Writing research proposal/synopsis Ms. Mamoona Ismail Loona Lecturer Department of Psychology International Islamic University, Islamabad.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL A research proposal is intended to convince others that you have a worthwhile research project and you have the competence and the work-plan to complete it. A research proposal contains all the key elements involved in the research process and include sufficient information for the readers to evaluate the proposed study.

Research proposals must address the following questions: What you plan to accomplish why you want to do it and how you are going to do it.

Key components of Research Proposal are: TITLE INTRODUCTION LITERATURE REVIEW RATIONALE METHOD OBJECTIVES HYPOTHESIS OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS OF VARIABLES SAMPLE INSTRUMENTS PROCEDURE STATISTICAL ANALYSIS (EXPECTED) REFERENCES

TITLE The title is usually the first part of the proposal to be read and therefore should convey maximum information in fewer words (not more than 12-15 words). In other words, it should indicate the area of research, introduce the research question.

Title The title should give the reader a concise indication of what the research is about. “e.g., Conduct problems, social skills, and home chaos in school children: A correlational study” It is often best not to write the title until you have finished writing the rest of the research proposal.

INTRODUCTION The introduction typically begins with a general statement of the problem area, with a focus on a specific research problem, to be followed by the rational or justification for the proposed study. The introduction generally covers the following elements: Provide the context and set the stage for your research question in such a way as to show its necessity and importance. Briefly describe the major issues and sub-problems to be addressed by your research. Identify the key variables of your Research At the end present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth doing.

INTRODUCTION If the research problem is framed in the context of a general, rambling literature review, then the research question may appear trivial and uninteresting. However, if the same question is placed in the context of a very focused and current research area, its significance will become evident.

Rationale WHY THE RESEARCH IS IMPORTANT In this section describe the aims of your study. Describe significance of your work specifically in the Pakistani context. Do not include aims for which your study cannot provide results. The broad long-term goals (benefits) of the proposed research can be described.

Rationale This section is crucial, because it is one place in which the researcher tries to convince her/his supervisor/external examiner that the research is worth doing. You can do this by describing how the results may be used. Think about how your research: may resolve theoretical questions in your area may develop better theoretical models in your area may influence public policy may change the way people do their jobs in a particular field, or may change the way people live etc.

Literature Review The literature review provides a conceptual framework for the reader so that the research question and methodology can be better understood. It demonstrates to the expert reader that the researcher is aware of the breadth and diversity of literature that relates to the research question. It is important that you are able to provide an integrated overview of your field of study. This means that you show awareness of the most important and relevant theories, models, studies and methodologies. Sometimes the literature review is incorporated into the introduction section. However, most professors prefer a separate section, which allows a more thorough review of the literature.

Literature Review The literature review serves several important functions: Ensures that you are not "reinventing the wheel". Gives credits to those who have laid the groundwork for your research. Demonstrates your knowledge of the research problem. Demonstrates your understanding of the theoretical and research issues related to your research question. Shows your ability to critically evaluate relevant literature information. Indicates your ability to integrate and synthesize the existing literature. Provides new theoretical insights or develops a new model as the conceptual framework for your research. Convinces your reader that your proposed research will make a significant and substantial contribution to the literature (i.e., resolving an important theoretical issue or filling a major gap in the literature).

Problems in Literature Review Mostly students' literature reviews suffer from the following problems: Lacking organization and structure Lacking focus, unity and coherence Being repetitive and wordy Failing to cite influential papers Failing to keep up with recent developments Failing to critically evaluate cited papers Citing irrelevant or trivial references Depending too much on secondary sources

METHOD The method section typically consists of the following sections: Objectives Hypothesis Operational Definition of Variables Design e.g., Is it a longitudinal, cross sectional, or successive independent sample design survey, or a laboratory experiment? What kind of design do you choose?

METHOD Sample Who will take part in your study ? What kind of sampling procedure do you use? What is sample size? Instruments - What kind of measuring instruments or questionnaires do you use? Why do you choose them? Are they valid and reliable? Do you have Author’s permission? Procedure - How do you plan to carry out your study? What activities are involved? How long does it take?

Statistical Analysis Describe briefly the statistical analysis A limited description is needed of the statistical techniques, which will be used. The appropriate statistical techniques are usually clear from the study design and the specification of the data to be collected.

Important Note DO: • produce a sound proposal • be interesting • be informative • write in a way that is easy to read • include a contents page • use clear headings and sub-headings • be concise and precise • use simple language wherever possible • construct clear arguments • reference your work fully using APA format DON'T: • use words when you are not absolutely certain of their meaning • use difficult words to impress your reader • use overly simplistic language • repeat yourself • deviate

RESEARCH MANAGEMENT CHART The management chart should explain what activities will take place at specified times during the study. It may be helpful to illustrate the timing of activities, particularly if they overlap each other in time. Milestones are an integral part of a research management chart. You can then assess your progress against expectations and know in good time whether or not you will finish the project according to plan.