Tips for developing a

research proposal
Untung Waluyo

Talk Overview
1.
2.
3.
4.

Research title
Introduction
Literature review
Research Method

Research title
A good research title:
should accurately, clearly, and concisely reflect
the importance and content of the paper in one
sentence
Condenses the researchs content in a few words
accuratelyreflectsthe crux of yourresearch
willprovide the readers with information about
the focus of yourresearchstudy
Differentiates your thesis from other theses of
the same subject area

RDS
WRITING QUOTES HELP LEARNERS MOVING ON
AND STAYING MOTIVATED
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF USING THE LONGMAN
COMMUNICATION 3000 IN TEACHING READING
TO INCREASE STUDENTS ABILITY
THE METHOD SELECTION OF TEACHING ENGLISH
GRAMMAR FOR CHILDREN
TEACHING ENGLISH VOCABULARY USING SONG
LYRICS
THE ADVANTAGES OF TEACHING VOCABULARY
THROUGH GAMES IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Introduction
provides readers with the background information
for the proposed research.
lay the broad foundation for the problem that
leads to the study,
establishes a framework for the research, so that
readers can understand how it is related to other
research (Wilkinson, 1991, p. 96).
Questions to consider:
Why do you want to study this subject?
What important, unresolved issues pertain to the
subject/object of the study?

Purpose of the study

provides the context for
theresearchstudy
is the concise description of an issue
currently existing which needs to be
addressed.
is often the hardest part of writing a
research proposal or thesis because of
ones lack of background knowledge
in research.

Research questions
Aresearch questionguides and
centres yourresearch.
It establishes a clear purpose for
your research in relation to your
chosen field.
It is similar to statement of problem
but written in an interrogative form.

Reasons for the study

Why do you conduct the study?
What triggers your interest to study
the matter? What problems appear
from
Why is it important?

Significance of the study

What contribution will be made by
the study?
Who will benefit from your study?

Literature review
is a critical look at the existing
research that is significant to the
work that you are carrying out.

Purpose of a Literature
Review
To provide background information
To establish importance of your study
To demonstrate familiarity with the
theory and field of study to be
investigated
To provide direction for further
research

Characteristics of
Effective Literature Reviews
Outlining important research trends
Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of
existing research
Identifying potential gaps in knowledge
Establishing a need for current and/or future
research projects

Four Analysis Tasks of the

Literature Review
TASKS OF
LITERATURE
REVIEW

SUMMARIZE

SYNTHESIZE

CRITIQUE

COMPARE

Steps for Writing a Lit

Review

Planning
Reading and Research
Analyzing
Drafting
Revising

Method
Research design: Quantitative vs
Qualitative
Population
Sample
Method of data collection
Instrument
Procedure of data collection
Method of data analysis

Quantitative method
Quantitative research methods were
originally developed in the natural
sciences to study natural
phenomena.
It involves measurements, usually of
a number of variables, across sample
as key research indicators and tools.

Cont..
Validity and reliability can be measured
numerically using statistical tests.
A common perception of quantitative
research is that the emphasis is on proof
rather than discovery.
There are three primary types of
quantitative research designs:
experimental;
quasi-experimental;
descriptive and correlational.

Qualitative Method
Qualitative research takes an
inductive approach and its methods
were developed in the social sciences
to enable researchers to study social
and cultural phenomena

Cont
Qualitative approaches to research are
based on a "world view" which is holistic
and has the following beliefs:
There is no single reality.
Reality is based upon perceptions that
are different for each person and
change over time.
What we know has meaning only
within a given situation or context.

Key features of qualitative research

It is not based upon numerical measurements
and does not use numbers and statistical
methods as key research indicators and tools
It uses words as the unit of analysis and often
takes an in-depth, holistic or rounded approach
to events/issues/case studies.
It tends to be associated with description,
small-scale studies and researcher involvement
The researcher acting as a measurement tool.
is emphasized on discovery rather than proof.

Examples of qualitative research

methods
action research
case study
grounded theory
historical methods
ethnography.