Writing a research proposal

A research proposal, according to University of Birmingham is a concise and coherent summary of your proposed research. It sets out the central issues or questions that you intend to address. It outlines the general area of study within which your research falls, referring to the current state of knowledge and any recent debates on the topic.
What this really means is the following:

• Choose a topic on which you want to study. This will also guide your title. For example, if you want to do your research on the effect of HIV/AIDS on Uganda’s youth, your title could be Perceptions of Uganda’s Youth on HIV/AIDS.
• You will need to formulate the research problem. Here, you need to begin to think about whether or not there is a problem. For example, do Uganda’s Youth consider HIV/AIDS as dangerous? Do they condomise? Basically, you would need to identify the voice of the Youth of Uganda on the topic of HIV/AIDS.
• All research requires for you to check if there have been previous studies on the topic. This would be what is called the literature review. What have past scholars (dead or alive) had to say about the topic? Is it a completely new topic? If so, is there some related content or literature you could source?
• Following a brief scan of the available body of knowledge on the topic, you will find that that same information will guide you on what theories to employ as well as research methodologies to apply. There are various books one can use to guide you on how to go about the type of research to follow and what methodologies to employ. Your librarian should be able to assist you with finding the right material for your research proposal and project.
• Once you have identified all of the above, you might just about be ready to sit down and put together a research proposal, which you will then submit to your school or university’s faculty or supervisor. They will guide you on the way forward, however, in the end, your proposal will either be approved (give you a go ahead to pursue research on the topic) or rejected which means you will not be able to proceed with your research.

Having said that, it is possible. It can be done in a short space of time if you make the commitment of time and effort. Below is a bulleted template to guide you:

• Title
• Brief Introduction / Abstract
• Background and statement of the problem (a thorough literature review)
• Research question or hypothesis, aim and objectives
• Study design (type of study)
• Study population and sampling
• Data collection methods and instruments
• Data analysis methods – if applicable statistical planning must be fully addressed, or the candidate should provide evidence that statistics are not required.
• Mechanisms to assure the quality of the study – e.g. control of bias, safe storage of data
• Study period - Timetable for completion of the project
• Participants in the study – all people involved in the study, and the role they play, should be identified.*
• Ethical considerations.
• Resources required for the study, including budget if applicable
• References
• Appendices (copy of questionnaire, consent forms, etc.)

Source : https://diuf.unifr.ch/main/is/sites/diuf.unifr.ch.main.is/files/Proposal_Template.doc

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About Matovu George William

Born on the 25th November. Am a freelance website designer,Mobile App programmer and Technology blogger with clientlists and portfolios focused on arts, music, film and community work. Dedicated advocates of Clean, accessible design and have a sharp attention to detail. Since November 2007, i have a strong management and communication skills. I Keep aware of current web and print technologies and trends. Am a diligent Internet researcher. I also have a passion for typography, having designed a number of my own fonts. Panoramic photography is an activity that has always been a hobby, but which we are now bringing into my professional work.