Writing a Research Proposal (and prepping for a Dissertation)

The following guide will prepare you for writing a research or grant proposal at the University level. While the format may vary slightly by discipline and presentation of information, here’s a general roadmap for where to start, what to include, and essentials of writing a research proposal.

The First Two Paragraphs: Narrowing Your Reach and Establishing Authority

Before we begin, it’s essential to emphasize how important topic selection is in research. As a researcher and scientist, you are obligated (both to the public and to yourself) to present on a topic that’s relevant, has precedent, and is relatively general. For instance, this RPG topic may be about cystic fibrosis, or corruption in politics, whether international, national, or even local.

If these three qualifications are satisfied, it will be significantly easier to develop strong conclusions and have an actual, visible impact if you can build on former research — “stand on the shoulders of giants” — to advance your field(s) and deliver meaningful conclusions to the public.

Paragraph One: Precedent of Policy and Research

Your first paragraph should consider brevity and consist of precedent. What has been done, what literature is currently available for your topic and how have scholars addressed your issue in the past?

Henceforth I’ll use the example of a paper that explores the impact of ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) on emotional regulation in adolescents. While the general topic is ADHD, what scholars have not addressed thus far is how the disorder affects emotional ability, which is comprised of both comorbidity, social interactions, self-esteem, and more. This is where you will pivot from your first paragraph to your second.

Paragraph Two: Your Queries and Questions

Your second paragraph should transition between what has been done and what needs to be done — your research should fill a need. It should not just be research for the sake of science — it must have application.

To make your topic or query seem relevant, it must have two essential components: Urgency and specificity.

• Urgency: Why is your research topic needed in today’s society? What can it bring to the table and what are the implications of your greater societal problem if research isn’t conducted?
• Specificity: Why you? What are you going to do to fill this gap in knowledge?

To end your second paragraph, finally insert your research question. It should be broad but specific enough to have relevant and suitable precedent in your field.

Project-Specific Content — Your Actual Research Proposal

It’s ironic how your actual research proposal — your ideas and context — comprises such a small percentage of your submission. But it’s the meat of your submission, so let’s jump into it, and it’s a breeze compared to the other elements of this section.

• Background info — describe why are you interested in your topic and reiterate specifically what has been done. What is the precedent from your specific organization or government, is there law supporting or clarifying your topic, who are the interest groups involved? Provide clear research (not opinion) into each and every angle.
• Placement — location, history, time, context. Why is this an issue now, in this location, and in this environment?
• Limitations — scope, information, accessibility, resources, etc.

That’s it. Be specific, concise, and relate your proposal to the rest of your submission.

Ending Components of a Research Proposal

So you’ve written your synapsis and connected your proposal to relevant and timely queries. So what now, after you’ve written the specifics of your project? It’s pretty straightfoward, and I’ll cover some of these components in other guides.

1. Your Literature Review surrounding your question.
2. Your methodology — I suggest scrolling to the “methodology” section of the “lab report” guide if you need help with specifics.
3. TIMELINE: Extremely important. When will you have certain objectives finished, and between which time frame?
4. Budget: Must be realistic and legitimate expenses

Finally, produce your conclusion that connects back to your opening. How will your research create new questions in the field? What more will there to be done after the research is conducted? Don’t assume results.

I wish you the best of luck with your proposal!