Research proposal explained

A research proposal is a document proposing a research project, generally in the sciences or academia, and generally constitutes a request for sponsorship of that research.^[1] Proposals are evaluated on the cost and potential impact of the proposed research, and on the soundness of the proposed plan for carrying it out.^[2] Research proposals generally address several key points:^[3]

• What research question(s) will be addressed, and how they will be addressed
• How much time and expense will be required for the research
• What prior research has been done on the topic
• How the results of the research will be evaluated
• How the research will benefit the sponsoring organization and other parties

Types

Research proposals may be solicited, meaning that they are submitted in response to a request with specified requirements, such as a request for proposal, or they may be unsolicited, meaning they are submitted without prior request. Other types of proposals include "preproposals", where a letter of intent or brief abstract is submitted for review prior to submission of a full proposal; continuation proposals, which re-iterate an original proposal and its funding requirements in order to ensure continued funding; and renewal proposals, which seek continued sponsorship of a project which would otherwise be terminated.^[4]

Academic research proposals are generally written as part of the initial requirements of writing a thesis, research paper, or dissertation.^[5] They generally follow the same format as a research paper, with an introduction, a literature review, a discussion of research methodology and goals, and a conclusion. This basic structure may vary between projects and between fields, each of which may have its own requirements.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Research proposal. BusinessDictionary.com. 21 June 2016. 5 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190205232731/http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/research-proposal.html. dead.
2. Web site: Wong. Paul T. P.. How to Write a Research Proposal. International Network on Personal Meaning. 21 June 2016. 4 January 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230104005117/http://www.meaning.ca/archives/archive/art_how_to_write_P_Wong.htm. live.
3. Web site: Yousaf. Saeed T. P.. Keypoints of a Research Proposal. Scholarshipfellow.com. 7 January 2018. 30 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230330150758/https://scholarshipfellow.com/research-proposal/. live.
4. Web site: Writing a Research Proposal. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 21 June 2016. 22 June 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160622041535/http://www.library.illinois.edu/learn/research/proposal.html. live.
5. Web site: How to Write Academic Research Proposal. A Jonson Hillviews Magazine Editor. 20 December 2018. 20 December 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181220231042/https://penmypaper.com/blog/how-to-write-a-good-research-proposal/. live.