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 their 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 for the research? Why is it original and unique? And how will it be converted into a practical approach? Complete research is centered 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 if the researcher has a unique and clear concept. 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, more than the research proposal topic is needed. The researcher should explain the objectivity of the proposed topic. Why is it important to research 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 a rehash of previous research, 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 Ph.D. 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 more than uniqueness and simplicity is needed. It further needs to show the research’s value-creating, usefulness, and importance.
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 optional 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 the modern world.” The research is liable to give answers to the following inquiries:
- The procedure of the research, either qualitative or quantitative
- The researcher should discuss the research design; 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 data analysis methods, like qualitative or quantitative.
Research proposals are meant to share a clear production plan and provide a detailed plan for meeting all of the motivations mentioned during the proposal and defining all the practicalities.
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 research that some common outlines are also working in the research field. However, it varies from one university to another. However, you must consider the following important points 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, in the abstract section, finding, and we will add the discussion part, conclusion, and recommendations after the data structure’s finalization and after the completion of all of the other required sections.
Final Thoughts
Lately, a lot of people are turning to research proposals when they have a big project coming up. It’s essential to ensure that the research proposal is valuable and feasible for the researcher to sell. With these considerations, it’s easy to see why it’s important for the researcher to maintain all points mentioned above in crafting their research piece and a convincing narrative.