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Research Proposal Step-by-Step Planning & Writing Guidance

1 Lesson

Important Notice

Step 1: Understanding the Purpose and Scope

3 Lessons

What is a research proposal?

For Research Proposal Assignments

For Graduate School Applications

Step 2: Conducting Preliminary Research

1 Lesson

Preliminary Research, Identifying the Gap

Step 3: Formulating the Research Question

1 Lesson

Identifying The Research Question or the Problem Statement.

Step 4: Develop the Research Objectives and Hypotheses

1 Lesson

Aims, Objectives and Hypothesis

Step 5: Mapping the RQ, RO, RA with the intended methodology

1 Lesson

The Relationship Between Aims, Objectives and Methodology

Step 6: Academic Writing

2 Lessons

Writing Clear and Effective Paragraphs

Make your Writing Flow : Transition Phrases

Step 7: Use the Research Onion to plan your Methodology

8 Lessons

Using the Research Onion Model to Plan Your Methodology

Outer Layer - Research Philosophy

Second Layer - Research Approach

Third Layer - Research Strategies

Fourth Layer - Research Choices

Fifth Layer - Time Horizon

Core - Data Collection and Analysis

Sampling and Recruitment

Step 8: Writing Your Research Proposal

12 Lessons

The Proposal Title

Abstract

Writing a Strong Introduction

Writing Strong Literature Review

What Is The Difference Between a Question, Statement, Aim, Objective and Hypothesis?

Writing Up The Methodology Section

Ethical Considerations

*Practical Considerations

Discussion The Potential Finding and Impact

Conclusion

References

Appendices

Step 9: Revising and Refining

1 Lesson

Revising and Refining the Research Proposal

Part 10: Proposed Timelines

1 Lesson

Project Plan and Timeline: Example GANTT Chart

Peer Discussion and Comments

1 Lesson

Resources

Make your Writing Flow : Transition Phrases

Your proposal must flow, this can be achieved by using effective transition words. Below are examples of transition words you can use in different sections of the research proposal.

Ensure that you amend them to suit the tone of your work.

Transitioning within the introduction:

The study of X has long been of interest due to Y.
The proposed research seeks to explore the relationship between X and Y.
Despite extensive research on X, little attention has been paid to Y.
In response to the growing concern over X, this study aims to Y.
Building on the existing literature, this project examines X.
To address the gap in knowledge regarding X, the proposed research investigates Y.
Given the significance of X in the field of Y, this research focuses on...

Transition words to use instead of 'and':

Also,
Moreover,
Furthermore,
Additionally,
In addition,
Plus,
Along with,
As well as,
Together with,
Not to mention,
Equally important,
Likewise,
Coupled with,
Not only X but also Y,
Both X and Y serve to illustrate,

Transition words to compare and contrast:

Similarly,
However,
On the other hand,
Conversely,
Yet,
Instead,
Nevertheless,
Although,
Whereas,
While,
Unlike X, Y demonstrates,
Even though X, Y remains,
Contrary to X, Y provides,

Transition words to demonstrate a conclusion or inference:

Thus,
Hence,
Therefore,
Consequently,
As a result,
So,
Accordingly,
Then,
This means that,
Ultimately,
To conclude,
Given these points,
Drawing from X, it follows that Y,
From X, one can infer Y,
Based on X, it is evident that Y,