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The following is a suggested format for a research proposal.

Take a look at this in better format at http://paprika.umw.edu/~ernie/cpsc370m/ResearchProposalFormat.rtf <pre> Cover Page The cover page should show: 1.the title; 2.the student’s name 3.the date of submission. Abstract

The abstract should be self contained, concise, readable, and 200 – 500 words. It should outline what the student intends to do, why they believe it needs to be done and what the results will mean in theory and in practice. The importance of a concise, interesting, and informative abstract cannot be overemphasized. Introduction The Background to the Study This section sets the scene for a naive reader who knows nothing about your research. What are the key points a reader needs to know to understand your project? Motivate the general topic and why it is worth studying, and present an overview of the goals of yoru research. (1 page) The Significance of the Study This section states why it is important to do the research. (One or two paragraphs.) The Purpose of the Study or a Statement of the Problem This section states, in about a paragraph, what you expect to achieve by doing this research or what problem gave rise to the research. Research Questions These are unambiguous questions that the research is designed to answer OR Hypotheses These are clear statements that the research is designed to test. Definitions of Terms or Operational Definitions Define any important terms used in the research questions or elsewhere in the thesis. Review of the literature The first phase of the literature review should be brief but give the reader enough information to understand the context of the proposed research. It may include references to previous findings and specific studies similar to the current study, and to relevant methodology. (2 pages) A good literature review: 1.includes all literature that is relevant to justifying the proposed research; 2.does not include literature that is irrelevant to justifying the proposed research; 3.supports undertaking the proposed research; 4.avoids speculation and unsubstantiated statements; 5.is critical (a critical review does not merely accept previous authors’ conclusions, but weighs them carefully, examining them on the basis of the weaknesses and strengths in the methodologies of the studies being reviewed); 6.is organised under subheadings; 7.forms a connected argument; and 8.has a summary at the end. Theoretical framework (optional) The theoretical or conceptual framework identifies variables impacting on the research questions and their inter-relationships and/or identifies theoretical and philosophical assumptions underpinning the study. The theoretical framework is often summarized as a flow-chart diagram, which shows relationships between theories, concepts and variable of the study. Research Method Present your proposed approach, including steps you would follow to do your research (1 - 2 pages)

Evaluation Plan Enumerate the steps you will follow to do your research. (1 page) Data Analysis Describe how data collected will be analyzed. (one-half page) Summary of foreseen contributions Describe how your work will help society, summarize the contributions it would make if you indeed followed through with this research. (1 paragraph) Describe how your work will advance the state of knowledge in the field. (1 paragraph) Reference list </pre>