearly.

In addition to templates, there are also resources available that can help you in the process of writing your research proposal. Books, articles, and online guides can provide valuable information on how to structure and write a proposal, as well as tips and examples from experienced researchers. These resources can help you analyze and understand the structure of a proposal and guide you in writing your own.

It is important to keep in mind that while templates and resources can be helpful, it is also essential to adapt them to your own research goals and objectives. A research proposal is a reflection of your own work and ideas, so it is important to tailor it to fit your specific needs. Moreover, it is important to be aware of the implications of using templates or resources provided by others, as they may not always be a perfect fit for your research project.

When using a template or resource, it is also crucial to critically analyze the information provided and make sure it aligns with your own research goals and hypothesis. You should not blindly follow a template or resource without questioning whether it fits the needs of your research. Everyone’s research is unique, and what works for someone else may not work for you.

Including a bibliography or list of sources in your research proposal is another important aspect to consider. This section should show that you have conducted a thorough review of the existing literature and have identified the gaps in knowledge that your research aims to fill. It is recommended to include both primary and secondary sources in your bibliography to demonstrate that you have consulted a range of relevant materials.

Proofreading services can also be of great help when it comes to polishing your research proposal. Having someone else review your proposal can provide valuable feedback on the overall structure, clarity of ideas, and tone of your writing. Proofreading services, such as Scribbr’s, can help ensure that your proposal is free of grammatical errors and typos, thus earning you the best chance of approval.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that a research proposal is not set in stone. It is an initial plan that outlines your intended research, but it can and should evolve throughout the research process. As you delve deeper into your research, new insights may emerge, and the direction of your study might shift. Be open to modifications and adjustments along the way, as this is a natural part of the research journey.

Reference List

Here are some steps to follow when creating your reference list:

1. Keep Track of Your Sources

Throughout your research process, make sure to keep a record of all the sources you come across. This includes books, articles, websites, and any other materials that you may want to cite in your proposal.

2. Organize Your References

Once you have gathered all your sources, organize them according to a specific format. This could be alphabetical order, chronological order, or any other logical sequence that is appropriate for your research.

3. Use a Consistent Citation Style

Choose a specific citation style and use it consistently throughout your reference list. Examples of popular citation styles include APA, MLA, and Chicago. Make sure to follow the guidelines for your chosen style and pay attention to details such as capitalization, punctuation, and italics.

4. Double Check for Accuracy

Before finalizing your reference list, double check all the details such as titles, authors’ names, publication dates, and URLs (if applicable). Spelling mistakes, typos, and formatting errors can easily occur, so it is important to proofread your reference list thoroughly.

5. Maintain a Proper Format

Make sure that your reference list follows a consistent format and is properly structured. Each entry should include all the necessary information, such as the author’s name, publication title, source title, publication date, and page numbers (if applicable). Check the guidelines of your chosen citation style for the specific format.

By following these steps, you can create a well-organized and accurate reference list that showcases your thorough research and attention to detail.

What is a research proposal?

A research proposal is a document that outlines the objective, scope, and methodology of a research project. It serves as a blueprint for the research study and helps to convince the funding body or institution about the merits of the proposed research.

What should be included in a research proposal?

A research proposal typically includes an introduction, literature review, research objectives, research methodology, timeline, and budget. It may also include a hypothesis, research questions, and expected outcomes.

How long should a research proposal be?

The length of a research proposal can vary depending on the requirements of the funding body or institution. However, in general, a research proposal is usually around 1500-2000 words long.

What is the structure of a research proposal?

A research proposal typically follows a standard structure, which includes an introduction, literature review, research objectives, research methodology, timeline, budget, and references. The introduction provides a background to the research topic, the literature review highlights existing knowledge and research gaps, the research objectives define the goals of the study, the research methodology outlines the approach and methods to be used, the timeline sets out the project timeline, the budget outlines the estimated costs, and the references provide a list of cited sources.

How can I make my research proposal stand out?

To make your research proposal stand out, you should clearly articulate the significance of your proposed research, demonstrate a thorough understanding of the existing literature, provide a detailed and well-thought-out methodology, and present a realistic timeline and budget. Additionally, it is important to address any potential limitations or challenges and propose solutions. Finally, make sure your research proposal is well-written, organized, and free of grammatical and spelling errors.

A research proposal is a document that outlines the objective, methods, and goals of a research project. It serves as a blueprint for the research and is usually submitted to funding agencies or academic institutions for approval.

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Home » Proposal – Types, Examples, and Writing Guide

Proposal – Types, Examples, and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Proposal

Definition:

Proposal is a formal document or presentation that outlines a plan, idea, or project and seeks to persuade others to support or adopt it. Proposals are commonly used in business, academia, and various other fields to propose new initiatives, solutions to problems, research studies, or business ventures.

Proposal Layout

While the specific layout of a proposal may vary depending on the requirements or guidelines provided by the recipient, there are some common sections that are typically included in a standard proposal. Here’s a typical layout for a proposal:

  • The title of the proposal.
  • Your name or the name of your organization.
  • Date of submission.
  • A list of sections or headings with corresponding page numbers for easy navigation.
  • An overview of the proposal, highlighting its key points and benefits.
  • Summarize the problem or opportunity.
  • Outline the proposed solution or project.
  • Mention the expected outcomes or deliverables.
  • Keep it concise and compelling.
  • Provide background information about the issue or context.
  • Explain the purpose and objectives of the proposal.
  • Clarify the problem statement or opportunity that the proposal aims to address.
  • Describe in detail the methodology , approach , or plan to achieve the objectives.
  • Outline the steps or tasks involved in implementing the proposal.
  • Explain how the proposed solution or project will be executed.
  • Include a timeline or schedule to demonstrate the project’s timeline.
  • Define the specific activities, tasks, or services to be provided.
  • Clarify the deliverables and expected outcomes.
  • Mention any limitations or exclusions, if applicable.
  • Provide a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the proposal.
  • Include itemized expenses such as personnel, materials, equipment, and any other relevant costs.
  • If applicable, include a justification for each cost.
  • Introduce the individuals or team members involved in the proposal.
  • Highlight their qualifications, expertise, and experience relevant to the project.
  • Include their roles and responsibilities.
  • Specify how the success of the proposal will be measured.
  • Define evaluation criteria and metrics to assess the outcomes.
  • Explain how progress will be tracked and reported.
  • Recap the main points of the proposal.
  • Reiterate the benefits and advantages of the proposed solution.
  • Emphasize the value and importance of supporting or adopting the proposal.
  • Include any additional documents, references, charts, graphs, or data that support your proposal.
  • These can include resumes, letters of support, financial projections, or relevant research materials.

Types of Types of Proposals

When it comes to proposals, there are various types depending on the context and purpose. Here are some common types of proposals:

Business Proposal

This type of proposal is used in the business world to present a plan, idea, or project to potential clients, investors, or partners. It typically includes an executive summary, problem statement, proposed solution, timeline, budget, and anticipated outcomes.

Project Proposal

A project proposal is a detailed document that outlines the objectives, scope, methodology, deliverables, and budget of a specific project. It is used to seek approval and funding from stakeholders or clients.

Research Proposal

Research proposals are commonly used in academic or scientific settings. They outline the research objectives, methodology, timeline, expected outcomes, and potential significance of a research study. These proposals are submitted to funding agencies, universities, or research institutions.

Grant Proposal

Non-profit organizations, researchers, or individuals seeking funding for a project or program often write grant proposals. These proposals provide a detailed plan of the project, including goals, methods, budget, and expected outcomes, to convince grant-making bodies to provide financial support.

Sales Proposal

Sales proposals are used by businesses to pitch their products or services to potential customers. They typically include information about the product/service, pricing, features, benefits, and a persuasive argument to encourage the recipient to make a purchase.

Sponsorship Proposal

When seeking sponsorship for an event, sports team, or individual, a sponsorship proposal is created. It outlines the benefits for the sponsor, the exposure they will receive, and the financial or in-kind support required.

Marketing Proposal

A marketing proposal is developed by marketing agencies or professionals to present their strategies and tactics to potential clients. It includes an analysis of the target market, proposed marketing activities, budget, and expected results.

Policy Proposal

In the realm of government or public policy, individuals or organizations may create policy proposals to suggest new laws, regulations, or changes to existing policies. These proposals typically provide an overview of the issue, the proposed solution, supporting evidence, and potential impacts.

Training Proposal

Organizations often create training proposals to propose a training program for their employees. These proposals outline the training objectives, topics to be covered, training methods, resources required, and anticipated outcomes.

Partnership Proposal

When two or more organizations or individuals wish to collaborate or form a partnership, a partnership proposal is used to present the benefits, shared goals, responsibilities, and terms of the proposed partnership.

Event Proposal

Event planners or individuals organizing an event, such as a conference, concert, or wedding, may create an event proposal. It includes details about the event concept, venue, logistics, budget, marketing plan, and anticipated attendee experience.

Technology Proposal

Technology proposals are used to present new technological solutions, system upgrades, or IT projects to stakeholders or decision-makers. These proposals outline the technology requirements, implementation plan, costs, and anticipated benefits.

Construction Proposal

Contractors or construction companies create construction proposals to bid on construction projects. These proposals include project specifications, cost estimates, timelines, materials, and construction methodologies.

Book Proposal

Authors or aspiring authors create book proposals to pitch their book ideas to literary agents or publishers. These proposals include a synopsis of the book, target audience, marketing plan, author’s credentials, and sample chapters.

Social Media Proposal

Social media professionals or agencies create social media proposals to present their strategies for managing social media accounts, creating content, and growing online presence. These proposals include an analysis of the current social media presence, proposed tactics, metrics for success, and pricing.

Training and Development Proposal

Similar to training proposals, these proposals focus on the overall development and growth of employees within an organization. They may include plans for leadership development, skill enhancement, or professional certification programs.

Consulting Proposal

Consultants create consulting proposals to present their services and expertise to potential clients. These proposals outline the problem statement, proposed approach, scope of work, timeline, deliverables, and fees.

Policy Advocacy Proposal

Organizations or individuals seeking to influence public policy or advocate for a particular cause create policy advocacy proposals. These proposals present research, evidence, and arguments to support a specific policy change or reform.

Website Design Proposal

Web designers or agencies create website design proposals to pitch their services to clients. These proposals outline the project scope, design concepts, development process, timeline, and pricing.

Environmental Proposal

Environmental proposals are created to address environmental issues or propose conservation initiatives. These proposals may include strategies for renewable energy, waste management, biodiversity preservation, or sustainable practices.

Health and Wellness Proposal

Proposals related to health and wellness can cover a range of topics, such as wellness programs, community health initiatives, healthcare system improvements, or health education campaigns.

Human Resources (HR) Proposal

HR professionals may create HR proposals to introduce new policies, employee benefits programs, performance evaluation systems, or employee training initiatives within an organization.

Nonprofit Program Proposal

Nonprofit organizations seeking funding or support for a specific program or project create nonprofit program proposals. These proposals outline the program’s objectives, activities, target beneficiaries, budget, and expected outcomes.

Government Contract Proposal

When bidding for government contracts, businesses or contractors create government contract proposals. These proposals include details about the project, compliance with regulations, cost estimates, and qualifications.

Product Development Proposal

Businesses or individuals seeking to develop and launch a new product present product development proposals. These proposals outline the product concept, market analysis, development process, production costs, and marketing strategies.

Feasibility Study Proposal

Feasibility study proposals are used to assess the viability and potential success of a project or business idea. These proposals include market research, financial analysis, risk assessment, and recommendations for implementation.

Educational Program Proposal

Educational institutions or organizations create educational program proposals to introduce new courses, curricula, or educational initiatives. These proposals outline the program objectives, learning outcomes, curriculum design, and resource requirements.

Social Service Proposal

Organizations involved in social services, such as healthcare, community development, or social welfare, create social service proposals to seek funding, support, or partnerships. These proposals outline the social issue, proposed interventions, anticipated impacts, and sustainability plans.

Proposal Writing Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with proposal writing:

  • Understand the Requirements: Before you begin writing your proposal, carefully review any guidelines, instructions, or requirements provided by the recipient or organization. This will ensure that you meet their expectations and include all necessary information.
  • Research and Gather Information: Conduct thorough research on the topic or project you are proposing. Collect relevant data, statistics, case studies, and any supporting evidence that strengthens your proposal. This will demonstrate your knowledge and credibility.
  • Define the Problem or Opportunity: Clearly identify and articulate the problem or opportunity that your proposal aims to address. Provide a concise and compelling explanation of why it is important and relevant.
  • State Your Objectives: Outline the specific objectives or goals of your proposal. What do you hope to achieve? Make sure your objectives are clear, measurable, and aligned with the needs of the recipient.
  • Present Your Solution: Propose your solution or approach to the problem. Describe how your solution is unique, innovative, and effective. Provide a step-by-step plan or methodology, highlighting key activities, deliverables, and timelines.
  • Demonstrate Benefits and Impact: Clearly outline the benefits and impact of your proposal. Explain how it will add value, solve the problem, or create positive change. Use evidence and examples to support your claims.
  • Develop a Budget: If applicable, include a detailed budget that outlines the costs associated with implementing your proposal. Be transparent and realistic about expenses, and clearly explain how the funding will be allocated.
  • Address Potential Risks and Mitigation Strategies: Identify any potential risks, challenges, or obstacles that may arise during the implementation of your proposal. Offer strategies or contingency plans to mitigate these risks and ensure the success of your project.
  • Provide Supporting Documentation: Include any supporting documents that add credibility to your proposal. This may include resumes or bios of key team members, letters of support or partnership, relevant certifications, or past success stories.
  • Write Clearly and Concisely: Use clear and concise language to communicate your ideas effectively. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse or alienate the reader. Structure your proposal with headings, subheadings, and bullet points to enhance readability.
  • Proofread and Edit: Carefully review your proposal for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors. Ensure that it is well-organized, coherent, and flows logically. Consider asking someone else to review it for feedback and suggestions.
  • Include a Professional Cover Letter: If appropriate, attach a cover letter introducing your proposal. This letter should summarize the key points, express your enthusiasm, and provide contact information for further discussion.
  • Follow Submission Instructions: Follow the specific instructions for submitting your proposal. This may include submitting it electronically, mailing it, or delivering it in person. Pay attention to submission deadlines and any additional requirements.
  • Follow Up: After submitting your proposal, consider following up with the recipient to ensure they received it and address any questions or concerns they may have. This shows your commitment and professionalism.

Purpose of Proposal

The purpose of a proposal is to present a plan, idea, project, or solution to a specific audience in a persuasive and compelling manner. Proposals are typically written documents that aim to:

  • Convince and Persuade: The primary purpose of a proposal is to convince the recipient or decision-makers to accept and support the proposed plan or idea. It is important to present a strong case, providing evidence, logical reasoning, and clear benefits to demonstrate why the proposal should be approved.
  • Seek Approval or Funding: Proposals often seek approval or funding for a project, program, research study, business venture, or initiative. The purpose is to secure the necessary resources, whether financial, human, or technical, to implement the proposed endeavor.
  • Solve Problems or Address Opportunities: Proposals are often developed in response to a problem, challenge, or opportunity. The purpose is to provide a well-thought-out solution or approach that effectively addresses the issue or leverages the opportunity for positive outcomes.
  • Present a Comprehensive Plan : Proposals outline a comprehensive plan, including objectives, strategies, methodologies, timelines, budgets, and anticipated outcomes. The purpose is to demonstrate the feasibility, practicality, and potential success of the proposed plan.
  • Inform and Educate: Proposals provide detailed information and analysis to educate the audience about the subject matter. They offer a thorough understanding of the problem or opportunity, the proposed solution, and the potential impact.
  • Establish Credibility: Proposals aim to establish the credibility and expertise of the individual or organization presenting the proposal. They demonstrate the knowledge, experience, qualifications, and track record that make the proposer capable of successfully executing the proposed plan.
  • I nitiate Collaboration or Partnerships: Proposals may serve as a means to initiate collaboration, partnerships, or contractual agreements. They present an opportunity for individuals, organizations, or entities to work together towards a common goal or project.
  • Provide a Basis for Decision-Making: Proposals offer the information and analysis necessary for decision-makers to evaluate the merits and feasibility of the proposed plan. They provide a framework for informed decision-making, allowing stakeholders to assess the risks, benefits, and potential outcomes.

When to write a Proposal

Proposals are typically written in various situations when you need to present a plan, idea, or project to a specific audience. Here are some common scenarios when you may need to write a proposal:

  • Business Opportunities: When you identify a business opportunity, such as a potential client or partnership, you may write a proposal to pitch your products, services, or collaboration ideas.
  • Funding or Grants: If you require financial support for a project, research study, non-profit program, or any initiative, you may need to write a proposal to seek funding from government agencies, foundations, or philanthropic organizations.
  • Project Planning: When you plan to undertake a project, whether it’s a construction project, software development, event organization, or any other endeavor, writing a project proposal helps outline the objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
  • Research Studies: In academic or scientific settings, researchers write research proposals to present their study objectives, research questions, methodology, anticipated outcomes, and potential significance to funding bodies, universities, or research institutions.
  • Business Development: If you’re expanding your business, launching a new product or service, or entering a new market, writing a business proposal helps outline your plans, strategies, market analysis, and financial projections to potential investors or partners.
  • Partnerships and Collaborations: When seeking partnerships, collaborations, or joint ventures with other organizations or individuals, writing a partnership proposal helps communicate the benefits, shared goals, responsibilities, and terms of the proposed partnership.
  • Policy or Advocacy Initiatives: When advocating for a particular cause, addressing public policy issues, or proposing policy changes, writing a policy proposal helps outline the problem, proposed solutions, supporting evidence, and potential impacts.
  • Contract Bidding: If you’re bidding for contracts, whether in government or private sectors, writing a proposal is necessary to present your capabilities, expertise, resources, and pricing to potential clients or procurement departments.
  • Consulting or Service Contracts: If you offer consulting services, professional expertise, or specialized services, writing a proposal helps outline your approach, deliverables, fees, and timeline to potential clients.

Importance of Proposal

Proposals play a significant role in numerous areas and have several important benefits. Here are some key reasons why proposals are important:

  • Communication and Clarity: Proposals serve as a formal means of communication, allowing you to clearly articulate your plan, idea, or project to others. By presenting your proposal in a structured format, you ensure that your message is conveyed effectively, minimizing misunderstandings and confusion.
  • Decision-Making Tool: Proposals provide decision-makers with the necessary information and analysis to make informed choices. They offer a comprehensive overview of the proposal, including objectives, strategies, timelines, budgets, and anticipated outcomes. This enables stakeholders to evaluate the proposal’s feasibility, alignment with goals, and potential return on investment.
  • Accountability and Documentation: Proposals serve as a written record of commitments, responsibilities, and expectations. Once a proposal is approved, it becomes a reference point for all parties involved, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and accountable for their roles and obligations.
  • Planning and Organization: Writing a proposal requires thorough planning and organization. It compels you to define objectives, outline strategies, consider potential risks, and create a timeline. This process helps you think critically about the proposal, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas that require further refinement.
  • Persuasion and Influence: Proposals are persuasive documents that aim to convince others to support or approve your plan. By presenting a well-constructed proposal, supported by evidence, logical reasoning, and benefits, you enhance your ability to influence decision-makers and stakeholders.
  • Resource Allocation and Funding: Many proposals are written to secure resources, whether financial, human, or technical. A compelling proposal can increase the likelihood of obtaining funding, grants, or other resources needed to execute a project or initiative successfully.
  • Partnership and Collaboration Opportunities: Proposals enable you to seek partnerships, collaborations, or joint ventures with other organizations or individuals. By presenting a clear proposal that outlines the benefits, shared goals, responsibilities, and terms, you increase the likelihood of forming mutually beneficial relationships.
  • Professionalism and Credibility: A well-written proposal demonstrates professionalism, expertise, and credibility. It showcases your ability to analyze complex issues, develop effective strategies, and present ideas in a concise and persuasive manner. This can enhance your reputation and increase trust among stakeholders.
  • Continual Improvement: The process of writing proposals encourages you to refine your ideas, explore alternatives, and seek feedback. It provides an opportunity for reflection and refinement, ultimately leading to continuous improvement in your plans and approaches.

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  • How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

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

Structure of a research proposal

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

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

Introduction

Literature review.

  • Research design

Reference list

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

Table of contents

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

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

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

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

  • Example research proposal #1: ‘A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management’
  • Example research proposal #2: ‘ Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use’

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

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

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

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

To guide your introduction , include information about:

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

As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

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

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

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

For example, your results might have implications for:

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

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

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

To determine your budget, think about:

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

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement.

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, June 13). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved 12 March 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/the-research-process/research-proposal-explained/

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  • v.60(9); 2016 Sep

How to write a research proposal?

Department of Anaesthesiology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Devika Rani Duggappa

Writing the proposal of a research work in the present era is a challenging task due to the constantly evolving trends in the qualitative research design and the need to incorporate medical advances into the methodology. The proposal is a detailed plan or ‘blueprint’ for the intended study, and once it is completed, the research project should flow smoothly. Even today, many of the proposals at post-graduate evaluation committees and application proposals for funding are substandard. A search was conducted with keywords such as research proposal, writing proposal and qualitative using search engines, namely, PubMed and Google Scholar, and an attempt has been made to provide broad guidelines for writing a scientifically appropriate research proposal.

INTRODUCTION

A clean, well-thought-out proposal forms the backbone for the research itself and hence becomes the most important step in the process of conduct of research.[ 1 ] The objective of preparing a research proposal would be to obtain approvals from various committees including ethics committee [details under ‘Research methodology II’ section [ Table 1 ] in this issue of IJA) and to request for grants. However, there are very few universally accepted guidelines for preparation of a good quality research proposal. A search was performed with keywords such as research proposal, funding, qualitative and writing proposals using search engines, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus.

Five ‘C’s while writing a literature review

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BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

A proposal needs to show how your work fits into what is already known about the topic and what new paradigm will it add to the literature, while specifying the question that the research will answer, establishing its significance, and the implications of the answer.[ 2 ] The proposal must be capable of convincing the evaluation committee about the credibility, achievability, practicality and reproducibility (repeatability) of the research design.[ 3 ] Four categories of audience with different expectations may be present in the evaluation committees, namely academic colleagues, policy-makers, practitioners and lay audiences who evaluate the research proposal. Tips for preparation of a good research proposal include; ‘be practical, be persuasive, make broader links, aim for crystal clarity and plan before you write’. A researcher must be balanced, with a realistic understanding of what can be achieved. Being persuasive implies that researcher must be able to convince other researchers, research funding agencies, educational institutions and supervisors that the research is worth getting approval. The aim of the researcher should be clearly stated in simple language that describes the research in a way that non-specialists can comprehend, without use of jargons. The proposal must not only demonstrate that it is based on an intelligent understanding of the existing literature but also show that the writer has thought about the time needed to conduct each stage of the research.[ 4 , 5 ]

CONTENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The contents or formats of a research proposal vary depending on the requirements of evaluation committee and are generally provided by the evaluation committee or the institution.

In general, a cover page should contain the (i) title of the proposal, (ii) name and affiliation of the researcher (principal investigator) and co-investigators, (iii) institutional affiliation (degree of the investigator and the name of institution where the study will be performed), details of contact such as phone numbers, E-mail id's and lines for signatures of investigators.

The main contents of the proposal may be presented under the following headings: (i) introduction, (ii) review of literature, (iii) aims and objectives, (iv) research design and methods, (v) ethical considerations, (vi) budget, (vii) appendices and (viii) citations.[ 4 ]

Introduction

It is also sometimes termed as ‘need for study’ or ‘abstract’. Introduction is an initial pitch of an idea; it sets the scene and puts the research in context.[ 6 ] The introduction should be designed to create interest in the reader about the topic and proposal. It should convey to the reader, what you want to do, what necessitates the study and your passion for the topic.[ 7 ] Some questions that can be used to assess the significance of the study are: (i) Who has an interest in the domain of inquiry? (ii) What do we already know about the topic? (iii) What has not been answered adequately in previous research and practice? (iv) How will this research add to knowledge, practice and policy in this area? Some of the evaluation committees, expect the last two questions, elaborated under a separate heading of ‘background and significance’.[ 8 ] Introduction should also contain the hypothesis behind the research design. If hypothesis cannot be constructed, the line of inquiry to be used in the research must be indicated.

Review of literature

It refers to all sources of scientific evidence pertaining to the topic in interest. In the present era of digitalisation and easy accessibility, there is an enormous amount of relevant data available, making it a challenge for the researcher to include all of it in his/her review.[ 9 ] It is crucial to structure this section intelligently so that the reader can grasp the argument related to your study in relation to that of other researchers, while still demonstrating to your readers that your work is original and innovative. It is preferable to summarise each article in a paragraph, highlighting the details pertinent to the topic of interest. The progression of review can move from the more general to the more focused studies, or a historical progression can be used to develop the story, without making it exhaustive.[ 1 ] Literature should include supporting data, disagreements and controversies. Five ‘C's may be kept in mind while writing a literature review[ 10 ] [ Table 1 ].

Aims and objectives

The research purpose (or goal or aim) gives a broad indication of what the researcher wishes to achieve in the research. The hypothesis to be tested can be the aim of the study. The objectives related to parameters or tools used to achieve the aim are generally categorised as primary and secondary objectives.

Research design and method

The objective here is to convince the reader that the overall research design and methods of analysis will correctly address the research problem and to impress upon the reader that the methodology/sources chosen are appropriate for the specific topic. It should be unmistakably tied to the specific aims of your study.

In this section, the methods and sources used to conduct the research must be discussed, including specific references to sites, databases, key texts or authors that will be indispensable to the project. There should be specific mention about the methodological approaches to be undertaken to gather information, about the techniques to be used to analyse it and about the tests of external validity to which researcher is committed.[ 10 , 11 ]

The components of this section include the following:[ 4 ]

Population and sample

Population refers to all the elements (individuals, objects or substances) that meet certain criteria for inclusion in a given universe,[ 12 ] and sample refers to subset of population which meets the inclusion criteria for enrolment into the study. The inclusion and exclusion criteria should be clearly defined. The details pertaining to sample size are discussed in the article “Sample size calculation: Basic priniciples” published in this issue of IJA.

Data collection

The researcher is expected to give a detailed account of the methodology adopted for collection of data, which include the time frame required for the research. The methodology should be tested for its validity and ensure that, in pursuit of achieving the results, the participant's life is not jeopardised. The author should anticipate and acknowledge any potential barrier and pitfall in carrying out the research design and explain plans to address them, thereby avoiding lacunae due to incomplete data collection. If the researcher is planning to acquire data through interviews or questionnaires, copy of the questions used for the same should be attached as an annexure with the proposal.

Rigor (soundness of the research)

This addresses the strength of the research with respect to its neutrality, consistency and applicability. Rigor must be reflected throughout the proposal.

It refers to the robustness of a research method against bias. The author should convey the measures taken to avoid bias, viz. blinding and randomisation, in an elaborate way, thus ensuring that the result obtained from the adopted method is purely as chance and not influenced by other confounding variables.

Consistency

Consistency considers whether the findings will be consistent if the inquiry was replicated with the same participants and in a similar context. This can be achieved by adopting standard and universally accepted methods and scales.

Applicability

Applicability refers to the degree to which the findings can be applied to different contexts and groups.[ 13 ]

Data analysis

This section deals with the reduction and reconstruction of data and its analysis including sample size calculation. The researcher is expected to explain the steps adopted for coding and sorting the data obtained. Various tests to be used to analyse the data for its robustness, significance should be clearly stated. Author should also mention the names of statistician and suitable software which will be used in due course of data analysis and their contribution to data analysis and sample calculation.[ 9 ]

Ethical considerations

Medical research introduces special moral and ethical problems that are not usually encountered by other researchers during data collection, and hence, the researcher should take special care in ensuring that ethical standards are met. Ethical considerations refer to the protection of the participants' rights (right to self-determination, right to privacy, right to autonomy and confidentiality, right to fair treatment and right to protection from discomfort and harm), obtaining informed consent and the institutional review process (ethical approval). The researcher needs to provide adequate information on each of these aspects.

Informed consent needs to be obtained from the participants (details discussed in further chapters), as well as the research site and the relevant authorities.

When the researcher prepares a research budget, he/she should predict and cost all aspects of the research and then add an additional allowance for unpredictable disasters, delays and rising costs. All items in the budget should be justified.

Appendices are documents that support the proposal and application. The appendices will be specific for each proposal but documents that are usually required include informed consent form, supporting documents, questionnaires, measurement tools and patient information of the study in layman's language.

As with any scholarly research paper, you must cite the sources you used in composing your proposal. Although the words ‘references and bibliography’ are different, they are used interchangeably. It refers to all references cited in the research proposal.

Successful, qualitative research proposals should communicate the researcher's knowledge of the field and method and convey the emergent nature of the qualitative design. The proposal should follow a discernible logic from the introduction to presentation of the appendices.

Financial support and sponsorship

Conflicts of interest.

There are no conflicts of interest.

Research proposal resources

Crafting a research proposal

This article provides an excellent foundation for students approaching proposal writing for the first time and offers advice for each step of the process.

Writing an abstract

This clear and concise handout from the University of Adelaide includes examples that demonstrate the structure and style of successful abstracts.

Literature review basics

This page provides an excellent foundation for students approaching proposal writing for the first time and offers advice for each step of the process.

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  • Proposal Development & Preparation

Accessibility disclaimer: To obtain information contained in document files on this page in an accessible format please contact the Office for Research Administration via email at iuprop@iu.edu .

Aids for preparing proposals

Writing a grant proposal can be complicated, but there are many useful online tools and resources, at IU and elsewhere, available to offer you grant-writing support.

Explore the IUB Proposal Development Services Resource Portal for an extensive, curated collection of guiding documents, links, and templates designed to provide researchers with the tools and resources they need to plan, write and develop strong, competitive grant proposals.

Preparing graphics for proposals

Tools and templates.

  • Adobe Creative Cloud contains a wide range of Adobe software including Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. The Creative Cloud is freely available to IU faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students. Free training in using the tools is available through IU Expand.
  • IU Advanced Visualization Laboratory offers scientific visualization (SciVis) consultations and Information visualization (InfoVis) consultations to help qualified IU students, faculty, and staff make the most of their data. AVL also supports a wide variety of visualization and graphics software packages , such as Blender and MeshLab, by providing software licensing and distribution along with consulting services.
  • BioRender is an online tool that allows individuals to create scientific figures using pre-made icons and templates.
  • Indiana University Brand offers IU-branded templates of various flyers, posters, and reports that may be downloaded for free and adapted.
  • Canva is a free online design tool for creating infographics, reports, and more. It's especially helpful for creating visual social media posts. Many templates are available.
  • LucidChart offers a free tool for creating charts and data visualizations.
  • Piktochart is another free design tool for creating basic infographics. Many templates are available.

Additional resources within IU schools and units

College of Arts and Sciences - IU Bloomington College Communications + Marketing Contact: Deb Galyan

School of Education - IU Bloomington Office of Marketing and Communications Contact: Marie Canning

Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies Office of Communications & Marketing Contact: [email protected]

Kelley School of Business - Bloomington Office of Communications and Marketing Contact: Rebecca Salerno

School of Medicine The Visual Media team offers creative services to IU School of Medicine faculty, staff and trainees for graphic design, medical illustration, photography, presentations, poster layout and printing. For competitive design fees, professional graphic designers can create infographics, charts, graphs, diagrams, and more.

O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs - Bloomington Office of Communications and Marketing Contact: Jessica Corry  

Proposal writing guides and evaluation resources

Online guides and articles.

  • Indiana University's PDS Narrative newsletter archives—Brief articles about proposal development, with links to more information and resources.
  • On the Art of Writing Proposals —A free, downloadable booklet with suggestions for Liberal Arts and Humanities proposals, published by the Social Science Research Council.
  • Grants basics and Grant Writing Tips Sheets by the National Institutes of Health.
  • A Guide for Proposal Writing —A resource for beginners by the National Science Foundation.
  • Proposal Writing Short Course —A self-paced online class by the Foundation Center that introduces key components of a proposal to a foundation.
  • Quick guide: Submitting an applicable NIH grant requiring sIRB

Visit the IUB Proposal Development Services Resource Portal hosted on Confluence to access more resources on writing & rhetoric curated by the Proposal Development Services (PDS) team at IU-Bloomington.

Evaluation resources

Center for Evaluation, Policy, and Research —CEPR provides rigorous, high-quality evaluation expertise and services within and across multiple sectors to diverse agencies, organizations, businesses, and individuals for both internal (Indiana University) and external clients at the local, state, regional, national and international levels. CEPR can provide services ranging from consultation, training, technical assistance, capacity-building, benchmarking and progress-monitoring to conducting comprehensive large-scale evaluation to determine impact and effectiveness of a grant or program using diverse methodologies, including quantitative (with expertise in conducting randomized controlled trials in real-world settings), qualitative, and mixed-methods.

Online Evaluation Resource Library —Developed for professionals seeking to design, conduct, document, or review project evaluations. Created by the National Science Foundation’s Division of Research, Evaluation and Communication, Directorate for Education and Human Resources.

Data management services and tools

Indiana university libraries data services and resources.

The IU Libraries provide assistance to researchers working with data in all stages of the research life cycle, including support for data management and preservation. Available services include GIS (Geographical Information Systems) Services, Science Data Management, and Statistical Data Services.

Indiana University Guidance on National Science Foundation (NSF) Data Management Plans

A guide to writing the data management plan required for NSF proposals.

IU cyberinfrastructure facilities and information for proposals and data management plans

The Research Technologies division of UITS and the Pervasive Technology Institute provide templates, guides, and other information to use when preparing elements of grant proposals in which the value of IU's advanced cyberinfrastructure facilities is particularly helpful:

  • Project description body text
  • Data management plans (NSF)
  • NIH Public Access Policy
  • Facilities statements

NIH Data Sharing Management Plan Guidance

Online tools, software, and campus workspaces for collaborative research, tools/software available through indiana university.

  • IU Video Bridge—No-cost virtual rooms (also known as bridges) for faculty, staff, and guests to meet online.
  • Zoom —A web collaboration tool that supports high-quality audio and videoconferencing for up to 100 participants as well as other features, including mobile screen-sharing, polling, co-annotation, breakout rooms, recordings, and more.
  • Microsoft Project —Available through IUWare, this project management software is designed to assist with plan development, assigning resources to tasks, tracking progress, managing the budget, and analyzing workloads.
  • Technology Tool Finder: Collaboration —View IU-supported technologies for communication, collaboration, storage, and more.

Third-party tools and software for collaborative research

  • Basecamp —File sharing, sequential and simultaneous editing, and task management.
  • Dropbox —File sharing, sequential editing, and syncing files.
  • Evernote —Sequential and simultaneous editing, file editing on web platform, task management.
  • Skype —Video/audio conference and instant messaging software.
  • Google Drive —File sharing, sequential and simultaneous editing on web platform, file syncing, virtual meetings via Hangout.

Collaborative workspaces

The Indiana University Bloomington campus has many spaces available for collaborative groups. Learn more about rooms with videoconferencing capabilities , technology-enabled learning spaces, and collaboration rooms at IU Bloomington's Wells Library . Remember to ask your school or department about available rooms as well.

Explore the Research Facilities Database

At IU Bloomington, you can find the tools you need to accomplish your work through a searchable campus database intended to leverage and share the strengths of campus research facilities and equipment with the research community.

Organizational data about Indiana University and the IU Foundation

Some sponsor guidelines may ask you to provide financial and other organizational data about Indiana University or the IU Foundation

  • Institutional Information commonly requested for federal proposals
  • University Information Technology Services facilities

Indiana University

  • Accreditation Statement
  • Budget Report
  • Campus Leadership
  • Financial Report
  • Institutional Research (IR) , demographics for specific IU campuses
  • IU Fact Book
  • Non-Discrimination/Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (University Policy UA-01)
  • Tax Status Documentation (Accessible 04/20/21)
  • Trustees List

Indiana University Foundation

  • Board of Directors List
  • Financial Information
  • IUF IRS 501(c) 3 Documentation
  • IUF Articles of Incorporation (Accessible 02/18/19)
  • W-9 Form - Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

Sample letters, budget templates, and forms

Project proposal cover page.

All Campuses (Accessible 01/10/24)

This is a standard form required for use as a cover sheet for submission of pre-applications and applications and related information

SF424—General (Accessible 01/16/24) SF424—NIH (All Campuses Except IUPUI) (Accessible 01/11/24) SF424—NIH (IUPUI Only) (Accessible 01/11/24)

Read more about the SF424 at Grants.gov

Subcontractor letters of support

  • From IU to the Prime Contractor or Recipient - All Campuses (Accessible 01/22/24)
  • To IU from the Subaward Recipient - All Campuses (Accessible 02/18/19)

Sample budgets

If sponsor guidelines do not include a specific, required budget format, use one of these as a guide:

  • Internal Budget: Monthly Non-Federal
  • Internal Budget: Two Year Non-Federal
  • Internal Budget: Three Year with CS Non-Federal
  • Internal Budget: Five Year Federal (NSF)
  • Internal Budget: Five Year Federal (NIH)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

  • Veterans Affairs Intergovernmental Personnel Agreements
  • Veterans Affairs Joint Appointment Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Frequently used application guides and forms

Doe: department of energy.

  • Grants Policy and Guidance
  • Grants & Contracts Support

EPA: Environmental Protection Agency

Key Grant Resources

NEH: National Endowment for the Humanities

Grant Opportunities, Application Guidelines and Resources for Managing Your Grant

NIH: National Institutes of Health

  • How to Apply - Application Guide
  • Writing Your Application

NSF: National Science Foundation

  • Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG)
  • Preparing Proposals

Federal agency forms

  • DOE: Department of Education Grant Application and Other Forms
  • NIH: National Institutes of Health Forms Library

Sample documents for NIH proposals from IU:

  • Human Subjects Education Certification Sample Letter (Accessible 02/18/19)
  • NIH Human Subjects Education Documentation Form (Accessible 02/18/19)
  • NIH Policy on Model Organisms: IU Template Statement (Accessible 02/18/19)
  • Contact information
  • Information for research participants
  • Information for media
  • Information for new researchers
  • Centers & Institutes
  • Report a concern
  • Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)
  • Kuali COI Disclosure system
  • Kuali Coeus Grants system
  • Kuali Protocols IRB system
  • Grants Management Toolkit (GMT)
  • Fiscal Officer Lookup
  • Research Equipment & Tools Database

FORMS & POLICIES

  • Conflict of interest
  • Intellectual property
  • Research misconduct
  • Research policies
  • NIH Data Management & Sharing Policy

DATA & REPORTS

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  • IU rates (Fringe, F & A)
  • Uniform guidance
  • Sponsored activity reports
  • Predefined reports
  • Research administration dashboards
  • Big 10 data
  • Compliance reports

AWARD RESOURCES

  • Research agreements
  • Advanced accounts

📜 Research Proposal Writing: Helpful Essentials

A typical research proposal outline contains the following elements:

  • Title page. This page has to be concise and descriptive because it’s the first section of your research proposal that anyone will see.

A research proposal consists of: a title page, an abstract, an introduction, a lit review, a methods section, a discussion, a references section, & a research schedule.

  • Abstract . Here you’ll briefly sum up your proposed research study. Talk about the main questions raised in it. Narrow it all down to 300 words max.
  • Introduction . The introduction is one of the core elements of any research proposal. In this part of your work, you’ll talk about the research background, research questions, and the planned approach to these questions.
  • Literature review. Some types of research proposals have a literature review as a part of the introduction. Here, you’ll highlight the most valuable sources that you’ve used. The task is to show your work’s connections and relationships to the previous research in your field.
  • Methodology . Here you’ll need to describe what you’re going to do to achieve your goals. Be sure to prove that these particular methods are the most appropriate ones to examine your research questions.
  • Discussion. You have to convince your readers that your research will make a positive impact. Discuss all possible challenges and opportunities with your committee. Don’t make any exaggerations; just realistically present what you’re capable of doing with your proposed study.
  • References. In this section, you’ll cite the sources you used to create your research proposal. You can write this section in the form of a bibliography that includes citations to all the sources relevant to your topic, not only those you used in your proposal.
  • Research schedule & budget . To get your research plan approved, you’ll need to describe the estimated cost of time and finance. In some cases, a brief description is enough. In others, you’ll need to make a detailed timeline and budget. It usually depends on the program’s requirements.

Look at any example of academic paper and you’ll see how all these parts are bound together. Below you’ll find more information on the research proposal components.

📑 Research Proposal Parts

Understanding how to write a research proposal can save you a lot of money! Basically, you would need to do it if you decide to request your project to get funded. There are several types of proposals for different needs. However, the general aim is to describe your project, its importance, and your plan of action. Check out this easy step-by-step mini-guide to find out what a research proposal should include the elements below.

Research Proposal Title Page

Just like any other academic paper that you submit at college, the research proposal needs to have a title page. If there are no specific requirements, it should consist of the project’s title, your full name, your supervisor’s name, and the institution.

You should introduce the topic of your research proposal with an informative, relevant, and catchy title on this page. There are many more research proposal topic ideas in case you’re struggling to choose one.

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Research Proposal Abstract

The purpose of the research proposal abstract is to help the audience understand what your paper is about. An abstract should contain a short summary of the proposed research and a thesis statement. You might also mention some sources connected to the research you’re planning to conduct.

There are two main abstract types: descriptive & informative. For a research proposal, it probably makes sense to consider writing a descriptive abstract. If you need to learn more about how to do that, check out our article on the topic. You might also include a table of contents which serves for better navigation.

Research Proposal Introduction

The research proposal’s introduction is ultimately the presentation of your future project. Therefore you need to describe it clearly by introducing the topic, background, and issue. You should also add some information regarding the relevance of the topic and why your project can bring valuable insight into a particular research field. Long story short, it’s a summary of why your work is worth investing in.

Research Proposal Literature Review

In this section, you show off your current level of knowledge in the issue. A trustworthy list of sources highlights the solid foundation of your work. After comparing and contrasting the main theories and conversations on the topic, you should criticize them. Think about the pros and cons of each of them. Lastly, describe what place your research can take in the field.

Research Proposal Methodology

Now, it’s time to come back to your project itself. While preparing the methodology, you should pay attention to the clear description of your action plan and approach.

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

  • First of all, indicate the research type. Is it quantitative or qualitative? What is the research design?
  • Describe the sources and how you select the subjects for the analysis.
  • Identify research methods. How do you collect the data, and why?
  • Write about any other small details you think should be included. For instance, indicate how much time it will take and the potential obstacles.

Research Proposal Discussion

To make your proposal even more effective, you should definitely include this section. It is all about the contribution your project can make to the field. Where can your theory or practice be used? Will it help to improve some processes in the chosen field? Or is it creating a foundation for the more significant research?

Research Proposal Bibliography

Remember that every time you cite someone else’s work, you need to include the full information about this publication into the list of references! Also, don’t forget to check with your supervisor whether they want you to add a bibliography as well. It would consist of every source you refer to while working on the proposal, even if you don’t cite it. You should aim to present all the literature that is used to support your project.

The exact way you format your bibliography depends on the citation style that you’re working with. Tons of information on the topic can be found on the Internet. Check out an extensive collection of easy-to-use citation style guides published on this website. A great article on how to write a bibliography is another source you could use.

Research Proposal Timeline & Budget

Sometimes, you might also be asked to write a detailed schedule, explaining how long each particular stage will take. There, you need to name the project’s phase, its main objectives, and the deadline.

In case you request some budgeting as well, there should be a breakdown of the required costs. The budget shows how much the stages of your project will approximately cost.

Don’t forget to check what costs can be covered! Also, try to include only the relevant stuff in the plan because you will have to explain why a particular expense is necessary for the project. Moreover, you will be asked to provide the source, so be ready to explain how you calculated the budget.

If you need some help determining what costs you might need to cover, below is a short check-list.

🛠️ Resources Needed for Research Proposal

We’ve divided this list of resources and tools into categories, so it’ll be easier for you to navigate. If you came here looking for help with a research proposal—this is where you’ll find it.

You might notice that some of the guides and articles talk about writing grant proposals. But here’s the thing. Grant proposals still involve suggesting a topic of research. And the process of writing one is entirely identical to the process of writing a research proposal!

Research Proposal Writing Guides

The main goal of these guides is to lead you through the process of writing a research proposal. They have everything described in great detail so that you won’t miss anything crucial.

  • Grant Proposals (or Give me the money!) – UNC Writing Center
  • Writing a Research Proposal (USC Libraries)
  • A Guide for Proposal Writing (National Science Foundation)

Research Proposal Resources

The purpose of the sites listed below is to help you with writing a research proposal.

Research Proposal Samples

It’s always good to have theoretical knowledge about how to write a research proposal. But having a research proposal sample is even better! If you’re wondering, “What does a research proposal look like?” you can skip all the trial and error and look at a sample to find out right away.

  • A Sample Research Proposal with Comments (University of Houston)
  • Annotated Sample Research Proposal (University of Queensland)
  • Research Proposal Template (Stanford University)

Research Proposal Tools

Now, let’s talk a bit about applications you can use to make writing a research proposal easier.

Research Proposal Examples

Below you’ll find a collection of research proposal examples published on the websites of well-reputed universities. We hope that they will help you to make your own text that will impress the committee!

  • Two research proposal examples , the first one on psychology and the second one on governance, from the Open University.
  • A large collection of thesis proposals on almost any topic from the University of Central Florida.

Research Proposal Topics

  • A research proposal on staff attitudes to physician orders for life-sustaining treatment .
  • Write a research proposal on the importance of corporate social responsibility and sustainability strategy.
  • Create a research proposal on the controversies connected with capital punishment .
  • Research proposal on the online buying site ViaBela .
  • Create a research proposal on the role of harm reduction initiatives in nursing practice.
  • Explore whether keeping domestic animals impacts people’s physical and psychological health.
  • Formulate a research proposal on the peculiarities of Nigeria’s healthcare system .
  • Make a research proposal on cyber terrorism .
  • Research proposal: the connection between hypertension and chronic kidney disease .
  • Examination of the efficacy of humanistic theory application in childhood obesity treatment: a research proposal.
  • Research proposal on the controversial interpretation of the Second Amendment .
  • Write a research proposal on the aspects of training disadvantageous youths.
  • Analyze the efficacy of the grapefruit diet for weight loss .
  • Speaker recognition: a research proposal .
  • Specify a research proposal on the peculiarities of the VEGA medical center strategy.
  • Research proposal on the benefits of watching movies for mastering a new language.
  • Write a research proposal on the rates of consumer awareness of corporate social responsibility .
  • Formulate a research proposal on the specifics of narcoterrorism in Mexico .
  • Explore the importance and future development of virtual reality technology .
  • Anasarca and acute renal failure: a research proposal .
  • Make a research proposal on the necessity of telephone follow-ups to improve the quality of life for diabetic patients.
  • Research proposal on the examination of the connection between low nurse staffing and patients’ health risks .
  • Create a research proposal on the analysis of the efficacy of fad diets .
  • Write a research proposal on quality improvement in nursing practice.
  • Research the causes of compulsive buying in women .
  • Formulate a research proposal on Nokia’s marketing strategy and its impact on Nokia Company price.
  • Unique aspects of Dubai Port World’s sustainable innovation strategy and peculiarities of its implementation: a research proposal.
  • Research proposal on homeland security in the United States .
  • Research proposal on possible causes of juvenile delinquency and effectiveness of prevention programs.
  • Explore the specifics and importance of the cybersecurity field.
  • Write a research proposal on employment law .
  • Examine the factors that lead to suicide among adolescents .
  • Research proposal on the complications of justice in health care .
  • Study the access to medical insurance among the citizens of the United States: a research proposal.
  • Research proposal on the factors that determine consumer purchases .
  • Formulate a research proposal on the role of criminal mythology in society.
  • Determine the impact of a pandemic on people’s mental health .
  • Research proposal: problems of McDonald’s company .
  • Write a research proposal on the rates and reasons for suicidal behavior and how to intercept it.
  • Research proposal on the nature and causes of human trafficking .
  • Explore the concept of laytime and its application in maritime transportation .
  • Create a research proposal on the advantages and drawbacks of contract law .
  • Research proposal on peer review of the business .
  • Research the macroeconomic environment of Netflix .
  • Formulate a research proposal on the connection between alcohol abuse during pregnancy and mental health issues in children.
  • Examine the origin and nature of Pop Art: a research proposal.
  • Write a research proposal on the nature and complications of medical tourism .
  • Research proposal on the symptoms, transmission methods, and current treatment options of Ebola and Marburg viruses .
  • Research proposal on green supply chain management .
  • Analyze the issues of gender perception of e-commerce .

📝 An Example of a Well-Written Research Proposal

Below you will find a 300-word research proposal example that can come in handy when you need to write the one yourself.

This research proposal aims to investigate cyberattacks as a component of Russia’s interference in the 2016 US elections, focusing on the role of strategic intelligence in countering such threats. Through a literature review and digital forensics simulation, it will examine the growing trend of election-targeted cyberattacks and their implications for national security.

Introduction

This paper aims to propose a case study examining cyberattacks employed as a component of Russia’s interference in the 2016 US elections. Cyberattacks are increasingly used for political purposes, raising national security concerns. The proposed research will focus on the 2016 US elections, where Russia allegedly launched cyberattacks on the Democratic National Committee, raising questions about the potential consequences of such interference. The project’s research question is: how can strategic intelligence be used to stop cybercrime and cyberattacks like those seen in the 2016 election interference?

Literature review

A preliminary literature review shows the growing trend of cyberattacks targeting elections. In terms of dealing with the issue of cyberattacks, various approaches have been recommended. For example, many robust cybersecurity measures were applied to protect the election process, educational programs were used to enhance cyber awareness, and digital forensics was financed to identify attackers and gather evidence for potential legal action.

Methodology

The proposed study will use a literature review and digital forensics simulation data to conduct an in-depth case study of the 2016 US election. Information about the case, as well as cyberattacks and cyberterrorism in general, will be gathered from current scholarly sources. Official US government publications, particularly the Mueller report, will be also a valuable source of information.

The proposed research has significant importance in addressing the emerging challenges posed by cyberattacks on electoral processes, particularly in the context of potential threats to national security. The 2016 US election highlights the critical necessity for a thorough investigation into the implications of such interference.

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Proposal Writing Resources

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is North Carolina’s urban research university. It leverages its location in the state’s largest city to offer internationally competitive programs of research and creative activity; exemplary undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs; and a focused set of community engagement initiatives. A doctoral/research intensive institution, UNC Charlotte is the fourth largest of the 16 constituent members of the University of North Carolina and the largest institution of higher education in theCharlotte region. The 1,000-acre main campus holds 75 buildings, including residence halls, academic and student support buildings, and the J. Murrey Atkins Library, which contains two million volumes, state-of-the-art computer labs, and various special collections. The 11-story Center City Building opened in uptown Charlotte in 2011.

UNC Charlotte has seven colleges: the College of Arts and Architecture, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, The Belk College of Business Administration, The Cato College of Education, The William States Lee College of Engineering, the College of Computing and Informatics, and the College of Health and Human Services. Offering 75 bachelor’s degree programs, 65 master’s degree programs, and 24 doctoral programs, the University’s faculty includes more than 1,000 members, with nearly 80% of the full-time teaching faculty holding the highest degrees attainable in their field.

Enrollment in Fall 2018 was 29,710 students (51% men, 49% women), including 5,323 graduate students. Enrollment is expected to increase annually through the year 2020, bringing the University a projected student body of more than 32,000. Minority students make up approximately 36% of the student body.

Recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a Community Engaged University, UNC Charlotte is fully committed to the discovery, dissemination, synthesis, and application of knowledge and aspires to national and international excellence in these activities. Grant and contract research totals nearly $51 million a year. The Office of Industry and Government Partnerships, the University’s industry-collaborative arm, builds on disciplines in which the University already excels: precision metrology and intelligent manufacturing, visualization, optoelectronics, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering systems, energy production and infrastructure, information security, motorsports and automotive engineering, nanoscale science and translational research.

University Research Computing offers consulting services for faculty developing research grant proposals that include needs for access to high performance computing and/or networking resources.

UNC Charlotte faculty and staff can access grant-writing resources and workshop materials through the Center for Research Excellence’s Canvas page: Proposal Development Resources and Materials . Just enroll using your NinerNET username and password.

Resources include an ebook – New Faculty Guide to Competing for Research Funding – that offers information on what new faculty need to know about finding funding and writing research proposals. This ebook was published by Lucy Deckard and Mike Cronan of Academic Research Funding Strategies LLC., who provide consulting services to colleges and universities on a wide range of topics related to research development.

Online Resources & Tips

(most of these tips are not agency-specific but general enough to apply to any proposal)

Department of Education (ED):

  • Organizing Your Grant Application
  • Funding Your Best Ideas: A 12-Step Program
  • How to Get a FIPSE Grant

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

  • Tips on Writing a Grant Proposal

National Institutes of Health (NIH):

NIH Office of Extramural Research

  • Grant Writing Tips Sheets

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

  • Apply for a Grant

National Science Foundation (NSF):

  • Grant Proposal Guide (January 2016)
  • Broader Impacts Proposal Requirements
  • Guidelines for Writing Grant Proposals (Directorate for Social, Behavioral & Economic Sciences)

The Foundation Center ’s “Virtual Classroom” offers several online tutorials including the following:

  • Guide to Funding Research
  • Proposal Budgeting Basics
  • The Art of Writing Proposals from the Social Science Research Council
  • Guide for Writing a Funding Proposal by Dr. S. Joseph Levine from Michigan State University
  • The Research Assistant offers assistance to those seeking funding for behavioral science research

Proposal Development Resources

Project management tools for proposal development.

Adapt the tools and templates below to get a proposal to submission stage as efficiently as possible. These project management tools help support the development of large, multiple-PI, multidisciplinary proposals at the University of Washington but can be applied effectively to any proposal development effort.

  • Funding Opportunity Evaluation Matrix
  • Proposal Development Timeline
  • Proposal Development Checklist
  • Budget Justification Guidelines
  • CV-Biosketch Tracker
  • Data Management Planning Tool
  • Subawardee Documents Tracker
  • Version Control Guidelines
  • Agenda: PI/Admin Planning Meeting
  • Agenda: Proposal Team Kick-Off Meeting
  • Calendars: Sample  and  Template
  • Basic Workplans
  • Detailed Workplan Mapping Each RFP/FOA Element to a Person and Deadline
  • Leadership and Management Plan
  • Review Cycles Tracker
  • Subawardee Documents Request Letter
  • UW Boilerplate

Proposal Development Best Practices

Utilize the above tools and templates in the following practices to get the most value out of them.

Review Proposal Development Timeline

Review this ideal timeline and familiarize yourself with the tools and documents it specifies. Twelve weeks is the ideal minimum time needed to develop any grant, and multi-institutional grants require even more time. Utilize the Proposal Development Checklist  to get yourself started.

Evaluate the Funding Opportunity

You can start with an analytical tool to help you determine if you should even pursue the grant proposal. The Opportunity Evaluation Matrix provides a set of strategic criteria to be used in making a decision about whether to pursue a funding opportunity.

“Success” however, should not be measured solely on the likelihood of receiving funding. Developing an interdisciplinary proposal is a unique opportunity for innovation and an exchange of ideas that will provide the seed for future successful collaborations.

Plan PI/Admin Planning Meeting

Complex, collaborative grant proposals require a more intense level of project management to prepare. Once the decision is made to go forward the next step should be a meeting between the PI and the lead admin who will be ordering and preparing much of the grant proposal content. Use the PI/Admin Planning Meeting Agenda to guide this discussion. The key items to cover in this initial meeting are the: 1) RFP/FOA required components, 2) Work plan, 3) Roles and Responsibilities,  4) Review cycles. Once completed, these communication documents are best kept in a folder that can be shared by the entire proposal development team. Tools such as Dropbox or Google Drive can provide team document management environments.

Map RFP/FOA Elements to Deadlines

This complex planning tool is very effective at combining many different requirements and deadlines into a single document. The project PI and/or Admin should carefully comb through the RFA/RFP and develop a list of all required proposal elements that will be part of the complete package submitted to the sponsor. These elements should then be mapped to deadlines. This tool can be very time consuming to construct, but becomes a valuable reference. In its most basic form, this document records the relevant page numbers from the RFP/FOA as well as agency-specific proposal guides and policy statements. Other useful information that can be recorded on this document include: section page limits, section team leader name, section due date and a space for status updates and notes. Prior to submission, this document will also serve as a checklist to ensure all required proposal elements are complete.

Build Work Plan

The calendar and work plan highlight different aspects setting and tracking deadlines.

  • Use the Calendar ( sample  and template ) to track months at a glance and ensure each month’s holidays and all your team member’s “out of office” dates are taken into account when setting up your workplan.
  • Use the workplan templates to assign deadlines to tasks, tasks to people and to track progress updates.

Use the workplan as a touchstone in weekly meetings and ensure everyone on the proposal team has access to the document.

Establish Accountability: Roles and Responsibilities Matrix

Draft an Accountability Matrix   before the proposal kick-off meeting so that it can serve as a conversation starter for the group. This document has been useful even in teams that have previously worked together in clarifying assumptions as to which tasks will be completed by which team member and identifying unfilled roles on the team, but will be especially useful in large, interdisciplinary teams working across departments and schools. Revise the document as appropriate. In some cases multiple roles may be filled by one team member, in others, tasks from a single role may be divided among two team members. Once complete, this document should be made available for reference in the proposal Dropbox or other shared folder.

Set Up Review Cycles

The Review Cycles Tracker  will help you delineate the number of anticipated proposal drafts, the due dates for each, and the names of individuals who have agreed to review those drafts. Setting these dates early will allow reviewers to plan accordingly, and allow them time to provide meaningful feedback. In our experience, draft review deadlines were far more likely to be met when reviewers were given dates ahead of time.

Set Up Proposal Kick-off Meeting

The Proposal Kick-off Meeting should involve anyone expected to play a major role in the proposal development process including the lead PI, Co-PIs, Co-Investigators as well as the department or PI’s administrative and budget development specialists. The meeting agenda  includes suggested topics to cover at the kick-off meeting including a portion of time dedicated to reviewing and revising the timelines and tracking documents.

Schedule Weekly Team Check-In Meetings

A standing weekly meeting dedicated to status updates on the progress of non-technical aspects of the proposal, and review of the timeline or calendar can go a long way toward keeping the proposal development process on track. It can also reduce time spent exchanging emails and phone calls, as team members will often keep a list of items for discussion during this time. Depending on the complexity of the proposal, a 30-minute teleconference can often be sufficient for this purpose. Discussions may include progress updates on:

  • Technical Proposal
  • Budget Development.  Use the Budget Justification Primer to assist in writing a budget narrative.
  • Status of Subrecipient documents.  Use the Subawardee Documents Request and Subawardee Documents Tracker to manage your collection efforts
  • Status of Letters of Support
  • Status of CV/Biosketch documents.  Use the CV-Biosketch Tracker to assist in managing the collection of these required documents.
  • Review of progress on all elements of the RFP/FOA.  View Tips below for samples of frequently required documentation.

Collaborate through Shared Drives

Having access to a shared folder space when coordinating the development of a large proposal allows for efficient distribution of the documents associated with the proposal. This will eliminate various versions of proposal documents being emailed back-and-forth and will keep the most current versions of all documents in one place that all appropriate team members have access to any time. There is no ideal tool, but you should figure out a way for proposal teams to share proposal sections, sponsor information, and project management documents. UW IT offers a couple of different tools/solutions to help in storing and editing shared documents. Read more about using the UW Google Drive and OneDrive for Business on the UW IT Connect website . Also, refer to this tutorial  on how to share files using Google Drive.

A best practice for setting up shared drives on which you will store your proposal documents is to establish the following folders: Technical Proposal (Abstract, Executive Summary, Research Strategy), Budget (Budget spreadsheet, Budget narrative), Supplemental Documents (Appendixes, Past Performance References and Biosketches), Subcontract Documents (Subcontract budget, Scope of Work, etc.), Sponsor Documents (FOA, FAQs, modifications, documents from the prime applicant, etc.) and Project Management: (Timelines, Roles & Responsibilities, Contact list, Primers). Each folder should have an Archive subfolder for old versions; never delete an old version — always move to the Archive folder).  Refer to the Version Control Primer for ideas about how to maintain document version integrity when there are multiple people working on a document.

Tips on Using the Templates and Trackers

Laurie Stephan , Office of Research, [email protected] , 206.616.0804

OR Support Offices

  • Human Subjects Division (HSD)
  • Office of Animal Welfare (OAW)
  • Office of Research (OR)
  • Office of Research Information Services (ORIS)
  • Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP)

OR Research Units

  • Applied Physics Laboratory (APL-UW)
  • WA National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC)

Research Partner Offices

  • Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR)
  • Enivronmental Health and Safety (EH&S)
  • Grant and Contract Accounting (GCA)
  • Institute of Translational Health Sciences (ITHS)
  • Management Accounting and Analysis (MAA)
  • Post Award Fiscal Compliance (PAFC)

Collaboration

  • Centers and Institutes
  • Collaborative Proposal Development Resources
  • Research Fact Sheet
  • Research Annual Report
  • Stats and Rankings
  • Honors and Awards
  • Office of Research

© 2024 University of Washington | Seattle, WA

Grad Coach (R)

What’s Included: Research Proposal Template

Our free dissertation/thesis proposal template covers the core essential ingredients for a strong research proposal. It includes clear explanations of what you need to address in each section, as well as straightforward examples and links to further resources.

The research proposal template covers the following core elements:

  • Introduction & background (including the research problem)
  • Literature review
  • Research design / methodology
  • Project plan , resource requirements and risk management

The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.

PS – if you’d like a high-level template for the entire thesis, you can we’ve got that too .

Research Proposal Template FAQS

What types of research proposals can this template be used for.

The proposal template follows the standard format for academic research projects, which means it will be suitable for the vast majority of dissertations and theses (especially those within the sciences), whether they are qualitative or quantitative in terms of design.

Keep in mind that the exact requirements for the introduction chapter/section will vary between universities and degree programs. These are typically minor, but it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Is this template for an undergrad, Master or PhD-level proposal?

This template can be used for a research project at any level of study. Doctoral-level projects typically require the research proposal to be more extensive/comprehensive, but the structure will typically remain the same.

How long should my research proposal be?

The length of a research proposal varies by institution and subject, but as a ballpark, it’s usually between 1,500 and 3,000 words.

To be safe, it’s best to check with your university if they have any preferences or requirements in terms of minimum and maximum word count for the research propsal.

How detailed should the methodology of the proposal be?

You don’t need to go into the fine details of your methodology, but this section should be detailed enough to demonstrate that your research approach is feasible and will address your research questions effectively. Be sure to include your intended methods for data collection and analysis.

Can I include preliminary data or pilot study results in my proposal?

Generally, yes. This can strengthen your proposal by demonstrating the feasibility of your research. However, make sure that your pilot study is approved by your university before collecting any data.

Can I share this template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template in its original format (no editing allowed). If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, we kindly request that you reference this page as your source.

What format is the template (DOC, PDF, PPT, etc.)?

The research proposal template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

Do you have templates for the other chapters?

Yes, we do. We are constantly developing our collection of free resources to help students complete their dissertations and theses. You can view all of our template resources here .

Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?

Yes, you’re welcome to get in touch with us to discuss our private coaching services .

Further Resources: Proposal Writing

The template provides step-by-step guidance for each section of your research proposal, but if you’d like to learn more about how to write up a high-quality research proposal, check out the rest of our free proposal-related resources:

  • Research Proposal 101
  • Examples of research proposals
  • How To Find A Research Topic
  • How To Find A Research Gap
  • Developing Your Golden Thread
  • How To Write A Research Proposal
  • 8 Common Proposal Writing Mistakes

You can also visit the Grad Coach blog for more proposal-related resources.

Free Webinar: How To Write A Research Proposal

If you’d prefer 1-on-1 support with your research proposal, have a look at our private coaching service , where we hold your hand through the research process, step by step.

Case Western Reserve University

  • Proposal Preparation and Development

Proposal Development Resources

While developmenting a proposal can feel daunting, the Office of Research and Technology Management is here to help you be successful. Connect with various resources available to researchers at CWRU throughout the proposal development process.

Get Support from CWRU Teams

  • CWRU Writing Resource Center (WRC) is staffed with an experienced group of consultants, including writing instructors holding doctorates in a variety of disciplines, who can support faculty members in all parts of their composition process. The WRC can be particularly valuable when crafting proposal research narratives and project descriptions. The WRC has locations across campus and offers in-person, online synchronous, and asynchronous appointments. To see the center's availability and sign-up for an appointment, please visit wrc.case.edu . For more information about support for your own professional/scholarly writing projects, please reach out to the Director of WAC, Dr. Erika Olbricht, [email protected] .
  • The SPARC Team supports proposal development for complex, center-level grants and contracts greater than $10 million.
  • Great Lakes Energy Institute (GLEI) offers proposal development services for energy-related research proposals.
  • The Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC) offers proposal development resources for faculty in the School of Medicine.

GLEI and CTSC each have teams that can offer hands-on support for proposal preparation. This is available on a case-by-case basis.

Consult Proposal Guidances

Proposal writing and review guides.

  • NIH Grants Basics and grant writing tip sheets . 
  • The National Library of Medicine brings together NIH grant tutorials and grant writing tip sheets in a single site, including an annotated sample R01 grant.
  • NIH Grant Writing for Success is a popular presentation from NIH experts that provides insights and helpful hints on preparing an application for submission. Learn how to avoid the most common mistakes in writing grant applications and correct some typical misconceptions about the grant review process.
  • The NIH offers webinar series and All About Grants Podcasts covering topics related to the process of seeking NIH funding, including honing research ideas, selecting application opportunities, and effective grant writing. Live webinars occur throughout the year and pre-recorded webinars are available for viewing. Podcasts range from 4 minutes to 20 minutes and cover all of the ins and outs of NIH funding.
  • View an NIH Peer Review Live Mock Study Section with Q&A. This NIH presentation is designed for anyone who ever wondered what an NIH peer review study section meeting might look and sound like as applications are discussed. During this 45-minute video, you’ll get a better idea of how the meeting is conducted, as well as hear a sampling of common questions asked by reviewers and mistakes made by applicants. A short Q&A follows the presentation.
  • View sample grant applications from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) for a range of funding mechanisms, including research grants (R series) and training and career development awards.
  • NSF A Guide for Proposal Writing for beginners.
  • On the Art of Writing Proposals - Liberal Arts and Humanities proposal guidance, published by the Social Science Research Council.
  • Proposal Writing Short Course - A self-paced, online class that introduces key components of foundation proposal writing.

Frequently Used Application Guides and Forms

Department of Defense (DOD) 

  • CDMRP Applications Guide

Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Grants Policy and Guidance
  • Grants and Contracts Support

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  • How to Apply - Application Guide
  • Writing Your Application
  • NIH Grant Forms
  • NIH Public Health Service (PHS) Forms

National Science Foundation (NSF)

  • Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG)
  • Preparing Proposals

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)

  • Grant Opportunities, Application Guidelines and Resources for Managing Your Grant

Guidance for Correcting an Application

Guidance for pulling applications back from sponsors to make edits or corrections:

  • NIH: Submit a Changed/Corrected Application
  • Research.gov: Proposal Submission>Proposal FAQs>Editing a Submitted Proposal

Keep These Proposal Development Tools on Hand

  • ORCID : The current tool federal agencies accept for a Digital Personal Identifier (DPI), a unique number representing an individual researcher. While it is not required, we strongly encourage that individual researchers on any federal research grant register with a service that provides them with a digital persistent identifier. For tutorials, videos and other information about DPIs, explore the Kelvin Smith Library’s Research Guide to ORCID . 
  • SciENcv : This tool allows researchers to track and share their biosketch and current and pending support. 
  • Research Data Resources : Resources with guidelines on research data management best practices, data storage options, funding guidelines, and training and support opportunities.
  • Calendar Months Converter : An Excel spreadsheet to help convert the number of months to percentage of year. 

Tools for Creating Charts, Graphs and Figures

  • Adobe Creative Cloud contains a wide range of Adobe software including Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. The Creative Cloud is available to CWRU faculty, staff, and enrolled students.
  • BioRender is an online tool that allows individuals to create scientific figures using premade icons and templates.
  • Canva is a free online design tool for creating infographics, reports, and more. It's especially helpful for creating visual social media posts. Many templates are available.
  • LucidChart offers a free tool for creating charts and data visualizations.
  • Piktochart is a free design tool for creating basic infographics. Many templates are available.
  • Prezi is a free design tool for creating infographics, powerpoint presentations, videos, charts, and more.

UNC Research

Research and Proposal Development Resources

Broader impacts.

Information about Broader Impacts criteria, which are important for successful review of NSF grant proposals, communicating Broader Impacts to scientific and diverse audiences, and links to campus units and resources that can support an investigator’s Broader Impacts statement. This content is onyen-protected.

Collaboration

Browse a listing of the University’s research centers, institutes, initiatives, and laboratories , or access a searchable database of the University’s core facilities .

Proposal Development and Grantwriting

General grant writing resources.

  • Art of Grantsmanship (Human Frontier Science Program)
  • Debunking Some Myths About Grant Writing (Kenneth T. Henson, Chronicle of Higher Education)
  • The Proposal Writer’s Guide (University of Michigan)

General Guides for Federal Programs

  • Federal Programs and Fellowships that Support Early Career Faculty (Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC)
  • Primer on Federal Research Agencies of Interest to Universities and Research Organizations (Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC)
  • What to Say-and Not Say-to Program Officers (Michael J. Spiers, Chronicle of Higher Education)

NSF Grant Proposal Resources

  • A Guide for Proposal Writing (NSF)
  • Guidelines for Writing Grant Proposals (Ann M. Peters and Lise Menn, NSF)
  • NSF CAREER Proposal Writing Tips (Clark Univeristy)
  • NSF CAREER Award: Writing Guide (UC Berkeley)
  • NSF CBET CAREER Mock Review Panel (video, NSF)

NIH Grant Proposal Resources

  • Extramural Nexus (blog and news updates, NIH Office of Extramural Research)
  • Grant Review Process (collection of videos, NIH Center for Scientific Review)
  • Grant Writing Tips (collection of resources, NIH)
  • Write Your Application (NIH)

Guides for Additional Federal Programs

  • Grants Management Information for Awards Made Directly to Individuals (NEH)
  • Grants Policies, Forms, and Other Information for Organizations (NEH)
  • Health and Human Services Grant Process (DHHS)
  • NEH’s Application Review Process (NEH)
  • Overview of Federal Funding Opportunities for Behavioral and Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC)

Research Development Community

The Research Development Community comprises research administrators and staff across the University who are involved in research and proposal development. Research Development Community Meetings occur twice each semester to facilitate intra-institutional networking and dialog. If you are interested in joining the Research Development Community, please visit the community’s collaboration site via SharePoint (content is onyen-protected).

NC Alliance for Collaborative Research Excellence (NC ACRES)

NC ACRES is a three-year pilot that developed from a listening tour in FY20 that included 12 institutions across the UNC System, Duke, Wake Forest, and the NC Biotechnology Center. NC ACRES builds upon inter-institutional goodwill and leverages collective complementary strengths while aiming to break down inter-institutional silos.

NC ACRES highlights researchers and resources from state-wide partner institutions during monthly theme driven research webinars. From May through December 2021, six webinars focused on:

  • Health Disparities
  • Data Science, AI, and Machine Learning
  • Climate Change
  • Materials Science
  • Mental Health/Health Disparities
  • STEM Education, Research Workforce Development & Equity

In January 2022, our webinar series shifted to a yearlong focus on climate change. Each monthly webinar will highlight projects in one of the following research pillars:

  • Climate Tech: Data analytics and computing sciences for tackling climate change | Smart Utilities and next-gen materials
  • Climate impacts: preparing for climate stressors and disasters
  • How will climate change, change us?
  • Optimizing low-carbon, minimal-impact energy generation, delivery, and storage
  • Equity-focused recovery from climate change impacts and extreme events | Sustainable approaches to agriculture for a growing planet
  • Integrated assessment: interdisciplinary approaches to mitigating the climate crisis
  • Countering uneven distribution of environmental policy improvements, preventions, and mitigation strategies

If you are interested in presenting your work at one of the monthly webinars, please contact [email protected] .

NC ACRES’ long-term goals are to:

  • expand networking opportunities among NC researchers
  • facilitate activities that will lead to joint grant submissions and joint publications
  • increase depth of knowledge of other institution’s research activities and available resources

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS. A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

A Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) is an informal correspondence which is written by a Requesting Office and distributed to communities within a specific program area, to attract individuals eligible under a Visiting Scientist, Engineer, and Educator (VSEE) appointment, an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignment and/or a Federal Temporary appointment. These letters may be circulated in paper form through internal mail, distributed electronically using listservs or accessed through NSF.gov’s Career Page.

Physical Scientist (Program Director)

Application timeline, position summary.

The Division of Materials Research (DMR) announces a nationwide search for senior-level researchers to serve as a Program Director for the Ceramics program. Formal consideration of interested applications will begin at time of posting and will continue until a selection is made.

For the DMR mission statement and additional information about the above program, please see  www.nsf.gov/materials .

Position Description

Ther Ceramics Program supports fundamental scientific research in ceramics (e.g., oxides, carbides, nitrides and borides), glass-ceramics, inorganic glasses, ceramic-based composites and inorganic carbon-based materials. Responsibilities of the Program Director include long-range planning and budget development for the areas of science represented by the program, the administration of the merit review process and proposal recommendations, the preparation of press releases, feature articles and material describing advances in the research supported, and coordination and liaison with other programs within NSF, and other Federal agencies and organizations.

NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the Agency's overall mission. To fulfill this responsibility requires not only knowledge in the appropriate disciplines, but also a commitment to high standards, a considerable breadth of interest and receptivity to new ideas, a strong sense of fairness, good judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity.

Appointment options

The position recruited under this announcement will be filled under the following appointment option(s):

Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Assignment: Individuals eligible for an IPA assignment with a Federal agency include employees of State and local government agencies or institutions of higher education, Indian tribal governments, and other eligible organizations in instances where such assignments would be of mutual benefit to the organizations involved. Initial assignments under IPA provisions may be made for a period up to two years, with a possible extension for up to an additional two-year period. The individual remains an employee of the home institution and NSF provides the negotiated funding toward the assignee's salary and benefits. Initial IPA assignments are made for a one-year period and may be extended by mutual agreement. 

Eligibility information

It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs.  Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. https://www.nsf.gov/careers/Definition-of-Foreign-Talent-HRM.pdf .

Applications will be accepted from U.S. Citizens. Recent changes in Federal Appropriations Law require Non-Citizens to meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered. Therefore, Non-Citizens must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-Citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered eligible. Non-Citizens are not eligible for positions requiring a security clearance.

To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in the physical sciences or a closely related field, plus six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position after the award of the degree.

Candidates with effective oral and written communication skills, and familiarity with NSF programs and activities are highly desired. 

The position requires an individual with broad expertise in experimental ceramic, glass-ceramic, and glass sciences with emphasis on thin-film synthesis techniques, processing, and microstructure analyses, including defects and crystal growth. Expertise and/or interest in computational ceramic science approaches is considered a plus. The incumbent should also have an appreciation for interdisciplinary research. 

Successful candidates are expected to work effectively both as an individual within the specific NSF program and as a member of crosscutting and interactive teams, able to work across government agencies to promote NSF activities and to leverage program funds through interagency collaborations. Candidates should be familiar with a broad spectrum of the ceramics and materials research communities, as well as with the issues being addressed in the field. Accomplishments in the integration of research and education, multidisciplinary experience and interest, as well as experience with management of review processes are highly desired. 

How to apply

Applicants should indicate which program they are applying to within their cover letter and the subject line of the email. Please submit your curriculum vitae to [email protected] . Applications are reviewed by DMR's Division Director and Deputy Division Director. A few candidates are selected for telephone and/or NSF on-site or virtual interviews. Applicants will receive an acknowledgment of their application and a status update by email when selections occur. For more information about these openings, you may send an inquiry to  [email protected] or contact Miriam Deutsch . Nominations from the community are also encouraged. A nomination email can be sent to  [email protected] .

IMAGES

  1. Choose from 40 Research Proposal Templates & Examples. 100% Free

    research proposal resources

  2. Choose from 40 Research Proposal Templates & Examples. 100% Free

    research proposal resources

  3. 2024 Research Proposal Sample

    research proposal resources

  4. How to write a research proposal

    research proposal resources

  5. Choose from 40 Research Proposal Templates & Examples. 100% Free

    research proposal resources

  6. 11 Research Proposal Examples to Make a Great Paper

    research proposal resources

VIDEO

  1. research proposal format

  2. How to write a Research Proposal for Funding Sample @DST #funding

  3. Selecting a Research Topic and Developing Research Proposal

  4. Writing a research proposal

  5. Proposal 101: What Is A Research Topic?

  6. [SOLVED] HOW TO RESEARCH PROPOSAL?

COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a Research Proposal

    Research proposal examples. Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We've included a few for you below. Example research proposal #1: "A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management" Example research proposal #2: "Medical Students as Mediators of ...

  2. Research Proposal Example (PDF + Template)

    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.

  3. What Is A Research Proposal? Examples + Template

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

  4. How To Write A Research Proposal

    Here is an explanation of each step: 1. Title and Abstract. Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research. Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal. 2.

  5. How to Write a Research Proposal in 2024: Structure, Examples & Common

    A quality example of a research proposal shows one's above-average analytical skills, including the ability to coherently synthesize ideas and integrate lateral and vertical thinking. Communication skills. The proposal also demonstrates your proficiency to communicate your thoughts in concise and precise language.

  6. Research Proposal Guides & Resources

    How To Write A Dissertation Or Thesis 101: Big Picture Guide (With Examples) How To Find (And Choose) A Solid Research Topic For A Dissertation Or Thesis. Learn how to write a high-quality research proposal for your dissertation, thesis or postgrad research project. Get your proposal started today.

  7. How to Write a Research Proposal: A Step-by-Step

    Step 1: Title and Abstract. Select a concise, descriptive title and write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology and expected outcomes . The abstract should include your research question, the objectives you aim to achieve, the methodology you plan to employ and the anticipated outcomes.

  8. Writing a Research Proposal

    A research proposal must be focused and not be "all over the map" or diverge into unrelated tangents without a clear sense of purpose. Failure to cite landmark works in your literature review. Proposals should be grounded in foundational research that lays a foundation for understanding the development and scope of the the topic and its relevance.

  9. How to Write a Research Proposal

    Research proposals, like all other kinds of academic writing, are written in a formal, objective tone. Keep in mind that being concise is a key component of academic writing; formal does not mean flowery. Adhere to the structure outlined above. Your reader knows how a research proposal is supposed to read and expects it to fit this template.

  10. How to Write a Research Proposal

    1. Title. As is well known, the first thing that catches the reader's attention is a catchy title. Therefore, you should try to come up with a catchy yet informative title for your research proposal. Additionally, it should be concise and clear to reflect enough information about your research question.

  11. Research Proposal Tools and Sample Student Proposals

    Sample research proposals written by doctoral students in each of the key areas covered in Research Design--quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods—are provided as a useful reference. A Research Proposal checklist also serves to help guide your own proposal-writing.› Morales Proposal_Qualitative Study› Kottich Proposal_Quantitative Study

  12. How to Create an Expert Research Proposal (+Templates)

    A well-crafted research proposal is the backbone of a successful research project.Beyond serving as a blueprint for the entire study, ... Visme has a wide variety of tools, features and resources to help you create one quickly. Leverage Visme's proposal templates, intuitive editor and interactive features to make your proposal shine. ...

  13. How to Write a Research Proposal: Examples and Templates

    Templates and Resources for Writing a Research Proposal. When it comes to writing a research proposal, having a template or resources at hand can greatly help you structure your mind and guide you in the right direction. There are various templates available that can provide a basic structure for your proposal, making it easier for you to ...

  14. Proposal

    Research proposals are commonly used in academic or scientific settings. They outline the research objectives, methodology, timeline, expected outcomes, and potential significance of a research study. ... Human Resources (HR) Proposal. HR professionals may create HR proposals to introduce new policies, employee benefits programs, performance ...

  15. How to Write a Research Proposal

    Research proposal examples. Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We've included a few for you below. Example research proposal #1: 'A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management'.

  16. How to write a research proposal?

    A proposal needs to show how your work fits into what is already known about the topic and what new paradigm will it add to the literature, while specifying the question that the research will answer, establishing its significance, and the implications of the answer. [ 2] The proposal must be capable of convincing the evaluation committee about ...

  17. Research Proposal Resources

    This page provides an excellent foundation for students approaching proposal writing for the first time and offers advice for each step of the process. Literature Review Basics. Find resources for each step of the research proposal writing process, from the abstract to the literature review and beyond.

  18. Proposal Tools & Resources

    Indiana University's PDS Narrative newsletter archives—Brief articles about proposal development, with links to more information and resources. On the Art of Writing Proposals—A free, downloadable booklet with suggestions for Liberal Arts and Humanities proposals, published by the Social Science Research Council.

  19. How to Write a Research Proposal: Examples, Resources, & Research

    Create a research proposal on the analysis of the efficacy of fad diets . Write a research proposal on quality improvement in nursing practice. Research the causes of compulsive buying in women . Formulate a research proposal on Nokia's marketing strategy and its impact on Nokia Company price.

  20. Proposal Writing Resources

    Resources include an ebook - New Faculty Guide to Competing for Research Funding - that offers information on what new faculty need to know about finding funding and writing research proposals. This ebook was published by Lucy Deckard and Mike Cronan of Academic Research Funding Strategies LLC., who provide consulting services to colleges ...

  21. Proposal Development Resources

    Use the PI/Admin Planning Meeting Agenda to guide this discussion. The key items to cover in this initial meeting are the: 1) RFP/FOA required components, 2) Work plan, 3) Roles and Responsibilities, 4) Review cycles. Once completed, these communication documents are best kept in a folder that can be shared by the entire proposal development team.

  22. Free Download: Research Proposal Template (Word Doc

    What's Included: Research Proposal Template. Our free dissertation/thesis proposal template covers the core essential ingredients for a strong research proposal. It includes clear explanations of what you need to address in each section, as well as straightforward examples and links to further resources. The research proposal template covers ...

  23. Proposal Development Resources

    Great Lakes Energy Institute (GLEI) offers proposal development services for energy-related research proposals. The Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC) offers proposal development resources for faculty in the School of Medicine. GLEI and CTSC each have teams that can offer hands-on support for proposal preparation.

  24. Research and Proposal Development Resources

    Broader Impacts. Information about Broader Impacts criteria, which are important for successful review of NSF grant proposals, communicating Broader Impacts to scientific and diverse audiences, and links to campus units and resources that can support an investigator's Broader Impacts statement. This content is onyen-protected. Collaboration. Browse a listing of the University's research ...

  25. What is Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing?

    Evidence-based practice in nursing involves providing holistic, quality care based on the most up-to-date research and knowledge rather than traditional methods, advice from colleagues, or personal beliefs. Nurses can expand their knowledge and improve their clinical practice experience by collecting, processing, and implementing research findings.

  26. Research Investment Funds

    To support growth in research, the University of Massachusetts Lowell provides discretionary funds for reinvestment in research to the PI and co-PIs, centers, and colleges equivalent to the percentages of indirect costs recovered listed below. From a baseline of 51%, the monies from indirect costs are divided according to the following formula:

  27. Physical Scientist (Program Director)

    Ther Ceramics Program supports fundamental scientific research in ceramics (e.g., oxides, carbides, nitrides and borides), glass-ceramics, inorganic glasses, ceramic-based composites and inorganic carbon-based materials. Responsibilities of the Program Director include long-range planning and budget development for the areas of science represented by the program, the administration of the ...