2021
Research proposal tips & examples
, Here is an outline of the main components of a research proposal:
1. Cover letter: A research proposal should be accompanied by a letter stating the purpose
of the proposal. The two main reasons for writing a research proposal are:
(a) to convince other people (eg a research committee, an academic supervisor, your boss
or manager, the executive of a community organisation) that you have a worthwhile and
feasible project, and
(b) to apply for money (eg from a bursary committee, a funding organisation, your
company’s research and development budget) to cover the costs of your study.
2. Project title: The project title is a brief phrase reflecting the essence of the study. The
title should contain the most important key terms of the research (or problem) statement
without becoming over-inclusive or detailed. Avoid fancy or poetic wording if it does not
serve a specific purpose. The title should be a clearly formulated and easily comprehensible
statement conveying the gist of the project.
3. Abstract (or summary) that provides a brief and concise summary of the proposed study.
4. General introduction: The general introduction is a short paragraph providing a
schematic overview of the project. The aim of this paragraph is to orientate the reader by
(a) stating the research focus, issue or problem, and
(b) by indicating very briefly how the researcher plans to study the problem.
5. Stating the research issue, focus or topic: The research issue is introduced in one or
more paragraphs covering the following topics:
(a) a description of the research issue or an outline of the research focus,