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WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Planning and thinking about research

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Purpose and value of a research proposal

Determining your question. Narrowing your focus from a broad

topic of interest to a workable question that can be answered well within the word count – crucial to do well.

Identifying important sources in advance. Significantly reduce the writing time. Understanding the important debates by

placing yourself in the literature.

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Contents

Research question

Significance of study

Identification of literature

Methodology

Proposed structure

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Theory There are two main uses of a theory:

Determine relevance. Explain process.

Anything that is not about elephants is irrelephant

An effort to understand in a procedure of enquiry

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Significance of studyNot necessarily original – in fact

this is highly unlikely. Must be specific to your question, but

placed within the context of the literature on the broad topic.

How do you contribute if not original? A way of introducing your focus.

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Identification of literature Have you successfully identified the

body of literature? Identifying key authors. Identifying themes. Identifying debates/contentions. How does your research question fit in?

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Proposed table of contents

Why is structure

important?

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Conclusion A good research essay…

…has a research question that can be fully addressed in the confines of the word limit.

…indicates the significance of study. …identifies the important themes and

debates in the literature. …outlines a logical, analytical structure. …can significantly ease the process of

research (and improve your grade).