Technical Proposal

• Intro

  • Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application, or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation.

• What is a research proposal?

  • A research proposal is a concise piece of writing that outlines the details of a larger research project. It is commonly required for theses, dissertations, and other academic research endeavors. The primary goal is to present the author's plan for research, addressing the significance, methodology, and potential outcomes.

• How to write a research proposal:

  • Research proposals are written in a formal, objective tone and should be concise. They follow a structured format, including an introduction, background significance, literature review, research design, methods, schedule, suppositions and implications, conclusion, and bibliography. Adhering to this structure is crucial for clarity and coherence.

• Difference from a report:

  • A research proposal differs from a report in that it focuses on planning and justifying the research before it is conducted. It outlines the research question, methodology, and significance, whereas a report presents the findings and analysis after the research has been completed.

• Why is a research proposal significant?

  • A research proposal is significant because it serves multiple purposes. It outlines the researcher's plan for approval, secures funding, and demonstrates the relevance of the research to the academic field. It also showcases the author's capability to contribute original knowledge and addresses existing gaps in research.

• Research Proposal Structure:

  • Introduction:
    • Introduces the topic, states the problem statement, and provides context for the research.
  • Background Significance:
    • Explains the necessity of the research, its relation to existing studies, and defines the problems it addresses.
  • Literature Review:
    • Introduces and analyzes sources used in the research, showing their relevance and how they contribute to the study.
  • Research Design, Methods, and Schedule:
    • Describes the type of research, data collection methods, tools used, research timeline, budget, and potential obstacles.
  • Suppositions and Implications:
    • Explores how the research may challenge existing theories, contribute to the field, and provide practical value.
  • Conclusion:
    • Summarizes the research proposal and reinforces its stated purpose.
  • Bibliography:(appendix)
    • Lists all sources cited in the proposal.

• How long should a research proposal be?

  • The length varies, with bachelor's and master's theses proposals being a few pages long, while Ph.D. dissertations and funding requests may be more detailed. The focus should be on including all necessary elements rather than a specific word or page count.

• Editing and proofreading a research proposal:

  • Follow a six-step writing process, and proofread after allowing the draft to "cool off." Be concise, adhere to the formal tone, and ensure logical presentation to answer readers' questions.

• Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Being too wordy:
    • Prioritize brevity and clarity over unnecessary elaboration.
  • Failing to cite relevant sources:
    • Connect the research to existing studies, showcasing familiarity with the field.
  • Focusing too much on minor issues:
    • Concentrate on major, key issues in the proposal.
  • Failing to make a strong argument for your research:
    • Present a persuasive argument for the research's importance and potential impact.