Components of a Research Proposal by Dr. Zulu Davy Wadula - Research Methodology_unza

Components of a Research Proposal Dr. Zulu Davy Wadula Title / Topic The title should accurately reflect the scope and content of the study. In addition, it should be concise, simple and catchy in not more than 20 words. The title should be informative/descriptive yet discrete and contain the keywords of the proposal. Do not use terms like "Research into...", "A Study of...” etc BACKGROUND / INTRODUCTION This section provides evidence and conditions of the existing situations highlighting the gap(s) to make the reader feel the urgency of the problem, the need to study it in order to solve the problem or contribute to its solution. (About 600 words, Font type: Times New Roman, Font size 12; 1.5 line spacing) Research Problem / Statement of the Problem i. Presents the reason behind the proposal i.e. what will change when this research is done or what would happen if the research is not done ii. Problem is an existing negative state not absence of a solution iii. Refers to what has been detected and needs a solution in the practical or theoretical world. iv. Should clearly state the nature of the problem and its known or estimated magnitude / extent. v. Link the problem to the national development priorities/framework (NDP), the regional (e.g. AU) and the Global Development Agenda (MDGs) vi. Should be concise and brief (not more than 1 page) General Objective / Aim / Purpose Refers to the general intention of the research. It should spell put what the research is supposed to accomplish. Specific Objectives These are specific aims / objectives arising directly from the general objective / purpose / aim of the study. For each specific objective you must have a method to attempt to achieve it. Significance/Importance/Contribution This refers to the relevance of study in terms of academic contributions and practical use that might be made of the findings. It should reflect on knowledge creation, technological or socio-economic value to the community. Justification/Rationale (Answers the question – Why?) Would the world collapse if this work is not done? Theoretical / Conceptual Framework a. Theoretical Framework This is an examination of existing or self-formulated theories in relation to the researchers‟ objectives. Or b. Conceptual Framework This is a scheme of concepts (variables) which a researcher will operationalise in the study in order to achieve the set objectives. The framework is normally presented graphically (diagrammatically) N.B. These are normally requirements for Masters and Ph.D Proposals where applicable. LITERATURE REVIEW i) This section deals with the analysis of existing literature on the subject with the objective of revealing contributions, weaknesses and gaps. ii. The Literature Review should be according to the themes of the study and should reflect the objectives, Hypotheses, methods and research questions. iii. Citation should be in accordance with approved format. Hypotheses / Postulates / Research Questions (where applicable) These are investigative assumptions, which guide the study. In case of hypotheses, they should be testable. (Hypothesis is usually null or alternate, whichever poses the investigative question). N.B. Hypotheses can come immediately after Literature Review or Specific Objectives. METHODOLOGY This is a detailed description of selected methodology and should be presented in unambiguous terms. The section comprises: (i) Research design - which describes the nature and pattern the research intends to follow e.g. whether it is historical, descriptive survey, experimental or quasi experimental and location (optional), etc. (ii) Research approaches – Qualitative/quantitative (iii) Description of the geographical area and where population of the study exists METHODOLOGY (iv) Description of the population from which samples will be selected. (v) Sampling strategies, by which the researcher will select representative elements / subjects from the population. (vi) Data collection methods, including instruments and procedures to be used in the research described. (vii) Data quality control, which refers to the reliability and validity of instruments. (viii) Measurements refer to the study’s formulae or scales. (ix) Data analysis, which involves the organization and interpretation of the data generated. Note: Both raw data and the analyzed form should be kept both electronically and hard copy for further reference Follow the following steps in preparing data for analysis: (i) Receive the raw data sources (ii) Create electronic data base from the raw data sources …