CD 314: RESEARCH METHODS & SKILLS

Week 2 Lecture

THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Lecture Presenter: Mr. Sangundi

Date: 8th March 2021

Adapted: Essacu (2018)

Kehatsin (2015)
Review of Week 1 Lecture:
 Why Study Research Skills?
 What is Research?
 The Search for Truth
 Why Do We Research?
 Who Carry Out Research & Why
 The Scientific Methods
 The Research Methods
 The Research Process
 Characteristics of a Good Research
314: Google Classroom Code:

qbk5rmy
CD 314 Tutors:
AS, JI, NJ, JK, MW,
NK, JO, DB
Assessment Tasks:

 1. Research Proposal: Week 2 – 11

 2. Stand Alone Methodology: Week 4-7
 3. Test: Week 10
 4. Exam: Week 14
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• to appreciate the nature and the importance

of the research proposal.
• to know how to put together the contents of
the research proposal.
• to understand the important issues that
need to be addressed in the proposal.
Research Title/Topic

The title summarizes the main idea or ideas of your

study. A good title contains the fewest possible
words needed to adequately describe the content
and/or purpose of your research paper.

An idea is the topic or title of the research project. It

is preferably written in short attractive statement
that captures the attention of reader or financier.

The title of a research project is of ultimate

importance, thus make sure to take your time to find
the best one.
 WHAT IS A RESEARCH PROPOSAL?

 The research Proposal is a systematic plan

which brings together in an organized form
the preliminary planning that will be needed
to accomplished the purpose of the projected
or proposed study.

 It provides a blueprint by which the study can

be directed: and it provides the means by
which the study can later be evaluated.
 PURPOSES OF RESEARCH
PROPOSALS?

1.TO FACILITATE PLANNING

The proposal answers the following
questions about the study.
 Why is the study being done?
 What is being studied?
 How will it be conducted?
 Who will be involved in the study?
 When will the study be conducted?
 PURPOSES OF RESEARCH
PROPOSALS?

2. TO GAIN SUPPORT
A proposal is used as a vehicle to gain
support, permission for the research study.
To request financial support for the study
from financial agencies.

The researcher uses the proposal to make a

formal request for official or financial support.
 PURPOSES OF RESEARCH
PROPOSALS?
3. TO INFORM OTHERS

The proposal can be used to inform

individuals (e.g., supervisor), groups
about the planned study.

People participating in the study need to

know the details about the study.

People who may be subjects of the study

can be informed through the proposal.
 COMPONENTS OF A STANDARD
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Title Page
Table of Contents Top Section
List of Illustrations

Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Review of Literature Middle
Chapter 3: Methodology (Research Procedures & materials) Section
Chapter 4. Conclusion

References End Section

Appendices
 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background to Study

 Background details about the issue
 Give place & setting of study
 Provide profile of place, institution, group, etc…
 Give a preview of the proposal.
1.2. Problem Statement

A problem statement is a description of an issue

currently existing which needs to be addressed.

It provides the context for the research study and

generates the questions which the research aims to
answer.
 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

1.3. Objectives of Study

 Research Objectives are set of intended outcomes or results
sought by the researcher to achieve at the end of the
research process.
 Interchangeably used as purposes and aims of the study.
 It also helps to identify particular variables & their
relationships, as well as their measurement scales.

Common ways to write objectives is to begin with the word To:

To identify…
To explore…
To investigate…
To explain…
To verify…
To test …
To understand… etc.,
 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

1.4. Scope of Study

 The scope of the study basically means all those things that
will be covered in the research project.
 Also, the scope of study tailors down the specific areas to
focus on so that it shows us the boundaries of your work.
 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

1.5. Research Questions

To achieve the research objectives discussed above you
require research question(s) to investigate these
objectives.

A research question is the fundamental core of your

research project.

It focuses the study, determines the methodology, and

guides all stages of inquiry, analysis, and reporting.

It acts as a glue that holds together all research elements,

including goal, methods, frameworks and validity
measures.
 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

1.5. Hypothesis

 The research problem can also be specified using a set of testable

hypotheses – a set of logical, reasonable, tentative explanations of
the subject under investigation.
 Hypotheses are never proved or disproved. In a research study, it is
normal to either support or reject a hypothesis. For a hypothesis to
be rejected would commonly lead to the substitution of a new
hypothesis that is then either supported or rejected.
 If a hypothesis is supported by the data in your study, it may later be
supported by further studies. Eventually, a hypothesis that is well
supported from multiple sources may be developed into a well-
grounded theory. It could be that your research is testing, in a
different context, hypotheses from earlier research studies.
 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

1.6. Importance & Justification of Study

 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

1.7. Study Limitations

 Every study has limitations. Study limitations can exist due to

constraints on research design or methodology, and these
factors may impact the findings of your study.
 Clarifying the limitations of a study allows the reader to
understand better under which conditions the results should
be interpreted.
 Study limitations in a typical dissertation may be found in:
- Formulation of research aims and objectives.
- Design & Implementation of data collection method.
- Sample size.
- Lack of previous studies in the research area.
 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

1.8. Definition of Terms

 These are words and phrases that are used in the study and
are to be defined in the way they are used in the study.

1.9. Preview of the Proposal

 A Preview gives a brief run-down on what issues to be

covered in the rest of the proposal, where they are covered
and their order of coverage.
 CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1. Introduction
 Informs reader of what issues to be discussed, and the order of
their discussion.
 It provides the pathway of what issues are to be examined in the
chapter.

2.2. Past Studies

 Provide & critique historical overview of theory and literature
(under relevant themes).

2.3. Current Studies

 Discuss & critique current theory and literature (also, under
relevant themes) related to the topic.
 CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.4. Summary of Studies

 Summarize both historical & current literature to give an update
on the current state of knowledge on the subject.

2.5. Research Gaps

 Identify what research gaps are still there that need to be filled
in.

2.6. This Study’s Contribution

 Discuss the contribution this study will make to existing literature.
 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODS AND
MATERIALS
3.1. Study Design
 Discuss what research design to embrace and its justification.
 Also, discuss what research approach to explore the study from
and its justification.
3.2. Data Collection Instruments
 Discuss the first instrument (e.g., questionnaire) and its
justification in its choice for the study.
 Discuss the second instrument (e.g., structured interview
schedule) and its justification.
3.3. Pilot Study
 Discuss the need for a pilot study and its justification.
 Discuss what, who, how and when you are going to carry out
your pilot study.
 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODS AND
MATERIALS
3.4. Population, Sample and Sampling Procedure
 Discuss population, its location and common characteristics
shared among its members. Also, discuss the various
heterogeneous and interest groups found among the population.
 Then, discuss the sample: how you take the sample, its size, its
representation & parameters, its accessibility and the sampling
method used for its selection.
3.5. Data Collection Process
3.5.1. Field Data Collection Procedure
Describe the data collection process (step-by-step, from
start to finish).
3.5.2. Research Personnel
Identify, describe & justify choice of field assistants
assisting you in data collection.
 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODS AND
MATERIALS

3.5. Data Collection Process

3.5.3. Materials and Costing
 Field work costs money. So, you need to draw up a budget to
show the possible costing involved – items required and their
respective costing.
Example of Budget Costing
Material/Item Quantity Cost/Unit Total Cost Comments

Personnel 5 K3,000. K15,000.  

Travel/Transport 6 K4,000. K24,000.  

Accommodation 1 K4,000. K 4,000.  

Stationery several --------- K 3,000.  

Equipment 5 K2,000. K 10,000.  

Grand Total K 46,000.  

 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODS AND
MATERIALS

3.5. Data Collection Process

3.5.4. Study Timeline

 A study plan is an organized schedule that researchers

create that outlines study times and learning goals.

 Just like with work or school schedules, universities students

like you should develop a study schedule where you can block
off days and times in your calendar dedicated to studying.
 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODS AND
MATERIALS

3.5. Data Collection Process

3.5.4. Study Timeline
Example Study Timeline
Study Plan

 It is important that you have a plan.

 You have to know what to accomplish as you travel the

research path (i.e., from proposal to the submission
stages).

 What are your targets, and need to plan them out well.

 They must be SMART objectives focus.

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time bound
 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODS AND
MATERIALS
3.6. Validity and Reliability of Methods Employed
 Discuss how you will improve the validity of the various
methodologies chosen for the study.
 Validity and Reliability form the crux of any measurement since
they are important in establishing the credibility and truthfulness
of the findings.
3.7. Method of Data Analysis and Presentation
 Describe how data will be analyzed and presented and Justify
choice of analysis methods used.
 Quantitative and Qualitative, each has its own methods of
analysis.
3.8. Ethical Considerations
 Discuss ethical issues involved in the study.
 Major ethical issues are: a) Informed consent, b) Beneficence- Do
not harm c) Respect for anonymity and confidentiality d) Respect
for privacy..
 CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION

4.1. Conclusion
 Restate importance of study being undertaken.
 REFERENCES

 Full reference details of sources used/cited must be

listed in the reference list.

 All sources must be listed following the correct

reference listing conventions, including internet
sources (i.e., APA Style).
 REFERENCES

 All sources must be presented in alphabetical order by

the author(s)’ surname(s).

 A variety of sources must be reviewed to show

evidence of research work done.
 APPENDICES
 Appendices should be labeled as A, B, C, D, etc…
(capital letters).

 One Appendix should be presented on one page at a

time.

 Each Appendix should be referred to in the proposal

text.

 The End