sample research proposal title

17 Research Proposal Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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A research proposal systematically and transparently outlines a proposed research project.

The purpose of a research proposal is to demonstrate a project’s viability and the researcher’s preparedness to conduct an academic study. It serves as a roadmap for the researcher.

The process holds value both externally (for accountability purposes and often as a requirement for a grant application) and intrinsic value (for helping the researcher to clarify the mechanics, purpose, and potential signficance of the study).

Key sections of a research proposal include: the title, abstract, introduction, literature review, research design and methods, timeline, budget, outcomes and implications, references, and appendix. Each is briefly explained below.

Watch my Guide: How to Write a Research Proposal

Get your Template for Writing your Research Proposal Here (With AI Prompts!)

Research Proposal Sample Structure

Title: The title should present a concise and descriptive statement that clearly conveys the core idea of the research projects. Make it as specific as possible. The reader should immediately be able to grasp the core idea of the intended research project. Often, the title is left too vague and does not help give an understanding of what exactly the study looks at.

Abstract: Abstracts are usually around 250-300 words and provide an overview of what is to follow – including the research problem , objectives, methods, expected outcomes, and significance of the study. Use it as a roadmap and ensure that, if the abstract is the only thing someone reads, they’ll get a good fly-by of what will be discussed in the peice.

Introduction: Introductions are all about contextualization. They often set the background information with a statement of the problem. At the end of the introduction, the reader should understand what the rationale for the study truly is. I like to see the research questions or hypotheses included in the introduction and I like to get a good understanding of what the significance of the research will be. It’s often easiest to write the introduction last

Literature Review: The literature review dives deep into the existing literature on the topic, demosntrating your thorough understanding of the existing literature including themes, strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the literature. It serves both to demonstrate your knowledge of the field and, to demonstrate how the proposed study will fit alongside the literature on the topic. A good literature review concludes by clearly demonstrating how your research will contribute something new and innovative to the conversation in the literature.

Research Design and Methods: This section needs to clearly demonstrate how the data will be gathered and analyzed in a systematic and academically sound manner. Here, you need to demonstrate that the conclusions of your research will be both valid and reliable. Common points discussed in the research design and methods section include highlighting the research paradigm, methodologies, intended population or sample to be studied, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures . Toward the end of this section, you are encouraged to also address ethical considerations and limitations of the research process , but also to explain why you chose your research design and how you are mitigating the identified risks and limitations.

Timeline: Provide an outline of the anticipated timeline for the study. Break it down into its various stages (including data collection, data analysis, and report writing). The goal of this section is firstly to establish a reasonable breakdown of steps for you to follow and secondly to demonstrate to the assessors that your project is practicable and feasible.

Budget: Estimate the costs associated with the research project and include evidence for your estimations. Typical costs include staffing costs, equipment, travel, and data collection tools. When applying for a scholarship, the budget should demonstrate that you are being responsible with your expensive and that your funding application is reasonable.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: A discussion of the anticipated findings or results of the research, as well as the potential contributions to the existing knowledge, theory, or practice in the field. This section should also address the potential impact of the research on relevant stakeholders and any broader implications for policy or practice.

References: A complete list of all the sources cited in the research proposal, formatted according to the required citation style. This demonstrates the researcher’s familiarity with the relevant literature and ensures proper attribution of ideas and information.

Appendices (if applicable): Any additional materials, such as questionnaires, interview guides, or consent forms, that provide further information or support for the research proposal. These materials should be included as appendices at the end of the document.

Research Proposal Examples

Research proposals often extend anywhere between 2,000 and 15,000 words in length. The following snippets are samples designed to briefly demonstrate what might be discussed in each section.

1. Education Studies Research Proposals

See some real sample pieces:

• Assessment of the perceptions of teachers towards a new grading system
• Does ICT use in secondary classrooms help or hinder student learning?
• Digital technologies in focus project
• Urban Middle School Teachers’ Experiences of the Implementation of
• Restorative Justice Practices
• Experiences of students of color in service learning

Consider this hypothetical education research proposal:

The Impact of Game-Based Learning on Student Engagement and Academic Performance in Middle School Mathematics

Abstract: The proposed study will explore multiplayer game-based learning techniques in middle school mathematics curricula and their effects on student engagement. The study aims to contribute to the current literature on game-based learning by examining the effects of multiplayer gaming in learning.

Introduction: Digital game-based learning has long been shunned within mathematics education for fears that it may distract students or lower the academic integrity of the classrooms. However, there is emerging evidence that digital games in math have emerging benefits not only for engagement but also academic skill development. Contributing to this discourse, this study seeks to explore the potential benefits of multiplayer digital game-based learning by examining its impact on middle school students’ engagement and academic performance in a mathematics class.

Literature Review: The literature review has identified gaps in the current knowledge, namely, while game-based learning has been extensively explored, the role of multiplayer games in supporting learning has not been studied.

Research Design and Methods: This study will employ a mixed-methods research design based upon action research in the classroom. A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control group design will first be used to compare the academic performance and engagement of middle school students exposed to game-based learning techniques with those in a control group receiving instruction without the aid of technology. Students will also be observed and interviewed in regard to the effect of communication and collaboration during gameplay on their learning.

Timeline: The study will take place across the second term of the school year with a pre-test taking place on the first day of the term and the post-test taking place on Wednesday in Week 10.

Budget: The key budgetary requirements will be the technologies required, including the subscription cost for the identified games and computers.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: It is expected that the findings will contribute to the current literature on game-based learning and inform educational practices, providing educators and policymakers with insights into how to better support student achievement in mathematics.

2. Psychology Research Proposals

See some real examples:

• A situational analysis of shared leadership in a self-managing team
• The effect of musical preference on running performance
• Relationship between self-esteem and disordered eating amongst adolescent females

Consider this hypothetical psychology research proposal:

The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Stress Reduction in College Students

Abstract: This research proposal examines the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on stress reduction among college students, using a pre-test/post-test experimental design with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods .

Introduction: College students face heightened stress levels during exam weeks. This can affect both mental health and test performance. This study explores the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions such as meditation as a way to mediate stress levels in the weeks leading up to exam time.

Literature Review: Existing research on mindfulness-based meditation has shown the ability for mindfulness to increase metacognition, decrease anxiety levels, and decrease stress. Existing literature has looked at workplace, high school and general college-level applications. This study will contribute to the corpus of literature by exploring the effects of mindfulness directly in the context of exam weeks.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n= 234 ) will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, receiving 5 days per week of 10-minute mindfulness-based interventions, or a control group, receiving no intervention. Data will be collected through self-report questionnaires, measuring stress levels, semi-structured interviews exploring participants’ experiences, and students’ test scores.

Timeline: The study will begin three weeks before the students’ exam week and conclude after each student’s final exam. Data collection will occur at the beginning (pre-test of self-reported stress levels) and end (post-test) of the three weeks.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: The study aims to provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress among college students in the lead up to exams, with potential implications for mental health support and stress management programs on college campuses.

3. Sociology Research Proposals

• Understanding emerging social movements: A case study of ‘Jersey in Transition’
• The interaction of health, education and employment in Western China
• Can we preserve lower-income affordable neighbourhoods in the face of rising costs?

Consider this hypothetical sociology research proposal:

The Impact of Social Media Usage on Interpersonal Relationships among Young Adults

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effects of social media usage on interpersonal relationships among young adults, using a longitudinal mixed-methods approach with ongoing semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data.

Introduction: Social media platforms have become a key medium for the development of interpersonal relationships, particularly for young adults. This study examines the potential positive and negative effects of social media usage on young adults’ relationships and development over time.

Literature Review: A preliminary review of relevant literature has demonstrated that social media usage is central to development of a personal identity and relationships with others with similar subcultural interests. However, it has also been accompanied by data on mental health deline and deteriorating off-screen relationships. The literature is to-date lacking important longitudinal data on these topics.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n = 454 ) will be young adults aged 18-24. Ongoing self-report surveys will assess participants’ social media usage, relationship satisfaction, and communication patterns. A subset of participants will be selected for longitudinal in-depth interviews starting at age 18 and continuing for 5 years.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of five years, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide insights into the complex relationship between social media usage and interpersonal relationships among young adults, potentially informing social policies and mental health support related to social media use.

4. Nursing Research Proposals

• Does Orthopaedic Pre-assessment clinic prepare the patient for admission to hospital?
• Nurses’ perceptions and experiences of providing psychological care to burns patients
• Registered psychiatric nurse’s practice with mentally ill parents and their children

Consider this hypothetical nursing research proposal:

The Influence of Nurse-Patient Communication on Patient Satisfaction and Health Outcomes following Emergency Cesarians

Abstract: This research will examines the impact of effective nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction and health outcomes for women following c-sections, utilizing a mixed-methods approach with patient surveys and semi-structured interviews.

Introduction: It has long been known that effective communication between nurses and patients is crucial for quality care. However, additional complications arise following emergency c-sections due to the interaction between new mother’s changing roles and recovery from surgery.

Literature Review: A review of the literature demonstrates the importance of nurse-patient communication, its impact on patient satisfaction, and potential links to health outcomes. However, communication between nurses and new mothers is less examined, and the specific experiences of those who have given birth via emergency c-section are to date unexamined.

Research Design and Methods: Participants will be patients in a hospital setting who have recently had an emergency c-section. A self-report survey will assess their satisfaction with nurse-patient communication and perceived health outcomes. A subset of participants will be selected for in-depth interviews to explore their experiences and perceptions of the communication with their nurses.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including rolling recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing within the hospital.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the significance of nurse-patient communication in supporting new mothers who have had an emergency c-section. Recommendations will be presented for supporting nurses and midwives in improving outcomes for new mothers who had complications during birth.

5. Social Work Research Proposals

• Experiences of negotiating employment and caring responsibilities of fathers post-divorce
• Exploring kinship care in the north region of British Columbia

Consider this hypothetical social work research proposal:

The Role of a Family-Centered Intervention in Preventing Homelessness Among At-Risk Youthin a working-class town in Northern England

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effectiveness of a family-centered intervention provided by a local council area in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth. This case study will use a mixed-methods approach with program evaluation data and semi-structured interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative data .

Introduction: Homelessness among youth remains a significant social issue. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in addressing this problem and identify factors that contribute to successful prevention strategies.

Literature Review: A review of the literature has demonstrated several key factors contributing to youth homelessness including lack of parental support, lack of social support, and low levels of family involvement. It also demonstrates the important role of family-centered interventions in addressing this issue. Drawing on current evidence, this study explores the effectiveness of one such intervention in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth in a working-class town in Northern England.

Research Design and Methods: The study will evaluate a new family-centered intervention program targeting at-risk youth and their families. Quantitative data on program outcomes, including housing stability and family functioning, will be collected through program records and evaluation reports. Semi-structured interviews with program staff, participants, and relevant stakeholders will provide qualitative insights into the factors contributing to program success or failure.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Budget: Expenses include access to program evaluation data, interview materials, data analysis software, and any related travel costs for in-person interviews.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in preventing youth homelessness, potentially informing the expansion of or necessary changes to social work practices in Northern England.

Research Proposal Template

Get your Detailed Template for Writing your Research Proposal Here (With AI Prompts!)

This is a template for a 2500-word research proposal. You may find it difficult to squeeze everything into this wordcount, but it’s a common wordcount for Honors and MA-level dissertations.

Your research proposal is where you really get going with your study. I’d strongly recommend working closely with your teacher in developing a research proposal that’s consistent with the requirements and culture of your institution, as in my experience it varies considerably. The above template is from my own courses that walk students through research proposals in a British School of Education.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

8 thoughts on “17 Research Proposal Examples”

Very excellent research proposals

very helpful

Very helpful

Dear Sir, I need some help to write an educational research proposal. Thank you.

Hi Levi, use the site search bar to ask a question and I’ll likely have a guide already written for your specific question. Thanks for reading!

very good research proposal

Thank you so much sir! ❤️

Very helpful 👌

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151+ Research Proposal Topics [Updated 2024]

Crafting a compelling research proposal begins with selecting the right topic—a task that demands careful consideration and a thoughtful approach. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of choosing research proposal topics, exploring the importance of a well-defined focus and guiding you through the steps to create a robust proposal.

How to Select Research Proposal Topics?

Table of Contents

Selecting research proposal topics is a crucial step in the research process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose a compelling and impactful research topic:

• Self-reflection:
• Identify your personal interests, passions, and curiosities.
• Consider topics that resonate with you on a deep level.
• Academic and Professional Interests:
• Reflect on subjects that captivated you during coursework or work experience.
• Assess the relevance of these interests to your academic or career goals.
• Current Issues and Trends:
• Stay informed about contemporary challenges and emerging trends in your field.
• Choose a topic that addresses current issues for greater relevance and impact.
• Literature Review:
• Conduct a thorough review of existing research in your chosen field.
• Identify gaps and limitations in the current body of knowledge.
• Formulate Clear Research Questions:
• Develop clear and concise research questions based on the gaps identified.
• Ensure your questions are feasible and align with the chosen topic.
• Choose a Methodology:
• Select an appropriate research methodology (experimental, qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods).
• Justify your choice and discuss data collection techniques.
• Significance and Contribution:
• Articulate the relevance of your proposed research.
• Highlight the potential contributions your work can make to the field.
• Research Design and Plan:
• Outline the specifics of your research design.
• Create a realistic timeline, allocating resources and budget effectively.
• Address Challenges and Limitations:
• Acknowledge potential challenges and limitations.
• Discuss strategies to mitigate challenges and be transparent about constraints.
• Conclusion:
• Summarize key points of your research proposal.
• Emphasize the importance of the chosen topic and encourage feedback.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your research proposal topic is not only engaging but also has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to your field of study.

151+ Research Proposal Topics: Category Wise

Science and technology.

• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Job Market Trends
• Advancements in Renewable Energy Technologies
• Exploring the Potential of CRISPR Technology in Genetic Engineering
• Cybersecurity Measures for Critical Infrastructure Protection
• The Role of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management
• Augmented Reality in Education: Enhancing Learning Experiences
• Quantum Computing: Current Status and Future Implications
• Sustainable Technologies for Environmental Conservation
• Smart Cities: Integrating Technology for Urban Development
• Robotics in Healthcare: Applications and Ethical Considerations

Health and Medicine

• Precision Medicine: Customizing Healthcare Based on Genetic Factors
• The Impact of Telemedicine on Patient Care
• Mental Health Stigma: Strategies for Reduction and Education
• Vaccination Hesitancy: Understanding Causes and Developing Interventions
• Aging Population and Healthcare Challenges
• Bioinformatics and Personalized Cancer Therapies
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosing Medical Conditions
• Emerging Infectious Diseases: Preparedness and Response Strategies
• Nutrition Education in Schools: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
• Healthcare Disparities: Addressing and Eliminating Gaps in Access

Social Sciences

• Social Media and its Influence on Political Discourse
• Impact of Social Isolation on Mental Health in Elderly Populations
• Cultural Competence in Education: Training and Implementation
• The Role of Gender Stereotypes in Career Choices
• Cyberbullying: Prevention and Intervention Strategies
• The Effects of Immigration Policies on Migrant Communities
• Restorative Justice in Criminal Justice Systems
• Examining the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Self-Esteem
• Intersectionality in Feminist Movements: Challenges and Opportunities
• Community Policing: Building Trust between Law Enforcement and Communities
• E-Learning Platforms: Effectiveness and Challenges
• Inquiry-Based Learning: Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills
• Inclusive Education Practices: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners
• The Impact of Standardized Testing on Educational Equity
• School Safety Measures: Strategies for Prevention and Response
• Teacher Professional Development: Models and Effectiveness
• Online Education Accessibility for Students with Disabilities
• Gamification in Education: Engaging Students in Learning
• Bilingual Education: Benefits and Challenges
• STEM Education Initiatives: Encouraging Interest in Science and Technology

Business and Economics

• Sustainable Business Practices: Balancing Profit and Environmental Impact
• Corporate Social Responsibility in Multinational Corporations
• Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Business Operations
• Economic Consequences of Global Health Crises
• Digital Marketing Trends and Consumer Behavior
• Financial Literacy Education: Bridging the Gap
• Small Business Sustainability: Challenges and Strategies
• The Gig Economy: Implications for Workers and Employers
• Supply Chain Resilience in the Face of Global Disruptions
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets

Environment and Sustainability

• Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Coastal Communities
• Biodiversity Conservation in Urban Environments
• Circular Economy Models: Reducing Waste and Promoting Sustainability
• Water Scarcity: Technological Solutions and Policy Measures
• Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Ecosystems
• Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Balancing Production and Conservation
• Environmental Education in Schools: Fostering Eco-Consciousness
• Green Building Technologies: Enhancing Energy Efficiency
• Ecotourism: Balancing Conservation and Economic Development
• The Role of International Agreements in Addressing Environmental Issues

Psychology and Behavior

• The Influence of Social Media on Body Image and Self-Esteem
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Depression
• Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental Health
• Positive Psychology Interventions: Enhancing Well-Being
• Sleep Hygiene and its Impact on Mental Health
• The Psychology of Procrastination: Causes and Interventions
• Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace: Benefits and Training
• The Impact of Parenting Styles on Child Development
• Cross-Cultural Psychology: Understanding Cultural Influences on Behavior
• The Role of Music in Emotional Regulation and Stress Reduction

Political Science and International Relations

• The Rise of Populism: Causes and Consequences
• Cyber Warfare and International Security
• Human Rights Violations in Conflict Zones: Challenges and Solutions
• The Role of International Organizations in Global Governance
• Political Polarization: Understanding Divisive Trends
• Nuclear Proliferation and Arms Control Agreements
• Comparative Analysis of Electoral Systems
• Immigration Policies and Social Cohesion
• Global Health Diplomacy: Collaborative Approaches to Health Challenges
• The Impact of Disinformation on Democratic Processes

History and Cultural Studies

• Reevaluating Historical Narratives: Perspectives and Interpretations
• Cultural Impact of Globalization: Trends and Reactions
• Indigenous Rights and Representation in Historical Context
• History of Scientific Discoveries and their Societal Impact
• Archaeological Excavations: Uncovering Lost Civilizations
• Cultural Appropriation: Examining Controversies and Contexts
• The Role of Women in Historical Movements
• Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Challenges and Innovations
• Historical Trauma and its Contemporary Repercussions
• Impact of Colonialism on Contemporary Societies

Communication and Media Studies

• Influence of Social Media on Political Participation
• Media Representation of Marginalized Groups
• Fake News and Misinformation: Identifying and Combating Trends
• The Evolution of Print Media in the Digital Age
• Media Literacy Education: Navigating Information in the Digital Era
• Celebrity Culture and its Impact on Society
• The Role of Public Relations in Shaping Organizational Image
• Cross-Cultural Communication in Global Business
• Podcasting as an Emerging Medium of Communication
• Advertising and Consumer Behavior: Analyzing Persuasion Techniques

Philosophy and Ethics

• Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence Research
• Bioethics in Medical Decision-Making
• Existentialism and its Relevance in Contemporary Society
• Animal Rights and Ethical Treatment in Scientific Research
• Environmental Ethics: Balancing Human Needs and Ecological Sustainability
• The Ethics of Genetic Engineering and Cloning
• Virtue Ethics in Professional Decision-Making
• Technology and Privacy: Ethical Dilemmas in the Digital Age
• Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Warfare
• Utilitarianism and its Application in Ethical Decision-Making

Education Policy and Administration

• School Voucher Programs: Impact on Educational Equity
• Teacher Evaluation Systems: Effectiveness and Fairness
• Inclusive Leadership in Educational Institutions
• Early Childhood Education: Policy and Implementation
• Standardized Testing: Implications for Educational Policy
• Education Funding Models: Challenges and Solutions
• School Choice and its Impact on Student Achievement
• Educational Technology Integration in Classroom Settings
• Community Engagement in School Decision-Making
• The Role of Educational Leaders in Fostering Inclusive Schools

Economics and Development Studies

• Microfinance and Poverty Alleviation Strategies
• Impact of Global Trade Policies on Developing Economies
• Economic Empowerment of Women in Developing Countries
• Sustainable Development Goals: Progress and Challenges
• Rural-Urban Migration: Economic and Social Impacts
• Financial Inclusion: Strategies for Bridging the Gap
• Foreign Aid Effectiveness: Assessing Outcomes
• Technology Transfer and Innovation in Developing Nations
• Income Inequality: Causes and Policy Solutions
• The Role of Microenterprise in Local Economic Development

Criminal Justice and Law

• Restorative Justice: Implementation and Impact on Recidivism
• Police Body Cameras: Efficacy and Ethical Considerations
• Cybercrime Laws and Challenges in the Digital Age
• Juvenile Justice Reform: Strategies for Rehabilitation
• Bail Reform: Addressing Inequities in Pretrial Detention
• Criminal Profiling: Validity and Ethical Concerns
• Drug Policy Reform: Exploring Alternatives to Criminalization
• The Impact of Hate Crime Legislation on Social Cohesion
• Eyewitness Testimony Reliability: Challenges and Improvements
• International Criminal Court: Effectiveness and Challenges

Public Health and Epidemiology

• Disease Surveillance Systems: Enhancing Early Detection
• Health Inequalities: Social Determinants and Interventions
• Maternal and Child Health Interventions in Developing Countries
• Impact of Health Education on Preventive Behaviors
• Access to Healthcare Services in Rural Areas
• Lifestyle Interventions for Chronic Disease Prevention
• Community-Based Participatory Research in Public Health
• Mental Health Interventions in School Settings
• The Role of Public Health in Pandemic Preparedness and Response

Computer Science

• Explainable Artificial Intelligence: Bridging the Gap Between Performance and Interpretability
• The Role of Quantum Computing in Revolutionizing Cryptography
• Ethical Considerations in the Development of Autonomous Vehicles
• Cybersecurity Challenges in the Internet of Things (IoT) Ecosystem
• Human-Computer Interaction: Enhancing User Experience in Virtual Reality Environments

How to Compose a Research Proposal?

Composing a research proposal is a systematic process that involves careful planning, organization, and clear articulation of your research idea. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to compose a research proposal:

• Title: 
• Create a clear and concise title that reflects the essence of your research.
• Introduction:
• Provide background information on the research topic.
• Clearly state the research problem or question.
• Justify the importance and relevance of your research.
• Summarize relevant existing literature.
• Identify gaps, limitations, and areas for further exploration.
• Establish a theoretical framework for your study.
• Research Questions or Hypotheses:
• Formulate clear and specific research questions or hypotheses.
• Ensure they align with the research problem and are feasible.
• Objectives or Aims:
• Outline the specific goals of your research.
• Clearly state what you aim to achieve with your study.
• Methodology:
• Describe the research design and justify your choice.
• Detail the data collection methods and tools you plan to use.
• Address ethical considerations related to your research.
• Explain the importance of your research.
• Clearly state the potential contributions your study can make.
• Provide a detailed plan for executing your research.
• Include a timeline, milestones, and the allocation of resources.
• Potential Challenges and Limitations:
• Acknowledge possible obstacles and limitations.
• Discuss strategies to address challenges proactively.
• Summarize the key points of your research proposal.
• Reiterate the significance of your research.
• Invite feedback and suggestions.
• References:
• Cite all the sources and literature used in your proposal.
• Follow the appropriate citation style ( APA, MLA, Chicago , etc.).
• Appendices (if necessary):
• Include any supplementary materials such as surveys, questionnaires, or additional data.

Tips for Composing a Research Proposal

• Clarity and Conciseness: Use clear and straightforward language. Avoid unnecessary jargon that may confuse readers.
• Alignment: Ensure that each section of your proposal aligns with the overall research objective.
• Feasibility: Confirm that your proposed research is feasible within the given time and resource constraints.
• Review and Revise: Review your proposal for coherence, consistency, and clarity. Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or advisors and make revisions accordingly.
• Adherence to Guidelines: Follow any specific guidelines or instructions provided by your institution or funding agency.
• Engage the Reader: Capture the reader’s attention in the introduction and maintain engagement throughout.
• Ethical Considerations: Clearly address any ethical concerns related to your research, ensuring compliance with ethical standards.

Selecting research proposal topics is a nuanced process that requires a blend of personal passion, academic rigor, and an understanding of the broader context.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can navigate the seas of research proposal development with confidence, ensuring that your chosen topic is not only compelling but also lays the foundation for meaningful and impactful research.

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265 Powerful Research Proposal Topics to Consider [+ Writing Tips]

A research proposal is a common task for students of different levels and areas of study. Although it is relatively straightforward, it still can be hard to start and choose an engaging topic. In this article, you will find 255 strong suggestions on crime & law, business, finance, politics, sociology, and other subjects. Feel free to use this list for your inspiration when writing your paper. Alternatively, you can look at sample essays for free from our database and try to come up with the topic on your own.

Let’s start!

What is a Research Proposal?

• Crime & Law Research Topics
• Business Proposal Topics
• English Proposal Topics
• Interesting Proposal Topics

Undergraduate Research Proposal

• How To Write A Proposal

First thing first, let’s define what a research proposal is. This type of assignment is similar to research; however, it’s shorter and more general. It aims at introducing a topic that needs a more in-depth discussion. The student should prove that this issue requires further research. Usually, professors assign this type of task for you to practice before working on a bigger format.

A typical research proposal consists of three key sections: introduction, literature review, and methodology of your future study. Keep reading to get to know more about each part and how you can succeed in writing them.

The length of a research proposal depends on the future paper you’re writing it for and on your task requirements. It can be from four to twenty pages. Finally, all proposals should meet the standards of the referencing style that your professor asks for.

You should also understand the difference between a qualitive and a quantitative research proposal. The first one collects non-numerical data while the second one presents numerical information. The results of a qualitive research proposal can be displayed as photographs or recordings, while the quantative research results are usually shown as graphs and tables.

Now, let’s see what topics you can choose for your assignment. Click on the links we shared to find more research proposal examples.

Crime & Law Research Proposal Topics

Law students frequently get tasks like research proposals to develop their academic writing skills and understand complicated cases better. You can be more creative with law & criminology research proposal topics than you expect. Find inspiration for your work in the list below!

International Law Topics

International relations are complicated due to numerous external and internal factors. So, setting laws that would be applicable within different societies is a tough task. In the selection of international law topics below, we collected some challenging ideas. Check it out!

• International law and CIA rendition .
• Individual legal personality in international law .
• The importance of international treaties in warfare.
• Russian and european international competition law .
• International marine pollution law .
• Human rights in international law.
• The relations between domestic and international laws .
• International law, organizations, and power .
• International trade law evolution.
• Legal personality development in international law .

Business Law Topics

Business is another field full of unresolved issues and puzzles from the law perspective. From ownership to taxes – each aspect hides dozens of nuances and business law cases. Let’s see what topics you can discuss in your paper.

• International business law .
• Business law concept and employee arbitration .
• Personnel recruitment and equal opportunities law .
• Piracy effects on the profitability of a business.
• Salesperson’s negligence and consumer law .
• The practical use of trademark and copyright by entities.
• Model business corporation act: the australian law .
• The effects of religion on the implementation of contract law .
• Terrorism as global issue and preventive laws .
• US traditional business law and Its elements .

Criminology Research Proposal Topics

Today, more and more fields of study discuss equality-related issues. Criminology is not an exception. The most popular topics concern crimes against women, children, minorities, mass violence, race-based felony, etc. Discover more engaging law research proposal topics related to criminology in our list below!

• The law of criminal procedure .
• Understanding sexual harassment law in action .
• Three-strikes law for preventing violent crimes .
• The investigation of domestic violence cases.
• Criminal behavior investigation and search warrants .
• Marijuana legalization and criminalization .
• The relations between mental health and criminal behavior .

• Criminal behavior theories and contributing factors .
• Criminal profiling and police corruption .
• Is criminal behavior dependable on one’s genes?
• Grounds of victimization.
• The criminal analysis of the O.J. Simpson case .
• The development of serial killers .
• Eyewitness testimony and its role in criminal cases .
• Legal issue and criminal evidence .

Criminal Justice Research Proposal Topics

Delivering justice to those who committed crimes can be a complex process. There are many unexpected and controversial issues that institutions should take into account when solving particular cases. We prepared some criminal justice research proposal topics to dwell on. See the following list.

• Criminal law: case of susie and perry .
• Pulling the trigger: evaluating criminal gun laws .
• The ethics of capital punishment.
• The difference between war and civil crimes.
• Pretrial procedures in the criminal justice system .
• Juvenile detention criminal procedure.
• Plea-bargaining law impact on criminal justice .
• False confession in the criminal justice system .
• The dissimilarity of criminal justice laws in different states.
• Professional ethics in criminal justice: Singleton vs Norris .
• Racial bias in criminal justice systems and workplaces .
• Gender bias in criminal justice laws.
• Confessions in saudi vs US criminal justice systems .
• Severe financial crimes and their investigation.
• Jury’s professionalism in criminal trials .

Business Research Proposal Topics

Business is a complex area that consists of various disciplines like marketing, finance, recruitment, business administration, and so on. In this section, we selected 60 business research proposal topics related to each of them. First, let’s see what ideas there are for general business issues.

• Quality & environmental management for business excellence .
• Entrepreneurship and small business management .
• How can small businesses survive financial instability?
• Quantitative techniques in business to manage quality .
• Best strategies for an effective sales pitch.
• SAS institute’s generic & business strategies .
• Capitalism and free market issues.
• The impact of leadership skills on business management .
• International business: Sino-American trade war .
• The impact of globalization on small businesses .
• Needs-based business plan and project management .
• Importance of negotiation contracts in the business .
• Personal success factors in the business world .
• Consequences of working overtime.
• Time management as an effective business tool.

Marketing Research Proposal Topics

Today, a well-built marketing department can contribute a lot to the company’s success. On the other hand, having a weak promotion strategy can make even the best product unnoticeable on the market. Let’s see which marketing research proposal topics you can bring to light!

• Telecommuting as a trend of contemporary business.
• Differences between traditional and digital marketing.
• The importance of creating a consistent brand image .
• Market globalization and global marketing pitfalls.
• International marketing: global corporation vs. company.
• Use of alternative media in marketing communications .
• Gamification as a marketing tool.
• Paid search marketing and search engine optimization.
• How do brands exploit impulsive buying ?
• Influencer marketing in the fashion industry.
• How to get readers engaged with your content?
• The evolution of consumer behavior in the past twenty years.
• Advertising analytics and marketing innovations.
• The distinction in marketing strategies across different cultures.
• Which Marketing Channel Has the Biggest Potential Today?

Research Proposal Topics in Human Resource Management

Any business is more about people than about a particular product. Hiring the right fits and supporting them in their working journey is challenging – many issues can appear out of nowhere. Discuss one of the research proposal topics in human resource management from our list below and shed light on the questions you find crucial.

• Corporate social responsibility & business ethics.
• Ethics in business: child labor in chocolate industry.

• Human resources: social media policy in companies.
• Hiring the right fits: best strategies.
• Human resources and organization management.
• How to deal with overqualified employees?
• Aligning human resources and business strategy.
• The responsibilities of a human resource manager regarding talent hunting and management.
• Healthcare human resources management and changes.
• What fringe benefits are the most desirable for employees today?
• Google company: international human resources management.
• Ways of encouraging employee’s personal and professional growth .
• Human resources in global business management.
• What factors promote employee’s loyalty ?
• Federal and state human resources in Florida’ health care.

Finance Research Proposal Topics

Excellent finance management is the key to success for any company. This area has multiple internal and external aspects that should be considered when building business plans and strategies. In the list below, you will find finance research proposal topics related to such issues as corporate responsibility, investment, crisis management, shares, etc.

• Project cost and finance management challenges.
• Foreign direct investment and collaborative ventures.
• The impact of global financial crisis on large-scale companies.
• Fiscal policy: federal investment and taxes.
• Corporate social responsibility and corporate finance.
• Finance and corporate responsibility.
• Financial constraints and investment cash flow sensitivity.
• Roles of finance in business modernization.
• The issues of traditional finance.
• Investor’s role in creating culture of excellence.
• Large profit margins and utilitarian business ethics.
• Finance and crisis management .
• Are a firm’s cash flow and profit different?
• The role of shares in the company’s financial system .
• Debt management process and its impact on the company.

English Research Proposal Topics

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It’s associated with outstanding achievements and changes in society. Also, it brought to light a handful of written masterpieces and their famous authors. Discuss one of the works or issues from the list below – dive into the depth of language!

Research Proposal: English Literature Topics

It’s hard to deny the talent of such writers as Jane Austen or Mark Twain. However, there are also less well-known masters, like Sylvia Plath, whose writings also deserve your undivided attention. Their works will teach you a lot about life in the previous centuries. Discover more research proposal English literature topics below!

• Meanings in “Lady Lazarus” poem by Sylvia Plath.
• Themes in poems by Robert Frost and Dylan Thomas.
• Gender roles in Jane Austen’s novels.
• Portraying feminism in the 20th century American poems.
• War attitudes in American and British poems.
• The story behind “ The Lord of the Rings .”

• The definition of a Noble Outlaw and examples in English literature.
• Death in Emily Dickinson’s poems .
• Jane Austen’s novels: pastiches’ analysis.
• Why do authors create fictional languages?
• How is piracy depicted in “Treasure Island”?
• Slavery in “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” the novel by Mark Twain.
• The hidden concepts and parallels in “The War of Worlds.”
• Satire in “Gulliver’s Travels.”
• Conflicts in Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Research Proposal on the English Language

Language is a diverse world that lives by its rules and gets constantly enriched by its speakers. English is a unique one in terms of being a second language to representatives of multiple nations and cultures. That’s why it is influenced by many languages and develops faster than any other one. We prepared fifteen topics for a research proposal on the English language to dwell on its current issues.

• Gender differences in using the english language.
• Speech disorders in english language learners.
• How does english influence other languages?
• Challenges in teaching english as a foreign language.
• The status of english as an international language.
• The origins of the english language.
• The reasons behind the differences between American and British english .
• Black english and non-standard language.
• Language as a political tool.
• Phenomena that enrich the english language.
• Transgender community and heterosexism in language.
• The future of the english language.
• The influence of author’s neologisms on the english language.
• Diversity psychology: foreign canguage and cognition.
• How are ethnic minorities in the US shaping the english language?

Interesting Research Proposal Topics

Writing a research proposal can be more entertaining if you’re presenting a topic you’re deeply interested in. Whether it is politics or psychology, there is a lot to talk about. In this section, you can choose an exciting topic for a research proposal on different subjects and issues. Let’s see what we selected for you!

Political Science Research Proposal Topics

Today’s politics is developing in a tight bond with the issues of inequality, climate change, and others. Society requires the government’s immediate decisions regarding the subsequent problems. The relations between certain countries also become tense, making politicians react to urgent issues as soon as possible. All the above make politics a complex and controversial subject. Expose your thoughts on one of the political science research proposal topics we have chosen for you.

• African-American political science: 14th amendment.
• Political environment: democrats and republicans.
• The relation between climate and politics.
• Political activism: “Forces of Labor” by Beverly Silver.
• The challenges of 2020 United States presidential election .
• The relation between poverty and corrupted government.
• Hegemony vs. counter hegemony: power & speech.
• The American tradition of federalism and multiculturalism.
• Who is more responsible for building democracy – government or society?
• Authoritarian & totalitarian autocracy in examples.
• The reasons why socialism has failed.
• Is global democracy achievable in the future?
• The origins of Sino-American conquest.
• Nuclear Politics in the Modern World.
• World government: utopian dream or dystopian nightmare?

Research Proposal Topics in Education

Education is a vital part of one’s life and growth. Moreover, we spend most of our youth studying and preparing for our future life. So, why not make the most of this time? In recent years, the views on the perfect study process have changed a lot. Speak out your ideas on these research proposal topics in education:

• Teenagers’ contemporary issues: bullying at school.
• Math and science opportunities in a preschool program.
• Authoritative teachers: classic behavior or remnants of the past?
• Psychological development of a school-aged child.
• Should schoolgoers take sex education classes?
• The reasons why education is not free.
• High school challenges in personal experience.
• Will there be no schools in the future?
• Factors affecting technology uses in schools.

• Methods of making the study process more practical.
• Do young people need to get a master’s degree ?
• Homeschooling disadvantages for students and parents .
• How many foreign languages should a person know?
• Is education the key to building a successful career ?
• School experience for students with disabilities.

Sociology Research Proposal Topics

Society is constantly evolving so that more and more new issues arise. Today, we speak more about gender, race, sexual orientation, and ethnic minorities than at any time in the history of humankind. What will be the results of this discussion? We suggest you express your opinion on one of the sociology research proposal topics!

• Ideal society and its constituents.
• Substance abuse and impact on the family.
• Gender bias : will the world ever eliminate them?
• Parasocial relationships and purchasing habits.
• The origins of vandalism.
• Community capacity building against suicide.
• The role of religion in contemporary society.
• The effects of ethnic minorities on prevailing nation.
• Sexual orientation as a social construction and reality.
• How does climate change shape society?
• Cultural and social literacy for millennials.
• The society of future: possible scenarios.
• The relations between art and society .
• Can intolerance be fully eliminated?
• White supremacy and historical blindness.

Psychology Research Proposal Topics

Today’s youth cares about their mental health more than the previous generation. Is that for good? Knowing what’s going inside your head can have an immense impact on your quality of life. This is a truly life-changing journey. The topical issues now are anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and PTSD. We prepared fifteen psychology research proposal topics for you to discuss.

• Generalized anxiety disorder: treatment.
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction.
• The difference between clinical and situational depression.
• The concept of brain plasticity.
• Why has anxiety become so common today?
• Food and mental health: relations and impact.
• Childhood relationships & adolescent mental health.
• Defense mechanisms in psychological practice.
• How do political regimes influence mental health ?
• Postpartum depression: diagnosis and treatment.
• Personality types : myth or science-based classification?
• The impact of Freud’s ideas on today’s psychology.
• Were Freud’s statements innovative at his time?
• Psychology behind overworking and professional burnout .
• Positive psychology for military leadership.

Research Proposal Topics in Information Technology

Today’s life depends a lot on technology and its development. From work to health issues – many things can be solved or complicated by machines or algorithms. New technologies require new laws and ways of coping with everyday situations. However, there’s no correct answer whether they are good or bad. We prepared some absorbing information technology research proposal topics for you!

• Cyber surveillance and privacy of internet users.
• Military drones: innovation project.
• Cybersecurity and intellectual property issues.
• National incident management and command systems.
• The role of artificial intelligence in everyday life.
• The potential risks of online voting.
• Cybercrime and its impact on society.
• Artificial intelligence and language processing : contemporary challenges.
• Information technology-based data management in retail.
• The use of technologies in farming .
• Email Fraud and user protection strategies.
• Technological advancement of the study process.
• The approaches to maximizing the use of big data.
• Wireless technology and applications.
• The relations between technologies and globalization .

Biology Research Proposal Topics

Are you curious about what’s going on inside your body or any other living being? If you’re studying this, the biology research proposal topics below will be handy for you! We selected ideas for papers about bacteria, cells, innovations in biotechnologies, and more.

• Bacteria differentiation: endospore and acid-fast staining.
• The reasons behind common plant diseases.
• Water treatments and maximum plant height.
• Specific features of the underwater living beings.
• Camouflage techniques in the animal world.
• Agricultural biotechnology and its pros and cons.
• The impact of hormones on our wellbeing.
• Bacteria lab: enriched, selective, differential media.
• Homosexuality among mammals.
• Is domestication harmful to racoons?
• Biomimicry: innovations inspired by nature.
• Who has the world’s most incredible digestion systems among mammals?
• Stem cell debate.
• Molecular biology and genetics.
• Can aging be reverted?

Public Health Research Proposal Topics

With the advancements in governmental systems and technologies, public healthcare becomes more accessible and effective, yet many issues are to be resolved in the future. We found some research proposal topics in nursing and other medical disciplines that will be interesting to study.

• The epidemiology of obesity.
• Are addictions inevitable?
• Social media in nursing: pitfalls and opportunities.
• Can music be used as remedy?
• Artificial intelligence in healthcare: pros & cons.
• Chinese traditional medicine : what can it teach the west?
• National patient safety goals: critical care access.
• The effects of body positive movement on obesity rate .

• Health issues caused by climate change.
• Seasonal allergies and their impact on our health.
• The relations between psychology and physical health .
• Quit smoking: therapies and medications.
• AIDS treatment and common myths.
• Stress reduction programs for pregnant women.
• The importance of vaccines today.

You can find many engaging topics to discuss during your college or university life. We selected ideas for your paper that relate to different subjects and areas of study. Feel free to pick up any topics for an undergraduate research proposal you’re curious about and study it.

• “The Great Gatsby” a novel by Francis Scott Fitzgerald.
• “Pride and Prejudice” a novel by Jane Austen.
• Shakespeare’s Masterpieces: Why They Deserve attention.
• Political ideologies and their differences.
• The evolution of gender .
• Race and gender in public relations.
• Why is It hard to achieve complete democracy ?
• Should people under 18 get a tattoo?
• Should living with parents after 30 be normalized?
• Fat acceptance and body positivity.
• How can society make the life of disabled people better?
• Divorce effects on children’s behavior.
• The benefits of Wi-Fi.
• How can investing be useful for young people?
• Artificial intelligence: pros and cons.
• Artificial intelligence and free will .
• Key aging factors among women.
• Can zodiac signs theories be scientifically proven?
• The evolution of cinematography .
• Space tourism: evolution and prospects.

How To Write A Research Proposal

If you made it down here, you probably want to know more about the research proposal structure. In this section, we’ll discuss the specific features of this type of assignment and how to title a research proposal.

A research proposal is a compelling abstract that introduces your proposed paper. In this writing, you present the key questions of the research. The research proposal format can be described as general, summarizing, and brief. Your main goal here is to demonstrate that the topic you’ve chosen deserves more attention.

How To Title A Research Proposal

Your research proposal should grab attention from the very first second when the reader looks at its title. Let’ see which points you should consider to make it impressive and engaging.

• The title should clearly state the subject under study.
• Stimulate reader’s interest by using powerful adjectives and adverbs – speak to their emotions.
• Hint at what type of work is that. For example, if you contrast two methods or situations, be sure to mention both within your title.

If you’re assigned a particular topic, it can be a little easier for you to title your research proposal. Simply rephrase the sentence or sentences in your task and cut off too specific information. Remember that your title should be as short as 10-15 substantive words.

Research Proposal Outline

It’s not enough to write valuable content. You should also know how to organize it properly. That’s why a good outline brings you halfway to a successfully completed task. A research proposal outline is similar to other academic papers. However, its structure has some crucial points to consider. Here are seven critical elements of a superb research proposal:

• Title We already discussed how to create an outstanding title for your paper. However, it’s essential that this is just a proposed name for your work, and you can revise it when it comes to working on the actual research paper.
• Research Proposal Abstract A research proposal introduction typically comes in the format of an abstract. It’s similar to a thesis statement but can be presented in up to 100 words. In this part, you should concisely point out the key issues to be discussed in your paper.
• Research Context In this section, you should explain the background behind the issue you’re studying. Introduce the reader to details and facts that will make understanding the subject and your conclusions easier. Start with talking about the area of study in general and then move to the smaller notions you operate in your paper.
• Research Questions Before starting your paper, dwell on the questions you’re trying to answer. Write them down separately first, and then present the essential ones in this section of a research proposal. One of the questions you will mention should relate to the usability of your research results: will this data be empirical or theoretical?
• Research Methods In this part, you should explain how you’re going to conduct your research. There are various methods of working with data: visiting libraries, taking interviews, field working, etc. Most of the research works are fully or partly library-based, so don’t forget to mention the exact institutions you will visit to find specific information. For empirical data collecting, it’s important to present a detailed description and potential problems you may encounter in the process.
• Significance of Research Your proposal should show how your research can be helpful and applicable for further exploration. It should also be original and seek answers to formerly unresolved issues.
• Works Cited A crucial part of any academic paper is the bibliography. Be sure to check the referencing style you should use and what requirements this part has.

In today’s article, we presented 265 topic proposals for a research paper for you to find inspiration and ideas for your work. You can also discover dozens of examples from one of the largest essay sample databases – StudyCorgi.

Stay tuned and follow our latest updates to know how to excel in your studies!

• A Guide to Research Proposals – Sacred Heart University Library
• Research Guides – USC Libraries
• How to Write a Research Proposal – University of Birmingham
• International Law Topics – University of Queensland
• Writing a Research Paper – OWL Purdue
• Outline for a Research Proposal Project – Portland State University
• A Sample Research Proposal with Comments
• Where do I Begin? – OWL Purdue
• Annotade Sample Research Proposal
• How to Choose a Dissertation Topic For Your Doctoral Degree – Walden University
• Choosing a Topic – Fontbonne University
• Thesis Topics – LSA Psychology University of Michigan
• Choosing a Topic for Your Research Paper – OWL Purdue
• Undergraduate Sample Research Topics: Political Science – Western Michigan University
• Business Research Topic Ideas – Frances Willson Thompson Library
• How to write a research proposal – The University of Sydney

How to Write a Research Proposal: (with Examples & Templates)

Table of Contents

Before conducting a study, a research proposal should be created that outlines researchers’ plans and methodology and is submitted to the concerned evaluating organization or person. Creating a research proposal is an important step to ensure that researchers are on track and are moving forward as intended. A research proposal can be defined as a detailed plan or blueprint for the proposed research that you intend to undertake. It provides readers with a snapshot of your project by describing what you will investigate, why it is needed, and how you will conduct the research.  

Your research proposal should aim to explain to the readers why your research is relevant and original, that you understand the context and current scenario in the field, have the appropriate resources to conduct the research, and that the research is feasible given the usual constraints.  

This article will describe in detail the purpose and typical structure of a research proposal , along with examples and templates to help you ace this step in your research journey.  

What is a Research Proposal ?  

A research proposal¹ ,²  can be defined as a formal report that describes your proposed research, its objectives, methodology, implications, and other important details. Research proposals are the framework of your research and are used to obtain approvals or grants to conduct the study from various committees or organizations. Consequently, research proposals should convince readers of your study’s credibility, accuracy, achievability, practicality, and reproducibility.   

With research proposals , researchers usually aim to persuade the readers, funding agencies, educational institutions, and supervisors to approve the proposal. To achieve this, the report should be well structured with the objectives written in clear, understandable language devoid of jargon. A well-organized research proposal conveys to the readers or evaluators that the writer has thought out the research plan meticulously and has the resources to ensure timely completion.  

Purpose of Research Proposals  

A research proposal is a sales pitch and therefore should be detailed enough to convince your readers, who could be supervisors, ethics committees, universities, etc., that what you’re proposing has merit and is feasible . Research proposals can help students discuss their dissertation with their faculty or fulfill course requirements and also help researchers obtain funding. A well-structured proposal instills confidence among readers about your ability to conduct and complete the study as proposed.  

Research proposals can be written for several reasons:³  

• To describe the importance of research in the specific topic  
• Address any potential challenges you may encounter  
• Showcase knowledge in the field and your ability to conduct a study  
• Apply for a role at a research institute  
• Convince a research supervisor or university that your research can satisfy the requirements of a degree program  
• Highlight the importance of your research to organizations that may sponsor your project  
• Identify implications of your project and how it can benefit the audience  

What Goes in a Research Proposal?    

Research proposals should aim to answer the three basic questions—what, why, and how.  

The What question should be answered by describing the specific subject being researched. It should typically include the objectives, the cohort details, and the location or setting.  

The Why question should be answered by describing the existing scenario of the subject, listing unanswered questions, identifying gaps in the existing research, and describing how your study can address these gaps, along with the implications and significance.  

The How question should be answered by describing the proposed research methodology, data analysis tools expected to be used, and other details to describe your proposed methodology.   

Research Proposal Example  

Here is a research proposal sample template (with examples) from the University of Rochester Medical Center. 4 The sections in all research proposals are essentially the same although different terminology and other specific sections may be used depending on the subject.  

Structure of a Research Proposal  

If you want to know how to make a research proposal impactful, include the following components:¹  

1. Introduction  

This section provides a background of the study, including the research topic, what is already known about it and the gaps, and the significance of the proposed research.  

2. Literature review  

This section contains descriptions of all the previous relevant studies pertaining to the research topic. Every study cited should be described in a few sentences, starting with the general studies to the more specific ones. This section builds on the understanding gained by readers in the Introduction section and supports it by citing relevant prior literature, indicating to readers that you have thoroughly researched your subject.  

3. Objectives  

Once the background and gaps in the research topic have been established, authors must now state the aims of the research clearly. Hypotheses should be mentioned here. This section further helps readers understand what your study’s specific goals are.  

4. Research design and methodology  

Here, authors should clearly describe the methods they intend to use to achieve their proposed objectives. Important components of this section include the population and sample size, data collection and analysis methods and duration, statistical analysis software, measures to avoid bias (randomization, blinding), etc.  

5. Ethical considerations  

This refers to the protection of participants’ rights, such as the right to privacy, right to confidentiality, etc. Researchers need to obtain informed consent and institutional review approval by the required authorities and mention this clearly for transparency.  

6. Budget/funding  

Researchers should prepare their budget and include all expected expenditures. An additional allowance for contingencies such as delays should also be factored in.  

7. Appendices  

This section typically includes information that supports the research proposal and may include informed consent forms, questionnaires, participant information, measurement tools, etc.  

8. Citations  

Important Tips for Writing a Research Proposal  

Writing a research proposal begins much before the actual task of writing. Planning the research proposal structure and content is an important stage, which if done efficiently, can help you seamlessly transition into the writing stage. 3,5  

The Planning Stage  

• Manage your time efficiently. Plan to have the draft version ready at least two weeks before your deadline and the final version at least two to three days before the deadline.
• What is the primary objective of your research?  
• Will your research address any existing gap?  
• What is the impact of your proposed research?  
• Do people outside your field find your research applicable in other areas?  
• If your research is unsuccessful, would there still be other useful research outcomes?  

  The Writing Stage  

• Create an outline with main section headings that are typically used.  
• Focus only on writing and getting your points across without worrying about the format of the research proposal , grammar, punctuation, etc. These can be fixed during the subsequent passes. Add details to each section heading you created in the beginning.   
• Ensure your sentences are concise and use plain language. A research proposal usually contains about 2,000 to 4,000 words or four to seven pages.  
• Don’t use too many technical terms and abbreviations assuming that the readers would know them. Define the abbreviations and technical terms.  
• Ensure that the entire content is readable. Avoid using long paragraphs because they affect the continuity in reading. Break them into shorter paragraphs and introduce some white space for readability.  
• Focus on only the major research issues and cite sources accordingly. Don’t include generic information or their sources in the literature review.  
• Proofread your final document to ensure there are no grammatical errors so readers can enjoy a seamless, uninterrupted read.  
• Use academic, scholarly language because it brings formality into a document.  
• Ensure that your title is created using the keywords in the document and is neither too long and specific nor too short and general.  
• Cite all sources appropriately to avoid plagiarism.  
• Make sure that you follow guidelines, if provided. This includes rules as simple as using a specific font or a hyphen or en dash between numerical ranges.  
• Ensure that you’ve answered all questions requested by the evaluating authority.  

Key Takeaways   

Here’s a summary of the main points about research proposals discussed in the previous sections:  

• A research proposal is a document that outlines the details of a proposed study and is created by researchers to submit to evaluators who could be research institutions, universities, faculty, etc.  
• Research proposals are usually about 2,000-4,000 words long, but this depends on the evaluating authority’s guidelines.  
• A good research proposal ensures that you’ve done your background research and assessed the feasibility of the research.  
• Research proposals have the following main sections—introduction, literature review, objectives, methodology, ethical considerations, and budget.  

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q1. How is a research proposal evaluated?  

A1. In general, most evaluators, including universities, broadly use the following criteria to evaluate research proposals . 6  

• Significance —Does the research address any important subject or issue, which may or may not be specific to the evaluator or university?  
• Content and design —Is the proposed methodology appropriate to answer the research question? Are the objectives clear and well aligned with the proposed methodology?  
• Sample size and selection —Is the target population or cohort size clearly mentioned? Is the sampling process used to select participants randomized, appropriate, and free of bias?  
• Timing —Are the proposed data collection dates mentioned clearly? Is the project feasible given the specified resources and timeline?  
• Data management and dissemination —Who will have access to the data? What is the plan for data analysis?  

Q2. What is the difference between the Introduction and Literature Review sections in a research proposal ?  

A2. The Introduction or Background section in a research proposal sets the context of the study by describing the current scenario of the subject and identifying the gaps and need for the research. A Literature Review, on the other hand, provides references to all prior relevant literature to help corroborate the gaps identified and the research need.  

Q3. How long should a research proposal be?  

A3. Research proposal lengths vary with the evaluating authority like universities or committees and also the subject. Here’s a table that lists the typical research proposal lengths for a few universities.  

Q4. What are the common mistakes to avoid in a research proposal ?  

A4. Here are a few common mistakes that you must avoid while writing a research proposal . 7  

• No clear objectives: Objectives should be clear, specific, and measurable for the easy understanding among readers.  
• Incomplete or unconvincing background research: Background research usually includes a review of the current scenario of the particular industry and also a review of the previous literature on the subject. This helps readers understand your reasons for undertaking this research because you identified gaps in the existing research.  
• Overlooking project feasibility: The project scope and estimates should be realistic considering the resources and time available.   
• Neglecting the impact and significance of the study: In a research proposal , readers and evaluators look for the implications or significance of your research and how it contributes to the existing research. This information should always be included.  
• Unstructured format of a research proposal : A well-structured document gives confidence to evaluators that you have read the guidelines carefully and are well organized in your approach, consequently affirming that you will be able to undertake the research as mentioned in your proposal.  
• Ineffective writing style: The language used should be formal and grammatically correct. If required, editors could be consulted, including AI-based tools such as Paperpal , to refine the research proposal structure and language.  

Thus, a research proposal is an essential document that can help you promote your research and secure funds and grants for conducting your research. Consequently, it should be well written in clear language and include all essential details to convince the evaluators of your ability to conduct the research as proposed.  

This article has described all the important components of a research proposal and has also provided tips to improve your writing style. We hope all these tips will help you write a well-structured research proposal to ensure receipt of grants or any other purpose.  

References  

• Sudheesh K, Duggappa DR, Nethra SS. How to write a research proposal? Indian J Anaesth. 2016;60(9):631-634. Accessed July 15, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5037942/  
• Writing research proposals. Harvard College Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. Harvard University. Accessed July 14, 2024. https://uraf.harvard.edu/apply-opportunities/app-components/essays/research-proposals  
• What is a research proposal? Plus how to write one. Indeed website. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/research-proposal  
• Research proposal template. University of Rochester Medical Center. Accessed July 16, 2024. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/pediatrics/research/documents/Research-proposal-Template.pdf  
• Tips for successful proposal writing. Johns Hopkins University. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://research.jhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Tips-for-Successful-Proposal-Writing.pdf  
• Formal review of research proposals. Cornell University. Accessed July 18, 2024. https://irp.dpb.cornell.edu/surveys/survey-assessment-review-group/research-proposals  
• 7 Mistakes you must avoid in your research proposal. Aveksana (via LinkedIn). Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-mistakes-you-must-avoid-your-research-proposal-aveksana-cmtwf/  

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1000+ FREE Research Topics & Title Ideas

Select your area of interest to view a collection of potential research topics and ideas.

Or grab the full list 📋 (for free)

PS – You can also check out our free topic ideation webinar for more ideas

How To Find A Research Topic

If you’re struggling to get started, this step-by-step video tutorial will help you find the perfect research topic.

Research Topic FAQs

What (exactly) is a research topic.

A research topic is the subject of a research project or study – for example, a dissertation or thesis. A research topic typically takes the form of a problem to be solved, or a question to be answered.

A good research topic should be specific enough to allow for focused research and analysis. For example, if you are interested in studying the effects of climate change on agriculture, your research topic could focus on how rising temperatures have impacted crop yields in certain regions over time.

To learn more about the basics of developing a research topic, consider our free research topic ideation webinar.

What constitutes a good research topic?

A strong research topic comprises three important qualities : originality, value and feasibility.

• Originality – a good topic explores an original area or takes a novel angle on an existing area of study.
• Value – a strong research topic provides value and makes a contribution, either academically or practically.
• Feasibility – a good research topic needs to be practical and manageable, given the resource constraints you face.

To learn more about what makes for a high-quality research topic, check out this post .

What's the difference between a research topic and research problem?

A research topic and a research problem are two distinct concepts that are often confused. A research topic is a broader label that indicates the focus of the study , while a research problem is an issue or gap in knowledge within the broader field that needs to be addressed.

To illustrate this distinction, consider a student who has chosen “teenage pregnancy in the United Kingdom” as their research topic. This research topic could encompass any number of issues related to teenage pregnancy such as causes, prevention strategies, health outcomes for mothers and babies, etc.

Within this broad category (the research topic) lies potential areas of inquiry that can be explored further – these become the research problems . For example:

• What factors contribute to higher rates of teenage pregnancy in certain communities?
• How do different types of parenting styles affect teen pregnancy rates?
• What interventions have been successful in reducing teenage pregnancies?

Simply put, a key difference between a research topic and a research problem is scope ; the research topic provides an umbrella under which multiple questions can be asked, while the research problem focuses on one specific question or set of questions within that larger context.

How can I find potential research topics for my project?

There are many steps involved in the process of finding and choosing a high-quality research topic for a dissertation or thesis. We cover these steps in detail in this video (also accessible below).

How can I find quality sources for my research topic?

Finding quality sources is an essential step in the topic ideation process. To do this, you should start by researching scholarly journals, books, and other academic publications related to your topic. These sources can provide reliable information on a wide range of topics. Additionally, they may contain data or statistics that can help support your argument or conclusions.

Identifying Relevant Sources

When searching for relevant sources, it’s important to look beyond just published material; try using online databases such as Google Scholar or JSTOR to find articles from reputable journals that have been peer-reviewed by experts in the field.

You can also use search engines like Google or Bing to locate websites with useful information about your topic. However, be sure to evaluate any website before citing it as a source—look for evidence of authorship (such as an “About Us” page) and make sure the content is up-to-date and accurate before relying on it.

Evaluating Sources

Once you’ve identified potential sources for your research project, take some time to evaluate them thoroughly before deciding which ones will best serve your purpose. Consider factors such as author credibility (are they an expert in their field?), publication date (is the source current?), objectivity (does the author present both sides of an issue?) and relevance (how closely does this source relate to my specific topic?).

By researching the current literature on your topic, you can identify potential sources that will help to provide quality information. Once you’ve identified these sources, it’s time to look for a gap in the research and determine what new knowledge could be gained from further study.

How can I find a good research gap?

Finding a strong gap in the literature is an essential step when looking for potential research topics. We explain what research gaps are and how to find them in this post.

How should I evaluate potential research topics/ideas?

When evaluating potential research topics, it is important to consider the factors that make for a strong topic (we discussed these earlier). Specifically:

• Originality
• Feasibility

So, when you have a list of potential topics or ideas, assess each of them in terms of these three criteria. A good topic should take a unique angle, provide value (either to academia or practitioners), and be practical enough for you to pull off, given your limited resources.

Finally, you should also assess whether this project could lead to potential career opportunities such as internships or job offers down the line. Make sure that you are researching something that is relevant enough so that it can benefit your professional development in some way. Additionally, consider how each research topic aligns with your career goals and interests; researching something that you are passionate about can help keep motivation high throughout the process.

How can I assess the feasibility of a research topic?

When evaluating the feasibility and practicality of a research topic, it is important to consider several factors.

First, you should assess whether or not the research topic is within your area of competence. Of course, when you start out, you are not expected to be the world’s leading expert, but do should at least have some foundational knowledge.

Time commitment

When considering a research topic, you should think about how much time will be required for completion. Depending on your field of study, some topics may require more time than others due to their complexity or scope.

Additionally, if you plan on collaborating with other researchers or institutions in order to complete your project, additional considerations must be taken into account such as coordinating schedules and ensuring that all parties involved have adequate resources available.

Resources needed

It’s also critically important to consider what type of resources are necessary in order to conduct the research successfully. This includes physical materials such as lab equipment and chemicals but can also include intangible items like access to certain databases or software programs which may be necessary depending on the nature of your work. Additionally, if there are costs associated with obtaining these materials then this must also be factored into your evaluation process.

Potential risks

It’s important to consider the inherent potential risks for each potential research topic. These can include ethical risks (challenges getting ethical approval), data risks (not being able to access the data you’ll need), technical risks relating to the equipment you’ll use and funding risks (not securing the necessary financial back to undertake the research).

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Home » How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

Table of Contents

How To Write a Research Proposal

Writing a Research proposal involves several steps to ensure a well-structured and comprehensive document. Here is an explanation of each step:

1. Title and Abstract

• Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research.
• Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal.

2. Introduction:

• Provide an introduction to your research topic, highlighting its significance and relevance.
• Clearly state the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Discuss the background and context of the study, including previous research in the field.

3. Research Objectives

• Outline the specific objectives or aims of your research. These objectives should be clear, achievable, and aligned with the research problem.

4. Literature Review:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings, identify gaps, and highlight how your research will contribute to the existing knowledge.

5. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to employ to address your research objectives.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques you will use.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate and suitable for your research.

6. Timeline:

• Create a timeline or schedule that outlines the major milestones and activities of your research project.
• Break down the research process into smaller tasks and estimate the time required for each task.

7. Resources:

• Identify the resources needed for your research, such as access to specific databases, equipment, or funding.
• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources to carry out your research effectively.

8. Ethical Considerations:

• Discuss any ethical issues that may arise during your research and explain how you plan to address them.
• If your research involves human subjects, explain how you will ensure their informed consent and privacy.

9. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

• Clearly state the expected outcomes or results of your research.
• Highlight the potential impact and significance of your research in advancing knowledge or addressing practical issues.

10. References:

• Provide a list of all the references cited in your proposal, following a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

11. Appendices:

• Include any additional supporting materials, such as survey questionnaires, interview guides, or data analysis plans.

Research Proposal Format

The format of a research proposal may vary depending on the specific requirements of the institution or funding agency. However, the following is a commonly used format for a research proposal:

1. Title Page:

• Include the title of your research proposal, your name, your affiliation or institution, and the date.

2. Abstract:

• Provide a brief summary of your research proposal, highlighting the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

3. Introduction:

• Introduce the research topic and provide background information.
• State the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Explain the significance and relevance of the research.
• Review relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings and identify gaps in the existing knowledge.
• Explain how your research will contribute to filling those gaps.

5. Research Objectives:

• Clearly state the specific objectives or aims of your research.
• Ensure that the objectives are clear, focused, and aligned with the research problem.

6. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to use.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate for your research.

7. Timeline:

8. Resources:

• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources effectively.

9. Ethical Considerations:

• If applicable, explain how you will ensure informed consent and protect the privacy of research participants.

10. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

11. References:

12. Appendices:

Research Proposal Template

Here’s a template for a research proposal:

1. Introduction:

2. Literature Review:

3. Research Objectives:

4. Methodology:

5. Timeline:

6. Resources:

7. Ethical Considerations:

8. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

9. References:

10. Appendices:

Research Proposal Sample

Title: The Impact of Online Education on Student Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study

1. Introduction

Online education has gained significant prominence in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes by comparing them with traditional face-to-face instruction. The study will explore various aspects of online education, such as instructional methods, student engagement, and academic performance, to provide insights into the effectiveness of online learning.

2. Objectives

The main objectives of this research are as follows:

• To compare student learning outcomes between online and traditional face-to-face education.
• To examine the factors influencing student engagement in online learning environments.
• To assess the effectiveness of different instructional methods employed in online education.
• To identify challenges and opportunities associated with online education and suggest recommendations for improvement.

3. Methodology

3.1 Study Design

This research will utilize a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The study will include the following components:

3.2 Participants

The research will involve undergraduate students from two universities, one offering online education and the other providing face-to-face instruction. A total of 500 students (250 from each university) will be selected randomly to participate in the study.

3.3 Data Collection

The research will employ the following data collection methods:

• Quantitative: Pre- and post-assessments will be conducted to measure students’ learning outcomes. Data on student demographics and academic performance will also be collected from university records.
• Qualitative: Focus group discussions and individual interviews will be conducted with students to gather their perceptions and experiences regarding online education.

3.4 Data Analysis

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analysis. Qualitative data will be transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and themes.

4. Ethical Considerations

The study will adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of participants. Informed consent will be obtained, and participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

5. Significance and Expected Outcomes

This research will contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of online education on student learning outcomes. The findings will help educational institutions and policymakers make informed decisions about incorporating online learning methods and improving the quality of online education. Moreover, the study will identify potential challenges and opportunities related to online education and offer recommendations for enhancing student engagement and overall learning outcomes.

6. Timeline

The proposed research will be conducted over a period of 12 months, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.

The estimated budget for this research includes expenses related to data collection, software licenses, participant compensation, and research assistance. A detailed budget breakdown will be provided in the final research plan.

8. Conclusion

This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes through a comparative study with traditional face-to-face instruction. By exploring various dimensions of online education, this research will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and challenges associated with online learning. The findings will contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational practices and help shape future strategies for maximizing student learning outcomes in online education settings.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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