Theoretical Underpinnings and Methodology for Research Proposal

You must identify the main theoretical underpinnings of your work and the key authors in your field of research.

1. Title of the research proposal.

2. An introduction to the report.

3. The Introduction should tell the reader what the report is about. It sets the project in its wider context, outlines the structure and signposts the reader to the key points.

Background to the research (context of the research). This is the section, in which you should justify why the topic you have chosen is of relevance and importance. You might provide some theoretical context or/and offer some relevant facts and figures regarding a particular industry – if possible, these should highlight any gaps in the existing body of knowledge. There should not be a significant overlap with the literature review, but appropriate references should be made. This part of your report should contextualise the research and lead the reader logically to the research aim and objectives.

Begin this section by clearly stating the aim of your proposed research in one or two sentences (verbs often used are: to investigate; to explore; to compare). Then provide a breakdown of the specific objectives you will undertake in your research in order to meet the aim (there should not be more than four objectives). Be as precise as possible. The objectives should link directly to the research aim and be numbered (i.e. from 1 to 4).

Please note that if it is more appropriate to use an overarching research question, followed by a subset of research questions (no more than four), you can do so. It is your personal choice.  

You must identify the main theoretical underpinnings of your work and the key authors in your field of research. You should make references to the key authors and themes from the body of academic literature that is relevant to your researched topic area. It is important to utilise a range of academic sources (such as, journal articles, academic textbooks) and should be appropriately referenced.

1. A justification of the research approach and methods for data collection, including your philosophical position and methodological approach to the study. Research methods (how are you going to collect your data? Why is this the most appropriate form of data collection for your research?)

2. Research design, sample and sampling (i.e. timeline, where and with whom?).

3. How do you propose to analyse your data.

4. Limitations of the study – any problems you might anticipate and how you could overcome them.

5. Ethical considerations relating to this study.

Either a short paragraph or a table indicating your planned research activity and research milestones. It should demonstrate the viability of your research.

You may wish to remind the reader of the most important points that have been made in the report. However, no new material should be introduced in the final section.