How to write a research proposal

What is a research proposal

Start writing proposals

• What do I want to learn?
• Why is the topic important?
• How is it important in the subject area covered in my class?
• What problems will help solve?
• How do I build on (and hopefully surpass) what was done on the topic?
• What should I plan to do, and can I complete it in the time available?

Research Proposal Template

Example: Hitchcock’s psycho direct influence on the horror genre.

Example: How did Hitchcock’s psycho influence the way horror films were made? How has the horror genre changed with respect to movies?

Example: Research conducted links Hitchcock’s psycho to too many modern films to exhibit the same shock factor qualities. Today, the Shock Factor is more difficult to achieve; This is seen in the rise in low-quality horror flicks that link shock rather than suspense to hold the audience’s attention.

Outline of research proposal

1. Title
2. Intro / abstract. Why is your research significant?

• Public Areas
• Regional importance

3. Context

• What is already known?
• Previous lessons
• Background information

4. Rational questions and research

• Your research question
• How does your research question relate to the larger study area?
• What is your argument/claim/hypothesis about the answer to this question?
• Are there opposing points of view?

5. method

• How do you collect data?
• Which method do you use?
• Do you have participants?
• How does this relate to your research?
• What results do you expect?

6. Significance and conclusion

• How does data/information gathering confirm/disconfirm your hypothesis?
• Why would anyone care about the research you do?

7. Bibliography. Include at least 6 sources

Research paper format

APA research proposal

• Font 12 pt. times New Roman
• Double spacing
• 1 inch margins
• APA run head (limited to 50 characters)
• Title page with paper title (no more than 12 words in length), your name, and the name of your institution
• Abstract (150-200 words)
• In-text citation (formatted according to APA Guidelines)
• Reference page (formatted according to APA Guidelines)

Sample research proposal