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Writing an Under-graduate Research
Proposal: Social Science
Louise LiveseyAcademic Skills Adviser
This workshop will:
- Consider the ways proposals differ from other types of academic writing
Explore common components of many research proposals at this level
Offer tips and strategies for writing up an effective proposal
The Plan
1. How proposals are different to other assignments
2. Sections in a research proposal
3. Tips for writing an effective proposal
A proposal’s function: to provide an outline of your intended
research activity.
1.How proposals are different to other
assignments
what your research question/s are
why you have chosen this research activity and field
the subject of your research activity
how you intend to undertake the research activity
why you have chosen these methods
You need to include…
• Use the future tense where needed• The proposed research will examine…
• Possibly use first person
• Use sections and headings
• Short assignment
• Agreement with your tutor
• Possible specific format to course
1.How proposals are different to other
assignments
Titles should…
reflect your aim/s
Identify the setting
Use the research question/s as a base
Be ‘concrete’ about what your are researching
2.Sections in a research proposal
Any issues with this title?
All change: the need for radical intervention
at Moon Bank Inc. to enable BME managers
to take their place in the boardroom.
2.Sections in a research proposal
TALKING POINT
Activity 1: Any issues with this title?
All change: an evaluation of the frameworks
in operation at Moon Bank Inc. which aim to
facilitate BME managers to take their place
in the boardroom: a case study of two
branches in Liverpool and Cardiff.
2.Sections in aresearch proposal
How about this one?
All change: an evaluation of the frameworks in
operation at Moon Bank Inc. which aim to facilitate
BME managers to take their place in the
boardroom 2004-2014: a case study of two
branches in Liverpool and Cardiff.
2.Sections in aresearch proposal
Objectives: the key steps of baking. i.e. getting your ingredients together and following a recipe.
2.Sections in a research proposal
Aim: a fruit cake
2.Sections in a research proposal
• Introduction
• Shorter literature review
• Research design/Methodology:
Chose methods and tools
Rejected methods
Your stance
• Ethical considerations:
Consent
Confidentiality and anonymity
Data storage
Access to results
• Conclusion/recommendations
• Timeframe
• Reference list/bibliography
3.Tips for writing an effective proposal
Beclearandconcisebyusingasfewwordsaspossibleandnotusingmulti-syllabicwordswheresimpleoneswilldo.Tutorsandmarkershavethousandsofwordstoreadsomakeiteasyforthemtofindthekeymessagesinthedesignatedsections.
Whenwritingaboutyou,berelevant.Forexample,IhaveyearsofsalesexperiencesoIamcomfortablewithpeopleandhavegoodcommunicationskills.ThereforeIammostlikelytouseinterviewandfocusgroupmethodstocollectmydata.Thisisrelevant-mycyclingproficiencytestisnot!
Learntogiveandreceivefeedbackfromco-studentsasthiscouldprovidevaluableinformationonhowtoimproveyourproposal,andyouwillbebetterpreparedforfeedbackfromyourtutor.
UsethefollowingWHITTLEchecklist:
3.Tips for writing an effective proposalWhat: is the research question – is it targeted and refined or to broad?
How: will you carry out your research – what is the methodology, methods and tools you have chosen and why? Why have you rejected others? What is your stance as a researcher?
Importance: why is your research important? Who are most likely to find your research important?
Timely: why should your research be carried out now?
Title: does your proposed title tell a reader what the research is about?
Literature: have you identified the key research carried out in your field? Do you show a clear link between the existing literature and your research?
End result: are the aims clearly defined and when you have finished your research, what will the end result be?
Academic Skills Advice Service
Where are we? Chesham Building B0.23
What do we do? Support undergraduate students with their study skills by running clinics and workshops, having bookable appointment slots, and enabling students to drop-in for Instant Advice.
Who are we? Michael and Helen specialise in Maths Support; Lucy and Russell advise students on study skills; and I (Louise) deliver the workshops
When can you come for help? Everyday both face to face and on-line
How do I get in touch? Email: [email protected] or website www.brad.ac.uk/academic-skills
Any questions?
