Template of a research proposal

1. 1
Title of your research proposal
Name:
Academic year:
Research Seminar for Educational Sciences
Prof. Dr. Chang Zhu
Thesis promotor: Prof. Dr.
Date of submission:
Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences
Master of Science in Educational Sciences

2. 2
Table of Contents
Abstract ...............................................................................................................................................................
Introduction and problem statement................................................................................................................
Introduction .....................................................................................................................................................
Problem statement ...........................................................................................................................................
Purpose/objectives of this research .................................................................................................................
Literature review................................................................................................................................................
Review of related literature .............................................................................................................................
The theoretical base or conceptual framework of this research ......................................................................
Research questions .............................................................................................................................................
General research question................................................................................................................................
Specific research quesitions ............................................................................................................................
Hypotheses if needed ......................................................................................................................................
Research design and methods............................................................................................................................
Research context..............................................................................................................................................
Population and research sample ......................................................................................................................
Instrument ...................................................................................................................................................
Data collection /procedure...............................................................................................................................
Intervention/experimental design (if applicable).............................................................................................
Data analysis methods .....................................................................................................................................
Expected results and significance of this research ..........................................................................................
Expected results...............................................................................................................................................
Significance of this research ...........................................................................................................................
Planning/time frame of the research.................................................................................................................
References ............................................................................................................................................................
Appendix ..............................................................................................................................................................
Instruments/Questionnaires .............................................................................................................................
Interview questions..........................................................................................................................................

3. 3
Abstract
Write briefly the rational and the main objectives of your research. Introduce the research
methods, instruments, samples and procedure of the research. Report briefly the main results
and findings. Summarize the significance of this study or knowledge gained.
Introduction
It begins with a few short introductory paragraphs. The primary goal of the introductory
paragraphs is to catch the attention of the readers and to introduce "why this research is useful
and important". It sets the stage for the paper and puts your topic in perspective. The
introduction often contains general statements about the need for the study.
The statement of the research problem is the focal point of your research. It can be just
one sentence, with several paragraphs of elaboration.
While the problem statement itself is just one sentence, it is always accompanied by
several paragraphs that elaborate on the problem. Present persuasive arguments why the
problem is important enough to study. Include the opinions of others (eg. statements from
previous research or other professionals). Explain how the problem relates to the current
trends, real situation, etc.
The purpose is a single statement or paragraph that explains what the study intends to
accomplish. You can also list the objectives if there are more than one objectives.
Literature review
Literature review is important because it shows what previous researchers have discovered. It
is usually quite long and primarily depends upon how much research has previously been
done in the area you are planning to investigate. If you are planning to explore a relatively
new area, the literature review should cite similar areas of study or studies that lead up to the
current research.
This part should also contain a definition of terms when appropriate. Include it if your
paper uses special terms that are unique to your field of inquiry or that might not be
understood by the general reader. "Operational definitions" (definitions that you have
formulated for the study) should also be included. An example of an operational definition is:
"For the purpose of this research, improvement is operationally defined as posttest score
minus pretest score".
The theoretical framework can be one that is commonly accepted and applied in previous
research. It can also be a conceptual framework that you propose for your current study, but
based on existing theories and previous research. Make sure the theoretical framework is very
relevant and indeed provides basis and guidance for your research.
Research Questions
List your general and specific research questions. When needed, also present the hypotheses.

4. 4
Method
The methodology section describes which research methods you will use and your basic
research plan. It usually begins with a short introductory paragraph to state the general design,
specific context and research methods to meet the purpose of this research. And then present
the following specific sections:
Population and sampling
1) Define the population
2) Draw a representative sample from the population
3) The sample number and the background information of your sample
Instrument/measures/questionnaires/interview questions
If you are using a survey that was designed by someone else, state the source of the survey.
Describe the theoretical constructs that the survey is attempting to measure. If it is a
questionnaire made by yourself, explain the details, such as the number of items, scales,
sample items, and the scoring scheme. Often you can include a copy of the actual survey in
the appendix.
If you use interviews, present your main interview questions.
Procedure
State exactly when the research begins and when it ends. Describe any special procedures that
are followed (e.g., instructions for the participants, presentation of an informed consent form,
the setting and length of experiments, the timeframe of observations, the time and procedure
of the interviews, the administration methods of the survey, etc.).
Timeframe
Specify your research plan. For example, in which month your research instrument should be
ready; when you will conduct the survey or interviews; when you will have the data input;
when you will conduct the data analysis and complete your master thesis.
Data analysis
Which data analysis techniques will be used for this research. Usually each research question
requires its own analysis. Thus the research questions should be addressed one at a time
followed by a description of the type of statistical tests that are performed to answer that
research question. State what variables are included in the analyses and identify the dependent
and independent variables if such a relationship exists. For qualitative study, state the coding
scheme and what analyses will be used.
Expected results
What do you expect and what would be the significance of this research? If possible, point out
how your study relates to the larger issues in the relevant research area. It makes the purpose
worth pursuing.

5. 5
Limitations
All research has limitations and its specific scope. Limitations are often imposed by time and
practical constraints. Describe the extent to which the limitations might have influenced this
research.
Implications
Present the theoretical and practical implications of your study. What are the contributions of
this study to the relevant theories and educational practices?
References
List references in APA format alphabetically by author's last name.
Appendix
You can include a copy of any actual instruments to be used or supporting figures for your
study.