A research proposal format can vary as per the requirement of institution and type of research. There are few steps in writing a research proposal that is always needed. Normally, a good research proposal takes time to write. The research proposal must identify why the proposed research is important and what it will address. In this article, I will explain all the steps needed to write a good research proposal.

Title for your Proposal:

The title of a research proposal varies based on the type of research but it should be concise and descriptive. You must try that your title should be interesting enough to read on. You will also want it to be accurate enough that it may come up in searches.

Do not use phrases like “A review…..” “An investigation…..” “An overview….”

Always use an informative and short title like “Effect of pathogens on non-sterile dosage forms”

Title Page:

The title page includes the title of a proposal, your name and the institution you are representing.

Each university specifies a format for the title page. If no specific format is defined then use APA style.

Add header on the left corner which will appear on every page of the research proposal.

Include page number on the right side corner of your header. Make sure that page numbers come in all pages of your proposal. Make the title center typically 1/3 of the way down the page. Give double space and add your name immediately below. Following that add your institution and your supervisor’s name. Some institutions may require your contact details on your title page. You may also give your contact details at the end of this page.

Abstract

The abstract represents the summary of your proposed research. It also includes the solution of the proposed problem, objectives and project funding requirements.

Center the word “Abstract” which should be at the top of the page.

Start your abstract directly below the abstract heading without indent the paragraph.

Make sure your abstract should be between 150-250 words.

4. Choosing the keywords:

Choose 4-5 keywords that reflect the main idea of your proposal. These key words suggest what the topic is about. The benefit of choosing the right keywords ensures that your proposal should appear in searches that will be beneficial for the students.

For instance, if you are writing a respiratory disease-related proposal then you may choose these keywords.

Respiratory system, Lungs, Asthma, etc

You can also use a single word or phrase of 2-5 words.

Table of contents

If your research proposal is longer then you should make a table of content on the third page. The table of content lists all the major sections of your paper.

Do not include this table if your proposal consists of only a few pages.

Long proposals also need figures, tables, and a list of illustrations.

List down all the major contents and parts of the proposal.

Introduction:

The introduction should contain

Problem statement

Research purpose

Research significance

Background

Include a quick note about the topic being discussed. Add a definition of the theory from which your proposed research will be based.

Write a problem statement before moving further in detailing the problem. Include your problem answer and what new issues does your research raise?

Add the purpose of the study. Highlight the goals and objectives of the study.

Type research significance which should include why this area of research is Important.

Background:

Recognize the research problem and show why the work should proceed.

If wanted, you can break this segment into numerous subsections.

Under a header perusing “Research Question” or “Research Hypothesis,” portray the connection between variables in the research or anticipate the connection between variables. This basically distinguishes the research problem.

Under a header perusing “Definition of Terms,” characterize the focal thoughts that will be used in the proposed research.

Also, give proof supporting your competence or aptitude in the field.

Literature Review

In this area, you will demonstrate to your readers that you are aware of current and past research in your subject and show that your exploration will make a huge and generous commitment to it. You will offer credit to different researchers who have laid the foundation, evaluate and integrate their work, and separate your very own research.

Don’t transform this segment into a rundown or a dull outline. Sum up existing research in a story-like way that attracts readers while uncovering the opening that your research will endeavor to fill.

Proposed research:

This segment is the core of the proposal and should incorporate all data about your proposed methodology or approach.

This area can likewise be titled “Methodology”

Provide a total clarification of your proposed research. Address the clarification to specialists in the field rather than laymen.

The setup and data in this segment will rely upon whether your exploration is subjective and quantitative. You’ll likely have subsections like “Exploration Design,” “Instrumentation,” “Information Collection and Analysis Procedures.” You may incorporate data about what you will do to secure the privileges of human subjects, if essential, under a segment called “Assurance of Human Rights.” Other potential subsections may incorporate “Thoroughness,” “Lack of bias,” “Consistency,” and “Pertinence.”

You ought to likewise show your insight into elective techniques while putting forth the defense that your methodology is the best method to handle your examination question.

Be sensible about what you would like to achieve, clear about your focus, and unequivocal about everything the examination depends on. The depiction ought to likewise incorporate a nitty-gritty timetable of the proposed work and intensive pretty much all basis and materials required.

Also incorporate data about sample size and target population, if applicable.

Institution resources:

Describe all relevant institutional resources in this section. Explain what your institution can offer.

List down information like institution past contributions in the area of research, research facilities, and supportive services.

References:

Select a separate page for it. Include all the references you have used in identifying the problem and forming a research proposal.

Personnel Identity:

This section contains a short biography of the main contributor to the research

Make sure that this section is not applicable to short proposals

Enlist the responsibilities and expertise of each contributor.

Appendices:

Most of the research proposal does have this section. Appendices include supporting documents that are essential for readers to understand the proposal. Give the reference of appendices where ever required in your proposal.

The budget of your Project:

Add expected cost you require, funding source and specify items being paid for by other funding sources. Each cost should reflect its justification.