What Is a Research Proposal: A Detailed Guide

A research proposal outlines the plan for your dissertation or research project. It is usually required for PhD students and must be approved by your advisor or committee before you proceed with the actual research.

1. Introduction

Provide an overview of the research problem, objectives, and the significance of the study.

2. Literature Review

Summarize existing research related to your topic. This shows the gap your research will fill.

3. Research Methodology

Describe the methods you will use to gather and analyze data (e.g., surveys, experiments, case studies).

4. Timeline

Provide a timeline that outlines when you will complete each section of the research.

5. Expected Outcomes

Discuss what you expect to find and how it will contribute to the field of study.

6. References

List all the sources you referenced in your proposal using the appropriate citation style.

By following these steps, your research proposal will clearly convey your research plans and set the groundwork for a successful dissertation.

Final Submission Checklist | Dissertation & Thesis

Before submitting your dissertation or thesis, ensure you’ve completed all required steps and verified the necessary details:

1. Formatting

Ensure your document follows university-specific formatting guidelines for margins, font size, headers, etc.

2. Proofreading

Perform a final round of proofreading to catch any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.

3. References and Citations

Check that all in-text citations and references are correctly formatted according to the required style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).

4. Appendices and Supplementary Material

Include any necessary supplementary material, such as raw data, surveys, or interview transcripts.

5. Approval from Your Advisor

Make sure that your dissertation is reviewed and approved by your advisor or committee before submission.

6. Title Page

Confirm that the title page includes all required information, including your title, name, institution, and date of submission.