Editor's Choice
What is a research proposal and its salient features?
Quick answer:
A research proposal outlines a project you wish to undertake to gain in-depth knowledge on a topic. Key features include a clear thesis or objective, defined boundaries, a historical overview of existing work, a justification for the research, a methodology, and a roadmap with a bibliography. It should focus on a central question, demonstrating its relevance and potential positive application to a problem. The proposal must be specific and well-justified to be considered valid.
Research proposals will differ slightly from discipline to discipline. However, there is enough overlap to make some general points. Also I should say that the above answer makes some good points.
First, you should have a clear thesis or objective. You should be able to say what the project or work will be about in a few sentences.
Second, you should also circumscribe the extent or boundaries of your proposal. No proposal should be amorphous. So, set your boundaries and let your readers know them.
Third, you should give a historical overview of where the state of affairs are in your field. In other words, an overview of the work of others is important.
Fourth, you should say a word about your methodology and justify your proposal. In other words, why should your work exist?
Finally, you should have a brief roadmap of your work and a working bibliography.
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
A research proposal is normally a suggestion of a topic that you wish to pursue in the hope of gaining in-depth knowledge about that topic. Assuming that the choice of topic has been left to you rather than assigned by your instructor, it becomes your responsibility to phrase the proposal so as to demonstrate the features and characteristics that make this proposal valid and worthy of your research efforts. You accomplish this by expressing the central question of your proposal in a way that incorporates specifics that narrow and focus the topic. You phrase the proposal in a way that underlines how acquiring the knowledge to answer your question may be applied in a positive manner to address a relevant problem.
Good luck!