PROPOSAL WRITING

1. INTRODUCTION
Scientific research begins with a research proposal. A research project encompasses various
elements that need to be described in a research proposal. The proposal is a structured plan
for the research project, indicating what will be done and how it is going to be done.

As students start their research journey for the project component of the B.Sc. programme,
they must prove that they are able to conduct and document independent research in a study
field of Political Science, under the guidance of a suitably qualified supervisor. The
research proposal is the first step of the research process.

The proposal essentially describes a problem and sets out a logical, systematic plan to solve
it. As such, it requires serious reflection, thinking and deliberation. Students should take
time compiling the research proposal as it plays an important role in the planning and
execution of the research project.

Different disciplines, organisations and institutions have various formats and requirements
for writing a proposal. There are, however, several key components which must be included
in every research proposal. For the department of Political Science FUOYE research
proposal, the key components are:

1.1. Background to the Study

1.2. Statement of Problem

1.3. Research Questions

1.4. Objectives of the Study

1.5. Research Hypotheses (for quantitative study)

Research Propositions or Research Assumptions (for qualitative study)

1.6. Significance of the Study

1.7. Methodology or Research Method

1.8. Scope of the Study

1.9. Limitations to the Study

1.10 Definition of terms

1.11 Organization of the Study

1. 12 Preliminary study on the Theoretical Framework the Study.

References

2. THE PURPOSE OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The research proposal gives focus and direction to a research project. It will assist the
student/researcher to think through ‘what’ you want to research and ‘how’ you can do it.

The proposal is a structured plan for the research project, indicating what will be done and
how it is going to be done. Therefore, certain aspects need to be included in all research
proposals and it is essential to remember that the research proposal becomes a route-map
or an action plan according to which the research project will be structured. The research
proposal thus helps the researcher to give structure to his/her ideas.

3. WRITING THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it is important, and how you
will do the research.

3.1. Length
At BSc level, the Proposal should be approximately 10 – 12 typed pages in length
(including bibliography and appendices). A tolerance level of 5% is allowed for proposals
above the page limit.

1.1. Background to the Study (Research Problem)

The background sets the stage for the problem to be researched. This is not a lengthy
section and may contain only a few paragraphs. It starts with a concise overview of the
research. The introduction should give the reader the background to the topic under review
and provide evidence for its relevance. It should give a clear description of the subject, the
scope of material reviewed and the purpose of the review. Emphasize the importance of the
proposed research and describe the research topic or theme. This section is not the
background or history of the organisation, but rather, it is the background to the
problem/challenge that the society/organisation is facing.

The background to the problem is the ideal place for researchers to give their readers up to
date information about the topic that you have chosen; that is, to provide the context within
which the problem is situated (for example: business management or public sector
administration, etcetera). It is important to note that information pertaining to the
background of the problem should include quotations by other authors. This section may
include some personal experiences (which must be conveyed objectively that is do not use
pronouns, for example, “I’; “we”; “us”; “them” etcetera), the location of the study, and it
may also include theory that you have gained from your preliminary literature review.

1.2. The Statement of the Research Problem

The research problem is a critical component of the research proposal. It will set the tone
for the rest of the study, so special care must be taken to ensure that resolving the problem
is feasible and manageable. It is vital that a researcher is able to establish the boundaries
of the problem area that is, focusing on the topic that will be studied. Do not attempt a
research problem that is too broad in content, or in a geographical area that is too large, or
is a longitudinal study (a study conducted over time).

The researcher should think about what prompted the need to explore the research area
(problem identification). The research problem should be stated in such a way that it would
lead to analytical thinking on the part of the researcher with the aim of
finding/recommending solutions to the stated problem. As such, a clear and concise
description of the research problem needs to be given. The researcher should denote exactly
what s/he intends to do and what s/he wants to achieve with the research.

Keep the following in mind when writing your research problem:

• The general context of the problem area should be emphasized.

• Key concepts and ideas current in the area should be highlighted.

• Briefly note some of the underlying assumptions in the research area.

• Describe what needs to be solved and identify the most significant issues that require
exploration.

1.3. Research Questions

Research Questions are a crucial component of a research proposal, guiding the entire study
by outlining the specific inquiries the research seeks to address. They are derived from the
research problem and help to narrow down the focus of the study, making it more
manageable and targeted. Good research questions should be clear, concise, and aligned
with the objectives of the research. They help frame the investigation, direct the collection
of data, and determine the methods of analysis. In political science, for example, a research
question like "How does media coverage influence voter behavior during elections?"
provides a focused inquiry into the relationship between media and political participation.
Well-formulated research questions ensure the study is coherent, focused, and researchable.

The answers to the research questions ensure that your objectives have been achieved. It
takes analytical thinking to find and formulate the main research question and its sub
questions, and these will ultimately lead to the main problem being resolved. The research
questions stated here are not the questions you will use in your research instrument.

1.4. Research Objectives

Research Objectives are a key component of a research proposal, defining what the study
aims to achieve and providing a clear direction for the research process. They break down
the broader research problem into specific, measurable goals, guiding the researcher in data
collection and analysis. Research objectives typically start with action verbs such as
"examine," "analyze," "investigate," or "evaluate" to convey the tasks the researcher
intends to complete. For example, in a political science study, an objective might be "to
analyze the impact of electoral reforms on voter turnout in developing democracies." Well-
articulated research objectives ensure that the study remains focused, systematic, and
aligned with the intended outcomes of the research.

1.5. Research Hypotheses (for quantitative study)

Research Hypotheses in a quantitative study are predictive statements included in a
research proposal that suggest a possible relationship between variables. They are
formulated based on existing theories or previous research and are testable through
empirical investigation. A hypothesis provides a clear expectation of the study’s outcomes
and can be either null (stating no relationship exists between variables) or alternative
(stating a specific relationship exists). For example, in political research, a hypothesis
might be "Higher levels of media exposure increase voter turnout." Hypotheses guide data
collection and analysis, helping the researcher to test theories and draw objective
conclusions. Clear, well-defined hypotheses are essential for framing the research and
ensuring it is scientifically rigorous.

Research Propositions or Research Assumptions (for qualitative study)

Research Propositions or Research Assumptions in a qualitative study are statements that
reflect the researcher’s initial beliefs or ideas about the phenomenon being studied. Unlike
hypotheses in quantitative research, propositions do not seek to predict specific outcomes
but instead guide the exploration of complex, context-dependent issues. They help frame
the scope and direction of the study, focusing on the relationships, processes, or meanings
the researcher aims to uncover. For example, a proposition in political science might be,
"Political participation in local elections is influenced by community identity and social
cohesion." Assumptions, on the other hand, are underlying beliefs taken as true without
proof, such as assuming that participants will provide honest responses. Both propositions
and assumptions set the foundation for qualitative inquiry, shaping the research focus and
approach.

1.6. Significance of the Study / Justification for the study

The Significance of the Study is a key component of a research proposal that explains the
potential impact and value of the research. It highlights why the study is important and how
it will contribute to existing knowledge, theory, or practice. This section typically addresses
how the research fills gaps in the literature, offers solutions to practical problems, or
informs policy and decision-making. For example, in political science, a study on "The
Influence of Social Media on Voter Behavior" could be significant for enhancing electoral
strategies, informing policy on media regulation, or expanding academic understanding of
digital democracy. By outlining its contributions, the significance of the study justifies the
need for the research and emphasizes its broader relevance.

1.7. Methodology or Research Method

The Methodology or Research Method section of a research proposal outlines the approach
the researcher will use to conduct the study. It details the specific procedures and
techniques for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. This section typically explains
whether the study will follow a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approach,
along with justifications for the chosen method. It also includes descriptions of the research
design, sampling techniques, data sources, instruments (e.g., surveys, interviews), and the
data analysis strategy. For example, in a political science study examining voter behavior,
the methodology might involve surveys (quantitative) or in-depth interviews (qualitative)
to explore voter attitudes. A clear and detailed methodology ensures the research is
systematic, replicable, and aligned with its objectives.

1.8. Scope of the Study

The Scope of the Study is a section of a research proposal that defines the boundaries and
limits of the research. It specifies the extent of the investigation, including the topics,
variables, and the population or sample to be studied, as well as the time frame and
geographical area. The scope helps to clarify what the research will cover and what it will
exclude, ensuring the study remains focused and manageable. For example, in a political
science study on electoral participation, the scope might be limited to "voter turnout in
urban areas during the last two election cycles in Nigeria." Clearly defining the scope
prevents the study from becoming too broad or ambiguous and helps maintain its relevance
and feasibility.
1.9. Limitations to the Study
Limitations to the Study is a section in a research proposal that acknowledges the potential
weaknesses or constraints that may affect the research process or its outcomes. These
limitations might include factors such as small sample size, restricted access to data, time
constraints, or methodological challenges that could influence the validity or
generalizability of the findings. For example, in a political science study focusing on voter
behavior, a limitation might be the reliance on self-reported data, which could lead to
biases. Addressing limitations upfront demonstrates the researcher’s awareness of the
study’s constraints, promotes transparency, and helps set realistic expectations for the scope
and conclusions of the research.

1.10. Definition of Terms

The Definition of Terms section in a research proposal provides clear explanations of key
concepts and terms used in the study. This ensures that both the researcher and the readers
have a common understanding of these terms, avoiding ambiguity and misinterpretation.
Definitions are particularly important for technical or discipline-specific language, abstract
concepts, or terms that may have multiple meanings. For instance, in a political science
research proposal, terms like "political participation," "democracy," or "social media
influence" might be defined to clarify their specific use within the context of the study. By
offering precise definitions, this section ensures clarity and enhances the accuracy of the
research.

1.11 Organization of the Study

The Organization of the Study section in a research proposal provides an overview of how
the research will be structured and presented. It outlines the arrangement of the chapters or
sections that will make up the final research report, giving a clear roadmap of the study’s
flow. Typically, this section details what each chapter will cover, such as the introduction,
literature review, methodology, data analysis, findings, and conclusion. For example, in a
political science study, the organization might begin with an introduction to the research
problem, followed by a review of existing theories on political participation, and then the
methodology and analysis of voter behavior data. This structure helps readers understand
how the study will unfold and how its components are logically connected.

1. 12 Preliminary study on the Theoretical Framework the Study.

The Preliminary Study on the Theoretical Framework is a component of a research
proposal that outlines the theoretical foundations guiding the research. It involves a review
of relevant theories and models that relate to the research problem, providing a conceptual
basis for understanding the phenomena under investigation. This section identifies key
theories that will inform the research design, data collection, and analysis, helping to frame
the study's objectives and hypotheses. For instance, in a political science study examining
the impact of media on public opinion, the theoretical framework might include theories of
agenda-setting and framing. By establishing this foundation, the preliminary study on the
theoretical framework helps to ensure that the research is grounded in existing literature,
contributing to a coherent understanding of the topic and enabling the researcher to build
on previous knowledge.