The Researcher - The Architect Written proposal - the detailed plans –problem and subproblems are stated –hypotheses / questions are articulated –terms defined –limitations carefully specified –reason for conducting the –study (it’s importance) –outline –resources, qualifications, data, computer facilities

Importance of the Proposal A clear well-written proposal is essential no substitute for the explicit setting forth of both problem and procedure Other names: prospectus, plan, outline statement, draft

Proposal Characteristics Straightforward document not a literary production clearly organized

Straightforward Document No extraneous or irreverent material –Don’t tell us why you became interested in the topic The first words you write are the most important ones looking forward

Not a Literary Production Clear, sharp and precise describes future work with an economy of word and the precision of measurement the skill of writing this way is very demanding!

Clearly Organized Outlined with proper use of headings and subheadings

Outline of the Research Proposal Problem Description Research Objectives Literature Review Importance/Benefits of the Study Research Design Data Analysis Schedule Facilities and Special Resources Deliverables References From our discussion 8/24

Outlines Leedy 1 problem major and 5 minor –the statement of the problem and subproblems –the hypothesis –the delimitations –the definition of terms –the assumptions –the importance of the study ours three major categories –Problem Description –Research Objectives –Importance/Benefits of the Study

Outlines For student researchers, qualification section not needed Our proposal has two added major sections: –Facilities and Special Resources –Deliverables

Formatting Headings and Subheadings Follow the guidelines of the funding/reviewer organization Remember, BSU has no formal proposal guidelines, but they do have very strict guidelines for the actual thesis. If you are going to do a thesis option, please get the latest set of guidelines from the graduate office

Writing first draft Have a copy of the guidelines handy - follow them exactly first focus on organization, then on exact wording now review – make sure you presented your research problem right from the start –hit it’s importance

Writing first draft now review –leave nothing unsaid, no question unanswered –methods ( try to include all details)

Revising Your Proposal Set it aside for a few days (hours) look for inconsistency, leaps of logic. Look at sentences with …. this..., it grammar check, spelling check, reference check, other readers consider feasibility

Last but not least Clearly define how you are going to interpret the data the interpret is just not categorizing, or tabulating or finding some statistic these are important steps in interpreting but not an analysis

Strengthening Your Proposal After all the review is done review checklist for features detracting from proposal effectiveness page 137 in you Practical Research Planning and Design