What is the significance of the issue, Provide insight

Outline for Research Proposal

Use this outline when developing the research proposal. Research proposals are requests! Your written research proposal is a written request to do research on the problem you selected. Note that this is not an argumentative topic or classical argument. It is not a position paper.

 

Note that sections II, III, and IV may be longer than a single paragraph.

I. Introduction

a. What is the significance of the issue? Provide insight to the relevance of the issue

b. End by stating the main point(s) of the proposal in a thesis statement.

II. Issue Summary

a. Explain and describe what you already know about the issue.

i. How does the issue impact society?

ii. What factor(s) contribute to the issue’s ongoing presence?

III. Research Approach Summary

a. Explain what more you need to learn about the issue.

i. What do you plan to research regarding the issue?

ii. Will you have to clarify terms and concepts?

iii. What research is needed for the opposing viewpoint?

iv. What kinds of sources will you use for your research?

v. What strengths will they lend to the paper?

vi. How will they help clarify points you want to make?

vii. How will you gather your sources?

IV. Intended Audience

a. Describe the intended audience for your research.

i. Who needs to know about this issue?

ii. Is the audience general, specialized, or both?

iii. Discuss what people or group of people might benefit from reading your paper; how will your audience benefit from your research?

V. Conclusion

a. What is at stake if the problem is not researched and solved?

b. Why is it worthy of a solution?