The document provides an overview of preparing a research proposal, including key sections. It discusses the importance of properly defining the research problem and designing the study through determining appropriate methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures. The main components of an effective research proposal are outlined as the title, introduction, statement of the problem, procedures, time/cost estimates, and appendices.

1. Preparing a Research Proposal Sanjaya Mishra

2. Overview What is research? Types of research Research problem Research design Components of a research proposal

3. Learning Outcomes Plan a research project List the sections of a research proposal Write a research proposal for the Project Work

4. What is Research? A systematic process of investigation into a problem Is original and not repetition of something already known Expand knowledge and understanding of phenomenon Attempts to answer ‘why’ and ‘how’

5. Types of Research Qualitative Quantitative Describe – how things are Explain – why things are the way they are Predict – phenomenon and relationships

6. Research Problem The formulation of a problem is far more often essential than its solutions, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill. To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science. -- A. Einstein and L. Infeld , The Evolution of Physics, 1938

7. Research Problem A ‘research problem’ refers to some difficulty that the researcher experiences in the context of either a theoretical or practical situation and to which he/she wants to obtain a solution.

8. Origin of Research Problem Actual problem faced Previous research Theories

9. Writing a Research Problem Express clearly to be able to undertake the research As a testable research hypothesis As an exploratory question

10. Research Design A blueprint that guides us to undertake research on a specific problem Cover issues of ‘which’ and ‘why’ of methods and techniques Decision on sample size and sampling procedure Process of data collection Analysis procedures and statistical techniques to be used

11. Methods, Techniques and Tools Questionnaires Scales Interview schedules Observation sheets Tests Checklists Survey Interviews Observation Content analysis and research synthesis Meta-analysis Exploratory Evaluative Experimental Elaborative Tools Techniques Methods

12. Sampling and Sample Size Why sampling? Large samples behave in normal distribution Representative sample is important to draw conclusions about the population Determine the sample size

13. Random Sampling It is not haphazard Every subject in the population has a known probability/ chance of selection Use of Random table Systematic random sampling Stratified random sampling

14. Components of a Research Proposal Title Introduction Statement of the Problem Procedures of the Study Time and Cost Estimates Appendices

15. Title of the Project Precise and accurate Unambiguous Avoid extremely long titles Extended Contact Programme and Learning Effect of Extended Contact Programme on student achievement × 

16. Introduction Orient the readers towards the topic Explain the importance and relevance of the topic Justifies the choice of the topic Provides a concise overview of relevant literature to make the proposal sound

17. Statement of the Problem Sometimes part of introduction Further clarifies the intent of the investigator Presented as hypothesis or exploratory question or objectives of the study

18. Objective | Hypothesis | Question To measure the level of achievement of the ECP participants There is no significant difference between the achievement of male and female participants of ECP How do ECP participants perform in the test?

19. Procedures of the Study Decide on the method, techniques and tools to use Explain the rationale of each vis-à-vis the statement of the problems Describe the tool development process or use of existing one Describe how you will gather data for the study Indicate the population, sample size and the sampling procedure Explain the statistical methods to be used with rationale

20. Time and Cost Estimates Prepare a schedule of activities Time management skill required Cost of the project Item-wise budgeting Financial support required

21. Appendices Bibliography and references Tentative chapter outline Any other information References Bibliography Chapters