Research Seminar
Session 5
Writing Research Proposal
By:
Dr. Arash Habibi Lashkari
First version: August – 2012
Updated: September– 2014
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Proposal purposes
candidate has done sufficient preliminary reading and
research in the area of interest
You want to show that:
•have identified a scientific problem
•have a theoretical background
•Have a methodical approach to solve a problem
•Have defined a realistic time line
•Have defined a reasonable expenses
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Standard requirements:
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Title
Abstract
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Introduction and Overview
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Literature Review / Related Works
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Background information
problem statement
Objectives
Assumptions and delimitations
Chronological, Thematic , Methodical
Research Design and Methodology
Methods of data collection and analysis
Plan of Works (Timeline, Deliverables)
Resources
Conclusion
References
Appendix
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Each part of Skeleton
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Title:
It is the first part of your research proposal that is seen by
Should be :
 clear and sharp
 understandable
 short enough but descriptive (under 10 words)
 Includes the problem
 Includes the solution or methodology
Note: Avoid non-communicating words such as “A Study of...
“, “An Exploratory Study to Determine... ” ,…
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Abstract
A brief summary of approximately 300-400 words including
what, why, how and when.
Should include :
• the research question
• the rationale for the study
• the hypothesis (if any)
• the method
• the main findings
Note: Descriptions of the method may include the design,
procedures and the sample
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Introduction and Overview
To provide the necessary background or context for your
research problem
Should include:
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Background information: a brief but appropriate
historical backdrop
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problem statement or research problem which is the
purpose of the study and sub-questions
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Research question in such a way as to show its
necessity and importance
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Objectives: achievements through your research
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Assumptions and delimitations: delimitation or
boundaries of your proposed research
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Literature Review / Related Works
Show what has been done and what remains to be done
(ensures that you are not "reinventing the wheel“)
Should include :
• What ?
• Why ?
• Who?
• How ?
• When?
Note: Writing methodology of this section can be one of these
or mix: Chronological, Methodical, Thematic
(Refer to session 4 of research methodology lecture notes)
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Methodology and Research Design
Shows how you plan to tackle your research problem
and what you are going to do in technical terms
Should consider:
Research Design:
• answers these questions:
 why is it being done in this particular way?’
 How is the study to be done?
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contain all subsections of your research
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Provide details of your proposed solutions to the problem and sub-problems
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Describes your project activities in detail
Research Methodology:
• Be specific about what research methodology you will use and why
• Indicates how your objective will be accomplished
• Relate what is unique about your approach
• It should discuss the risks of your method, and indicate why your success is probable
Note: Keep asking and answering the “What’s next?”
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Methods of data collection and analysis
Shows what data will be collected and who will be examined
Should include :
• Provide information for tasks such as sample selection, data
collection, instrumentation, validation, procedures
• What are your sources of data?
• What data will be collected?
• What kinds of methods will be used for data collection?
• How to you intend to ensure reliability and validity?
• In what contexts will your results be interpreted and understood?
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Plan of Works (Timeline, Deliverables)
Shows deadlines and deliverables
Should include :
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Include the major phases of the research
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exploratory studies, data analysis, report generation
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Algorithms
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Computer programs / prototypes
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Comparative evaluation
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Conclusion
Shows complements to introductions
Should include :
• Concern to the whole research and proposal
• Help reader to moving from the previous parts to the
big picture
• Highlighting the most important part of proposal
• Why it is significant
• What is the next issue or question
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Acknowledgements
Shows who has supported and helped
Should include :
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Anyone who made a contribution
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Advice
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technical support
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funding resources
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References
Shows supportive documents of the research
Should include :
• Up-to-date
• Highly relevant with the problem
• Original source
• First Order : Journal Publications and Books
• Second Order : Proceeding Publications
• Third Order : Technical Report
• Don’t include private communications
• Don’t cite support for common knowledge (weakening
yourself)
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Appendix
Shows proof or information that clarifies a point
Should include :
• Survey results
• Tables
• Figures
• Previous report findings
• Relevant letters or memos
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Questions
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Questions
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In one sentence, what is your proposal?
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What will you do that merits a research?
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What will you find in the research?
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What will you most proud of, and why?
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What are the contributions of your proposal?
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What do you know about the history of your topic?
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What is the current state of the knowledge in your topic?
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How can you demonstrate that your problem is feasible to solve?
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Questions
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Where do current approaches fail such that you make a
contribution?
Who are your closest competitors?
Which are the three /five most important papers in your
topic till now?
What are the recent major developments in your topic?
How do you expect your topic to progress over the next
five years?
why analysis is needed in the project?
what information will be needed to complete the analysis,
the potential sources and the instruments that will be
used to collect it?
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Session Summary:
Proposal Skeleton and related questions
Next Session:
Seminar and Presentation
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“There is no way to get
experience except
through experience.”
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