research paper planning template

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• A Research Guide
• Research Paper Guide

How to Write a Research Plan

• Research plan definition
• Purpose of a research plan
• Research plan structure
• Step-by-step writing guide

Tips for creating a research plan

• Research plan examples

Research plan: definition and significance

What is the purpose of a research plan.

• Bridging gaps in the existing knowledge related to their subject.
• Reinforcing established research about their subject.
• Introducing insights that contribute to subject understanding.

Research plan structure & template

Introduction.

• What is the existing knowledge about the subject?
• What gaps remain unanswered?
• How will your research enrich understanding, practice, and policy?

Literature review

Expected results.

• Express how your research can challenge established theories in your field.
• Highlight how your work lays the groundwork for future research endeavors.
• Emphasize how your work can potentially address real-world problems.

5 Steps to crafting an effective research plan

Step 1: define the project purpose, step 2: select the research method, step 3: manage the task and timeline, step 4: write a summary, step 5: plan the result presentation.

• Brainstorm Collaboratively: Initiate a collective brainstorming session with peers or experts. Outline the essential questions that warrant exploration and answers within your research.
• Prioritize and Feasibility: Evaluate the list of questions and prioritize those that are achievable and important. Focus on questions that can realistically be addressed.
• Define Key Terminology: Define technical terms pertinent to your research, fostering a shared understanding. Ensure that terms like “church” or “unreached people group” are well-defined to prevent ambiguity.
• Organize your approach: Once well-acquainted with your institution’s regulations, organize each aspect of your research by these guidelines. Allocate appropriate word counts for different sections and components of your research paper.

Research plan example

• Writing a Research Paper
• Research Paper Title
• Research Paper Sources
• Research Paper Problem Statement
• Research Paper Thesis Statement
• Hypothesis for a Research Paper
• Research Question
• Research Paper Outline
• Research Paper Summary
• Research Paper Prospectus
• Research Paper Proposal
• Research Paper Format
• Research Paper Styles
• AMA Style Research Paper
• MLA Style Research Paper
• Chicago Style Research Paper
• APA Style Research Paper
• Research Paper Structure
• Research Paper Cover Page
• Research Paper Abstract
• Research Paper Introduction
• Research Paper Body Paragraph
• Research Paper Literature Review
• Research Paper Background
• Research Paper Methods Section
• Research Paper Results Section
• Research Paper Discussion Section
• Research Paper Conclusion
• Research Paper Appendix
• Research Paper Bibliography
• APA Reference Page
• Annotated Bibliography
• Bibliography vs Works Cited vs References Page
• Research Paper Types
• What is Qualitative Research

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Research Plan Template in Word

Implementing a Research Project Plan Can Positively Affect Your Thesis and Research Process. Template.Net Contains a Directory of Such Templates Which Includes Study Planner Templates, Marketing Paper Samples, Action Plan Examples, and Research Outline Documents. These Documents Can Be Downloaded for Free in Multiple File Formats Editable through Microsoft Word.

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A research plan is a type of paperwork that outlines the thoughts on a particular research project. Research is done well to give support and to act as a solid foundation of the study that you are up to. A well-outlined research Strategy Plan builds credibility and helps expand your knowledge since you will figure out more information along your research process. As you get along with your study and decided to finally make a research plan, things can be quite challenging along the way since you might have a lot of tasks at hand which results to get you unfocused in creating one.

Fortunately, Template.net provides ready-made professional plan templates to help anyone create one good plan instantly. Our Research Plan Word Templates are available for personal, school, work, business, and other purposes. Each template is already equipped with suggestive content and desired components for creating a systematic research plan. Despite already having content, they are also 100% customizable templates, This feature will allow you to add or remove details from the template, or adjust any layout element effortlessly.

Getting your hands on any of our templates will help you find more time for your research topic instead of your plan. And because these are Printable Plan Templates, producing copies of your finalized output is just as easy as the process of creating it. Why waste time creating plans from scratch when you can use ready-made templates instead? Subscribe to Template.net today and get access to even more Activity Plan Templates .

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Research paper outline template

Brainstorm and organize your ideas for an academic research paper

The Research Paper Outline template is a space to brainstorm, collect resources, and plan out your academic paper or essay at a high level. This will be a living resource that you can come back to throughout your research and writing process to add ideas and resources, make adjustments, and keep you on track.

Start by brainstorming and deciding on the topic of your paper and outline the main points to include in your thesis and guide you in your research.

In the title brainstorm section you can note down ideas of titles you have for your paper as they come to you so when it is time to choose a title you can revisit the ideas you have been collecting.

Next, the Research brainstorm section is an area for you to jot down ideas to direct you in your search for resources. You could add sticky notes for particular themes, key words, or specific sources you want to make sure to look at. This is the space to ideate what you want to be researching and where you are going to look for the information.

In the Resources section you can directly copy and paste any links to articles, podcasts, videos, images, or any other media you will use. This will help you to keep track and visually organize all of your sources. We recommend sorting the sources into the different topics you will cover in your paper. You can even use icons to indicate if a source has a quote you will want to use or is just good background information. Throughout your research process you can continue collecting different sources in this section. You can also include links to note documents that you take.

Once you have enough resources and understanding of your topic you can determine what themes you would like to cover in your research paper and the associated arguments you would like to make in each theme. Once you have brainstormed arguments you can include which sources from the Research section will provide evidence to each of your arguments.

Lastly, you can create a high level visual outline of your paper or essay. No matter the length of your academic paper, it should include an introduction, body, and conclusion. You can organize your thesis, themes, main points, and evidence into the sections of the introduction, body, and conclusion. You may still want to write out a more detailed outline in a document before you start writing but this visual outline will serve you as a starting point as well as a guiding resource that you can return to throughout the process. The visual nature of the template will make it easy to revisit and rearrange or add quick ideas and thoughts as your paper develops and you need to make adjustments.

Share the mural with any team members, peers, or advisors for feedback on the direction of your academic research paper.

Research paper outline template frequently asked questions

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Research Plan: What Is It & How To Write It [with Templates]

In today's fast-paced world, comprehensive data and analytics are crucial for businesses and institutions to streamline their decision-making processes. Therefore, to gather truly valuable insights, a meticulously designed research proposal is necessary. This is where many research teams fall short, focusing only on general research planning instead of creating a holistic research plan.Basic research planning encompasses only the initial stages of a research project, focusing on defining research questions, timelines, objectives, and methods. While crucial, it offers only a rudimentary outline of the research approach.

On the other hand, a well-executed research plan is a detailed, systematic, and structured document that outlines every aspect of the project. It ensures a focused, organized, and rigorous approach that maximizes the quality and reliability of the research findings.

What Is a Research Plan?

A research plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the entirety of your research project. It details the research process, from defining the problem statement and research objectives to selecting the research method and outlining the expected outcomes. This plan serves as a blueprint for your research activities, ensuring a focused and efficient approach.

The objective, methodology, and method depend on the context of your research. For instance, social media or UX research plans may focus on qualitative research methodologies , while a scientific research strategy might involve formulating hypotheses and conducting experiments.

How To Write a Research Plan in 6 Steps

Crafting an effective research plan empowers you to conduct a focused and productive investigation. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a plan tailored to your specific needs:

Define the Purpose of Your Project

As a starting point for your research plan, you need to clearly articulate what you aim to achieve with your research. What questions are you seeking to answer? What problem are you trying to solve? Properly defining the project’s purpose ensures your research remains focused and avoids scope creep.

Identify Research Objectives

After you have defined what the main goal for the project is, you will have to identify the specific steps or objectives needed to achieve your goal. This will help you streamline your process in a more efficient way.

Noting down individual objectives can be especially helpful if a large group is working on the project, as they can allocate tasks more effectively according to each person’s expertise. Even if a single person is conducting the research, the identified steps can assist them in sorting tasks according to their priority.

Develop a Hypothesis

In some research projects, you might benefit from developing a hypothesis , which, in basic terms, is a tentative prediction about the outcome of your investigation. The research plan will then include the tests and methodologies to help accurately confirm or disprove the original hypothesis.

Choose a Suitable Research Method and Sample

Choose the research methods best suited to gather the kind of data you need. Qualitative methods like focus groups, user interviews, and usability testing provide rich, in-depth insights. Quantitative methods like close-ended questionnaires offer broader data points.

A combination of both quantitative and qualitative research methods can be used if you want to take a more holistic approach. Next, identify your research sample. Define the demographics of your ideal participant and the sample size you need to come to get relevant insights.

Recruit Participants and Distribute Tasks

If you’re the one leading the research study, recruiting participants can help simplify the tasks. You can divide all the work according to each person’s proficiency, allowing you to prioritize the managerial tasks of your plan, such as how you will display your results.

Set a Realistic Timeline

Establish a clear timeline for each stage of your research, allocating sufficient time for tasks like data collection, analysis, and reporting. It is best practice to allow for extra time when noting down each task’s deadline in case a team member isn’t able to meet it or in case of any unexpected developments. A timeline is crucial even if you’re working alone, as it allows you to organize your time accordingly.

Why Do You Need a Research Plan?

A research plan is more than just a document. It's a roadmap for all your research activities. A well-defined plan helps you stay organized and focused on achieving your objectives.

The plan serves as an effective tool for transparent communication among team members and stakeholders. It also makes it easier to track the progress of research goals, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

7 Marketing Plan Templates Built and Used by Leading Companies

Actual case studies of effective research planning processes can give you valuable insight. Here are seven plan templates with different use cases created and used by renowned companies:

1. Jobs To Be Done User Research Guide at Replit

Tabish Gilani, Director Head of Product at Replit, created a user research interview guide to teach employees how to conduct interviews efficiently using the Jobs to be Done (JTBD) Framework . It is an excellent resource for companies that need to generate large-scale interview campaigns where users are “difficult to find.”

The interviews were meant to help get a more comprehensive outlook on Replit users worldwide regarding who they are, what they do, and why. The framework especially helped them with effective segmentation, as Replit is used globally for several different reasons. Therefore, according to geography, unique patterns and behaviors would be found that basic usage data cannot provide insight into.

Through the JTBD framework, they were able to interview users to pinpoint product themes to help them better understand their Ideal User Profile. This included the four forces influencing the point of view of the product, two of which are pull forces that attract the user and two push forces that repel them. They also specified four broad segmentations of behavioral, geographical, psychographic, and demographic to help them find relevant interviewees.

2. Design Methods Research Planning for Facebook Audience Insights

Behzod Sirjani, the Senior User Experience Researcher at Facebook, took an unconventional research approach that successfully helped them redesign the Audience Insight tool, which didn’t get great feedback when it was launched.

When designing the research plan , they prioritized making it fun and qualitative to get a subjective view of what users would want the ad tool to look like and why. These answers would also give a good insight into what competitors are doing right without having to go through competitive analysis.

Behzod didn’t just rely on interviews to get customer feedback. They took the approach of giving the user a blank page and marker to draw what they think will be useful for them. Then, they can ask why that will help them and delve into deeper conversations. This is great if you do not want to restrict answers.

They also kept rolling recruitment to reach higher-value customers and not spend excessive time with each. This approach worked as the team did not want empirical research but points that could help them learn and adapt to user preferences.

3. Enterprise App Management Research - Discussion Guide at Slack

Head of Research Operations at Slack, Behzod Sirjani, created an effective discussion guide used when conducting interviews with Slack Enterprise App Admin customers. This is especially helpful for B2B contexts, which was the case here.

The first part of the discussion focuses on warm-up questions to orient the participant and build a rapport. This allows the interviewer to gauge the answering style and adapt their questions accordingly for higher effectiveness.

The second part is designed to get context regarding the company and processes. The third section consists of the core questions, which are meant to take the most amount of time. This part of the discussion is where the interviewer delves deeper into how the product is managed and used and any challenges faced. At the end, the guide gives prompts on how to wrap up the discussion and get any information that may have been missed or could be discussed further.

4. Research Plan - Concept Testing at Niagahoster

Muhammad Aditya Ardiansyah, UX Researcher at Niagahoster, curated a research plan that is incredibly useful for people who want to gain insight into a feature. The plan focused mainly on getting insights about the concept and conducting usability testing.

The team first created hypotheses to validate if their feature is easy to use and useful. Their research plan also highlighted the in-depth process of creating two profile types that would include three participants each. The methods will involve in-depth interviews and moderated usability testing research to get a holistic idea of the attitudes and behaviors of users towards the product.

To incentivize participation, the research team gave a reward in the form of a discount voucher for their product, company merchandise, or money.

5. Automatic Outreach Research Process and Tracker at Coda

Coda Product Manager Matt Woods used the latest management software to help automate the process of reaching out to participants and tracking their feedback. This makes the guide particularly useful for those who want to schedule calls on scale.

This innovative method allowed for a streamlined interviewing process. It has proven to help the Coda product team get valuable insights regarding customer pains and improved user intuition.

6. Automatically Scheduling Customer Interviews at VEED

Thomas Christensen, Senior Product Manager, Growth at VEED.IO created a system that allowed them to conduct continuous interview research sessions . This was to improve user intuition and reveal the pains, desires, and unmet needs of their target market.

They segmented users into three groups:

• “Habit users” who make videos every week
• “Aha users” who just created their first video
• New users who did not make a video at all.

This allowed them to cater their outreach methods accordingly. For example, the first two types of users were sent recruitment emails. The third type was reached out via the app itself.

This approach also helped personalize the email and messages to get more responses. This guide is excellent if you want to scale your outreach process in a convenient way.

7. Qualitative and Quantitative Design Research Approach at Reforge

Lead Product Designer at Reforge, Ali Riehle, created a diagram to help guide their cross-functional research project . This spectacular guide can help you create a research plan that uses both quantitative and qualitative methods.

The structured approach using the diagram allowed each stage and task to be distinguished, which helped streamline communication and collaboration across the three different pods. The research outcomes heavily and positively contributed to the creation of Reforge’s strategy for 2024.

Click here to discover more of our Research Plan artifacts.

How To Customize a Research Plan Template

When selecting a template to customize for your research project, make sure it covers all essential components, such as:

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the research topic and target audience.
• Background: Define the problem or opportunity you're addressing.
• Objectives: Clearly outline your specific research goals.
• Methodology: Explain how you'll collect and analyze data.
• Timeline: Set realistic deadlines for each research stage.
• Expected Outcomes: Describe the anticipated results of your research.
• Communication Plan: Outline how you'll present your research findings.

Explore Artifacts of All Kinds

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Academic Research Template Guide: 20 Must-Have Templates for Researchers

Creating these research documents can be a challenging task. Researchers often struggle with structuring their work, adhering to academic standards, and ensuring completeness. The complexity of this process can be overwhelming, especially when each type of document has its own unique requirements and guidelines.

Now imagine having all the necessary templates for managing your academic research in one place. This would save time, reduce stress, and ensure consistency across your work. To help you navigate this, we’ve compiled a detailed list of academic research document templates. These templates cover everything from research proposals to feasibility studies, making it easier for you to focus on your research rather than the formatting.

Explore these templates to boost your research process, maintain high standards, and enhance the quality of your academic work. Read on!

20 Academic Research Document Templates

1. research proposal template.

When beginning on academic research, a clear and structured research proposal is essential. This document lays the groundwork for your study, providing a roadmap for what you intend to explore, why it’s important, and how you plan to conduct your research. Crafting a well-organized research proposal ensures that you have thoroughly thought out your project, which is crucial for gaining approval from supervisors or funding bodies.

Dive into the key components that a research proposal should cover:

• Title : A concise and descriptive title that reflects the main focus of your research.
• Introduction : An overview of your research topic, including background information and the significance of the study.
• Literature Review : A review of existing research related to your topic, identifying gaps your study aims to fill.
• Methodology : Detailed description of the research design, including data collection and analysis methods.
• References : A list of all sources cited in your proposal, adhering to a specific citation style.

2. Grant Proposal Template

Let’s break down the crucial elements of a grant proposal:

• Cover Letter : An introduction to your proposal, highlighting the main objectives and significance of your project.
• Executive Summary : A brief overview of your project, including its goals, significance, and expected outcomes.
• Problem Statement : A clear explanation of the issue your research addresses and why it is important.
• Objectives : Specific, measurable goals that your project aims to achieve.
• Methodology : Detailed plan of how you will conduct your research, including data collection and analysis methods.
• Budget : A detailed breakdown of the funding required, including justifications for each expense.
• Impact Statement : Explanation of the potential impact of your research, both academically and practically.
• Qualifications : Information about the principal investigators and their expertise relevant to the project.

3. Thesis Proposal Template

When pursuing a thesis, a comprehensive thesis proposal is essential. This document outlines your intended research, demonstrating your understanding of the topic and your plan to contribute new knowledge to the field. A strong thesis proposal provides a clear roadmap for your research journey and helps secure approval from your academic advisors.

• Title Page : Includes the title of your thesis, your name, institution, department, and date.
• Abstract : A concise summary of your proposed research, including the research question, methodology, and significance.
• Research Questions/Hypotheses : The specific questions or hypotheses your research aims to answer.
• Methodology : Detailed plan of your research design, including methods of data collection and analysis.
• Timeline : Schedule of your research activities, indicating when each stage will be completed.
• References : A list of sources you have cited in your proposal, formatted according to a specific citation style.

4. Feasibility Study Template

• Executive Summary : Brief overview of the study, including the project’s purpose, key findings, and recommendations.
• Description of the Project : Detailed explanation of the project, including objectives, scope, and deliverables.
• Market Analysis : Examination of the market environment, including demand, competition, and potential customer base.
• Technical Feasibility : Assessment of the technical requirements and resources needed to complete the project.
• Financial Analysis : Detailed financial projections, including costs, revenue, and profitability estimates.
• Legal and Regulatory Considerations : Review of legal and regulatory requirements related to the project.
• Risk Analysis : Identification and analysis of potential risks and mitigation strategies.
• Recommendations : Conclusions and suggestions based on the feasibility study’s findings.

Literature and Review

5. literature review template.

• Introduction : Sets the stage by explaining the purpose of the review and its relevance to your research.
• Scope : Defines the boundaries of your review—what time period, geographic area, or specific aspects of the topic are included.
• Search Strategy : Details the methods used to identify and select sources, such as databases, keywords, and inclusion criteria.
• Synthesis of Literature : Summarizes and organizes the findings from each source, highlighting key themes, debates, or trends.
• Critical Analysis : Evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the literature, identifying gaps or contradictions.
• Conclusion : Summarizes the main findings of the review and discusses their implications for your research.
• References : Lists all sources cited in the review, formatted according to a specific citation style.

6. Systematic Review Template

• Research Question : Clearly defined question or set of questions guiding the review.
• Inclusion Criteria : Specific criteria used to select studies, such as publication date, study design, and population.
• Screening Process : Systematic process for screening and selecting studies based on inclusion criteria.
• Data Extraction : Method for extracting key information from selected studies, such as study design, findings, and quality assessment.
• Quality Assessment : Evaluation of the methodological quality of included studies to assess their reliability.
• Findings : Summary of findings, implications for practice or policy, and recommendations for future research.

7. Meta-Analysis Template

• Research Question : Clearly defined question or hypothesis that the meta-analysis aims to address.
• Selection Criteria : Specific criteria used to select studies for inclusion in the analysis, such as study design, publication date, and sample characteristics.
• Search Strategy : Detailed plan for systematically searching and identifying relevant studies, including databases used and search terms.
• Data Extraction : Method for extracting quantitative data from selected studies, such as effect sizes, standard deviations, and sample sizes.
• Statistical Analysis : Techniques used to analyze and combine data across studies, such as calculation of overall effect sizes and tests of heterogeneity.
• Publication Bias Assessment : Evaluation of potential bias in the literature due to unpublished studies or selective reporting.
• Conclusion : Summary of findings, including overall effect sizes, implications for theory or practice, and recommendations for future research.

8. Review Article Template

• Introduction : Sets the stage by defining the scope and importance of the topic reviewed.
• Objectives : Clearly state the goals and aims of the review article.
• Literature Search : Detailed description of the search strategy used to identify relevant literature, including databases and search terms.
• Organization of Content : Structured presentation of the review, such as thematic sections or chronological order.
• Critical Analysis : Evaluation and synthesis of key findings and arguments from the literature, highlighting trends, debates, and gaps.
• Summary : Summarizes the main findings of the review and discusses their implications for the field.

Empirical Research Methods

9. survey template.

• Introduction : Brief explanation of the survey’s purpose, confidentiality assurance, and instructions.
• Demographic Questions : Questions about age, gender, education, etc., to categorize respondents.
• Main Survey Questions : The core questions related to your research, using various formats (e.g., multiple choice, Likert scale, open-ended).
• Closing Statement : Thank you note and any additional instructions for submission.

10. Experiment Template

• Introduction : Background information, the hypothesis, and the significance of the experiment.
• Materials and Methods : Detailed description of the materials, experimental design, procedures, and variables.
• Results : Presentation of the data collected, using tables, graphs, or charts.
• Discussion : Interpretation of the results, including the implications and limitations of the study.
• Conclusion : Summary of the findings and their significance.
• References : List all sources cited in your experiment.

11. Case Study Template

• Case Description : Detailed account of the case, including background information and context.
• Methodology : Explanation of how data was collected and analyzed.
• Findings : Presentation of the main results and observations.
• Discussion : Analysis of the findings, including implications and connections to existing literature.
• Conclusion : Summary of the case and its broader significance.

12. Qualitative Research Template

Qualitative research focuses on exploring and understanding human experiences, behaviors, and social phenomena. It involves collecting non-numerical data, such as interviews, observations, and texts. A well-organized qualitative research template helps you structure your study and ensure thorough and meaningful analysis.

To conduct qualitative research, include these essential elements:

• Introduction : Background information, research question, and significance of the study.
• Literature Review : Overview of existing research related to your topic.
• Methodology : Detailed description of data collection methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups) and analysis techniques (e.g., thematic analysis).
• Findings : Presentation of the main themes and insights from the data.
• Discussion : Interpretation of the findings, including implications and connections to existing literature.
• Conclusion : Summary of the study and its broader significance.

13. Quantitative Research Template

Quantitative research involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to identify patterns, relationships, and trends. This approach is often used to test hypotheses and make generalizations about a larger population. A clear and detailed quantitative research template helps you design and conduct your study systematically.

When planning your quantitative research, make sure to include the following elements:

• Abstract : Brief summary of the research question, methods, results, and background information.
• Hypotheses : Specific predictions that your study aims to test.
• Methodology : Detailed description of the research design, sampling methods, data collection instruments (e.g., surveys, experiments), and analysis techniques (e.g., statistical tests).
• Results : Presentation of the data, often using tables, graphs, or charts.
• Conclusion : Interpretation of the results, including their implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research.
• References : List of all sources cited in your research.

Research Documentation and Reporting

14. dissertation template.

Writing a dissertation is a significant achievement in your academic career. This comprehensive document details your research process, findings, and contributions to your field. It demonstrates your ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and present your conclusions in a structured format. A well-crafted dissertation not only fulfils the requirements for your degree but also contributes valuable knowledge to your discipline.

Explore the essential components of a dissertation template:

• Title Page : Contains the title of your dissertation, your name, institution, department, and date.
• Introduction : Introduces the research topic, explains its significance, and outlines your research questions or hypotheses.
• Methodology : Describes the research design, data collection, and analysis methods used in your study.
• Results : Presents the findings of your research, often with the help of tables, figures, and statistical analysis.
• Discussion : Interprets the results, discusses their implications, and suggests areas for future research.

15. Theoretical Framework Template

A theoretical framework is a crucial part of your research, providing the foundation for your study. This document explains the theories and concepts that underpin your research, guiding your analysis and interpretation of data. A well-defined theoretical framework helps you establish the relevance and direction of your study, linking your research to existing knowledge.

Let’s examine the core elements of a theoretical framework template:

• Introduction : Introduces the purpose of the theoretical framework and its importance to your research.
• Key Concepts : Defines the main concepts and variables that will be explored in your study.
• Theoretical Perspectives : Discusses relevant theories and models that inform your research, explaining their significance.
• Relationships Between Concepts : Explains how the key concepts are related to each other, forming the basis for your hypotheses or research questions.
• Application to Study : Describes how the theoretical framework will be applied to your research, guiding your methodology and analysis.
• Literature Support : Provides references to existing literature that supports the chosen theories and concepts.

16. Journal Article Template

Publishing a journal article is a key way to share your research with the academic community. This structured document presents your study’s findings, methodology, and significance concisely and clearly. A well-written journal article helps you contribute to your field, gain recognition, and engage in scholarly conversations.

Discover the essential components of a journal article template:

• Introduction : Introduces the research topic, states the research problem, and outlines the objectives and significance of the study.
• Literature Review : Summarizes relevant existing research, highlighting gaps your study aims to fill.
• Methods : Describes the research design, data collection, and analysis procedures.
• Results : Presents the findings of your study, using tables, figures, and statistical analysis to support the results.
• Discussion and Conclusion : Interprets the results, discusses their implications, and suggests future research directions.
• References : Lists all sources cited in the article, formatted according to the journal’s guidelines.

17. Technical Report Template

When documenting technical research or projects, a technical report provides a detailed and structured presentation of your work. This document explains the technical aspects of your project, including methods, results, and recommendations. A clear and thorough technical report helps stakeholders understand your findings and supports decision-making processes.

Examine the crucial components of a technical report template:

• Title Page : Includes the report’s title, your name, organization, and date of completion.
• Abstract : A concise summary of the report, highlighting the main objectives, methods, findings, and recommendations.
• Introduction : Introduces the project, states its objectives, and explains its significance.
• Methodology : Describes the technical methods and procedures used in the project.
• Results : Presents the findings, supported by data, tables, and figures.
• Discussion : Analyzes the results, explaining their implications and any limitations encountered.
• Recommendations : Summarizes the key findings and provides recommendations based on the results.
• Appendices : Includes supplementary material, such as raw data, detailed calculations, and technical drawings.

18. Primary Research Template

• Research Hypotheses : Specific questions or hypotheses that your research aims to address.
• Methodology : Detailed description of the research design, including data collection methods (surveys, interviews, experiments) and sampling techniques.
• Data Analysis : Methods for analyzing the collected data, including statistical tests and qualitative analysis.
• Results : Presentation of the findings, supported by tables, graphs, and descriptive summaries.
• Conclusion : Interpretation of the results, implications for the field, and suggestions for future research.

19. Secondary Research Template

• Literature Review : Comprehensive review of existing research, summarizing key findings and identifying gaps or inconsistencies.
• Research Questions : Specific questions that your secondary research aims to answer based on the existing literature.
• Methodology : Description of the methods used to locate, select, and analyze secondary data.
• Findings : Synthesis of the key findings from the reviewed literature, highlighting patterns and trends.
• Discussion : Interpretation of the findings, their implications, and recommendations for future research or practice.

20. Comparative Study Template

• Background Information : Provides essential context and background for each subject, ensuring a clear understanding of their relevance.
• Comparison Criteria : Specific criteria or aspects on which the subjects will be compared, such as features, performance, or outcomes.
• Methods : Description of the methods used to collect and analyze data for the comparison.
• Results and Analysis : Presentation and analysis of the findings, highlighting key similarities and differences.
• Conclusion : Summarizes the main findings, discusses their implications and suggests areas for further research or practical application.

Our discussion covered the essentials of academic research and introduced 20 key document templates to help align your work. From thesis proposals to comparative studies, these templates are designed to enhance your research process.

By using these templates, you can save time, reduce errors, and focus more on your actual research. Remember, always double-check your sources, keep your data organized, and never underestimate the power of a good abstract. Now go on, start using the templates, and simplify your academic journey!

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Research Plan Templates

GETTING STARTED

To help you even more with planning and managing your workload, as well as organizing your ideas for various stages of your dissertation, we have provided five templates to make the process more manageable, and equip you to deal with different milestones.

Introduction

Chapter 3 of the book discusses some of the challenges in getting started with your dissertation and highlights the importance of planning. Managing the workload of the dissertation and making careful plans for each stage is important, and doing so will help you to feel in control of the process.

You can find out more about techniques to manage your time in Chapter 3, and in this video:

Chapter 3: Getting Started

As also noted in the book, each dissertation will look different. The subject, methods, methodology, data, sample and your own personal style will ultimately dictate how it looks. However, most dissertations include the same sort of ‘ingredients’ and these can become part of a checklist or ‘to-do’ list for your dissertation.

Remember, that the selection of dates and order you might like to do things will be personal to both you and your project. We therefore recommend you use these templates a basis for your planning, but that these plans should also be discussed with your supervisor.

Planning Template One: Getting started (the ultimate to do list!)

A ‘to do’ list spanning the whole dissertation seems like an impossible task at the very start, but Planning Template 1 will help you to get on track with your planning from the outset. You should remember that your checklist might start very broad (as in this template), but should be refined as the process evolves. Keep in mind that you might want to begin by planning in months and make more specific dates as your ideas evolve. 

Planning Template Two: Identifying topic area and planning the literature review

Planning Template 2 will help you to identify your topic area and plan your literature review. As you might find as you go along, it can be tricky to get started and to generate research ideas/questions. An important part of achieving this is starting to explore what research exists and how this is all connected. Once you have completed a reading, try to add key points into Planning Template 2. This will help you to map out the most pertinent parts of the work can help you to identify your topic area and research questions. Using this template as a starting point, you might want to code readings according to themes or areas of interest, too, and you could do this using different fonts or colours.

Planning Template Three: Selecting your methods/methodology

One way to select your method or methodology is to think of this decision making process as a process of elimination , which will help you identify some suitable methods and methodological approaches, and their limitations. Planning Template 3 takes you step-by-step through this process.

Planning Template Four: Planning the Methods/Methodology chapter

The structure and content of the methods chapter of your dissertation or research project will vary according to each individual dissertation. However, Planning Template 4 outlines some key content that can be modified as you wish.

Planning Template Five: Analysis process, identification of key themes

Planning Template 5 will help you identify key themes in your findings, start clustering your findings together according to themes or points of interest/contention, and return to your research questions , utilizing the information you have gathered as a focal point for analysis.

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