A research proposal is a summary of a research project you propose to undertake. Think of it as a business proposal where you have to outline samples your intentions, your cause, the issue, and how you intend to go about solving them. A well-written, well-presented research proposal samples can mean the difference between being overlooked and getting the necessary go-ahead funding and other support from the sample research committee.
66+ FREE PROPOSAL Templates - Download Now Microsoft Word (DOC), Adobe Photoshop (PSD), Google Docs, Adobe InDesign (INDD & IDML), Apple (MAC) Pages, Microsoft Publisher
Research Project Proposal Template
Marketing Research Proposal Template
Nursing Research Proposal Template
If you are just starting out in your career as a researcher, you can find a handy Proposal Template from this list of free PDF samples.
Market Research Proposal Template
One Page Research Proposal Template
Market Research Proposal Template
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Simple Proposal Template in Word to Edit
Undergraduate Research Proposal Sample
Business Research Proposal Sample
Qualitative Research Proposal Sample
Psychology Research Proposal Sample
Marketing Research Proposal Sample
On Writing a Research Proposal
Many university students and beginning professionals do not understand how to draft a decent proposal nor do they properly estimate the importance of drafting a strong, coherent one.
Any good Project Proposal Template will include all the necessary information pertaining to your project. This isn’t just to pontificate—you need to convince the reader that you
- have a worthwhile project in mind,
- you have set realistic parameters,
- you have a definite and doable work plan, and
- you have identified all the key areas and expenses involved.
Above all else, a good proposal should demonstrate your competence and your attention to detail. With investors in mind for a highly technical project, this means writing mostly from a Technical Proposal Template. This should include the estimated costs of running the project.
Remember also that your proposal will be judged not just on the inherent quality of your proposed research subject but on the quality of your writing. It is possible for your proposal to be rejected based on poor writing skills alone.
This does not mean you drown your readers in scientific jargon and psychobabble. Clear writing is an indication of clear thinking. Only a fool will fund or green-light a project run by a muddled researcher.
Research Project Proposal Sample
Research Methodology Proposal Sample
Accounting Research Proposal Sample
Computer Science Research Proposal Sample
Outline of a Research Proposal
A research proposal will mostly follow in the same layout as a business proposal. It will include
- A title. Concise and descriptive.
- Abstract. A brief summary of the project in around 300 to 500 words or less.
- Introduction. Provide a short background of the issue you plan to resolve. Frame the research problem. This may include a review of the scientific/research literature already existing in your field.
- Methods. This section tells how you intend to tackle the problem. Include just enough detail for them to judge that your methodology is sound.
- Results. At the proposal stage, you won’t actually have results. This is where you state what kind of data you will be collecting and what statistical procedures come into play. This offers an idea of what kind of result can be expected (quantitative, qualitative).
- Discussion. Talk about the potential impact of the project. Communicate a sense of enthusiasm and confidence without exaggerating your merits. Balance out with acknowledged weaknesses and limitations of the proposal but justify continuing.
Sometimes the first step before you can draft a good research proposal is to sketch out a solid framework for your project. You can find a good Research Outline Template for this job.