A research proposal is a financing request for research work. It is simply a strategy for putting a hypothesis or group of theories to the test to answer a research topic. When writing a proposal, one of the most important things to remember is that authors must personalize it to the intended audience.
If the paper is created as a Ph.D. researcher's proposal, writers must adhere to the institution or faculty's criteria for this type of work. The majority of proposals provide a clear summary of a crucial research issue, a methodology and timeline, and an assessment of current literature and field developments.
Purpose of a research proposal for Ph.D. researchers
- It is used to depict that Ph.D. researchers have adequate expertise to sustain your proposed research topic.
- It is considered as part of the researcher's application evaluation process.
The proposed research will most likely change as the ideas develop during the courses, as the research plan researchers present as a component of their application is only the beginning.
What to Include in your Research Proposal
While following any instructions the funding body provides is essential, most research proposals will follow a structure similar to those outlined below. Inclusions of all of these sections are critical, as the information is critical to the evaluation process. The initial three chapters of your research proposal usually contain your thesis or dissertation and references. These chapters comprise the following sections and should address the following questions:
1. Introduction: What are your research goals?
You must present your topic, including its context, purpose, and relevance, as well as any restrictions. You should also figure out what your research topics are and what your theoretical framework is.
2. Literature Review: How original is your research?
You will synthesize the research literature in your subject and contextualize your study within the larger framework of what has been done in the literature review. Your literature review provides the reason for the planned investigation.
3. Methodology: How will you research your topic?
Your methodology chapter must address your strategy to the topic and how you will accomplish your research. It would be best, to begin with:
· Your research questions
· Justify your approach,
· Provide a detailed plan for your research.
The proposal guides your future research, so it should be specific and enclose all of the techniques/tools you will use to accomplish your studies.
4. Timetable:
As the last stage or follow-up to your technique, your calendar should specify how long each step would take - potentially using bi-weekly or monthly time intervals. This allows the reader to assess the viability of your research and demonstrates that you have thought about how you'll put your Ph.D. proposal into action.
5. Bibliography:
This is the last step of writing a successful research paper. The Ph.D. researcher must list the most important works and attachments like your academic CV. In addition, researchers need to demonstrate their critical thinking abilities by using just the most practical resources.
To conclude, it is essential to understand that your research proposal is not a binding document; it is a proposal. Instead, think of it as a flexible way to plan an exciting and feasible project that you would like to pursue as a Ph.D. researcher.
Get in touch with EDAMBA to explore The 2022 EDAMBA Summer Research Academy aiming to contribute to the emergence of Ph.D. students' independent intellectual identity through academic discussions and presentation.