DRAFT THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL
This step provides a template that will help you to assemble and write out the various parts of the Research Proposal, most of which can be copied directly from your work in previous steps.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL TEMPLATE
TITLE
In approximately 12 words, concisely outline the what, where, how and who of the proposal.
INTRODUCTION
Overview: Write an opening paragraph with a “statement of the problem,” briefly explaining the reasons for researching the problem or issue that has been targeted for study.
Literature Review: Copy and paste the literature review drafted earlier.
method plan
Decision Circuit items with explanations
1.1
1.2
1.3
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
3.1
3.2
3.3
CLOSING STATEMENT
Your pitch for being endorsed.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC LIST OF CITED SOURCES
APPENDICES (if required)
Using the template material, draft a full written account with complete sentences and coherent paragraphs. Follow the Research Director’s specifications for specific assignment requirements. Run the contents of the draft Research Proposal through this checklist.
Draft Proposal CHECKLIST
Place a check mark beside items that are adequately completed.
- The opening paragraph clearly states the problem and justifies the need for further study.
- A clear and concrete account of how to go about gathering, organizing and analysing the data/information is provided.
- The literature review includes a few references to a variety of literature sources in each paragraph.
- Proper scientific names are used.
- Paragraphs cohere well and are structured from the general to the specific.
- Limitations are identified.
- The final paragraph of the Introduction raises a researchable question.
- The closing statement provides clear reminders of why this proposal deserves to be endorsed and given the required support to move ahead.
- The literature provides a credible context for the method plan.
- A complete and well-formatted bibliographic list of cited sources is included.
The question is stated as a focused hypothesis or thesis that is briefly justified/defined in the Problem Formulation portion of the Method Plan. Appendix items, if required, are included.
How do you intend to address items that are not adequately completed?
Once everything on the checklist is adequately completed, you are ready to move to the Internal Grants Review. This step requires you to have hard copies of your draft Research Proposal to deliver to the assigned reviewers. Your Research Director may also request a consultation on the results of this checklist prior to the review.