what is a research proposal example

what is a research proposal example

Writing a Persuasive Research Proposal

1. Introduction

The persuasive research proposal is made up of two main types of persuasion: front-end and back-end. Front-end persuasion occurs in the bound copies with your committee and funding agency as well as in your department. The goal of front-end persuasion is to receive a positive reaction, or the “nod,” from these parties. Effectively obtaining the nod is crucial to receiving funding or gaining acceptance to a PhD program. We argue that the goal of getting the nod is best achieved through what Gerson and Gerson call the “trading zone.” In this zone, arguments are presented to best satisfy the opposing parties’ beliefs. This often involves the use of scientific evidence and the mentor’s own experiences. In our case, we must argue that the area of study we have chosen is both best for the field and best for our mentor. This type of persuasion is straightforward and is easily implemented during the time of review. Piano and Anderson give a great example of this style of persuasion throughout chapters 7 and 8 of their book. This type of persuasion is heavily dependent on strong evidence and a clear communication of ideas.

2. Background and Significance

A successful persuasive research proposal explains the background of your study, its significance, and the major issues involved. In this section, the background of the topic is discussed by defining what is already known about the topic and what still needs to be explored further. Much of the work which goes into a good proposal essay is done ahead of time; as the following paragraphs will show, being able to persuade others of your point of view is the result of having thought through a topic and having informed yourself well. Often, the background of a research topic is found in the literature review of the proposal; so the wise student will pay close attention to the academic quality of the literature review which will be found in the annotated bibliography of the research proposal. A promising research proposal will enhance one’s knowledge about how the surrounding is affected by the global warming. The background of the study should be used to set the stage for the reader. It should then make it easier to continue on to the other paragraphs. Most importantly, before beginning any research, it’s always important to find out as much information on the topic as possible to get a firm understanding of the issue at hand. This knowledge will be used in coming up with the evidence of why your view is more significant than others.

3. Research Objectives and Questions

All the sections are equally important and deserve significant detail. Often there is a tendency to make the methodology section over-detailed and the sections leading up to it vague and ambiguous. But every section needs to be equal, make sure you remember this!

Clear identification of the research. This is one thing we tend to get a bit mixed up on. It is good to list and explain the area a research is going to take, but leave the specific specification of your research to come later in the literature review/theory section. Here we just need what part of the general area you are going to be investigating.

In this section, you should also state the different types of hypotheses and explain which one your research will take and why. The article has given you a good insight into this one. But remember to make sure your hypothesis does not just simply recite your objectives or research questions in a statement form. This is a common mistake. Make sure it is a prediction that can be tested and is refutable.

This section should be interesting and engaging, but it should also be concise. Clearly state the objective of the research and the research questions. The objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. They should be absolutely clear and focused, controllable, and free from ambiguity. The research questions running on from these objectives should be open-ended, focusing on why and how and exploring new ground. Objectives are more specific than research questions but at the end of the research, they should all be answered by the research. The research questions form a continuum throughout the thesis up to the final conclusions. And remember, make sure you can achieve your objectives by the end of the research! (You’d be surprised).

4. Methodology and Timeline

The importance of this research is providing knowledge that may dictate future policies involving Indonesian child workers and how to mitigate decline, stop and prevent child work in any forms that are inconsistent with the convention rights of the child. Because nothing compares to the wonderful opportunities that can only be found by going to school and learning. Future results may give better changes to the lives of child workers. It can effectively provide means to bridge income gaps of underprivileged families and direct children away from unsafe and unhealthy life choices. This research is also a bridge for the interest in other national problems from foreign and migrant workers and attempts to increase the welfare of all children.

There is also a significant effect of foreign migrant workers in Indonesia; there is particularly a strong presence of Japanese employers, who recruit children to work in lighter industries. A study conducted by two Japanese researchers found that basic survival needs were not being met by many Indonesian migrant workers in Japan. It was common for the wage of one person to be enough for 4-5 other family members. During later times, the wages for migrant workers have become lower and they now have been forced to let their children also start working. An unrealized expansion of Karoushi (overwork leading to death) (source) has even affected some children who help their families in an attempt at higher income. This type of child work is usually kept secret and there are no statistics of numbers. The effects may also damage future education of children as they do not wish to confront classmates who come from wealthier families. Due to the varied and often dangerous work conditions, conflicting with a range of national interest to further globalize Indonesia, it is important to understand the situation of these children.

The research question is what types of work are Indonesian street youths engaged in and how does street work impact their lives? Data collection from these questions gives potential to better understand street working children and be able to effectively provide assistance for them. Because at this moment, Indonesian law has further extension pole with a heavier burden and is more difficult to be changed to restrict child labor. And it’s hoped to direct these children to educational activities and improve the welfare of their families. The outcome, questionable can quantify the lives of the children and effects on their families.

The issue of youth working on the streets in Indonesia was chosen because it is a serious and growing problem. Jakarta, for example, in the first half of 2009 had 14 million child laborers, where many fell into exploited employment on the streets. This is a result of the termination of free education, as school fees become unaffordable. There has been a significant increase in child street workers; unfortunately, this is an impact of global economic instability. A large number of families are no longer able to afford daily basic survival necessities (source). Children become the solution in an attempt to increase family income. There are an estimated 1.35 million children between the ages of 10-18 working on the streets.

4.1. Rationale for issue, research questions and its significance

In this section, I will thoroughly discuss my plans for the social issue of youth working on the streets in Indonesia. I will firstly explain why I choose this very issue, the research questions, the logic behind its importance, and the possible results of this research on the issue itself. Later, I will also elucidate several methodologies which could be used to gather both the qualitative and quantitative data. Finally, a broad timeline will be given outlining the expected continuation of the research.

5. Expected Results and Conclusion

The group expects to find that there is an overwhelming amount of misinformation available to students regarding their student exchange. The most common source of information for students is talking to friends who have already had an international student exchange experience. Although this can be useful, friends can often give misguided advice that may not apply to every situation given that international student exchanges can vary greatly. An example would be a friend’s experience in organizing a student exchange through a certain university program; this friend may then assume that all student exchanges run through university programs and therefore tell other students to do the same.

The expected results of this research proposal consist of finding a diverse range of information from different sources including the internet, books, past students, and the interview. The most common source that students use to learn further information will be based around friends and past students’ experiences. By collecting and recording data from these interviews with past students, it will provide a clear indication of what areas of the pre-departure preparation process students are confused about and what students are doing to prepare for their international student exchange program. This data can then be measured with some of the information available on the web or through books on what students should actually be doing to prepare.