How to Write a Successful Research Proposal | Scribbr 🎓

Most research projects start with a proposal.

You’ll probably have to write one before you start your thesis or dissertation.

A research proposal is designed to persuade someone that your project is worthwhile, for

example, your supervisor or funding body.

If you want to know how to write a proper research proposal, then stay tuned.

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you achieve your academic goals.

A research proposal aims to reflect the relevance, context, approach and feasibility of your

project.

Big words, but what do they mean?

Let's find out with some concrete examples.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals should contain

at least these elements: Title page

Introduction Literature review

Research design Reference list

Now, let’s go through what you should include in each element!

The title page of your proposal should include: The proposed title of your project

Your name Your supervisor’s name

The institution and department You should also check with your department

to see if there are specific requirements.

The introduction is where you hook the reader and demonstrate relevance.

Here you should introduce the context of your research problem and show that your project

is interesting, original and important.

Here are some questions to guide your introduction: How much is already known about the problem?

For whom is this interesting?

(e.g. policymakers or scientists) What are the key research questions that you

aim to answer?

A strong literature review convinces the reader that your project has a solid foundation in

existing knowledge or theory.

It also shows that you’re familiar with the field.

In this section, you're explaining how your project will contribute to conversations on

your topic.

If you're not sure where to start, we have a playlist on how to write a literature review,

where you'll learn about searching for relevant literature, outlining the structure, and more!

The research design or methodology section should describe the overall approach and practical

steps you will take to answer your research questions.

Here are things you should describe in the research design section:

Research type, so is it qualitative or quantitative, primary or secondary?

Sources, who or what will you actually study?