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How to Write a Convincing Research Proposal

A research proposal is generally more rigorous than other project proposals. Research proposals also require conducting extensive reviews of the literature that will convincingly support the need for the research being conducted.

A research proposal is the starting point of a doctoral dissertation and the research proposal must be accepted before proceeding with the research. A research proposal needs to follow a particular format, the main headings and a brief description of each have been provided in the following sections.

Introduction: It provides the reader with the necessary background information. It sets the framework for the research so as to enable the readers to better relate to other research work.
Statement of the Problem: This part of the research proposal defines a problem that exists in the literature (in theory or practice) which necessitates the need for the research.
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the research needs to be clearly explained in the research proposal. The specific research topic is defined and boundaries set.
Literature Review: A research proposal will not be accepted unless sufficient review of the literature is conducted. This section of the research proposal helps show that the writer knows or has studied his research topic in detail.
Questions/Hypotheses: These are basically the questions that the writer has regarding the research topic that will be answered through the research.
Research Methodology: The step by step methodology that will be used to conduct the research needs to be outlined in this section of the research proposal.
Limitations of the Study: It is also important to understand the limitations of the study being conducted. This could be in the way the analysis is conducted, the sample used for conducting for example surveys or interviews, the methodology used, etc.

While the above is a brief guideline, one should always check the University guidelines for writing a research proposal before proceeding.

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