Show that you understand the current state of research on your topic.
The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.
One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.
Download our research proposal template
Discover proofreading & editing
Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.
Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:
The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.
Your introduction should:
To guide your introduction , include information about:
As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.
In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:
Following the literature review, restate your main objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.
? or ? , , or research design? | |
, )? ? | |
, , , )? | |
? |
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:
Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .
Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.
Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.
Download our research schedule template
Research phase | Objectives | Deadline |
---|---|---|
1. Background research and literature review | 20th January | |
2. Research design planning | and data analysis methods | 13th February |
3. Data collection and preparation | with selected participants and code interviews | 24th March |
4. Data analysis | of interview transcripts | 22nd April |
5. Writing | 17th June | |
6. Revision | final work | 28th July |
If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.
Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:
To determine your budget, think about:
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
Statistics
Research 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.
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 Citation Generator.
McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved September 4, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/
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, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".
I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”
Research degrees
How to write your research proposal, with examples of good proposals.
Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It tells us about the question you want to answer through your research. It is a chance for you to show your knowledge of the subject area and tell us about the methods you want to use.
We use your research proposal to match you with a supervisor or team of supervisors.
In your proposal, please tell us if you have an interest in the work of a specific academic at York St John. You can get in touch with this academic to discuss your proposal. You can also speak to one of our Research Leads. There is a list of our Research Leads on the Apply page.
When you write your proposal you need to:
York St John University
Lord Mayor’s Walk
01904 624 624
York St John London Campus
6th Floor Export Building
1 Clove Crescent
01904 876 944
© York St John University 2024
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Dui id ornare arcu odio.
Felis bibendum ut tristique et egestas quis ipsum. Et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Faucibus pulvinar elementum integer enim neque volutpat ac. Hac habitasse platea dictumst vestibulum rhoncus.
Nec ullamcorper sit amet risus nullam eget felis eget. Eget felis eget nunc lobortis mattis aliquam faucibus purus.
Before starting a project or any activity in an organization, there’s always a need to share this idea. Sharing it to a group would result in a much more outstanding proposition. Take, for example, a proposal for a project which needs to be evaluated and thought over before its implementation.
Creating proposals needs a lot of thinking. There are numerous factors that need to be speculated. It needs to be discussed and of course, be approved by someone of high position. Writing grant proposals are very significant too, for this is mostly what the executives will be taking note of.
Sample proposal example.
Size: A4, US
Size: 76.3 KB
Size: US, A4
Research proposal template.
Size: 52.7 KB
Size: 47.8 KB
Size: 46.7 KB
Size: 42 KB
Size: 294 KB
Size: 13 KB
Size: 43 KB
Size: 90 KB
It project proposal template.
Size: 45 KB
Size: 100 KB
Size: 114 KB
Size: 88.4 KB
Size: 133 KB
Size: 307 KB
Size: 21 KB
Size: 125 KB
Size: 203 KB
Business proposal template.
Size: 101 KB
Size: 150 KB
Size: 36 KB
Size: 174 KB
Size: 188 KB
Size: 219 KB
Thesis proposal template.
Size: 80 KB
Size: 30 KB
Size: 118 KB
Size: 15 KB
Size: 25 KB
Dissertation proposal template.
Size: 124 KB
Size: 51 KB
Size: 160 KB
Size: 41 KB
Proposal introduction letter example.
Size: 518 KB
Size: 82 KB
Size: 64 KB
Simple budget proposal template.
Size: 49 KB
Size: 52 KB
Size: 356 KB
Size: 237 KB
Conference sponsorship example.
Size: 363 KB
Size: 195 KB
Size: 131 KB
Cultural event proposal example.
Size: 139 KB
Size: 32 KB
Size: 152 KB
Technical and financial proposal example.
Size: 212 KB
Size: 230 KB
Size: 94 KB
Technical paper example.
Size: 435 KB
Size: 176 KB
Size: 57 KB
Database project example.
Size: 671 KB
Size: 1015 KB
Filmmaking grant proposal.
Size: 374 KB
Size: 207 KB
Digital marketing proposal.
Size: 654 KB
Final report example.
Size: 745 KB
Size: 530 KB
Sales business proposal.
Size: 39 KB
Size: 309 KB
Size: 182 KB
Training program proposal.
Size: 157 KB
Size: 130 KB
Proposal examples are written propositions that are addressed to clients or by any department to its head executives. It contains ideas that would be beneficial to an organization. There are many types of proposals, such as a budget proposal and event proposal.
Proposals aim to be approved by the people involved. Writing a proposal , you have to ensure that all is well thought of. It is important for a proposal to be organized, structured, complete, and clear. You can make proposals in a way you see best and most understandable.
One type of proposal is the business proposal . This proposal aims to grab a client to invest in their organization. These proposals mostly address clients, who would potentially purchase goods and services.
There are no specific formats for a business proposal. What matters is its content that delivers a complete and clear concept. Its important elements are:
The length of the proposal is insignificant. It focuses more on how information is communicated.
Writing a proposal is a skill. Though it’s an easy way out to just follow proposal examples , it’s different when making an original one. Don’t get discouraged, we have prepared a few samples for your reference. Plus, here are tips and guidelines to make your proposal effective and more attractive.
Aside from business proposals , there are other kinds of proposals that anyone can encounter, such as a research proposal. What is a research proposal?
A research proposal is the written proposal for a research paper that aims to convince the reader that there is a need for a research study to be conducted and needs financial aid for the research to be successful. You may also see non-profit proposal examples & samples . Research proposals present all that will be done during the research, what it is for, and what benefits are expected to be achieved at the end.
There are organizations that operate with the purpose of serving the people and not for profit accumulation, like charities, government branches, foundations, and trusts. You may also like partnership proposal examples & samples . Therefore, to acquire funds that are needed for that organization, grants have to be issued.
A grant proposal is a document requesting funds to achieve a certain undertaking. These kinds of design proposals are used by any government entity asking for monetary assistance to be prepared for operations like improving roads, building facilities that would benefit the society, scholarships, research, charities or cases wherein a calamity has devastatingly affected a community.
Reaching this point, you have seen different types of proposals. To better understand, here are brief summaries of the different types of proposals:
1. Unsolicited Proposal: Unsolicited proposals are proposals where no instructions regarding submission of proposals are made but are submitted anyway to catch the potential sponsor’s interest. Some business loan proposals are unsolicited and may be submitted anytime.
2. Solicited Proposal: Solicited proposals is a response to any specific program that is issued by any organization. Proposals of this kind usually have deadlines. Take a look at the security proposal examples that are online for more.
3. Supplemental Proposal: There are instances that the current budget is not enough for the current project. To acquire more funds, a request for an increase in the budget is made in the form of a supplemental proposal.
4. Competing Renewal Proposal: A proposal is made to request sponsors for continued funding for a project proposal that is about to terminate. These type of proposals are like newly-made proposals that need to be approved in the same manner as the new one.
5. Non-competing Proposal: This type of proposal is a request for the succeeding year’s funding, including the progress report of the project, the budget, etc. It also has the schedule of duties, changes or updates, and other relevant information about the project. You may also see grant proposal examples .
1. define a proposal..
A proposal is a written plan or a suggestion put forward for consideration by others. It is mostly formal. Business proposals are sent to the prospective client to obtain specific jobs. Also used by a seller, who writes to a buyer to know if he/she wants to buy certain services/goods from the seller.
Proposals are a way to pitch an idea and state your requirements. It is important because it provides information in writing and you can act knowing the implications of your choices and decisions. Proposals help in making a structured and logical argument to lay down every idea and point in your favor.
Proposals must cover the following:
Preparing a winning proposal means that you are writing for the client and are proving a clear solution to their issues. Not every proposal you make is accepted by the client, so make sure that you make it from the point of view that is beneficial to the client.
The best way to conclude a proposal can be:
Text prompt
Generate a proposal for a new school recycling program
Compose a proposal for a school field trip to a science museum.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
A sample research proposal for a project on constraint management in construction scheduling, with comments and feedback. The proposal outlines the problem, objectives, literature review, methodology, and schedule of the research.
Find two examples of proposals for postgraduate research from the Department of Social Policy and Criminology. Learn how to structure, write and develop your own research proposal with reference to existing literature and methodology.
Learn how to write a research proposal with this general outline that covers title page, introduction, literature review, methodology, and more. See examples of design, sample, measurement, analysis, and limitations.
Learn how to write a research proposal with two successful examples (Master's and PhD) and a free template. Download PDF or Word files for each proposal and the template.
The research proposal is a summary of the plan you are contemplating for carr ying out in the form. of a dissertation - by making you put it down into a standard format and r equiring you to ...
Learn how to write an effective research proposal with this guide and example. It shows how to organize ideas, arguments, methods, and outcomes using focus questions, mind maps, and argument maps.
Research Proposal Sample 2: PhD research proposal John Smith, Autumn 2009 Proposed supervisor: Hugh Grant Computer support of creativity in music compositionfor cinema and television Overview My research will be at the junction of three areas: creativity support, musical composition and human-computer interaction.
Learn how to translate your research plans into an effective proposal for institutional and funding approval. This handout covers the elements, keys and structure of a research proposal for health sciences researchers conducting quantitative, clinical research.
This document provides a suggested format for a research proposal, with sections such as cover page, abstract, introduction, literature review, theoretical framework, materials and methods, data analysis, limitations and references. It also gives examples of research questions, hypotheses, definitions and operational definitions.
A sample research proposal for a master's or doctoral degree in engineering, with sections on background, objective, scope, methodology, facilities, budget, deliverables and references. The proposal should be limited to 15 pages and written in size 12 font.
This document is a proposal for a qualitative study on language brokering in Mexican immigrant families in the U.S. It includes the introduction, literature review, research questions, and methodology of the proposed dissertation.
A guide for students who want to apply for a research degree or funding at the University of Edinburgh. It covers the content, style, structure and process of writing a research proposal, with tips and examples.
This document is a project proposal on whether manufacturing is an engine of growth for the Indian states. It uses econometric techniques, growth accounting and total factor productivity analysis to examine the role of dynamic sectors in industrialization.
Learn the key elements of a research proposal, such as title page, introduction, literature review, research design, and reference list. See examples of proposals for different fields and purposes, and download templates to get started.
Find out how to write your research proposal for a PhD application at York St John. Download examples of good proposals in different subject areas and get subject specific guidance.
1 of 5. Research Proposals. Writing a research proposal is the first step for a research project. Before you can work on your research, it must be approved, whether that is by a professor, thesis advisor, or supervisor. It is essential to make your proposal as strong as possible; if your proposal is denied, you may not get the funding you need ...
This guide provides the format and components of a full proposal for the Haramaya University Grand Challenge Research Grant Competition 2021/22. It includes sections on title, executive summary, introduction, literature review, research methodology, ethical considerations, work schedule, budget, expected output and outcomes, and references.
o Briefly describe the major issues and sub-problems to. be addressed by the research. o Identify the key independent and dependent variables. of the study. o State the hypothesis of the study, if ...
PDF | On Jan 31, 2023, Precious Eberechi Azubuike - Zubi published SAMPLE RESEARCH PROPOSAL | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate
What is a research proposal? A research proposal is the written proposal for a research paper that aims to convince the reader that there is a need for a research study to be conducted and needs financial aid for the research to be successful. You may also see non-profit proposal examples & samples. Research proposals present all that will be ...
PDF | On Mar 15, 2016, Sibghatullah Husaini published Sample Research Proposal | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate ... Sample Research Proposal. March 2016; DOI:10. ...