Introduction

Research means different things to different people. It a systematic exercise carried out with the aim of
finding answers to questions. According to Waltz and Na sell (1981), research as a systematic, formal,
rigorous and precise process employed to gain solutions to problems or to discover and interpret facts
and relationships.

Research proposals are important in any research field as they provide a guideline by which research is
carried out. This paper is concerned with what a research proposal is, what it is used for, and steps in
writing a research proposal.

Research Proposal
A research proposal is a document written by a researcher that provides a detailed description of the
proposed program. It is like an outline of the entire research process that gives a reader a
summary of the information discussed in a project. Preparation of research proposal is needed
because it facilitates the smooth sailing of the various research operations, thereby making
research as efficient as possible yielding maximal information with minimal expenditure of effort, time
and money. In fact the research proposal is the conceptual structure within which research is
conducted; it constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement and analysis of data. As
such the proposal includes an outline of what the researcher will do from writing the hypothesis and its
operational implications to the final analysis of data. More explicitly, the research proposal
concentrates on the following issues

What is the study about?

Why is the study being made?

Where will the study be carried out?

What type of data is required?

Where can be the required data found?

What periods of time will the study include?

What will be the sample design?

What techniques of data collection will be used?

How will the data be analyzed?

In what style will the report be prepared?

These questions will be answered in different ways and receive different emphases depending on the
nature of the proposed project and on the agency to which the proposal is being submitted. Most
agencies provide detailed instructions or guidelines concerning the preparation of proposals (and, in
some cases, forms on which proposals are to be typed); obviously, such guidelines should be studied
carefully before you begin writing the draft. Most proposals are between ten and fifteen pages in
length. The proposal should be no longer than 1500 words (not including references).

Types of research proposal

1. Solicited proposal

2. Unsolicited proposal

3. Pre proposal

4. Continuation or non competing proposal

5. Renewal or competing proposal

Solicited proposals are proposals submitted in response to a request with specified requirements, such
as a request for proposal.

Unsolicited proposals are submitted without prior request.

Pre proposal are proposals where a letter of intent or brief abstract is submitted for review prior to
submission of a full proposal.

Continuation proposals are proposals which re-iterate an original proposal and it's funding requirements
in order to ensure continued funding.

Renewal proposals are proposals which seek continued sponsorship for a project which will otherwise
be terminated.

Steps in writing a research proposal

Academic research proposals are generally written as part of the initial requirements of writing a thesis ,
research paper, or dissertation. They generally follow the same format as a research paper, with an
introduction, a literature review, a discussion of research methodology and goals, and a conclusion. This
basic structure may vary between projects and between fields, each of which may have its own
requirements.

INTRODUCTION

1. Background of the study

This section should provide detail about the background to the research question. In this section you will
need to demonstrate an understanding of the existing literature and research studies within the area of
your proposed research topic. This is to assist the reader to understand the significance of your
research, and where it fits within the existing body of knowledge.

2. Statement of the problem

3. Objectives or purpose of the study

You should necessarily mention the purpose of your dissertation in the thesis proposal. You are required
to state in clear terms what is expected to be achieved by your research in terms of expectations and
solutions.

4. Significance of the study

Mentioning the significance of the problem will add value to your research project. This has to do with
the contribution of you research work to knowledge.

5. Hypothesis

Hypothesis section sets the goal for the thesis. If it is clear and understandable, the entire research
project will become clear and easy to carry out.

6. Scope of the study

Any research has its scope and limitations; you just can’t cover everything with just one research
project. Clearly, state the limitations and scope for your study and outline possibility for subsequent
research.

Literature review

1. Literature review

A master’s research proposal is unthinkable without reviewing literature that is relevant to the topic of
research. A thorough analysis of the literature sources should be conducted and clearly explained in the
proposal. Do not forget to mention any alternative viewpoints on the topic; they might be useful in
researching your question.

2. Theoretical framework

This section is concerned with the application of suitable theories to explain the phenomenon under
study.

RESEARCH METHODS

1. Research design
The next step in good academic writing is to outline the research design of the research proposal. For
each part of the design, it is highly advised that you describe two or three possible alternatives and then
tell why you propose the particular design you chose. For instance, you might describe the differences
between experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental designs before you elaborate on why
you propose a non-experimental design.

2. Method of data collection

In this section you will describe how you propose to collect your data e.g. through a questionnaire
survey if you are performing a quantitative analysis or through one-on-one interviews if you are
performing a qualitative or mixed methods study.

3. Method of data analysis

After you collect the data, you also need to follow a scheme as how to analyze the data and report the
results. In a quantitative study you might run the data through Excel or better yet SPSS and if you are
proposing a qualitative study you might use a certain computer program like ATLAi. to perform a
narrative study or grounded theory study that exposes the main themes from the proposed interviews.

CONCLUSION

Thc paper has captured steps in writing a research proposal. Adherence to the steps helps researchers
as the proposal serves as a guide to writing a research project.