RESEARCH METHOD ASSIGNMENT
A research proposal is a structured document that outlines a planned research project. It is
typically written to seek approval or funding for research and serves as a blueprint for the
study.
KEY COMPONENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL:
1. Title: a clear and concise title that reflects the research topic. You should try to
come up with a title that is unique and at the same time easy to remember. It
should also make a lasting impression to the reader and make them want to come
back and read your proposal (www.libguides.unisa.ac.za).
2. Introduction: provides background information, the research problem, and its
significance. The jargons and key terms used in the particular topic must also be
thoroughly explained in order to avoid confusion. The interests of the researcher in
the particular topic must be clearly outlined while at the same time mentioning,
albeit briefly at this point, a critical review of the main literature that covers the
topic. The researcher must also provide the aim of the research by clearly and
concisely stating the problem. This section must also indicate what the research
study will not be covering (www.libguides.unisa.ac.za).
3. Research Objectives: It is important that the objectives are in alignment with the
research question. The objectives must indicate what the aim of the research study
is. In fact, objectives give you a clear indication of the steps that you will take to
achieve the aim of the research. The objective must be specific, measurable,
achievable, relevant and time bound.
4. Literature Review: collect and present relevant literature on your topic of choice.
It is important to include all the main authors or experts in a particular field.
Depending on your field of study or topic, ensure that you include recent literature
as well as literature that presents counterarguments to the topic. The justification
for the study needs to based on existing literature.
5. Methodology: this is a systematic method to resolve a research problem through
data gathering using various techniques, providing an interpretation of data
gathered and drawing conclusions about the research methodology is the blueprint
of a research or study (Murthy & Bhojanna, 2009, p. 32). As such, the
methodology is of the utmost important. Some people confuse “methodology” and
“method” in research and this is very common. A method is a technique used in
gathering evidence and other hand methodology is the science of understanding
how research is performed methodically (www.research.com).
6. Expected Outcomes: predicts the results and their potential impact. It plays a
vital role in delineating the anticipated results and findings that a researcher aims
to uncover throughout the course of their study. This section serves as a crucial
bridge between the research objectives, methodology, and the broader significance
of the proposed research. A comprehensive and well-crafted expected outcome
section not only elucidates the expected results but also provides insight into the
potential impact and contributes that the study may offer to the field
(https://www.medium.com/@deepaknegi).
7. Timeline: outlines the estimated schedule for the research. A well-structured
timeline provides clarity and demonstrates your understanding of the research
process. It also helps both you and your reviewers to visualize the progression of
your project and assess the feasibility of your proposed work. This is crucial as it
outlines the schedule of activities, tasks, and milestone you plan to complete
through out the research process. It helps convey to reviewers that you can have a
well-organized plan to carry out the project and that the research is feasible within
the proposed time frame. It also contributes to the fact you’re capable of achieving
the task without delay
8. Budget: Estimates the costs involved in conducting the research. It outlines how
much money will be needed for each aspect of the study, including personnel,
materials, equipment, travel, and other relevant expenses, to demonstrate the
feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the proposed research to potential funders.
9. Conclusion: This section summarized the key points of your proposed study,
reiterates its significance and importance, and explains why your research should
be conducted, essentially providing clear understanding of how your study will
contribute to existing body of knowledge within the field; it should highlight the
potential impact of your research finding without introducing any new
information.
