This document provides guidance on writing a research proposal. It begins by defining what a research proposal is and its purpose. It then discusses the key components of a research proposal such as the problem statement, objectives, hypotheses, research methodology, time schedule and expected outcomes. Examples of different types of research proposals and their formats are also provided. Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive guide for developing an effective research proposal.

1. HOW TO WRITE A
RESEARCH
PROPOSAL
Dr. C.THANAVATHI,
M.A., M.Phil., M.Ed., M.Phil., SET, PGDHE,
DGT, DCA, Ph.D.,
Assistant Professor of History
V.O.C.College of Education,
Thoothukudi.
9629256771
thanavathic@thanavathi-edu.in
http://thanavathi-edu.in/index.html

2. What is Research Proposal?
 It is a brief report about the study that a
researcher intends studying.
 It is comparable to the blueprint which the
architect prepares before the building
commences.
 It is subject to modification in the light of the
analysis by the researcher or his/her project
advisor.
 It provides the basis for evaluation and the basis
for assistance.
 It provides the systematic plan of procedure.

3.  Preparation of a proposal is crucial in research
 It provides different steps involved in the
research process
 It refers to an outline of a systematic,
scientific inquiry
 It is precisely called Blue Print of the research
work
 It ensures a workable plan of exploration,
investigation, experimentation, etc.
Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 3

4. Proposal, Synopsis & Report
Proposal Synopsis Report
Prepared before
the research.
Prepared after
the collection &
analysis of data
Prepared after
the collection &
analysis of data
Plan of work Document in Brief Document in an
elaborate form
Only suggestive.
So, can be altered
Pre-final form.
Caption, chapter
can be altered.
Final form.
Cannot be
altered.

5. FORMS OF PROPOSALS
 For Masters Dissertations
 For Doctorate Thesis
 For Minor Projects
 For Major Projects
Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 5

6. TYPES OF PROPOSALS
 Solicited Proposals
It refers to the proposals marked for specific
needs of the society, industry, nation and other
organizations. It is a form of applied research which
is concerned with understanding the ways of
functioning by nature and others. Its Aim is to
answer specific research questions.
 Unsolicited Proposals
It refers to a routine work and is a form of pure
research consisting of natural course of events. It
involves library research, theory construction, cross
validation etc. Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 6

7. Description
 Research Proposal therefore is a planned
document proposing a project generally in
Science, Social Sciences, Behavioral
sciences, Humanities and other Academia
containing a request for Degree,
Sponsorship and funding having a notable
scope and significance. Such Proposals are
evaluated in respect of its potential impact,
relevance, scope, cost and time schedule.
Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 7

8. Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 8

9. ‘Seven Part Proposal’ suggested by Best & Kahn
1. The Statement of the Problem
2. The Significance of the Problem
3. Definitions, Assumptions, Limitations and Delimitations
4. Review of Related Literature
5. The Hypotheses
6. Methods
7. Time Schedule
(This need not be taken as the satisfactory sequence.
Institutions suggest other formats)

10. RESEARCH PROPOSAL
 Area of Study
 Problem
 Introduction-definitions, assumptions
 Review of Literature
a. Research Questions
b. Rationale
c. Hypotheses
 Method – objectives, design, sample, tools,
procedure
Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 10

11.  Analysis -Statistical Application
 Expected Outcome
 Time Schedule
 References
Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 11

12. Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 12

13. 1. Introduction
 General proclamation about education
 Starting with catchy sentence
 Ending with linking the present study
 About half-a-page

14. 2. Rationale for the Study
 Discusses the need for the study
 Talks about the utility of the study
 Justifies the selection of the area
 Defends the topic selected
 Reviews related studies
 Explains with statistical data
 Runs about one and half pages

15. 3. Statement of the Problem
 Doesn’t reproduce the title as it is
 Explains the problem briefly
 Explains the key terms
 Defines them operationally
 Mentions the dictionary meaning
 Occupies about a page

16. 4. Objectives
 Given in operational term
 Clearly and unambiguously mentioned
 Can be divided into General and Specific
Objectives
 Should not be given with any pre-conceived
opinions.
 Should be more than five in numbers (Kerela
University – for M.Ed.)

17. 5. Hypotheses
 Not given in some proposals
 Should be scientific
 At par with objectives
 Preferably Research Hypotheses

18. 6. Research Paradigm
 Means model or design
 Portrays different forms of work
 Includes methods, sample, variables, tool (s),
statistical techniques, etc.
 Shows different phases of work

19. Method
 Fix the method
 If possible, justify the selection
 Discuss the phase

20. Sample
 Fix the population
 Finalise the No. of subjects
 Design the sampling technique
 Justify your choice, if possible

21. Variables
 Understand different types of variables
 Classify the variables you intend to select
 Mention them
 ‘Background Variables’ is the phrase used

22. Tool (s)
 Select the tool (s)
 Mention whether it is self-made or already
standardised

23. Statistical Technique
 Have thorough knowledge of statistics
 Discuss with experts
 Finalise the statistical technique you intend
to apply

24. 7. Delimitations
 Understand the difference between limitations and delimitations.
Limitations are the conditions beyond researcher’s control. It
may place the restrictions on the conclusions of the study and
their applications.
Delimitations are the boundaries of the study and conclusions
are not to be extended beyond this sample.
 Delimitations only may better be given.
 They should be mentioned taking title for an account.

25. 8. Time-Schedule
 Take available times
 Analyse the nature of every work and the time
required to complete it
 Plan your work accordingly
 Apply the principles of flexibility
 Adhere to it

26. 9. Expected Outcome
 Discusses the utility value of the work
 Can be given either in paragraph or one
by one
 It is more important, when the proposal
is sent for funding agency.

27. RESEARCH
PROPOSAL
Model

28. Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 28

29. TITLE
STUDY ON AWARENESS OF
E-WASTE MANAGEMENT
AMONG STUDENT TEACHERS

30. 1.0 Statement of the Problem
Society is growing not only in population but also in
technology. Technology place is an important role in
growth of nation. And so and so lot of electronic
gadgets have been discovered and invented by humans
for the purpose of easy living.
Nowadays more than the population, the quantity of
electronic gadgets has been increased. And the
humankind is in hyper-tension mode of handling
electronic waste or e-waste. So proper awareness
should be need for the student teachers to improve their
E-Waste management.
The present investigation is a descriptive one aiming at
study on awareness of e-waste management among
student teachers.
Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 30

31. 2.0 Title of Study
 The title of the study is entitled as “Study
on Awareness of E-Waste Management
among Student Teachers”.
Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 31

32. 3.0 Significance of the Study
The world is polluted by various kind of pollutes such us air
pollutants, water pollutants, sanitary waste, medical waste and in recent
days. Electronic waste, managing and disposals of electronic waste had
been one of the greatest challenges faced by mankind. If humankind
allows the e-waste as waste on earth for longer time, the earth would
become toxic and unworthy to live.
So proper measures should be taken in handling e-waste. An
estimated 50 million tons of e-waste are produced each year. The
environmental protection agency estimates that only 15-20% of e-waste
is recycled, the rest of these electronics go directly into landfills and
incinerations. This information makes our heart to stop. It alarms that
this should be handled immediately with at most concern. Mishandling
of e-waste may cause damage to human life and endanger the lives
around it.
Hence needed efforts should be taken in handling e-waste. Student
teachers designed to create modern India with the help of students. So
it’s needy to measure the awareness of student teacher.
Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 32

33. 4.0 Review of Related Literature
 Brijesh Sivathanu (2016) conducted a study on User’s Perspective:
Knowledge and Attitude towards E-Waste. In this study, the investigator
discussed the consumers’ awareness and preference towards the disposal
of e-waste. A primary survey was conducted using a structured
questionnaire among 600 consumers in Pune city. The exploratory factor
analysis technique was deployed to identify the awareness factors
contributing to the consumer’s preference towards the proper disposal
and management of e-waste. The findings showed that five important
factors contribute to the consumer’s preference during the disposal of e-
waste. Cynthia S. Subhaprada, Kalyani (2017) conducted Study on
awareness of e-waste management among medical students. Health
education to create awareness regarding the hazards and management of
e-waste is the need of the hour to reduce, reuse and recycle e-waste.
Sapna Mishra and Shamanna (2018) conducted Exploring the
Awareness Regarding E-waste and its Health Hazards among the
Informal Handlers in Musheerabad Area of Hyderabad. This study
highlights the need for awareness campaigns on proper e-waste
management practices to ensure occupational safety among the waste
handlers who belong to lower socio-economic strata.
Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 33

34.  Pauline Achieng Pesa (2016) conducted a study on assessing user awareness on
environmentally sound disposal of e-waste in Kenya. The main objective of the
study were; analysis of sound disposal options available to consumers and
whether consumers are aware of these options and to find out users awareness of
enforcement mechanisms in place with regard to disposal of E-Waste. The study
was conducted through primary and secondary research. Primary data was
gathered through face to face interviews with the people selected in the sample.
The disposal of the same is not done in the appropriate manner leading to health
hazards and environmental degradation. One of the reasons for such improper
disposal is lack of awareness of the users on how to handle E-Waste. Arnav
Chowdhury and Jitendra Patel (2018) conducted a study on E-Waste
Management and its Consequences: A Literature. Central issue of the present
study is electronic-waste (e-waste) that is rising as a brand new environmental
challenge for twenty first century. The implications and toxicity is thanks to
discharge of lead, mercury, cadmium, metallic element and alternative virulent
substances. Developed countries export this waste within the type of donation to
developing countries. China and some Asian nations, where environmental
standards are low, are the most important recipients of e-waste which, in most
cases, is processed illicitly. The environmental burden of e-waste is born by
people that sleep in developing countries. Despite varied laws and directives in
developed countries, the e-waste management is uncontrollable. The current
study focuses on the effect of usage, marketing and use of the electronic waste on
the natural setting.
Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 34

35. 5.0 Hypotheses
Objective of the Study
 To find the awareness of e-waste management among student
teachers.
Null Hypotheses
 To find out the levels in awareness of e-waste management
among student teachers is moderate.
 There is no significant difference between male and female
student teachers in their awareness of e-waste management.
 There is no significant difference between rural and urban
student teachers in their awareness of e-waste management.
 There is no significant difference between graduate and
postgraduate student teachers in their awareness of e-waste
management.
 There is no significant difference among usage of e-gadgets
among student teachers in their awareness of e-waste
management. Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 35

36. 6.0 Methods
6.1 Subjects:
 The investigator has decided to take the student
teachers in Thoothukudi district as the population.
From the above population the investigator will be
choosing 300 student teachers as the sample by
using simple random sampling technique.
6.2 Procedure:
 The investigator has proposed to use survey method
of research. The investigator will be used a self
made tool.
6.3 Data Analysis:
 The appropriate statistical techniques will be used.
Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 36

37. Phase-I Phase-II Phase-III Phase-IV
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
Selection of
Title
Finalizing sample,
tools, and statistical
Techniques
Date Analysis Typing thesis
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
Review of related
literate
Development of
Tools
Interpretation of
Results
Correction
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
Framing of
objectives
Standardized of Tools Preparation of thesis Binding
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
Formulating
Hypothesis
Collection of Data Editing Submission
Procedure
Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 37

38. 6.3 Data Analysis:
 The following statistical techniques will be
used to analyze the data
 t-test
 F-test
 Chi-square test and
 Correlation Analysis
Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 38

39.  Outcome and Benefits of the Study
 Time Schedule
 References
Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 39

40. Parting Thought
 A worthwhile research project is likely to
result from a well-designed proposal
 This device also serves as a stimulus,
helping the researcher to move
systematically toward the goal of a
completed project.
‘Plan the work and work the plan’

41. Good luck with your
research proposals!

42. Dr.C.Thanavathi VOCCE 42