1
RESEARCH PROPOSAL - STEP BY STEP 13 MAY 2011
A research proposal usually consists of the following elements:
• A title
• A problem statement/question
• A sub-problem statement
• Hypotheses statement
• Demarcation of the terrain of study (assumptions, limitations and delimitations)
• Definition of terminology
• Indication of the importance/significance of the study
• Review of related literature
• A careful and detailed analysis of the proposed research procedures
• A time schedule
• A budget (where applicable)
• Researcher's qualifications
• A resource list
Before an attempt is made to start with a research project, a research proposal should be
compiled. For the beginner researcher, this is usually the most difficult part. It is, however, the
most important aspect of the research project and should be considered carefully by the
researcher. This does not only require subject knowledge, but also insight into the problem that is
going to be investigated, so as to give logic and structure to research envisaged.
The research proposal can be envisaged as the process (step by step guidelines) to plan and to
give structure to the prospective research with the fina1 aim of increasing the validity of the
research. It is therefore a written submission to spell out in a logic format the nature of the design
and the means and strategies that are going to be used.
1 The Title
The title is usually only formulated after the research problem and subproblems have been stated
in a more or less final format. The research project title should demarcate the following:
• the WHO or/and WHAT is researched;
• the WHERE;
• the WHEN;
• the HOW; and
• an indication of the ENVISAGED SOLUTION or possible NEW
PRODUCT.
Also see Research Topic.
2 Problem Statement
It was previously mentioned that research forms a circle. It starts with a problem and ends with a
solution to the problem. Problem statement is therefor the axis which the which the whole
research revolves around, because it explains in short the aim of the research. Prospective
researchers can search within their own subject field for suitable problems. What should,
, 2
however, be mentioned, is that not all identified problems within a scientific field of study is
suitable for research.
The prospective researcher should think on what caused the need to do the research (problem
identification). The question that he/she should ask him/herself is: Are there questions about this
problem to which answers have not been found up to the present? Gap in research? The research
problem should be stated in such a way that it would lead to analytical thinking on the part of the
researcher with the aim of possibly concluding solutions to the stated problem.
The following aspects are important when formulating a research problem:
• The research problem should always be formulated grammatically correct and as
completely as possible. You should bear in mind the wording (expressions) you use.
Avoid meaningless words. There should be no doubt in the mind of the reader what your
intentions are.
• Demarcating the research field into manageable parts by dividing the main problem into
subproblems is of the utmost importance.
The following serves as an example:
• Main problem (Aim of the research project should be clearly stated)
• Subproblems (Means to reach the set goal in a manageable way contribute to solving the
problem)
The main and subproblems should, however, form a research unit. After you have stated the
research problem, you should continue to formulate the relevant hypotheses.
Also see Research Problem.
3 Formulating Hypotheses
From the literature it is concluded that a hypothesis is a tentative statement, that implies a
proposed answer to a problem, setting accountability and responsibility of effective research
procedure as high priority (De Wet, Monteith, Steyn & Venter 1981 :76).
It should, however, be emphasized that in no way a hypothesis statement can claim to be the only
solution to the problem. It serves only as a point of departure - the chain between the theory and
the research that leads to the broadening of knowledge (Smit 1983:19).
Hypotheses are thus tentative statements that should either be acknowledged or rejected by
means of research.
Because hypotheses give structure and direction to research, the following aspects should be kept
in mind when formulating a hypothesis:
, 3
• Hypotheses can only be formulated after the researcher has gained enough
knowledge regarding the nature, extent and intensity of the problem.
• Hypotheses should figure throughout the research process in order to give
structure to the research.
• Hypotheses are tentative statements/solutions or explanations of the
formulated problem. Care should be taken not to over-simplify and
generalize the formulation of hypotheses.
• The research problem does not have to consist of one hypothesis only. The
type of problem area investigated, the extent which encircles the research
field are the determinating factors on how many hypotheses will be
included in the research proposal.
A research hypothesis is usually stated in an explanatory form, because it indicates the expected
reference of the difference between two variables. ln other words it verifies the reference that the
researcher expects by means of incorporating selected research procedures.
The research hypothesis may be stated in a directional or non-directional form. According to
Landman (1988:86) and De Wet et al, (1981:80) a directional hypothesis statement indicates the
expected direction of results, while a nondirectional one indicates no difference or no
relationship.
ln order to assist you in formulating a research hypothesis, you should ascertain the criteria used
in formulating hypotheses.
3.1 Criteria for the formulation of a hypothesis
According to Srnit (1983: 20-21 ) the following criteria are of importance in formulating
hypotheses. A hypothesis should:
• stand a test;
• be expressed in clear language;
• be in accordance with the general theme of other hypotheses statements in
the same field of study, and should be regarded as valid;
• be. co-ordinated with the theory of science;
• be a tentative answer to the formulated problem;
• be logical and simplistic;
• consider available research techniques (to be able to analyze and interpret
the results);
• be specific; and
• be relevant to the collection of empirical phenomenas and not merely
conclude value judgments.
3.2 Hypothesis formulation
From the aforementioned it is clear that hypotheses can be formulated in more than one way.
, 4
Smit (1983:21) demonstrates the latter by using the words ...if and ... then when formulating a
hypothesis. The following serves as an example: If first-year students pass through an orientation
programme then they will be better equipped for study success.
You should take note that the results after the word then, are not necessarily true, but could be,
in cases where the wording after the word if is true.
3.3 Hypothesis testing
Landman (1988:12) explains the term hypothesis testing as follows: The purpose of testing a
hypothesis is to determine the probability that it is supported by facts.
For the testing of a hypothesis, knowledge of applicable variables of the researcher is an
important assumption. An explanation of the term literature survey with regard to research
context will be explained below.
Also see The Hypothesis.
4 Demarcation of the Terrain of Study
In this section a precise indication is given of the scope of the research with indication of the
assumptions made, limitations and delimitations of the research before the research is started.
5 Defining of Terminology/Concepts
An indication is given of how the researcher interpreted and is going to use terminology/
concepts in the research report. This is very important, because some concepts/terms are often
used in different meanings by different authors.
6 Indication of the Importance/Significance of the Research
The researcher should indicate and defend why it is necessary to undertake the research. The
benefits that will result from the research and to whom it will be beneficial should be indicated.
7 Literature Survey
To conduct research regarding a topic, by implication means that the researcher has obtained
sound knowledge with regard to the research topic. It is therefore imperative that the researcher,
at the time of the submission of the research proposal, clearly indicates what theoretical
knowledge he possesses about the prospective research. A literature search therefore will entail
the literature the prospective researcher has already consulted.
An overview of the literature anticipates the background knowledge of the researcher and a
possible classification of the content for the purpose of stating the research problem. This should
also reveal the importance of the contemplated research. A literature search therefore simplifies
the formulation of hypotheses for the researcher.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL - STEP BY STEP 13 MAY 2011
A research proposal usually consists of the following elements:
• A title
• A problem statement/question
• A sub-problem statement
• Hypotheses statement
• Demarcation of the terrain of study (assumptions, limitations and delimitations)
• Definition of terminology
• Indication of the importance/significance of the study
• Review of related literature
• A careful and detailed analysis of the proposed research procedures
• A time schedule
• A budget (where applicable)
• Researcher's qualifications
• A resource list
Before an attempt is made to start with a research project, a research proposal should be
compiled. For the beginner researcher, this is usually the most difficult part. It is, however, the
most important aspect of the research project and should be considered carefully by the
researcher. This does not only require subject knowledge, but also insight into the problem that is
going to be investigated, so as to give logic and structure to research envisaged.
The research proposal can be envisaged as the process (step by step guidelines) to plan and to
give structure to the prospective research with the fina1 aim of increasing the validity of the
research. It is therefore a written submission to spell out in a logic format the nature of the design
and the means and strategies that are going to be used.
1 The Title
The title is usually only formulated after the research problem and subproblems have been stated
in a more or less final format. The research project title should demarcate the following:
• the WHO or/and WHAT is researched;
• the WHERE;
• the WHEN;
• the HOW; and
• an indication of the ENVISAGED SOLUTION or possible NEW
PRODUCT.
Also see Research Topic.
2 Problem Statement
It was previously mentioned that research forms a circle. It starts with a problem and ends with a
solution to the problem. Problem statement is therefor the axis which the which the whole
research revolves around, because it explains in short the aim of the research. Prospective
researchers can search within their own subject field for suitable problems. What should,
, 2
however, be mentioned, is that not all identified problems within a scientific field of study is
suitable for research.
The prospective researcher should think on what caused the need to do the research (problem
identification). The question that he/she should ask him/herself is: Are there questions about this
problem to which answers have not been found up to the present? Gap in research? The research
problem should be stated in such a way that it would lead to analytical thinking on the part of the
researcher with the aim of possibly concluding solutions to the stated problem.
The following aspects are important when formulating a research problem:
• The research problem should always be formulated grammatically correct and as
completely as possible. You should bear in mind the wording (expressions) you use.
Avoid meaningless words. There should be no doubt in the mind of the reader what your
intentions are.
• Demarcating the research field into manageable parts by dividing the main problem into
subproblems is of the utmost importance.
The following serves as an example:
• Main problem (Aim of the research project should be clearly stated)
• Subproblems (Means to reach the set goal in a manageable way contribute to solving the
problem)
The main and subproblems should, however, form a research unit. After you have stated the
research problem, you should continue to formulate the relevant hypotheses.
Also see Research Problem.
3 Formulating Hypotheses
From the literature it is concluded that a hypothesis is a tentative statement, that implies a
proposed answer to a problem, setting accountability and responsibility of effective research
procedure as high priority (De Wet, Monteith, Steyn & Venter 1981 :76).
It should, however, be emphasized that in no way a hypothesis statement can claim to be the only
solution to the problem. It serves only as a point of departure - the chain between the theory and
the research that leads to the broadening of knowledge (Smit 1983:19).
Hypotheses are thus tentative statements that should either be acknowledged or rejected by
means of research.
Because hypotheses give structure and direction to research, the following aspects should be kept
in mind when formulating a hypothesis:
, 3
• Hypotheses can only be formulated after the researcher has gained enough
knowledge regarding the nature, extent and intensity of the problem.
• Hypotheses should figure throughout the research process in order to give
structure to the research.
• Hypotheses are tentative statements/solutions or explanations of the
formulated problem. Care should be taken not to over-simplify and
generalize the formulation of hypotheses.
• The research problem does not have to consist of one hypothesis only. The
type of problem area investigated, the extent which encircles the research
field are the determinating factors on how many hypotheses will be
included in the research proposal.
A research hypothesis is usually stated in an explanatory form, because it indicates the expected
reference of the difference between two variables. ln other words it verifies the reference that the
researcher expects by means of incorporating selected research procedures.
The research hypothesis may be stated in a directional or non-directional form. According to
Landman (1988:86) and De Wet et al, (1981:80) a directional hypothesis statement indicates the
expected direction of results, while a nondirectional one indicates no difference or no
relationship.
ln order to assist you in formulating a research hypothesis, you should ascertain the criteria used
in formulating hypotheses.
3.1 Criteria for the formulation of a hypothesis
According to Srnit (1983: 20-21 ) the following criteria are of importance in formulating
hypotheses. A hypothesis should:
• stand a test;
• be expressed in clear language;
• be in accordance with the general theme of other hypotheses statements in
the same field of study, and should be regarded as valid;
• be. co-ordinated with the theory of science;
• be a tentative answer to the formulated problem;
• be logical and simplistic;
• consider available research techniques (to be able to analyze and interpret
the results);
• be specific; and
• be relevant to the collection of empirical phenomenas and not merely
conclude value judgments.
3.2 Hypothesis formulation
From the aforementioned it is clear that hypotheses can be formulated in more than one way.
, 4
Smit (1983:21) demonstrates the latter by using the words ...if and ... then when formulating a
hypothesis. The following serves as an example: If first-year students pass through an orientation
programme then they will be better equipped for study success.
You should take note that the results after the word then, are not necessarily true, but could be,
in cases where the wording after the word if is true.
3.3 Hypothesis testing
Landman (1988:12) explains the term hypothesis testing as follows: The purpose of testing a
hypothesis is to determine the probability that it is supported by facts.
For the testing of a hypothesis, knowledge of applicable variables of the researcher is an
important assumption. An explanation of the term literature survey with regard to research
context will be explained below.
Also see The Hypothesis.
4 Demarcation of the Terrain of Study
In this section a precise indication is given of the scope of the research with indication of the
assumptions made, limitations and delimitations of the research before the research is started.
5 Defining of Terminology/Concepts
An indication is given of how the researcher interpreted and is going to use terminology/
concepts in the research report. This is very important, because some concepts/terms are often
used in different meanings by different authors.
6 Indication of the Importance/Significance of the Research
The researcher should indicate and defend why it is necessary to undertake the research. The
benefits that will result from the research and to whom it will be beneficial should be indicated.
7 Literature Survey
To conduct research regarding a topic, by implication means that the researcher has obtained
sound knowledge with regard to the research topic. It is therefore imperative that the researcher,
at the time of the submission of the research proposal, clearly indicates what theoretical
knowledge he possesses about the prospective research. A literature search therefore will entail
the literature the prospective researcher has already consulted.
An overview of the literature anticipates the background knowledge of the researcher and a
possible classification of the content for the purpose of stating the research problem. This should
also reveal the importance of the contemplated research. A literature search therefore simplifies
the formulation of hypotheses for the researcher.
