Formulation of Research Topic
A research proposal is a well-defined and systematized plan to provide an appropriate justification for the research with a practical approach to finalize it. The basic concept behind the research proposal is to align the researcher’s thoughts about the research topic with his/her supervisor. It is the initial step in appropriate research plan writing. Similarly, it is an effective approach to coordinating between the supervisor and the researcher. A well-defined research proposal topic has two objectives; first, it demonstrates the need for the research and second, it shows an appropriate working strategy.
Formulation of Research Proposal Topic
Research topics are formulated on three pillars; what is the need of the research? Why is it original and unique? And how will it be converted into a practical approach? A complete research is centred on the research proposal topic and its three pillars. So, the research proposal topic needs to be specific and unambiguous. It is also necessary that the research proposal delivers a detailed justification of the research. It may be possible in case the researcher has a unique and clear concept in his mind. The following three points are important in formulating the research proposal topic:
The Need for the Research Topic
It is an issue or a subject through which the researcher shows interest in a specific research field. A well-organized topic is the base of an effective research project. Topic selection is an ongoing process through which the researcher defines, explores and refines the concepts and ideas. Similarly, the research proposal topic is not enough. The researcher should explain the objectivity of the proposed topic. Why is it important to conduct research on the proposed topic? There is also a need to define the gaps in the research and the processes which can make it original and unique. Considering the specific details about the research gap and filling such gaps with all the required practicalities and procedures. If the study is only about a rehash of any previous research, then the chances of approval are limited. Therefore, the researcher should have an appropriate justification and clarity about the chosen topic. He also needs to define the value of the research. He may even need to get PhD dissertation help from good writers.
Example
Suppose a researcher is going to initiate a research proposal for the importance of those factors in the advocacy of luxurious brands of cars. The need is to unfold the relevant factors of the research topic based on the luxurious brands of cars and their benefits. The automobile industry can take more advantage of the research through different approaches, which are also beneficial for local marketers. Secondly, it provides the true value of luxurious cars to local and international automobile dealers. So, the research has an appropriate justification for the mentioned proposed research topic. While crafting a research proposal topic, the researcher must remember that uniqueness and simplicity are not enough. It further needs to show value-creating, usefulness and importance of the research.
Practicalities related to the Research Topic
An effective research proposal topic is a good approach to attracting the supervisor, but the important question is to convince the supervisor and other board members to approve the topic. Approval is always connected with discussing the practicality of the research topic. Research practicality is a discussion about the process of undertaking the research. It is the discussion about an appropriate research design regarding the given topic. It is also the description regarding sources, funding and skills.
Example
At the proposal stage, it is not required to explain the complete details of the research. The researcher needs to explain some high-level and broader views regarding the methodology of the research and some other major design issues. The following examples clearly define the real concepts of mentioned above concepts:
For instance, the researcher focuses on a fresh research proposal topic, “the issue related to data privacy in modern the world”. The research is liable to give answers to following in inquiries:
- The procedure of the research, either qualitative or quantitative
- The researcher should discuss about the design of the research; is it cross-sectional or longitudinal?
- Discussion about the data gathering methods
- Discussion about the questionnaire, survey materials, interviews, and other relevant questions
- The researcher should mention the methods of the data analysis, like qualitative or quantitative
The researcher must provide the answers to the inquiries mentioned above. Secondly, all other practicalities must be defined at this stage of the research proposal topic, and the mentioned above points should be cleared before starting the research.
Topic-based Research Proposal Structure
The final thoughts are about the formatting and structuring of the research proposal. It is highly important because, after the formation of the research proposal, the complete research will be based on that structure. It is evident from different researches that some common outlines are also working in the research field. However, it varies from one university to another. However, the following important points must be considered before finalizing the research proposal.
- Details about the topic of the research, its clarity, justification, and description
- Background of the research topic and problem statement; on which grounds the research will be effective and the points which can clear the ambiguities in the research
- Research scope with all of its details and practicalities
- Literature review and what kinds of resources the researcher is using in the formation of an effective literature review
- Proposed research methodology (such as qualitative or quantitative)
However, the abstract section, finding and discussion part, conclusion, and recommendations will be added after the data structure’s finalization and after the completion of all of the other required sections.
Final Thoughts
When there is a need to discuss, write and finalize the research proposal topic, several points must be considered to produce an effective piece of research. It is essential to ensure suitability and viability in the research so that the researcher may sell the proposed research idea. In crafting excellent research and a convincing narrative, there is a need to maintain all the points mentioned above.
