2. Writing and presenting a dissertation proposal requires high self-discipline and commitment. Three essential pre-writing actions:  Complete preliminary (exploratory) activities  Enhance your awareness of requirements and expectations: Components of a proposal Structure of a proposal Preparation for presentation  Enhance your awareness of requirements and expectations: Components of a proposal Structure of a proposal Preparation for presentation  Learn to be an informed consumer of research: Knowledge of the general areas of your research Familiarity with research methodologies and designs  Learn to be an informed consumer of research: Knowledge of the general areas of your research Familiarity with research methodologies and designs 2

3. Instrumentation Problem Statement and Purpose Review of the Literature Questions and/or Hypotheses Data Collection Procedures Significance The Research Method & Design Data Analysis The Budget Calendar Sampling 3

4.  Create specific files with bibliography/direct quotes and sources.  Select the best time and day to concentrate on your writing.  Have all self-help resources handy.  Create a storing system for all dissertation-related documents.  Organize your resources, technology tools, and space.  Be a productive emerging scholar. Clarify the institutional requirements and expectations of a dissertation proposal format/structure.  Create detailed outlines before you start writing. 4

5. Chapter I: Introduction to the Study Main focus is on: It is an overview of the foundational aspects of your proposal. Importance/rationale Statement of the problem Purpose of the study Research questions/hypothesis Importance/rationale Statement of the problem Purpose of the study Research questions/hypothesis Brief overview of methodology Definition of terms Significance of the study Delimitations and limitations Assumptions Brief overview of methodology Definition of terms Significance of the study Delimitations and limitations Assumptions It may include: The context of the research area. 5

6. Chapter II: Review of the Literature Main focus is on: A critical assessment of the extant literature and previous research related to your topic of investigation. It may address: Substantive and methodological implications Analytical review of research: scope, conclusions, limitations Major constructs/variables of pervious related studies The context/historical development of the areas of your research Theoretical framework (if applicable, discuss main constructs and suitability) It presents a synthesis of what is known and highlights gaps in the research, serving as a springboard for further investigation. 6

7. Main focus is on: A clear and detailed plan of activities to conduct your investigation. It may include: The research method and design The research questions and hypothesis (if applicable) A re-statement of the purpose of the study Chapter III: Methodology and Procedures Selection and description of population and sample (participants and organizations) Data collection instruments Data collection procedures Data analysis procedures Calendar of research activities It should be so complete that another researcher could take it and conduct the investigation. 7

8. In summary, the research proposal has 3 essential components that serve as the foundation for an investigation. Chapter III Presents a thorough plan to conduct an investigation. Highlights what is known and illustrates what needs to be investigated by additional research. Chapter II Chapter I Sets the context for the study. Research Proposal 8

9. The main purpose is to: Make a compelling and scholarly argument that your research proposal is solid, valid, and merits an investigation.  Become familiar with institutional protocols and etiquette.  Prepare presentation and materials.  Invite dissertation committee members.  Confirm proposal date, time, and place.  Present proposal using appropriate terminology and technology-based aids.  Be a focused and respectful listener.  Respond to questions in a scholarly manner. “Be Professional”  Ask a trusted peer, professor or mentor to read your drafts and offer constructive feedback. 9

10. mnovando@austin.utexas.edu 10