This document discusses the components and purpose of a research proposal. A research proposal outlines an intended research activity and acts as a contract between the researcher and funding institution. It should be a straightforward, logically organized document that includes an introduction with the problem statement and objectives, a literature review, methodology section describing the research design and analysis, and a time schedule. The methodology section focuses on either qualitative or quantitative approaches depending on which the study will use. A research proposal demonstrates a researcher's ability to clearly plan a research project.

1. Writing a research proposal
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 Content
 Meaning of research proposal
 Components of a research
proposal
 A proposal is a document which details an intended
activity e.g. a research or a project
 It acts as a contract – once accepted by an
institution, the researcher is obliged to follow the
steps outlined in the proposal
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2. Meaning of research proposal
 The institution/funding agency also has an
obligation to honor the terms of contract
 A proposal demonstrates the researcher’s
ability to think clearly about the intended the
research or project
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3. Meaning of research proposal
 A proposal should be a
 Straightforward document
 Uncluttered with extraneous and irrelevant
information
 Clearly organized, simple and presented in a logical
form
 Two types of proposals:
 Research proposal
 Project proposal
 The difference between the research and project
proposal is the expected outcome
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4. Research proposal Components
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
 Mandatory sections of a research proposal:
 Introduction: background to the problem, statement of
the problem, the purpose, objectives and justification of
the study
 Literature review: researcher reviews literature related
to the topic under investigation
 Methodology: includes description of research
design, population, sample and sampling
techniques, data collection procedures and methods of
analysis
 Time schedule: time period required to carry out the
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5. Research proposal Components
 Under the introduction section, there are some
sections that are normally included but do not have to
be included:
 Limitations √
 Assumptions √
 Hypothesis √
 Theoretical or conceptual frameworks √
 These research proposal components apply to both
qualitative and quantitative methods but the
difference is the emphasis – in methodology section,
emphasis is given to either qualitative or quantitative
approach depending on the approach that the study
has taken.
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