Research Proposal Objectives: Guide to the Writing Process
Most students are quite familiar with the different sections of a research proposal. However, a proposal has several different sections, including the background and literature review. Understanding each part of the proposal is crucial to ensuring that you have a successful research proposal. This piece has expert tips on what are research proposal objectives. Read on to learn more.
Objectives of the Research Proposal
What are the objectives of the research proposal? The goals of the proposal are straightforward:
- Define a problem that you want to solve
- Identify an existing gap in that field of study
- Develop a research question or hypothesis
- Choose a research method
- Present or report a preliminary version of the completed work
The design, methodology, and scope of the research must also be specified. The structure of the proposal also provides information on the project’s financial aspects and the timeline for its completion. It is recommended that you include an abstract and list of references in your proposal.
Gaps in the Literature Review that You Want to Address
The gap you want to address in your research must be specific and related to a relevant issue. For instance, you might want to cover a subject that has been extensively covered in the field of study. Alternatively, you might want to study a subject that is new to many people in your field. The area must be significant and contribute to the current body of knowledge in that discipline. To determine which gap to focus your research, consider the questions of your thesis and obtain published literature that provides an answer.
Define the Problem Statements
For you to carry out research that contributes to the field of study, you must first define a problem. A problem statement gives a concise description of the intended research. It must also be precise and have a single objective that you want to achieve. For instance, your problem statement for this research may be to determine if students who take a philosophy of education course gain more knowledge on the subject.
Focus the Research Methodology
Your research methods must focus on gaining new knowledge. For instance, you can use a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. The method that you choose will depend on the gap you want to address and how best you will use the information to increase our understanding of the problem. As such, the methods should be suitable for research in a specific field of study.
Briefly Report the Preliminary Information
Once you have identified the gap in the literature review and the problem you want to solve, start the writing process by providing a preliminary version of your proposal. This section includes the introduction, theoretical framework, methodology, review of current literature, and an abstract. Include information that will contribute to completing your proposal.
In summary, the objectives of a research proposal are quite specific. While some will include research problems, others will specify research methods. As such, it is vital to read each component of the proposal carefully. After all, you cannot have a successful research proposal if you do not adhere to the writing guidelines.