A research proposal is similar in a number of ways to a project proposal; however, a research proposal addresses a particular project: academic or scientific research. The forms and procedures for such research are well defined by the field of study, so guidelines for research proposals are generally more exacting than less formal project proposals. Research proposals contain extensive literature reviews and must offer convincing support of need for the research study being proposed. Doctoral dissertations begin with research proposal; the proposal must be accepted by a panel of experts (usually professors) before the actual research can begin. In addition to providing rationale for the proposed research, the proposal must described a detailed methodology for conducting the research–a methodology consistent with requirements of the professional or academic field. The links below offer explanations and examples of research proposals.
WRITING GUIDES
Frank Pajares, Emory University
Beginners Guide to the Research Proposal
University of Calgary, Manitoba, Canada, The Centre for Advancement of Health
Some Thoughts on Dissertation Proposal Writing
Professor Chris M. Gold, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Writing and Presenting Your Thesis or Dissertation
S. Joseph Levine, Ph.D., Michigan State University
Conceptualizing, Writing, and Revising a Social Science Research Proposal
Institute of International Studies, University of California-Berkeley
State University of New York
This is a PDF and may take several seconds to load. It’s worth the wait.
The Proposal in Qualitative Research
Anthony W. Heath, PhD, Division of Behavioral Sciences, McNeal Family Practice Residency
How To Write A Dissertation: or Bedtime Reading For People Who Do Not Have Time To Sleep
Douglas E. Comer, Purdue University
Note: Even if you’re not writing a dissertation, you’ll find some excellent writing tips in this source.
Resources for Graduate Student Writers
Sweetland Writing Center, University of Michigan
Writing Theses and Dissertations
Claremont Graduate University Writing Center
Teaching the Research Proposal: A Brief Process-Oriented Overview
Writing Center, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Dissertation Proposal Writing Tutorial
Elys Ben Salem, University of Kansas
Guidelines & Requirements for NEJS Dissertation Proposals
Brandeis University
Adam Przeworski and Frank Salomon, Social Science Research Council
How to Write a Research Proposal
Eastchance.com
Resources for Proposal Writers
The Writing Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
PROPOSAL TEMPLATE
TEMPLATE for an APA-Style Proposal
Nelson L. Eby, in collaboration with Dr. Douglas Degelman, Professor of Psychology,
Vanguard University of Southern California
Template may need modification for your program.
EXAMPLES
APA-Style Proposal #1: Intercessory Prayer and Task Performance
Douglas Degelman, Ph.D., and Martin Lorenzo Harris, Ph.D.
Vanguard University of Southern California
APA-Style Proposal #2: Infants’ Perceived Gender and Adolescents’ Ratings
Douglas Degelman, Ph.D., and Martin Lorenzo Harris, Ph.D.
Vanguard University of Southern California
University of Maryland, Department of Computer Science
Dissertations in Instructional Systems Technology
Indiana University School of Education
Note: Not in APA style, but content is useful