NOTES ON DRAFTING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
While there is considerable mysticism about research, actually it is nothing more than simply pursuing the answer to a specific question about a particular topic. In turn, a research proposal is primarily an action plan to find the answer. Whether your proposal is for a graduate committee, grant funds, a research permit, or some other purpose, basically you are selling an idea; that is, doing something that is interesting and important for others to invest in. It must also demonstrate that you are competent to successfully conduct the research. Accordingly, everything must be done to communicate as clearly, concisely, and convincingly as possible.
The entire process is made far easier, and much more efficient and effective, if, at the very outset, you can identify as clearly and concisely as possible a question to pursue within a particular topic and/or area. That primary question may in turn be divided into several secondary questions, and those into tertiary questions. At some stage, one or more of these questions may be formally stated as hypotheses to actually test with data.
Most research proposals include the following items, whether or not they are explicitly identified by subheadings. However, some authors, supervisors, granting agencies, and others may have their own specifications. Depending on the item, about two to four pages (typed, double-spaced) should be sufficient. About 15-20 pages are necessary for a solid proposal. Remember, the more a busy reviewer has to read, the less their interest and approbation! You have to strike a balance in providing information which is sufficient but not excessive.
TITLE PAGE
What is the topic?
Who are the researchers and where are they located?
On a separate title page are usually listed the title and subtitle of the research project; the name, institutional affiliation, address and other contact information (telephone, FAX, email, webpage) for the investigator(s); and the exact date.
ABSTRACT
What are the three to five most important points to inform the reader about your research project?
About one page containing a paragraph on each point should be sufficient. The abstract is the single most important part of a research proposal, because it sets the stage for the reader and may be the only part that is actually read carefully. It may also be published by a granting agency. Furthermore, writing a good abstract will facilitate writing the remainder of the proposal, although the abstract should be revised afterward.
INTRODUCTION
What is so interesting and important about this topic?
What are some of the most important questions remaining to be answered or subtopics yet to be explored?
The first sentence and paragraph of the introduction are especially critical and should be carefully crafted because they are likely to either attract or repel the reader.
BACKGROUND AND THEORY
What background does the reviewer need to have presented, or recognize that you have, in order to be able to assess the project, or be convinced of its merit?
What are the gaps or deficiencies in what is already known about the subject?
How will this approach differ or add something new?
What anthropological paradigms (conceptual frameworks) and theory or theories (general or abstract statements) will guide the collection, interpretation, and analysis of the data?
The background includes a survey of what is already known about the topic as revealed by a review of the most relevant literature. This section should not try to discuss everything that has ever been written, but adequately survey the publications which are clearly indispensable.
Any question or topic is potentially quicksand, and graduate student proposals are often far too ambitious, reflecting more a lifetime career in research than a readily manageable project within a year or two. One way to reduce a project to something manageable is to frame it as a series of progressive stages, realizing that the first stage alone would be sufficient for a thesis or dissertation if time runs out.
QUESTION AND/OR PROBLEM STATEMENT
What do you really want to find out most of all about a topic?
What are the most important questions (primary, secondary, tertiary) to adequately explore this topic?
How can these be framed as a basic problem statement?
A question or problem may be a completely new idea, a contradiction to an old idea, a new approach to it, or address previous deficiencies or gaps.
METHODS
What are the best ways to find answers to the research question(s)?
Among the various methods which could be applied in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, which are the most appropriate and most feasible with the resources you have available? (Here resources include training, skills, funds, time, and so on).
Several different methods may be complementary in providing more thorough data and perspectives on the selected topic than any single method alone. Also, ideally, triangulation can be applied; that is, using several different independent methods to collect the same data and cross-check one another's data.
SIGNIFICANCE
Why should anyone really care about this project beyond your own curiosity?
In particular, why should anyone invest money, time, expertise, or other assistance in this project?
What are its potential theoretical and practical benefits?
What will its contributions be to you, the hosts (community, institution, and country), science, the profession, and the public?
What will be the final tangible product(s) such as publications? (If a thesis or dissertation, include a table of contents, perhaps as an appendix).
Next to the abstract, this may well be the most important section of the proposal, because this is the last part of the text read and where the author closes the sale on the key idea(s).
SCHEDULE
How will time be allocated in pursuing the answers to the questions posed for the research project?
Is this allotment really adequate and practical?
For a one-year project, a monthly breakdown of research activities in outline form is desirable.
BUDGET
How will money be allocated in pursuing this research?
Will this amount be adequate and practical?
Be prepared to receive less funding than requested!
The budget may include travel, housing, subsistence, equipment (durable goods), supplies, assistant fees and gifts, honoraria for co-investigators, and many other kinds of items. Accurate estimates of major cost items and a brief justification are necessary, such as for a camera or laptop. (Usually the justification for each major expense is placed in a footnote). Also it should be specified that after the end of the project expensive items of equipment will be donated to the host institution rather than retained for personal use. (Many granting agencies require account records including receipts to demonstrate how the money was spent).
APPENDICES
What kinds of additional information may be helpful to a reviewer which better fit after the main text of the proposal?
Appendices may incorporate such things as sample questionnaires; a regional map locating the study site(s); personal statement of professional responsibility or ethics including safeguards for human subjects; a copy of a national research permit; general "To Whom It May Concern" letters of introduction and support from supervisors and/or others; and a curriculum vita or resume (short version of CV).
REFERENCES CITED OR BIBLIOGRAPHY
What books, articles, and other publications have been cited in the text of the proposal?
Are any additional ones needed?
Full and accurate bibliographic citations should be given. You can not cover the relevant literature exhaustively, but should include indispensable items. Also citations should include the most recent literature.
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Also see:
Adam Przeworski and Frank Salomon, 2005, "The Art of Writing Proposals: Some Candid Suggestions for Applicants to Social Sciences Research Council Competitions,"
http://www.ssrc.org/publications/for-fellows/art_of_writing_proposals.page