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Research proposal module for doctoral studies

What is a research proposal?

A research proposal is a document that outlines your research question and research objectives, the methodology you will use and how you will conduct the research in order to answer your research question. The research proposal is a planning document and captures the thinking and logic of your approach to the study.

Before you begin to write the research proposal there are a number of key steps you need to take in preparation.

  • Transform your idea into a research question and conduct a preliminary literature review to learn what other researchers have been studying, as it pertains to your research question.
  • Provide a clear indication on what you intend to do and how you will do the research. Clarify why the research is necessary and provide specific motivation for your interest in this area of study.
  • Define the scope and limitations of your research.

Consider:

  • a draft title
  • a problem statement or question
  • the research objective (which answers the statement or question)
  • definitions and descriptions of the terminology and key concepts proposed
  • a scope definition
  • limitations of the proposed study
  • background to the study
  • an overview of proposed literature sources
  • a description of the research plan and timeframe
  • an explanation of the research methodology

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