Pokbah 5 research proposal

UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 1

Research ProposalResearch Proposal

Dr. Ir. Nastiti Siswi Indrasti


Research proposals have many different functions. Some of these are:

(1) To convince other people, like other researchers, researchfunding agencies, educational institutions, and supervisors, that your research is worth spending scarce resources on. You convince people of the value of your work by showing them how your research will make a difference to the world, or by identifying a dilemma in existing theory which your research will help resolve.

(2) To demonstrate expertise in a particular area of study. Youwant to convince people that you have enough understanding of the research topic and to be able to do the research properly. You do this by intelligently summarizing, comparing and integrating all the relevant theory and existing research pertaining to your topic.

Research proposals have many different functions. Some of these are:

(1) To convince other people, like other researchers, researchfunding agencies, educational institutions, and supervisors, that your research is worth spending scarce resources on. You convince people of the value of your work by showing them how your research will make a difference to the world, or by identifying a dilemma in existing theory which your research will help resolve.

(2) To demonstrate expertise in a particular area of study. Youwant to convince people that you have enough understanding of the research topic and to be able to do the research properly. You do this by intelligently summarizing, comparing and integrating all the relevant theory and existing research pertaining to your topic.


(3) To demonstrate competency in a particular area of study. It is also vital that your proposal convinces the reader that youhave all the necessary skills to carry out the proposed study.You do this by describing an appropriate and feasible research method.

(4) To serve as a contract. Research often involves contractsbetween different individuals or groups or people. The proposal states clearly what each party is expected to bring to the research, how resources will be used, and when theresearch should be completed.

(5) To serve as a planning tool. Many research projects failbecause they are not properly planned. Even when badlyplanned research does eventually reach its conclusion, it istypically very stressful to the researcher. When a clear planof action is in place from the beginning the research is muchmore likely to proceed smoothly and to be successful.

(3) To demonstrate competency in a particular area of study. It is also vital that your proposal convinces the reader that youhave all the necessary skills to carry out the proposed study.You do this by describing an appropriate and feasible research method.

(4) To serve as a contract. Research often involves contractsbetween different individuals or groups or people. The proposal states clearly what each party is expected to bring to the research, how resources will be used, and when theresearch should be completed.

(5) To serve as a planning tool. Many research projects failbecause they are not properly planned. Even when badlyplanned research does eventually reach its conclusion, it istypically very stressful to the researcher. When a clear planof action is in place from the beginning the research is muchmore likely to proceed smoothly and to be successful.


Concept MappingConcept Mapping


Proposal MapProposal Map

BACKGROUND

METHODSPROJECT IDEAS

TITLE

SUMMARY

PROJECT DETAIL

GOALS

OBJECTIVES

CLIENTELESTAFFS

RESOURCES

BUDGET

EVALUATION


First you need a clear research question.Researchers get their research questions from many different places.

(1) Observation of the WorldOften a researcher will notice a peculiarity in their world and start to wonder about it. Sometimes this produces a research question.

(2) TheoryIn many areas of the social sciences and humanities there exist competing theories. That is, different theories that explain the same phenomenon in different ways. By examining the different theories carefully it is possible to design research questions which will help us to understand which theory is more accurate. Thus, conflicting theoretical positions are an important source of research questions.

First you need a clear research question.Researchers get their research questions from many different places.

(1) Observation of the WorldOften a researcher will notice a peculiarity in their world and start to wonder about it. Sometimes this produces a research question.

(2) TheoryIn many areas of the social sciences and humanities there exist competing theories. That is, different theories that explain the same phenomenon in different ways. By examining the different theories carefully it is possible to design research questions which will help us to understand which theory is more accurate. Thus, conflicting theoretical positions are an important source of research questions.


(3) Previous ResearchNo study ever answers all the questions that we want to askabout a particular subject. New research findings nearlyalways inspire new research questions. Sometimes, it isbecause these findings are surprising, or because they conflict with existing theory, or other research findings.

(4) Practical ConcernsVery often researchers will be confronted by a problem in their own lives or become aware of the problems facing other people in their community. Much research is aimed at solving immediate problems in the world.

(5) Personal InterestFinally, it is often the case that researchers have their ownspecial areas of interest, and that their interest inspires theirresearch topics.

(3) Previous ResearchNo study ever answers all the questions that we want to askabout a particular subject. New research findings nearlyalways inspire new research questions. Sometimes, it isbecause these findings are surprising, or because they conflict with existing theory, or other research findings.

(4) Practical ConcernsVery often researchers will be confronted by a problem in their own lives or become aware of the problems facing other people in their community. Much research is aimed at solving immediate problems in the world.

(5) Personal InterestFinally, it is often the case that researchers have their ownspecial areas of interest, and that their interest inspires theirresearch topics.


There is no single format for research proposals. This is because every research project is different. Different disciplines, donor organisations and academic institutions all have different formats and requirements. There are, however, several key components which must be included in every research

The key components are:(1) A description of the research problem.(2) An argument as to why that problem is important.(3) A review of literature relevant to the research problem.(4) A description of the proposed research methodology.(5) A description of how the research findings will be used

and/or disseminated.

There is no single format for research proposals. This is because every research project is different. Different disciplines, donor organisations and academic institutions all have different formats and requirements. There are, however, several key components which must be included in every research

The key components are:(1) A description of the research problem.(2) An argument as to why that problem is important.(3) A review of literature relevant to the research problem.(4) A description of the proposed research methodology.(5) A description of how the research findings will be used

and/or disseminated.


The TitleThe perfect title tells the reader what the proposal is about. It should be concise, accurate and informative. Remember, the title is what the reader will first see in a contents list, and it will have to compete with all the other for attention with titles around.

Concise, accurate, informative

No waste words

Most important phrase first

Description or statement


Title:

It should be concise and descriptive. For example, the phrase, "An investigation of . . ." could be omitted.

Often titles are stated in terms of a functional relationship, because such titles clearly indicate the independent and dependent variables. However, if possible, think of an informative but catchy title.

An effective title not only pricks the reader's interest, but also predisposes him/her favourably towards the proposal.

Title:

It should be concise and descriptive. For example, the phrase, "An investigation of . . ." could be omitted.

Often titles are stated in terms of a functional relationship, because such titles clearly indicate the independent and dependent variables. However, if possible, think of an informative but catchy title.

An effective title not only pricks the reader's interest, but also predisposes him/her favourably towards the proposal.


Abstract:

It is a brief summary of approximately 300 words.

It should include the research question, the rationale for the study, the hypothesis (if any), the method and the main findings.

Descriptions of the method may include the design, procedures, the sample and any instruments that will be used.

Abstract:

It is a brief summary of approximately 300 words.

It should include the research question, the rationale for the study, the hypothesis (if any), the method and the main findings.

Descriptions of the method may include the design, procedures, the sample and any instruments that will be used.


Describing a Research Problem

Before your proposal can make sense to a reader, he or she must understand clearly what the proposed research will be about.

Therefore, you would do well to being this section with a clear and simple formulation of your research question.

Describing a Research Problem

Before your proposal can make sense to a reader, he or she must understand clearly what the proposed research will be about.

Therefore, you would do well to being this section with a clear and simple formulation of your research question.


Why the Research is ImportantThis section, often referred to as the "rationale" is crucial because it is one place in which the researcher tries to convince other people that the project is worth supporting.

In order to get support, you must be able to show that you plan to makesome useful contribution to your discipline or to some aspect of society, either directly or indirectly.

You can do this by describing how the results will be used.Think about how your research …

… may resolve theoretical questions in your area,… may develop better theoretical models in your area,… may influence public policy,… may change the way people do their jobs in a particular field, or … may change the way people live.

Why the Research is ImportantThis section, often referred to as the "rationale" is crucial because it is one place in which the researcher tries to convince other people that the project is worth supporting.

In order to get support, you must be able to show that you plan to makesome useful contribution to your discipline or to some aspect of society, either directly or indirectly.

You can do this by describing how the results will be used.Think about how your research …

… may resolve theoretical questions in your area,… may develop better theoretical models in your area,… may influence public policy,… may change the way people do their jobs in a particular field, or … may change the way people live.


Introduction:

The main purpose of the introduction is to provide the necessarybackground or context for your research problem. How to frame the research problem is perhaps the biggest problem in proposal writing.

Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast rules on how to frame your research question just as there is no prescription on how to write an interesting and informative opening paragraph. A lot depends on your creativity, your ability to think clearly and the depth of your understanding of problem areas.

Introduction:

The main purpose of the introduction is to provide the necessarybackground or context for your research problem. How to frame the research problem is perhaps the biggest problem in proposal writing.

Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast rules on how to frame your research question just as there is no prescription on how to write an interesting and informative opening paragraph. A lot depends on your creativity, your ability to think clearly and the depth of your understanding of problem areas.


The introduction generally covers the following elements:

1. State the research problem, which is often referred to as the purpose of the study.

2. Provide the context and set the stage for your research question in such a way as to show its necessity and importance.

3. Present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth doing.

4. Briefly describe the major issues and sub-problems to be addressed by your research.

5. Identify the key independent and dependent variables of your experiment. Alternatively, specify the phenomenon you want to study.

6. State your hypothesis or theory, if any. For exploratory or phenomenological research, you may not have any hypotheses.

7. Set the delimitation or boundaries of your proposed research in order to provide a clear focus.

The introduction generally covers the following elements:

1. State the research problem, which is often referred to as the purpose of the study.

2. Provide the context and set the stage for your research question in such a way as to show its necessity and importance.

3. Present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth doing.

4. Briefly describe the major issues and sub-problems to be addressed by your research.

5. Identify the key independent and dependent variables of your experiment. Alternatively, specify the phenomenon you want to study.

6. State your hypothesis or theory, if any. For exploratory or phenomenological research, you may not have any hypotheses.

7. Set the delimitation or boundaries of your proposed research in order to provide a clear focus.


Literature ReviewThe literature review presents one of the greatest challenges ofthe research proposal to experienced and inexperienced researchers alike.

The literature review:(1) Provides a conceptual framework for the reader so that the research

question and methodology can be better understood.(2) Demonstrates to the expert reader that the researcher is aware of the

breadth and diversity of literature that relates to the research question.

It is important that you are able to provide an integrated overview of your field of study. This means that you show awareness of the most important and relevant theories, models, studies, and methodologies. You should indicate how these are relevant to your project, and how these works are similar to and/or different from your own research.

Literature ReviewThe literature review presents one of the greatest challenges ofthe research proposal to experienced and inexperienced researchers alike.

The literature review:(1) Provides a conceptual framework for the reader so that the research

question and methodology can be better understood.(2) Demonstrates to the expert reader that the researcher is aware of the

breadth and diversity of literature that relates to the research question.

It is important that you are able to provide an integrated overview of your field of study. This means that you show awareness of the most important and relevant theories, models, studies, and methodologies. You should indicate how these are relevant to your project, and how these works are similar to and/or different from your own research.


The literature review is not simply a list or summary of books and articles that the researcher has read. Instead, it combines the most significant aspects of the works you have consulted, combining and synthesizing them in an integrated description of the field of study.

A good literature review shows how the texts you havementioned relate to the broad topic, as well as showing theexpert reader that you have surveyed much of the appropriate literature. It also demonstrates that a number of different approaches - or ways of understanding - the material will be used, and, in combination, will help you to produce an original study.

The literature review is not simply a list or summary of books and articles that the researcher has read. Instead, it combines the most significant aspects of the works you have consulted, combining and synthesizing them in an integrated description of the field of study.

A good literature review shows how the texts you havementioned relate to the broad topic, as well as showing theexpert reader that you have surveyed much of the appropriate literature. It also demonstrates that a number of different approaches - or ways of understanding - the material will be used, and, in combination, will help you to produce an original study.


Literature Review:

The literature review serves several important functions: 1. Ensures that you are not "reinventing the wheel". 2. Gives credits to those who have laid the groundwork for your

research. 3. Demonstrates your knowledge of the research problem. 4. Demonstrates your understanding of the theoretical and research

issues related to your research question. 5. Shows your ability to critically evaluate relevant literature

information. 6. Indicates your ability to integrate and synthesize the existing

literature.7. Provides new theoretical insights or develops a new model as the

conceptual framework for your research. 8. Convinces your reader that your proposed research will make a

significant and substantial contribution to the literature.

Literature Review:

The literature review serves several important functions: 1. Ensures that you are not "reinventing the wheel". 2. Gives credits to those who have laid the groundwork for your

research. 3. Demonstrates your knowledge of the research problem. 4. Demonstrates your understanding of the theoretical and research

issues related to your research question. 5. Shows your ability to critically evaluate relevant literature

information. 6. Indicates your ability to integrate and synthesize the existing

literature.7. Provides new theoretical insights or develops a new model as the

conceptual framework for your research. 8. Convinces your reader that your proposed research will make a

significant and substantial contribution to the literature.


Most literature reviews suffer from the following problems: 1. Lacking organization and structure 2. Lacking focus, unity and coherence 3. Being repetitive and verbose4. Failing to cite influential papers 5. Failing to keep up with recent developments 6. Failing to critically evaluate cited papers 7. Citing irrelevant or trivial references 8. Depending too much on secondary sources

Most literature reviews suffer from the following problems: 1. Lacking organization and structure 2. Lacking focus, unity and coherence 3. Being repetitive and verbose4. Failing to cite influential papers 5. Failing to keep up with recent developments 6. Failing to critically evaluate cited papers 7. Citing irrelevant or trivial references 8. Depending too much on secondary sources


Methodology

The methodology section of the research proposal is the second component which often causes great difficulty to both experienced and inexperienced researchers.

So how do I know what to put into my methodology section?The methodology section is designed to explain to your reader precisely how you intend to set about finding answers to the research question. You need to put in enough detail so that your reader (who has never met you) will understand precisely what process has led to your results and conclusions.


Empirical Research Methodology

HypothesesSpecific research hypotheses to be tested during data analysis.

Research DesignShould the researcher plan to use several groups, orrepeated testing to test particular hypotheses this should be explained in this section.

SamplingEmpirical research almost always depends upon a sample which is assumed to accurately represent a population.Therefore, the techniques by which the sample was chosen are vital to a discussion of the validity of the researchfindings.


Measurement InstrumentsWhen particular measurement instruments are used it is often important to explain how those instruments were developed, where they have previously been used (if at all), and to what effect.

Data Collection ProceduresDetailed data collection procedures should also be included so that other researchers can replicate your method exactly if required.

Data AnalysisVarious techniques of quantitative and qualitative data analysis exist and should be described in detail in this section.


Methods:

The Method section is very important because it tells the others how you plan to tackle your research problem.

It will provide your work plan and describe the activities necessary for the completion of your project.

It should contain sufficient information for the reader to determine whether methodology is sound. Some even argue that a good proposal should contain sufficient details for another qualified researcher to implement the study.

You need to demonstrate your knowledge of alternative methods and make the case that your approach is the most appropriate and most valid way to address your research question.

Methods:

The Method section is very important because it tells the others how you plan to tackle your research problem.

It will provide your work plan and describe the activities necessary for the completion of your project.

It should contain sufficient information for the reader to determine whether methodology is sound. Some even argue that a good proposal should contain sufficient details for another qualified researcher to implement the study.

You need to demonstrate your knowledge of alternative methods and make the case that your approach is the most appropriate and most valid way to address your research question.


For quantitative studies, the method section typically consists of the following sections:

1. Design -Is it a questionnaire study or a laboratory experiment? What kind of design do you choose?

2. Subjects or participants - Who will take part in your study ? What kind of sampling procedure do you use?

3. Instruments - What kind of measuring instruments or questionnaires do you use? Why do you choose them? Are they valid and reliable?

4. Procedure - How do you plan to carry out your study? What activities are involved? How long does it take?

For quantitative studies, the method section typically consists of the following sections:

1. Design -Is it a questionnaire study or a laboratory experiment? What kind of design do you choose?

2. Subjects or participants - Who will take part in your study ? What kind of sampling procedure do you use?

3. Instruments - What kind of measuring instruments or questionnaires do you use? Why do you choose them? Are they valid and reliable?

4. Procedure - How do you plan to carry out your study? What activities are involved? How long does it take?


Staffs / AdministrationStaffs / Administrationa.a. Use this section to describe the roles of the different people aUse this section to describe the roles of the different people associated ssociated with your project and the importance of each.with your project and the importance of each.

b.b. Make sure to clarify how each of the roles are essential to the Make sure to clarify how each of the roles are essential to the success of success of the project and each role clearly relates to use the methods youthe project and each role clearly relates to use the methods you have have described.described.

c.c. So what do you say about your key people? To start, make sure yoSo what do you say about your key people? To start, make sure you include u include name, title, experience, and qualifications. Include other inforname, title, experience, and qualifications. Include other information if you mation if you feel it's important to the success of your project.feel it's important to the success of your project.

d.d. The descriptions of your personnel should let the funding agencyThe descriptions of your personnel should let the funding agency know that know that you have excellent people who are committed to the project. You you have excellent people who are committed to the project. You are not are not asking the funding agency to "trust" you. The validity for what asking the funding agency to "trust" you. The validity for what you are you are proposing is directly related to the people that will work with proposing is directly related to the people that will work with the project.the project.

e.e. Working together as a part of a team is something that funding aWorking together as a part of a team is something that funding agencies gencies often like to see. Try making your project a team effort.often like to see. Try making your project a team effort.

f.f. If you will be using a Steering Committee (Advisory Committee, GIf you will be using a Steering Committee (Advisory Committee, Governing overning Board, etc.) to assist in your project, this is a good place to Board, etc.) to assist in your project, this is a good place to describe how it describe how it will be organised and who will be included.will be organised and who will be included.


ResourcesResources

aa. . Collaborative efforts (an important project Collaborative efforts (an important project resource) are usually considered very favourably! resource) are usually considered very favourably! Many funding agencies like to see coMany funding agencies like to see co--operative operative ventures as the basis for local action..ventures as the basis for local action..

b.b. It is very impressive to a prospective funding It is very impressive to a prospective funding agency if local resources have already been agency if local resources have already been contacted and plans to include them in the project contacted and plans to include them in the project have already been made. Letters from local have already been made. Letters from local resources supporting the project are an excellent resources supporting the project are an excellent addition to the proposal.addition to the proposal.


Apart from the sections outlined above, many organisations demand other sections as well. These sections could include:

(1) BudgetsMake sure that amounts budgeted for are realistic and up todate. Check before submitting what kind of costs areacceptable.

(2) Time FramesInexperienced researchers tend to underestimate the amountof time that the various stages of research will take. Begenerous when working out time frames and check themwith a more experienced researcher.


BudgetBudget

Typically three parts:Typically three parts:►► personnel (salaries, fringe benefits, contracts)personnel (salaries, fringe benefits, contracts)►► nonnon--personnel (space, rent of equipment supplies)personnel (space, rent of equipment supplies)►► indirect costs (overhead)indirect costs (overhead)►► It should correlate to objectives and methods. It should correlate to objectives and methods.

Timelines are often found here also.Timelines are often found here also.►► Justify requests for salary.Justify requests for salary.►► If you plan to hire someone with the funding, If you plan to hire someone with the funding,

include a position description.include a position description.


► Resources

►► HasanHasan, , SinggihSinggih, , DamonaDamona, , NastitiNastiti, , MoeljadiMoeljadi, , WahyuWahyuGeneral Guidelines for Developing Funding General Guidelines for Developing Funding ProposalProposal

►► Group 5Group 5

►Muchtadi Deddy►Dept of Food Science & Technology►Bogor Agricultural University

Pokbah 5 research proposal

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