10 Research Proposal Writing Steps

10 Research Proposal Writing Steps

At the onset of any thesis, you must be very clear with the Research Proposal writing steps. These steps must be synchronised in a very systematic manner. Always keep in mind that Research Proposal writing steps must be comprehensively organised to make the Supervisor understand the what, why, and how of your future thesis. It is therefore important that before the phase of the Research Proposal writing steps, you must have a clear draft of what exactly you are going to write in the Research Proposal. The draft must have well elaborated –

As the draft for the Research proposal is finalised with a properly structured Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Possible Outcomes, and Reference list, it is time for following the Research Proposal writing steps. 10 steps that must be well arranged in the Research Proposal are noted below:

Step 1: Cover Page

At the beginning of the writing process of the research proposal, you need to have 3 pages for the Cover page, Title page, and Abstract. The step to prepare the cover page must be followed by -

• Title Page

• Abstract

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However, this can be considered even after the completion of the rest of the steps. This is a personal choice. 

Step 2: Introduction

The writing of the Introduction is very important for a Research Proposal. In this step, you need to make clear statements about the purpose or the relevance of the research. You must make an appropriate declaration of the Research Question, along with its Aim and Objectives.

• Research Purpose/Relevance

• Research Question

• Research Aim and Objectives

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The Research Question, Aim and Objectives, are the three things that remain the same in the future thesis. Thus, you need to be very assured of these declarations.    

Step 3: Literature Review

Research Proposal writing steps must consider Literature Review as the spine of the research process. It is the Literature review that makes the researcher attains exclusive knowledge about the research question and related queries. The notable subheadings to be included in this step are:

• Empirical Analyses

• Theoretical Analyses

• Research Gaps

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This step of writing the Literature review must make some declarations on empirical derivations and theoretical analyses initiated by former researchers in the respective field of research. In this step, it becomes very necessary to offer a Theoretical Framework as the map for understanding the research field. Critical evaluation of all the relevant former content is mandatory at this step. As the evaluation process gets accomplished, there is a need for making clear declarations about the attained Research Gaps. These researcher gaps will lead the Research Proposal writing steps to the next level- Research Methodology.

Step 4: Research Methodology

The decision regarding the Research Methodology depends on the identification of the right research philosophy. The research philosophy can be of either Pragmatism, Positivism, Realism, or Interpretivism. The appropriate selection of research philosophy will decide for research approach and design, and eventually the need for data collection sources. The necessary subheadings for this heading are:

• Research Philosophy

• Research Approach

• Research Design

• Data Collection

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Kindly note that the inclusion of Research Design must remain about the Theoretical Framework as declared under the heading of the Literature Review.

Step 5: Knowledgeable Contributions

This is a step that remains focussed on the inclusion of -

• Critical Evaluations of Possibilities

• Research Contributions

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As the researcher follows the Research Proposal writing steps, this step might appear difficult to present as it becomes somewhat early to declare the contributions of the research at this initial phase of the proposal. However, the researcher must offer some idea about the kind of possibilities that can be achieved through this research.

Step 6: Ethical Approval

The step for Ethical Approval must be well supported by the declarations of-

• Consent Letter

• Code of Ethics

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The consent latter is mandatory for primary data collection, and the maintenance of the code of ethics must be adhered to as per the University norms. Remember, that you need to read all the ethical norms as stated on the official site of the University and structure the research process accordingly. 

Step 7: Research Timeline

Research Proposal writing steps must make a clear declaration about the total timeline need for the completion of a thesis. It is therefore very important to include-

• Schedules Date Sheet

• Chapters with Months

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There can be possible variations in meeting the declared timelines, yet the basic framework needs to be followed appropriately.

Step 8: Research Expenditure

Many research works need travelling and other expenditure. Even many get funded. The researcher needs to make clear elaboration about the expenditure or funding of the research work. This elaboration must comprise- 

• Research Cost

• Justification on Cost

• Source of Expenditure

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It is necessary that you offer documents in support of your justification and the same can be added in the Appendices.

Step 9: Reference List

The researcher must follow this step as the crucial step among all the other steps of Research Proposal writing steps. A detailed and well-formatted list of the sources used in the research must be declared at this step.

• University Recommended

• Alphabetical Arrangement

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Thus, this officially remains the last step on the entire list of Research Proposal writing steps.

Step 10: Appendices (if any)

The need for Appendices can be a step in the list of Research Proposal writing steps. However, it stands as optional, yet is recommended as it includes some major information related to the research. These major information can be-

• Additional Data

• Questionnaire

• Interview Questions

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This step can consider including official documents or tables & charts, which have great relevance to the Introduction and the Literature Review sections.

On a conclusive note, revise and proofread the entire Research Proposal at every step. Always keep in mind that the aforementioned Research Proposal writing steps are very important in meeting the core need for systematic explanation on what, why, and how of your future thesis.