This is a brief introduction to writing a research proposal for a project or dissertation

1. Writing a research proposal Orna Farrell orna.farrell@dbs.ie

2. Discussion questions What is a research proposal? What are the main elements in a research proposal? What is your research topic?

3. What is a research proposal? “Good research proposals both give an overview of the project and a well informed discussion of the nuts and bolts of the proposed research” (Burnett 2009) Connects with current literature Well though out, viable and timely Aware of strengths and limitations of your proposed approach Ethics

4. Important components Research question Argument: why the research is important and worthwhile Philosophical stance, e.g.. Positivist, feminist.. Methodological approach which is reliable, valid & viable Reasons for choice of methods Ethical issues Secondary reading: literature review

5. Research Proposal Headings Title page & table of contents Title Aims & Objectives Introduction to the research topic Literature review Research design Ethical considerations Conclusions and recommendations Bibliography

6. Research proposal headings Title: should reflect the well defined aims of the research. Should be concrete Ex 1. “Why are all the managers white at Moon Bank Inc?” Is this a good title for a research proposal?

7. aims & objectives Here the researcher talks about the purpose of the research Aims: general Objectives: specific example aim: To evaluate the formal and informal processes of promotion within Moon Bank. example objective: Do all candidates have an equal chance of finding out about forthcoming promotion opportunities?

8. Introduction to Research topic Explain: What the research topic is? Why have you chosen it? Why is the topic important?

9. Research Design Research methods used: Is it qualitative or quantitative? How will data be collected and analysed? Why have you chosen particular methods? What are the advantages and limitations of the research methods used? How are you positioned in the research as the researcher

10. Ethical Considerations How will you go about gaining your participants consent? How will participants confidentiality and anonymity be maintained? What will you do with the data you collect, including personal details? How will your participants have access to the results of your research?

11. Conclusions & recommendations Identify some the potential of the project including theoretical, methodological, policy and other issues

12. References Burnett, J. (2009) Doing your social science dissertation. London: Sage. McMillan, K. &Weyers, J. (2009) How to write dissertations and project reports. Pearson Prentice Hall.