Elements of a research proposal

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Introduction Statement of the problem Objectives of the study Hypotheses to be tested Definition of Terminology Methodology
a) b) c) d) e) Study design Location/setting Measurement procedure Sampling Analysis of data

7. 8. 9.

Limitations Work Schedule Appendix

Introduction
Provides readers with the background information for the proposed research. Its purpose is to establish a framework for the research, so that readers can understand how it is related to other research. In an introduction, the writer may want to provide
An overview of the main area under study A historical perspective (development, growth, etc.) pertinent to the study area Philosophical or ideological issues relating to the topic Trends in terms of prevalence, if appropriate Major theories, if any The main issues, problems and advances in the subject area under study Important theoretical and practical issues relating to the central problem under study, and The main findings relating to the core issue(s).

Statement of the problem

State what the study is in very clear term. Help communicate your ideas to others. Help guide the research process (e.g., what variables will be examined, what methods will be used).

Well-stated Research Problem

State in simplest form.
Stated as a question is preferable.

Identify the variables being investigated. Indicate the relationships between the variables being investigated. Identify the target population.

Examples of well-stated research problem. The study was designed to identify factors that predict the parenting behaviors of mothers, and to explore whether or not the same factors predict the quality of care provided by Malays, Chinese and Indian mothers. The factors related to the achievement of children ages 6-8 years old, were also examined.

 The purpose of this study is to determine what effect preschool experiences have on the socialization of children entering the first grade. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a difference in the rate of child abuse between female single families and male single-parent families.

Objectives of the study

Include your studys main and sub-objectives. Main objective central thrust of your study Sub-objectives specific issues you propose to examine. The objectives should be clearly stated and specific in nature. Each sub-objective should delineate only one issue. Use action-oriented words Numerically listed If the objective is to test a hypothesis, follow the convention of hypothesis formulation

Hypotheses to be tested
A hypothesis is a statement of your assumptions about the prevalence of a phenomenon or about a relationship between two variables that you plan to test within the framework of the study. Make a position statement of the hypotheses in your report, i.e., draw conclusion about them. You may have as many hypotheses you want to test; however, it is not essential to have a hypothesis to undertake a study.

Definition of Terminology
Provide both conceptual and operational definitions of terms or concepts that are unique to your study.

Study design
Describe the study design you plan to use to answer your research questions. E.g., say whether it is a cross-sectional, experimental or non-experimental design. Give rationale for selecting a particular design.

Location/setting
Describe where you would conduct the study. Also describe the organization, agency or community in which you will conduct your study. Highlight some of the salient characteristics; and draw attention to any available relevant information

Measurement procedures
Discuss the instruments that you will use and the details of how you plan to operationalise your major variables, including the procedures for its measurement. Provide justification for selecting the instruments; highlight its strengths and weaknesses. If you are using a standard instrument, briefly discuss its reliability and validity.

If you adapt or modify, describe and explain the changes.

Sampling
Describe the study population Describe the size of the sample you plan to select, give reasons for choosing the size; and An explanation of the sampling design you are planning to use in the selection of the sample (simple random, stratified random, quota sampling, etc.)

Analysis of data
Describe the strategy you intend to use for data analysis. For computer analysis, identify the program and the statistical procedures you plan to perform on the data.

Limitations
Discuss the problems that you thought you might encounter concerning, for example, the availability of data, securing permission, obtaining sample, etc. The study design, sampling or measurement may not have been the best, but you adopt it for certain reasons, which can be classified as a limitation and need to be communicated to the readers.

Work schedule
You must set dates for you to complete the research within a certain time-frame. Draw a Gantt Chart or milestones by which you aim to complete the task.

Appendix
You will need to attach your research instrument. Also attach relevant permission letters.