Confirmation of Candidature
Writing the research proposal
Helen Thursby
Outline
Why ‘confirmation’?
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Research plan
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Structuring the proposal
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UoN guidelines
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Details of each section
Why ‘confirmation’?
• to provide support in the early stages of
candidature
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to determine whether:
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the research ‘direction’ is sound
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the methodology is appropriate
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the standard of writing is satisfactory
Confirmation and progress
ref: UoN OGS
Research plan (1)
• Start early
• Be familiar with expectations and specific school
requirements for confirmation.
• Prepare a research timetable
• Create deadlines for each stage up to submission
date
• Chart the sequence of administrative tasks required
e.g. confirmation of candidature, ethics approval,
annual progress reports
Research plan (2)
Other important items to include in the timeline:
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writing the literature review
seminar attendance
beginning and completing chapters
data collection
fieldwork
Structuring the proposal
Structure may vary according to discipline.
Sections may include:
• Routine information – cover page
• Statement of Topic
• Aims of the research
• Literature review
• Theoretical orientation
• Methodology
• Research program timetable
• Tentative thesis chapter outline
• References
Suggested format
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Title
Abstract (one page)
Introduction (3-6 pages) – intro to subject, rationale,
context, research question(s) or hypothesis
Literature review to establish:
- why the particular approach was taken
- how this work will contribute to knowledge
in the field
Methodology (2-3 pages)
Outcomes – results to date and expected outcomes
(2-3 p)
Timeline for completion (1 page)
Bibliography
Copies of publications produced (if applicable)
Appendices as required
UoN guidelines for the written document
• “In accordance with the Rules Governing Research
Higher Degrees, candidates are required to satisfy the
following requirement(s):
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i. Present to the Confirmation Committee a written
document containing at least:
– A critical review of recent work in the field,
– An updated research proposal,
– An updated plan of research,
– An updated timetable for completion of the thesis,
– A comprehensive statement of the resources required
to complete the project within the funded period.
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Office of Graduate Studies
Ref: UoN Confirmation Year Guidelines
The title
• reflects the research question in one succinct
phrase
• provides an adequate degree of focus for the
reader
• is less than 20 words
• can be revised during the project
Abstract
• is a brief summary of about 300 words
• includes
– the research question
– the rationale for the study
– the hypothesis (if any)
– method
– main findings
Introduction
In the introduction you
• State research problem – the purpose of the study
• Provide the context and show its necessity and
importance
• Present the rationale – why it is worth doing
• Describe main issues to be addressed by your research
• Identify the key independent and dependent variables or
Specify the phenomenon you intend to study
• State your hypothesis or theory, if any.
(Phenomenological research may not have a
hypothesis).
• Set the boundaries/scope so as to provide a clear focus
• Provide definitions of key concepts
The Literature Review (1)
• is sometimes incorporated into the introduction
• ensures that your research is original
• gives credit to those who have laid the
groundwork
• demonstrates your knowledge of the research
problem and understanding of the related
theoretical and research issues
The Literature Review (2)
• shows your ability to critically evaluate relevant
literature information
• shows your ability to synthesise the existing
literature
• provides new theoretical insights or develops a new
model as the conceptual framework for your
research
• convinces your reader that your proposed research
will make a significant and substantial contribution to
the literature (resolve an important theoretical issue
or fill a ‘gap’)
Some problems with Literature reviews
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Poor organisation and structure
Lack of focus, unity and coherence
Being repetitive and ‘wordy’
Failing to cite influential papers
Failing to keep up with recent research
Failing to critically evaluate cited papers
Citing irrelevant or trivial references
Depending too much on secondary sources
Methods
This section:
• tells your Research Committee HOW you plan to
conduct the study
• provides your work plan
• describes the activities necessary for the completion of
the project
• contains sufficient information for the reader to
determine whether methodology is sound
• demonstrates your knowledge of alternative methods to
make the case for the appropriateness and validity of
your approach
Results
You need to
• give some idea of the kind of data you will be
collecting
• describe statistical procedures to be used to
answer your question or test your hypothesis
• describe any results at this stage
Finally...
• It is important to convince your reader of the potential
impact of your proposed research.
• Communicate your enthusiasm but don’t exaggerate
• Mention the limitations and weaknesses of the proposed
research (may be justified by time or financial constraints
and the early stage of your research).
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• UoN states:
The Doctor of Philosophy is an ungraded degree awarded
for research that demonstrates that the candidate has the
capacity to conduct research independently at a high level
of originality and quality. The research should uncover new
knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the
formulation of theories or the innovative re-interpretation of
known data and established ideas.
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/research-and-innovation/graduateresearch/domestic/eligibility
References
Paltridge, B. and Starfield, S. (2007) Thesis and
dissertation Writing in a Second Language. A
handbook for supervisors. Abingdon, UK.
Routledge.
Thomson, P. and Walker, M. (Eds) (2010) The
Routledge Doctoral Student’s companion.
London: Routledge