Research Seminar Session 5 Writing Research Proposal By: Dr. Arash Habibi Lashkari First version: August – 2012 Updated: September– 2014 www.ahlashkari.com 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 www.ahlashkari.com Standard requirements: Title Abstract Introduction and Overview Literature Review / Related Works 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 www.ahlashkari.com Each part of Skeleton www.ahlashkari.com 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... ” ,… www.ahlashkari.com 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 www.ahlashkari.com Introduction and Overview To provide the necessary background or context for your research problem Should include: • Background information: a brief but appropriate historical backdrop • problem statement or research problem which is the purpose of the study and sub-questions • Research question in such a way as to show its necessity and importance • Objectives: achievements through your research • Assumptions and delimitations: delimitation or boundaries of your proposed research www.ahlashkari.com 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) www.ahlashkari.com 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? • contain all subsections of your research • Provide details of your proposed solutions to the problem and sub-problems • 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?” www.ahlashkari.com 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? www.ahlashkari.com Plan of Works (Timeline, Deliverables) Shows deadlines and deliverables Should include : • Include the major phases of the research • exploratory studies, data analysis, report generation • Algorithms • Computer programs / prototypes • Comparative evaluation www.ahlashkari.com 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 www.ahlashkari.com Acknowledgements Shows who has supported and helped Should include : • Anyone who made a contribution • Advice • technical support • funding resources www.ahlashkari.com 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) www.ahlashkari.com Appendix Shows proof or information that clarifies a point Should include : • Survey results • Tables • Figures • Previous report findings • Relevant letters or memos www.ahlashkari.com Questions www.ahlashkari.com Questions In one sentence, what is your proposal? What will you do that merits a research? What will you find in the research? What will you most proud of, and why? What are the contributions of your proposal? What do you know about the history of your topic? What is the current state of the knowledge in your topic? How can you demonstrate that your problem is feasible to solve? www.ahlashkari.com Questions 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? www.ahlashkari.com Session Summary: Proposal Skeleton and related questions Next Session: Seminar and Presentation www.ahlashkari.com “There is no way to get experience except through experience.” www.ahlashkari.com