This document outlines the typical structure and contents of a research proposal, including introduction of the research problem and background, literature review, methodology, and statistical analysis plan. Key sections are the statement of the problem, theoretical framework, research design, sampling method, data collection procedures, and statistical treatment of data. The document provides guidance on the level of detail and number of pages typically included in each section of a full research proposal.

1. HOW TO WRITE YOUR
FULL-BLOWN
RESEARCH
PROPOSAL

2. Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Introduction (2-3 pages)
- a prelude to research problem in macro
approach
- short but substantive write-up with highlight
of relevant literature to present the scope of
the study and its problem
- use statistics and literature that can present
state of the problem to rationalize the
research, but no diagram and tables
- link with the purpose of study

3. Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Background of the Study (1-2 pages)
- state clear reasons in pursuing the
topic
- present the context in which topic is
viewed on micro-approach and area of
investigation
- cite briefly the setting of the study with
historical description,
participants/respondents

4. Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Theoretical Framework (2-3 pages)
- describe and explain the theory/theories on
which to anchor the problem drawn from
related literature and studies
- clarify relationship between and among the
major concepts of the theory/theories and its
proponent
- if any, original model is presented as is;
otherwise draw the diagram of theory

5. Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Conceptual Framework (2-3 pages)
- discuss the elements of the cited
theory/theories as applied in the study
- replace concepts of the theory/theories with
study variables
- explain the relationships of the variables
founded on the theory/theories
- draw the conceptual diagram showing study
variables

6. Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Statement of the Problem (2-3 pages)
- present the research problem in
interrogatory form
- start research problem with a short
introductory paragraph on the intent of
the study
- close with the main research question

7. Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Sub-Problems/Research Objectives (1 page)
- clear, definite and measurable statement or
sub-problems/objectives (intentions)
- sub-problems (also in question form) as
breakdown of main problem and objectives
to show intentions of research (infinitive to +
research action word), do not repeat the
main problem in the sub-problems
- number and sequence (grade) the statements
of sub-problems/objectives
- serve as point of reference in reporting
findings

8. Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Assumptions and/or Hypotheses (1/2 page)
- state assumptions that identify relevant
statements that were taken for granted
and not verified by the study, no
variable testing
- state hypothesis if variables
relationship will be tested (bi-
variates/multi-variates)

9. Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Significance of the Study (1-2 pages)
- present the contributions of research
to various sectors (to the field, society,
government/organizations)
- address theoretical and practical
significance
- explain in paragraph form addressing
each sector in relating importance of
the study findings

10. Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Scope and Limitations of the Study (1-2 pages)
- state limits of the locus (location and
sampling)
- state the extent of mode of investigation
(modus)
- state limits of subject matter covered (focus)
- weaknesses of the study beyond control of
the researcher
- state inability/restrictions of the study in
generalizing the findings

11. Chapter 1 – The Research
Problem and Its Background
 Operational Definitions (1-2 pages)
- not dictionary definitions but define based on
literature cited with relevance to study
- limit to important terms/concepts/variables
used in the study
- arrange terms alphabetically
- define theoretical terms with proper
attribution of source (using APA)
- operationalize definition with reference to
variables of the study

12. Chapter II – Review of Related
Literature and Studies
 Related Literature (10-15 pages)
- comprehensive, up-to-date and relevant
- follow research trails – human trail (interviews and
primary sources), paper trail (secondary materials by
foreign and local authors, printed documents) and
electronic trail (cyber, CDs, AV)
- synthesize collated information, and integrate ideas
(do not cut and paste) relevant to your study
- document sources and avoid plagiarism
- present the review thematically with appropriate
sub-headings anchored on variables of the study
(outlining helps)

13. Chapter II – Review of Related
Literature and Studies
 Related Studies (2-5 pages)
- cite documented studies from local and
foreign researches
- use theses/dissertations/research
journals in locating studies related to
your own topic
- summarize findings of study in citation
of related studies

14. Chapter III – Research
Methodology
 Research Design (1 -2 pages)
- discuss plan of study generally classified as
descriptive, exploratory or experimental
- establish if research is quali or quanti
- explain purpose of the study
- identify method used whether survey,
content analysis, case study etc.
- describe the details in variables and
interventions to be made by researcher

15. Chapter III – Research
Methodology
 Sample and Sampling Technique (1-2 pages)
- describe the sample or units of analysis
(sampling locale, sampling size, sampling
technique whether probability – random,
stratified or cluster, or non-probability –
purposive, snowball, quota, census)
- describe characteristics of samples
- state eligibility requirements for participation
of respondents/participants
- mention method of determining sample size
like use of Slovin’s Formula and compute
how size was derived

16. Chapter III – Research
Methodology
 Instrumentation (2-3 pages)
- describe the instrument used (e.g. questionnaire,
interview guide, coding sheet etc.)
- present the major parts of the instrument based on
method used
- include the range of scores and give interpretation
like Likert scale etc.
- describe the construction of instrument, tell if
adapted from another instrument but with
permission
- describe the pilot testing (pre-test) of instrument

17. Chapter III – Research
Methodology
 Data Collection Procedures (1 page)
- describe data collection in clear, step by step
manner
- describe the distribution of instrument and
instructions given including locale and time
- discuss precautions on ethics and human
rights and procedures to avoid intrusion
- discuss types of data collected, whether
primary or secondary and source of such
information

18. Chapter III – Research
Methodology
 Statistical Treatment of Data and Formula (1 page)
- state analytic procedures employed and
provide computational formula and state
level of significance to specific data
- describe the general statistics to show
sample demographics like %, ranking, means
etc.
- inferential statistics such as chi-square,
ANOVA, t-test etc. will be used to show
hypothesis testing