Basic Rules To Observe While Writing A Research Paper Proposal
The purpose – Why are you writing a proposal?
How can you write a proposal so that it is both effective and thorough? Proposals are not just there to convince your reader that your research is needed; they are also there to alert prospective readers as to the contribution you are making to the subject.
In order to write a proposal that accomplishes these purposes, you will need to adhere to the style that is typically used, as well as being creative in your argument. Remember, you are selling the reader your concept, so do this professionally, but at the same time with a sense of charm.
The format of your proposal
The way a formal proposal is structured is as follows:
- - A title page: The title page will contain the full title of your topic, your name, the name of your college or university, and the name of your professor.
- - An abstract: This is a short paragraph indicating the purpose of your proposal as well as a general guide into its content.
- - Index: Your abstract must be followed by a table of contents or index. This would be best constructed after your proposal is finished.
- - Introduction: This is a welcome to the reader and general thanks to the principal investigator for considering your suggestions. Also give the reader a general introduction into what lies ahead in the rest of the paper.
- - Main content: The body of your proposal should have several main components, each one consisting of about 1 – 4 paragraphs:
- - What you wish to achieve with your research project
- - Your capabilities to embark on the experimentation and research that lies ahead
- - What you need to commence with the research and how you propose to get it
- - A brief overview of the literary resources you will be relying on throughout the project
- - A detailed schedule of the research you plan to conduct; including the time it will take, what will be done, how it will be done, and of course why it needs to be done.
- - If your methodology is unconventional, explain why you have chosen it and defend how it is better than orthodox methods
- - Discuss any assistance you will be needing from others
- - Discuss the cost of the whole project in terms of equipment, premises, and staff
- - Finally, mention the importance of the research and how the community within your field of study will benefit from the results