Components of Research Proposal

Components of research proposal are beautifully explained in simple wording

1. COMPONENTS OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY COMPILED BY: MUHAMMAD USMAN AWAN M.A. ENGLISH

2. Initial Process Of Research: Type of research work whether it shall be exploratory, descriptive or explanatory. The sources suggested by an experienced adviser. The time frame for the research project. Other general matters can be discussed with the adviser's preparatory for framing the research proposal.

3. Introduction The introduction serves to orient the readers about the research project. It may also include the rationale, legal basis and historical setting. In effect, the introduction is a preview of the whole study.

4. Background of the study This presents the context of the study, stating the external factors which give rise to the research proposal. The trends, the developments and the problems are considered in it.

5. Setting of the study It is very important as this will demonstrate that the study is based on a true to life setting about which accurate observations and measurements can be made. Two benefits are achieved: (a) a more accurate understanding of what could otherwise be simple actions and views. (b) an avenue for new ways of thinking and explaining things.

6. Theoretical or Conceptual framework: It outlines the theory that the researcher wants to espouse or to verify in his study.The components interact with each other and the interactions are either shown in a diagram or mathematical format.

7. Statement of the problem: A research proposal is prompted by questions of observed phenomenon which call for an explanation. In a research proposal, the problem needs to be stated correctly by the way of a precise question which demands a specific answer. It has following factors: (a) source of the problem (b) factors in problem selection (c) prospect of a good problem proposal such as its relevance, novelty and practicality

8. Hypothesis of the study: It is stated by way of a declarative sentence, relating either in general or in specific terms, the relationship of these factors or variables with clear implications that this relationship can be empirically or statistically measured. Without this, the hypothesis is not valid or is at least a poor assumption. It's advantages are: (a) they direct the research inquiry, saying in effect what has to be done. (b) they enable the researcher by their general statements to make deductions on specific manifestations implied by the inquiry problem.

9. Significance of the study 1. Solves the problem. 2. Narrows knowledge gap. 3. Improves socio-economic conditions. 4. Validates research instruments and methods. 5. Supports development thrusts.

10. Scope and delimitation of the study It tells the extent to which the results of an inquiry may find an application. The delimitation gives information on the shortcomings of the investigation and where results may fail to apply. One difficulty in research concerns the issue generality or specificity. If a research problem is too general, it can become too vague, thus not measurable. General terms such as democracy, innovation, self transformation don't carry immediate empirical value. On the other hand, there is the other extreme of too much specificity. While every scientific research needs to be narrowed down, there is the danger of making the inquiry too thin and trivial.

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