How to Write an Effective Research Proposal Background: Step-by-Step Guide
Equip Yourself with Basic Research Background Knowledge
An examination of Study Title, Objectives and Research Background
Research Question and Objectives
Research Background Section: Depending on your institution this will include:
Purpose of the study (general objective)
Research Aim-broader statement of what you intend to achieve (a statement)
Objectives-research focus/direction
Hypothesis- a predictive test for significance
Research questions-specific query under investigation
The section establishes research coherence
Research Title
It starts with identifying the purpose (purpose driven) –purposive
Determining direction/focus-objectives
The research Title is its general objective
Research Title-show relationship between variables (quantitative)
The research Title ensure coherence- objectives, question, and hypothesis
Research Gap
The term Re-search (means to examine an already searched phenomenon/na)
Research is conducted to fill a gap/ identify missing element
Research is problem driven not topic driven (a gap).
Types of Research gap
-theoretical
-empirical
-contextual
-methodological
-practical
-contextual
-population
-temporal
-conceptual
-interdisciplinary
Research Obectives
Objective-what the research aims to achieve
Creates a sense of direction and purpose and show relationship between variables
Should be SMART
Research objectives use Active verbs: To determine, To assess, To explore, To compare, To evaluate, To establish, To differentiate
Avoid to ‘how’-to find out ‘How.’
Examples of Research Objectives:
To determine the Relationship TO-Pearson/correlational survey
To establish Effect OF –quasi experimental/
Determine Influence OF-cross-sectional
Determine Extent Which-baseline data
Objectives are investigative, not yes/no response
Research Question
Research question is more specific than objectives (focused, feasible, aligned, and rooted)
Research question: What Is-descriptive
How Does-exploratory
To What Extent –baseline investigation (LIKERT)
Research question are written in the order of research objectives
Research question determine data collections-coherence
Research question vs questions of research: Research questions determines question of research, conceptual framework and method of analysis. Question of research on the other hand are incorporated in the research instruments for data collection.