Elements to Include in Your Research Proposal

Your research proposal must include the following elements:

-Title – derives from the aim of your research and contains key concepts

-Rationale – explain why you have chosen this topic and briefly summarise the existing literature on the topic

-Aim of your research-In one sentence explain what you intend to find out. (ideally you will have one aim only)

-Objectives of your research –Objectives should have a strong logical connection with the aim and they should point to the data you need.

-Methodology

 -Approach-explain what approach to research you intend to use and why (making reference to research methods manuals)

 -Design -explain what design you intend to use and why (making reference to research methods manuals)

 -Methods-explain what method(s) of research you intend to use and why. (making reference to research methods manuals)

 -Participants-explain who your participants will be the sampling method (sample size and the size of the population). For qualitative research explain what criteria you will be using to select your participants.

 -Validity and reliability-explain what measures you will be taking to enhance the validity and reliability of your research. (If a qualitative approach is employed you need to explain what measures you will be taking to ensure the credibility and trustworthiness of your research including a short explanation onreflexivity.

 -Data analysis-explain briefly how you intend to analyse your data.

Engage in identifying a relevant topic appropriate to the student’s area of study from which a suitable research project can be developed.

Demonstrate an understanding of how to conduct a literature review including searching for, and critically engaging with, the ideas of contributing authors to the particular topic.

Critically evaluate and design a range of research methods and appropriate research techniques for the collection and analysis of data using quantitative, qualitative or joint methods in order to address the research aim, question and objectives

Demonstrate transferable skills including time management, project management, listening, negotiation, written communication skills, independent learning and advanced research skills

· Please read this carefully and comply fully:

· Follow the course guidelines regarding submitting work, as below (e.g. electronic or paper copies).

· Pages should be numbered.

· All work to be submitted as Arial 12 font with 1.5 line spacing.

· All writing should be in the third person passive.

· Written work must be word-processed

· The module title and code number must be clearly marked on the front cover.

· Work you submit for assessment must be properly

· You may seek clarification from the module tutor at any time.

· There is no excuse for failing to submit your work in accordance with the guidance, work that does not meet the necessary standards in that respect will be marked accordingly.

· No collaboration is allowed.

TICK

Have you read and understood the assessment criteria?

Have you met the learning outcomes? You will lose marks and your work may even be failed if you have not.

Have you demonstrated you can think and write critically in the completed work? This means you have supported your arguments/explanations appropriately e.g. using relevant academic sources and you have offered discussion points which extends your own or others’ viewpoints to make reasoned conclusions/judgements.

Have you maintained an academic tone throughout your work? Is your work formal, focused, developed and clear?

Have you checked that the referencing in your assignment is in line with your programme requirements?

Have you proof-read your work and used spellcheck software to check your spelling and grammar?

Have you checked the presentation of your work is as specified by your tutor, for example, are font size, colour,style, line spacing and margins as the tutor specified?

Have you kept to the word count (or equivalent)? If you are not sure, check with your tutor.

Can you confirm that the work submitted is your own and not plagiarised?