This document outlines the typical sections and considerations for a research proposal format, including: an introduction establishing the background and importance of the study; purpose statement and research questions; theoretical framework; methodology; and definitions of key terms. The introduction provides global, national, and local context. Research questions should be clear, focused, and answerable given the study scope. Methodology addresses research design, participants, data collection/analysis, and ethics. Definitions operationally define concepts for reader understanding.

1. RESEARCH
PROPOSAL
FORMAT

2. TITLE
I.INTRODUCTION
- PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
- RESEARCH QUESTIONS
- THEORETICAL LENS
- SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE
STUDY
- DEFINITION OF TERMS

3. II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
III. METHODOLOGY
- RESEARCH DESIGN
- RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS
- DATA COLLECTION
- DATA ANALYSIS
- ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

4. INTRODUCTION
 The introduction should start with a contextual view of the study. The first paragraph
should be strong enough to capture the main perspective of the problem. In qualitative
research, an introduction can start off with a personal observation of the problem.
 The second and succeeding paragraphs should set the global situation of the problem. Major
arguments related to the occurrence of the problems and the solutions employed by various
practitioners in international setting should be presented. The discussion must illustrate
critical analysis of the arguments. A well written situationer is evident by extensively
comparing and contrasting the viewpoints from different countries.
 Aside from the global scenes, a national situationer is needed to establish the occurrence of
the problem at a national level. This section must be written the way the global situationer
is discussed.
 To complete the background of the study, a local situationer must be discussed. Just like
the two situationers, this section must be strong enough to establish the worth of the study.
 The background of the study must be concluded by establishing the urgency of needs of
conducting the study. This can be achieved by presenting the significance of the study and
the research gap.

5. Purpose of the Study
 Qualitative research has predetermined format in stating the
purpose of the study as suggested by Creswell (2003). A
purpose statement may look like this:
The purpose of this ____ (fill in: strategy of inquiry, such as
ethnography, case study or other) study is (or will be) to _____
(understand? describe? develop? discover?) the ________
(central phenomenon being studied) of _____ (the participants,
such as the individual, groups, organization) at _____ (research
site).
 The statement of purpose in only a sentence but
comprehensive that captures the abovementioned elements.

6. Research Questions
 A research question is meant to help you focus on the study purpose. A
research question should therefore define the investigation, set boundaries
and provide some level of direction.
 In the process of developing a research question, you are likely to think of a
number of different research questions. It is useful to continually evaluate
these questions, as this will help you refine and decide on your final research
question. You could, for example, ask:
• Is there a good fit between the study purpose and the research question?
• Is the research question focused, clear and well-articulated?
• Can the research question be answered? Is it feasible – given time, resource
and staff constraints?
 Qualitative research only permits the “what” and “how” questions. “Why”
questions call for comparative-causal data which by nature quantitative;
hence not appropriate.

7. Theoretical Lens
 Theoretical lens provide and contain different theories by
which the study is being anchored.
 Each theory should be contributory to the development of
the thesis and research arguments.
 There must be one principal theory and another sub
theory.
 If there is no theory available for the study, an inclusion of
a proposition is allowed.
 A proposition is a statement or assertion that expresses a
judgment or opinion by certain authorities.

8. Importance of the Study
 This section elaborates the contribution of the results of
the study to a particular group of people, institution or
stakeholders.
 This is significant in a research endeavor because this lays
down the reasons why a study should be conducted and
advocated.
 The recipients of the study must be enumerated and be
given equal justification why they can possibly benefit
from the study.

9. Scope and Limitation of the
Study
 The researcher must provide in this section the parameters
of the study.
 Knowing and admitting research limitation is a strong point
on part of the researcher.
 This means the researcher has fully understood both ends of
the study.
 The researcher must clearly stipulate the limitations of the
study so that the readers may find light and justice of the
results.

10. Definition of Terms
This section operationally and conceptually
defines relative concepts of the study.
If the terms are conceptually defined,
authorities who define the terms must be
properly cited following the prescribed citation
format.