1、Preparing and presenting a research proposalWhy do we write research proposals?lTypes of proposals: for degrees, for getting research grantlConsiderations for both: Can the research plan be implemented within the environment you select, the scope of time given, and the facilities available?General g

2、uidelines for writing a research proposallGenerally, a research proposal should contain all the key elements involved in the research process and include sufficient information for the readers to evaluate the proposed study. All research proposals must address the following questions: General guidel

3、ines for writing a research proposall(1) What do you plan to accomplish? l(2) Why do you want to do it?l (3) How are you are going to do it? Your MA research ProposallLength: at least 2000 words( in English)lNecessary components: lTitle; lIntroduction; lLiterature Review; lMethods; Results(discussio

4、n); lDifficulties that may arise and lhow you would tackle them; lResearch schedule; lReferences Detailed guidelinesl4.1 Title: lProvides sufficient focus for the research and a point of departure, indicating the authors name and the degree programme for which the proposal is submitted. It should be

5、 specific, descriptive and comprehensive.4.2 Introduction: Aims/purposes and rationale/justificationlAims/purposes l- State the research problem, which is often referred to as the purpose or aim of the study. l-Briefly describe the major issues and sub-problems to be addressed by your research. lRat

6、ionale/justification: To place the intended study in context, and to show why the research questions and the proposed study are important.l- The value of the study for the researcher: The researcher is interested in a question. How can you develop an interest? l- The value of the study for a researc

7、h community: This often takes the form of a theoretical justification of a study, showing that its intended to add to existing knowledge, or to challenge existing assumptions, in ways that will contribute to current theory-building or theory-testing within a community. l- The possible value of appli

8、ed forms of research to others: Possible benefits to others may itself contribute to the value of your research. Literature review: Ensures that you are not reinventing the wheel. l- Gives credits to those who have laid the groundwork for your research. l- Demonstrates your knowledge of the research

9、 problem and yourlunderstanding of the theoretical and research issues involved.l- Demonstrates your ability to integrate and synthesize the existing literature and your ability to critically evaluate the relevant literature. lProblems to avoid:l- Lacking organization and structure l- Lacking focus,

10、 unity and coherencel- Being repetitive and verbose l- Failing to cite influential papers l- Failing to keep up with recent developments l- Failing to critically evaluate cited papers l- Citing irrelevant or trivial references l- Depending too much on secondary sources Theoretical foundationslbasic

11、conceptslMethods: Very important! It is an opportunity to display a capacity to organize your proposed research. It should contain sufficient information for the reader to determine whether your methodology is sound. There are typically four components for quantitative studies: design, participants/

12、 subjects, instruments/material and procedure. l- Design: Is it a questionnaire study or a laboratory experiment? What kind of design do you choose? l- Subjects/participants: Who will take part in your study? How any subjects are you going to have? What kind of sampling procedure do you use? l- Inst

13、ruments: What kind of measuring instruments or questionnaires do you use? Why do you choose them? Are they valid and reliable? l- Procedure: How do you plan to carry out your study? What activities are involved? How long does it take?l Is it necessary to consider possibilities? lResults: none at the

14、 stage of the research proposal, but you should indicate what kind of data you will be collecting and what statistical procedures you will use to answer your research questions. lPossible difficulties: A way to show the depth of your thinking. A way to enlist guidance.lSchedule: Set out the planned schedule for the different stages of the proposed research. lWhy must we schedule our work? Why is it necessary to meet the deadlines? How can we exploit the tension between op