Research Title
Use a specific, brief and informative title that reflects the research problem, questions and objectives.
This web guide summarises the proposal-writing structure in the SUMAIT prospectus. Follow any additional format, language, ethics or submission instructions issued by CRPS and your supervisor.
Recommended Proposal Structure
Chapter One: Introduction
Include a concise introduction, background of the study, significance, statement of the problem, objectives, limitations, scope and definitions of key terms.
Chapter Two: Literature Review
Review relevant theories and empirical studies, major authors and debates, methods and findings of previous research, the research gap, theoretical framework and hypotheses or guiding questions.
Chapter Three: Method and Design
Describe the research approach, design, operational and statistical design, sampling, data collection techniques, data analysis strategy, software and methodological limitations.
References
List all books, journal articles, conference papers and other sources cited in the proposal using one consistent academic referencing style.
Methodology Checklist
- State whether the approach is qualitative, quantitative or mixed.
- Explain and justify the research design.
- Define the population, sample and sampling procedure.
- Describe data sources and collection instruments.
- Explain validity, reliability or trustworthiness procedures.
- Describe data analysis methods and relevant software.
- Address ethics, consent, confidentiality and study limitations.