Research Proposals

A research proposal is a document proposing a research project, generally in the sciences or academia, and generally constitutes a request for sponsorship of that research. Proposals are evaluated on the potential impact of the proposed research to the end users, the soundness of the proposed plan, the expertise available to accomplish the proposed plan and the cost for carrying it out. Research proposals generally address several key points including:

• What research question(s) will be addressed, and how they will be addressed
• What prior research has been done on the topic. This will be used to identify what gaps in knowledge remain and links with the research question being addressed.
• Research methodology - How the relevant data will be collected, analyzed and how the results of the research will be evaluated.
• How the research will benefit end users, the sponsoring organization and other stakeholders.
• How much time and expense will be required for the research

Research proposals may be solicited, meaning that they are submitted in response to a request with specified requirements, such as a request for proposal, or they may be unsolicited, meaning they are submitted without prior request. Other types of proposals include "preproposals", where a letter of intent or brief abstract is submitted for review prior to submission of a full proposal; continuation proposals, which re-iterate an original proposal and its funding requirements in order to ensure continued funding; and renewal proposals, which seek continued sponsorship of a project which would otherwise be terminated.

An important step is the development and refinement of the research idea. Proposal writing is much easier when the research idea has been well defined. For more details on developing research ideas, visit out ideas page here

Basics

Title: the title should be concise and descriptive. Often titles are stated in terms of a functional relationship, because such titles clearly indicate the independent and dependent variables. However, if possible, think of an informative but catchy title. An effective title not only pricks the reader's interest, but also predisposes him/her favourably towards the proposal. Ensure that the title relates with what the project intends to accomplish, do not be tempted to use catchy phrases in the title if the project doesnt actually address those research topics. Often, funders include a limit to the length of the title, it is advisable to not exceed that length because sometimes this length is programmed into the the proposal submission system and any additional words may be excluded in the submission.

Abstract: it is a brief summary of approximately 500 words (this limit may be provided by the funders). It should include the research question, the rationale for the study, the hypothesis (if any), the method. Descriptions of the method may include the design, procedures, the sample or a range of partcipants and any instruments that will be used. The abstract may include expected results and how end users will benefit from the project. Note that funders may use the abstract for their external communications, therefore your abstract should use simple language that the general public can understand, and should not include confidential information such as material included in a pending patent.

Objectives

Objectives can be categorized into two: Overall objective (which can also be called Aim, Goal etc.) usually consists of one statement that captures the general focus of the research project. For example: To reduce antimicrobial use among rural communities in country X. Specific objectives are the actual activities that will need to be acocmplished to meet the main goal. For example:
1. To assess the baseline current usage of antimicrobials in 'the targeted community.
2. To educate communities on responsible use of antimicrobials and effects of misuse .....

Under objectives, emphasize how aims are to be accomplished and must be highly focused and feasible to address the more immediate project outcomes, make accurate use of concepts and be sensible and precisely described are usually numbered so that each objective reads as an 'individual' statement to convey your intention.

Funders will evaluate the success of a research project based on whether it accomplished the objectives it had proposed. Therefore, ensure to develop your objectives in ways you can easily report back to funders and show evidence that the proposed objectives were achieved.

Background / Introduction

The introduction typically begins with a general statement of the problem area, with a focus on a specific research problem, to be followed by the rationale or justification for the proposed study. The introduction generally covers the following elements:

• State the research problem, which is often referred to as the purpose of the study.
• Provide the context and set the stage for your research question in such a way as to show its necessity and importance.
• Present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth doing.
• State your hypothesis or theory, if any. For exploratory or phenomenological research, you may not have any hypotheses.

Literature Review

Sometimes the literature review is incorporated into the introduction section. However, most reviewers will prefer a separate section, which allows a more thorough review of the literature. The literature review serves several important functions:

• Ensures that you are not "reinventing the wheel".
• Give credits to those who have laid the groundwork for your research. This may include work you have accomplished previously with your research team.
• Demonstrates your knowledge of the research problem and demonstrates your understanding of the theoretical and research issues related to your research question.
• Shows your ability to critically evaluate relevant literature information. Indicates your ability to understand, integrate and synthesize the existing literature.
• Provides new theoretical insights or develops a new model as the conceptual framework for your research.

Your scholarship and research competence will be questioned if any of the following applies to your proposal.

• Lacking organization and structure
• Lacking focus and coherence
• Failing to cite influential papers
• Failing to keep up with recent research and publications. Do not cite old papers when the same information has been published in more recent papers.
• Citing irrelevant or trivial references
• Failing to critically evaluate cited papers
• Being repetitive and verbose

Research Methodology

The methods section tells the reviewers how you plan to tackle the research problem. It will provide your work plan and describe the activities necessary for the completion of your project. The Method section should contain sufficient information for the reader to determine whether the methodology is sound. It should contain sufficient information for another qualified researcher to implement the study. You need to demonstrate your knowledge of alternative methods and make the case that your approach is the most appropriate and most valid way to address your research question.

The Method section is usually the longest part of the proposal. You need to justify what data will be collected (why that specific data), when data will be collected, how samples will be determined (usually include a criteria for deciding sample size), justify data analysis techniques, and presentation of results.

Knowledge Transfer

An important aspect of research is in how it can change peoples lives. Research is ultimately aimed to introduce new knowledge that will enhance the livelihoods of the end users. There has to be an approach that the researchers will utilize to communicate their results whether it's through formal scientific journals or approaches aimed at the general public such as social media, podcasts, newsletters, videos, etc. Depending on your type of research and where it fits in the research continuum, you may be expected to emphasize your knowledge transfer efforts to certain audiences more than others, for example, basic research emphasizes peer reviewed scientific publications while applied research emphasizes knowledge transfer to end users.

What else to include in your proposal

Funders may request additional information as part of the research application. These may include:

• CV / resume of main applicant, and sometimes the research team. This provides evidence that the applicant is competent to conduct the research proposed. The research team should include individuals that provide expertise necessary to complete the project successfully.
• Letters of support: (or reference letters) can come from diverse stakeholders who express interest in the proposed project, indicating that the anticipated results will benefit them.
• Other funding sources, which could be confirmed or pending decisions.

Common Mistakes

• Sloppy/Poor writing.
• Too many citation lapses and incorrect references.
• Failure to stay focused on the research question.
• Too much rambling — going "all over the map" without a clear sense of direction.
• Use of methodologies without justifying, especially when there are alternative, more superior techniques.
• Inadequate knowledge transfer activities.

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