Developing an Effective Research Proposal

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Welcome to this RMIT University Library online module which provides you with key information, strategies and resources for developing an effective research proposal.

The module is aimed at graduate researchers (PhD or Masters by Research) who are seeking to understand why and how to write their research proposal.

The course materials include information, videos and learning activities which explore key features of developing effective research proposals.

We hope you find this module useful and stimulating.

Learning objectives

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • determine the purpose and importance of the research proposal
  • create effective research questions
  • identify they key components which structure a research proposal, and
  • familiarise yourself with writing the “what”, “why” and “how” sections of your proposal.

This module should take you about 30 minutes to complete.

Work through each chapter using the navigation footer ( i.e.  previous/next) or use the contents page to select a particular section.

Please help us improve this module by taking a moment to complete the feedback form provided at the end.

Research and Writing Skills for Academic and Graduate Researchers Copyright © 2022 by RMIT University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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What’s Included: Research Proposal Template

Our free dissertation/thesis proposal template covers the core essential ingredients for a strong research proposal. It includes clear explanations of what you need to address in each section, as well as straightforward examples and links to further resources.

The research proposal template covers the following core elements:

  • Introduction & background (including the research problem)
  • Literature review
  • Research design / methodology
  • Project plan , resource requirements and risk management

The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.

PS – if you’d like a high-level template for the entire thesis, you can we’ve got that too .

Research Proposal Template FAQS

What types of research proposals can this template be used for.

The proposal template follows the standard format for academic research projects, which means it will be suitable for the vast majority of dissertations and theses (especially those within the sciences), whether they are qualitative or quantitative in terms of design.

Keep in mind that the exact requirements for the introduction chapter/section will vary between universities and degree programs. These are typically minor, but it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Is this template for an undergrad, Master or PhD-level proposal?

This template can be used for a research project at any level of study. Doctoral-level projects typically require the research proposal to be more extensive/comprehensive, but the structure will typically remain the same.

How long should my research proposal be?

The length of a research proposal varies by institution and subject, but as a ballpark, it’s usually between 1,500 and 3,000 words.

To be safe, it’s best to check with your university if they have any preferences or requirements in terms of minimum and maximum word count for the research propsal.

How detailed should the methodology of the proposal be?

You don’t need to go into the fine details of your methodology, but this section should be detailed enough to demonstrate that your research approach is feasible and will address your research questions effectively. Be sure to include your intended methods for data collection and analysis.

Can I include preliminary data or pilot study results in my proposal?

Generally, yes. This can strengthen your proposal by demonstrating the feasibility of your research. However, make sure that your pilot study is approved by your university before collecting any data.

Can I share this template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template in its original format (no editing allowed). If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, we kindly request that you reference this page as your source.

What format is the template (DOC, PDF, PPT, etc.)?

The research proposal template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

Do you have templates for the other chapters?

Yes, we do. We are constantly developing our collection of free resources to help students complete their dissertations and theses. You can view all of our template resources here .

Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?

Yes, you’re welcome to get in touch with us to discuss our private coaching services .

Further Resources: Proposal Writing

The template provides step-by-step guidance for each section of your research proposal, but if you’d like to learn more about how to write up a high-quality research proposal, check out the rest of our free proposal-related resources:

  • Research Proposal 101
  • Examples of research proposals
  • How To Find A Research Topic
  • How To Find A Research Gap
  • Developing Your Golden Thread
  • How To Write A Research Proposal
  • 8 Common Proposal Writing Mistakes

You can also visit the Grad Coach blog for more proposal-related resources.

Free Webinar: How To Write A Research Proposal

If you’d prefer 1-on-1 support with your research proposal, have a look at our private coaching service , where we hold your hand through the research process, step by step.

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Developing Effective Research Proposals

Developing Effective Research Proposals

  • Keith F Punch - University of Western Australia, Australia
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See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

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This book is incredibly useful for  graduate students attempting to work out the ‘rules of the game’ of research proposal writing. Especially helpful are the exercises that can support students with tricky aspects such as developing research questions. 

This third edition is a 'must have' for demystifying the proposal writing process. It includes mixed-method approaches and provides additional insights, tips, strategies, and examples that are indispensable. Just wish I had this book when I was struggling with my first proposal!

It provides a clear and easy-to-follow guide to putting together a proposal with detailed discussion of the topics that need to be included. The structure of the book reflects the proposal development process, from developing the general framework to writing different elements of the proposal. It begins with a helpful discussion of the reviewer, their expectations and the functions that the proposal needs to fulfill, which has relevance across all types of research proposal.

A very useful book for students undertaking the independent study particularly for MA.

Keith Punch hits home with his concise account of the art and practice of proposal writing. In setting a research proposal assignment, it was essential that students develop an understanding of the reasons why a proposal is an essential part of the research process and what comprises an effective research proposal. Keith Punch's text offers this and more. If I'd just read Keith's book before submitting my last proposal to the ESRC I wouldn't be where I am now!

A very good book with practical step by step guide for anyone starting out on a research proposal. All elements covered comprehensively.

  • Comprehensive explanation of method and methodology, and how to maximize this crucial section of your proposal
  • A new section on mixed methods: an increasingly common approach in research
  • A new chapter on how to get it right with ethics
  • Fresh exercises and activities, now for each key chapter

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Chapter 2: Understanding Readers, Expectations and Functions

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Developing a Research Plan

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developing effective research proposals pdf free download

  • Habeeb Adewale Ajimotokan 2  

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology ((BRIEFSAPPLSCIENCES))

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The objectives of this chapter are to

Describe the terms research proposal and research protocol;

Specify and discuss the elements of research proposal;

Specify the goals of research protocol;

Outline preferable sequence for the different section headings of a research protocol and discuss their contents; and

Discuss the basic engineering research tools and techniques.

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5StarEssays. (2020). Writing a research proposal—Outline, format and examples. In Complete guide to writing a research paper . Retrieved from https://www.5staressays.com/blog/writing-research-proposal

Walliman, N. (2011). Research methods: The basics . Routledge—Taylor and Francis Group.

Google Scholar  

Olujide, J. O. (2004). Writing a research proposal. In H. A. Saliu & J. O. Oyebanji (Eds.), A guide on research proposal and report writing (Ch. 7, pp. 67–79). Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Unilorin.

Thiel, D. V. (2014). Research methods for engineers . University Printing House, University of Cambridge.

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Mouton, J. (2001). How to succeed in your master’s and doctoral studies. Van Schaik.

Lues, L., & Lategan, L. O. K. (2006). RE: Search ABC (1st ed.). Sun Press.

Bak, N. (2004). Completing your thesis: A practical guide . Van Schaik.

Sadiku, M. N. O. (2000). Numerical techniques in electromagnetics . CRC Press.

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Ajimotokan, H.A. (2023). Developing a Research Plan. In: Research Techniques. SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-13109-7_4

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After more than a decade of teaching the course of research skills, I believe that the need for reference works on proposal writing for students and researchers is an essential handout. Not only to acquire the ability to write successful researched proposals but also to share my experience with them. The purpose of this review is to screen research skills literature to identify how and why proposals are written. Ultimately, to provide a document that guides students and researchers to write an effective proposal for their research projects. I found following accredited proposal guidelines will help to produce an effective successful document. However, there is no one single format but general template. Every institution, journal or funding agency has its own format. But all have this sequence: introduction, objectives, methodology, workplan, budget, references and annexes. 1) Background: There is no single formula for a strong effective proposal. There are a number of precepts that are consistently found in successful proposals. The sooner one learns them, the better. (1) When a social scientist desires to conduct an experiment, he first develops a proposal. The proposal introduces the problem, the significance of a study as well as the experimenter's research question and hypothesis. It also gives a brief explanation of the theory guiding the study, a review of relevant literature pertaining to the theory, and the procedure for the experiment. (2) The goal of a research proposal is to present and justify the need to study a research problem. As well as, to show design elements and procedures for conducting the research. It goes without saying the proposal must provide persuasive evidence that a need exists for the proposed study. (3)

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Writing a research proposal for an early career researcher is one of the toughest part of research work. A research proposal is a blueprint to conduct research work and a well-structured proposal provides smooth functioning for the proposed research. Generally, young researchers face various types of problem in structuring a good research proposal in absence of proper guidelines, steps and strategies. This paper aims to provide a general guideline to the students and researchers to develop a wellstructured research proposal for the purpose of PhD/dissertation/research projects, etc. The concept and significance of a research proposal, how to start research work, the process of producing and appropriate sections for a good research proposal has been discussed in great detail.

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Developing Effective Research Proposals (3rd Edition)

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  • Volume 23 Issue 2 Early Career Research

Keith F. Punch

Vol23_2_BOOK_REVIEWDMcQ.pdf

Book Review Details

Los Angeles: Sage Publications (2016) pp. 192

Paperback £27.99

ISBN 978-1-473916-38-8

Book Review Authors

Dr. Kirsten Darling-McQuistan,

Keith Punch’s 3rd edition of the text, ‘Developing Effective Research Proposals’, builds on the structure and content of the previous editions of this book to provide a highly pragmatic guide, which aims to ‘demystify’ the process of writing a successful research proposal. Punch is forthcoming in identifying graduate students, writing research proposals for empirical studies within the social sciences, as his target audience and his commitment to the possible needs of a graduate student are evident throughout the text. As Punch suggests, however, this text may also benefit a wider audience: as an early-career researcher reviewing this text, while coincidently writing a research funding proposal, I can confirm that I gained from Punch’s experience and practical support.

The success of this text lies in its structure, which is clearly mapped out and sign-posted from the outset. The structure allows readers to use the book to address their own specific needs by accessing relevant chapters, which can stand-alone, or be read within the context of the book as a whole. This design, along with the exercises and study questions at the end of each chapter (which are new to this edition), enables readers, with different levels of experience, to use the book as a practical writing tool.

Punch has organised the content of the book in such a way to provide a comprehensive, yet highly accessible account of the research proposal writing process. During the introductory chapter, Punch begins by defining key terms, such as ‘social sciences’, offering those with limited experience entry in to the text, and the proposal writing process itself. He also takes time to define ‘qualitative’, ‘quantitative’ and ‘mixed-methods’ approaches, giving a brief historical overview of these research movements in the social sciences. The ‘mixed-methods’ section is new to this edition, which Punch has included in response to growing interest in this approach. This chapter establishes supportive foundations for the proceeding chapters, through which Punch encourages readers to write an ‘internally consistent’ proposal, regardless of the nature of the proposed research.

Within this edition, Punch has also included a chapter titled: ‘Including Ethics in Social Science Research’, written by Alis Oancea (chapter 3). I found this chapter to be extremely thorough and believe the advice given to be pivotal to writing a successful proposal within the social sciences. It includes discussion of ‘ethical issues’ and ‘principles’, which not only forefront the importance of embedding ethics within any research proposal, but illustrate the importance of aligning the approach taken to ethics within the wider context of the chosen research approach.

I believe this text to be a very practical tool and while it has clearly been written for graduate students, it usefulness extends beyond this target group.

Published in Volume 23 Issue 2 Early Career Research , 20 December 2016

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  1. Developing effective research proposals : Punch, Keith : Free Download

    Developing effective research proposals by Punch, Keith. Publication date 2000 Topics ... Pdf_module_version 0.0.14 Ppi 360 Rcs_key 24143 Republisher_date 20210617101751 Republisher_operator [email protected] ... DOWNLOAD OPTIONS No suitable files to display here.

  2. PDF Developing Effective Research Proposals

    Locke et al. (2011) list three functions of the research proposal - communication, plan and contract. This section notes their comments on the communication and contract aspects of the proposal. Section 2.5 deals with the research proposal as a plan. Communication The proposal communicates the investigator's intentions and research

  3. PDF Research Proposals

    1 of 5. Research Proposals. Writing a research proposal is the first step for a research project. Before you can work on your research, it must be approved, whether that is by a professor, thesis advisor, or supervisor. It is essential to make your proposal as strong as possible; if your proposal is denied, you may not get the funding you need ...

  4. Developing Effective Research Proposals

    Keith F Punch. SAGE, Oct 2, 2006 - Social Science - 176 pages. Successful research requires effective and thorough preparation. In this expanded and updated Second Edition of Developing Effective Research Proposals Keith Punch offers an indispensable guide to the issues involved in proposal development and in presenting a well-considered plan ...

  5. PDF Developing Effective Research Proposals (3rd Edition)

    Keith Punch's 3rd edition of the text, 'Developing Effective Research Proposals', builds on the structure and content of the previous editions of this book to provide a highly pragmatic guide, which aims to 'demystify' the process of writing a successful research proposal. Punch is

  6. Developing an Effective Research Proposal

    The module is aimed at graduate researchers (PhD or Masters by Research) who are seeking to understand why and how to write their research proposal. The course materials include information, videos and learning activities which explore key features of developing effective research proposals. We hope you find this module useful and stimulating.

  7. [PDF] Developing Effective Research Proposals by Keith F ...

    The research proposal is a phase of the overall research process - the phase which launches the project, and therefore a very important first phase.; Developing a research proposal is a process of planning, designing and setting up the research, including placing it in context and connecting it to relevant literature.; The finished proposal is a product, where the proposal is formally ...

  8. SAGE Research Methods: Find resources to answer your research methods

    Learn how to develop effective research proposals with this practical guide by Denicolo and Becker, featuring sage advice and online resources.

  9. PDF Writing a Research Proposal

    gain access to examples of successful research proposals. Punch (2012) con-tains examples of research proposals from several disciplines that use qualita-tive, quantitative and mixed methods approaches. He also provides a useful list of other manuals that contain examples of research proposals (pp. 138-140).

  10. PDF Second Edition Developing Effective Research Proposals Keith F Punch

    to Social Research 6 1.3 A view of research 6 1.4 Chapter outline 7 1.5 Review concepts 8 2 The Proposal: Readers, Expectations and Functions 9 2.1 What is a research proposal? 9 2.2 Readers and expectations 10 2.3 Functions and purpose of the proposal 12 2.4 Prestructured versus unfolding research 13 2.5 The research proposal as a plan 14

  11. Research Proposal Example (PDF + Template)

    Detailed Walkthrough + Free Proposal Template. If you're getting started crafting your research proposal and are looking for a few examples of research proposals, you've come to the right place. In this video, we walk you through two successful (approved) research proposals, one for a Master's-level project, and one for a PhD-level ...

  12. Developing Effective Research Proposals (3rd ed.)

    This is your step-by-step guide to success with your research proposal. This new edition covers every section of the proposal, telling you all you need to know on how to structure it, bring rigour to your methods section, impress your readers and get your proposal accepted. With practical tips and advice throughout, new features include: Comprehensive explanation of method and methodology, and ...

  13. Free Download: Research Proposal Template (Word Doc + PDF)

    What's Included: Research Proposal Template. Our free dissertation/thesis proposal template covers the core essential ingredients for a strong research proposal. It includes clear explanations of what you need to address in each section, as well as straightforward examples and links to further resources. The research proposal template covers ...

  14. Developing effective research proposals : Punch, Keith : Free Download

    Developing effective research proposals by Punch, Keith. Publication date 2006 ... Pdf_module_version 0.0.20 Ppi 360 Rcs_key 24143 Republisher_date 20230223111132 Republisher_operator [email protected] ... DOWNLOAD OPTIONS No suitable files to display here.

  15. Developing Effective Research Proposals

    This is your step-by-step guide to success with your research proposal. The new Third Edition covers every section of the proposal, telling you all you need to know on how to structure it, bring rigor to your methods section, impress your readers, and get your proposal accepted. Developing Effective Research Proposals provides an authoritative ...

  16. PDF How to Write a Good Postgraduate RESEARCH PROPOSAL

    If you absolutely have to quote an author ad verbatim, then make sure that you use quotation marks and italics to indicate it. Abstract. An abstract is a brief summary written in the same style as the rest of your application. It will provide the reader with the main points and conclusion of your proposal. 6.

  17. How to Write a Research Proposal

    Research proposal examples. Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We've included a few for you below. Example research proposal #1: "A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management".

  18. PDF WRITING AN EFFECTIVE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

    The investigator specifies the maximum discrepancy between the sample and population proportion of ± 5%. To determine the sample size, the investigator would use the formula. n = (z/p)2π(1-π), n = the required sample size. p = the desired maximum discrepancy (i.e. ± 5%) π = the population proportion.

  19. PDF Developing a Research Plan

    4.1 Introduction. Primarily, the focus of developing a research plan is to assist researchers with their engineering research project design or planning and guide them in the compila-tion of the required research tools and techniques. Often, these tools and tech-niques differ from one engineering discipline to the other.

  20. PDF How to write a good research proposal

    A good proposal should have the following basic elements, though their order and weighting can of course vary: 1) A working title: make this clear and descriptive. ... conduct research in the relevant languages, but the level of knowledge required varies between disciplines. If you are unsure, please consult your prospective supervisor).

  21. PDF A GUIDE TO RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT

    developing the initial research proposal. In 2018, the United States government spent $142.9 billion funding research and. development activities.1 This funding makes up only a portion of the overall research. enterprise in the U.S., as funded research dollars also come from private and non-profit.

  22. (PDF) How to Write Good Scientific Project Proposals: A Comprehensive

    Download Free PDF. Download Free PDF. How to Write Good Scientific Project Proposals: A Comprehensive Guide ... to provide a document that guides students and researchers to write an effective proposal for their research projects. ... There is no clear definition of the development, the proposal does not clarify the improvements in the research ...

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  24. Developing Effective Research Proposals (3rd Edition)

    Book Review Authors. Dr. Kirsten Darling-McQuistan, content. Keith Punch's 3rd edition of the text, 'Developing Effective Research Proposals', builds on the structure and content of the previous editions of this book to provide a highly pragmatic guide, which aims to 'demystify' the process of writing a successful research proposal.