qualitative research proposal timeline example

How to Write a Timeline for a Qualitative Research Project

A qualitative research project explores a question, examines a societal or historical problem, or explains the qualities of a specific topic. Unlike quantitative research projects that deal with numbers and statistics, the data in a qualitative research project is generally presented in the form of words or pictures, and the researcher may set out to explore a phenomenon or idea with only a rough idea of what he needs. Despite the open-ended nature of qualitative research, it is still possible to design your research project and create a timeline for its completion.

Choose a topic for your project. You may opt to devote just a few days to this step on your timeline, but if you are searching for a topic for a dissertation or book project, it may take you several months or longer to decide on a topic. If you have already been assigned a specific topic to explore, you can leave this step out of your timeline.

Conduct your research. Decide how much time you will spend researching your topic. Your project may require you to read multiple books, conduct interviews, or travel to observe people or events in a specific location. Decide on your research method(s) and then determine how much time you will need to complete the research. For example, you may decide that you need three weeks to read books on your subject or three months to conduct interviews about your topic.

Analyze the results of your research. Decide how much time you need to organize the research you have conducted and analyze the results.

Prepare your research for presentation. Determine how much time you will need to write up or otherwise prepare to present your research and analysis. This may take only a few days for a short term paper or several months or even years for a dissertation or book.

Receive feedback from your project adviser, professor or anyone else who will critique your work. You may want to consider building in time for feedback throughout your project rather than only after you have prepared it for presentation.

Proofread and edit your work. Many people are so excited to finish their project that they forget to add time for this important final step.

Add some "cushion time" to your timeline. Remember that things can and will go wrong. Examples include: lack of feedback from your adviser, a crashed computer and accidentally deleted interview notes. Time-sucking accidents happen, so build some extra time into your timeline, so that you are prepared when inevitable problems occur.

• While this list provides the steps that you need to account for in your timeline, only you are capable of determining how quickly (or slowly) you need to work and how much time should be devoted to each step.
• Be sure to note official deadlines as you are making your timeline. For example, if you are writing a dissertation you may be required to turn it in to your committee by a specific date in order to graduate. If you are writing a paper for a class, a professor may require you to turn in a first draft for feedback on a certain date. As you build your timeline, take these official deadlines into consideration.
• 1 "Secrets for a Successful Dissertation"; Jacqueline Fitzpatrick, Jan Secrist, and Debra J. Wright; 1998
• 2 "How to Complete and Survive a Doctoral Dissertation"; David Sternberg; 1981

About the Author

Al Derr began writing professionally in 2010 and has published work in "Theatre Journal." She is a freelance writer, tutor and theater director. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in theater and secondary education from Texas Christian University and a Master of Arts in theater history from Texas State University, San Marcos.

Related Articles

How to Put Together an Ethnographic Research Paper

How to Write a Thesis Rough Draft

How to Write a Timetable for a Dissertation

Data Collection Ideas for School Projects

Research Paper Thesis Topics

How to Write a Timeline for a Research Proposal

How to Write a Rough Draft

How to Write a Research Design

Examples of Short- and Long-Term Writing Goals

How to Write a Sample Topic Proposal

Instructions for How to Write a Report

Where Is the Chrome Cache Saved?

How to Use Qualitative Research Methods in a Case Study...

How to Write an Essay Abstract

How to Start an Interview Summary Paper

How to Get a Flash Drive to Work on an iPad Without...

Major Parts of a Term Paper

How to Create a Winning Display Board for a Social...

How to Get Rid of Title Overlays in Window Movie Maker...

How to Do a Proposal for a Fifth Grade Science Project

Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers.

• Accessibility
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Copyright Policy
• Manage Preferences

© 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. See disclaimer .

Designing a Research Proposal in Qualitative Research

• First Online: 27 October 2022

Cite this chapter

• Md. Ismail Hossain 4 ,
• Nafiul Mehedi 4 &
• Iftakhar Ahmad 4  

3223 Accesses

The chapter discusses designing a research proposal in qualitative research. The main objective is to outline the major components of a qualitative research proposal with example(s) so that the students and novice scholars easily get an understanding of a qualitative proposal. The chapter highlights the major components of a qualitative research proposal and discusses the steps involved in designing a proposal. In each step, an example is given with some essential tips. Following these steps and tips, a novice researcher can easily prepare a qualitative research proposal. Readers, especially undergraduate and master’s students, might use this as a guideline while preparing a thesis proposal. After reading this chapter, they can easily prepare a qualitative proposal.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save.

• Get 10 units per month
• Download Article/Chapter or eBook
• 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
• Cancel anytime
• Available as PDF
• Read on any device
• Instant download
• Own it forever
• Available as EPUB and PDF
• Compact, lightweight edition
• Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
• Free shipping worldwide - see info
• Durable hardcover edition

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

What Should Be Avoided During Qualitative Research?

Designing a qualitative research project.

What is Qualitative in Research

Abdulai, R. T., & Owusu-Ansah, A. (2014). Essential ingredients of a good research proposal for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the social sciences. SAGE Open, 4 (3), 2158244014548178.

Article   Google Scholar  

Ahmad, S., Wasim, S., Irfan, S., Gogoi, S., Srivastava, A., & Farheen, Z. (2019). Qualitative versus quantitative research. Population, 1 , 2.

Google Scholar  

Al-Riyami, A. (2008). How to prepare a research proposal. Oman Medical Journal, 23 (2), 66.

Aspers, P., & Corte, U. (2019). What is qualitative in qualitative research? Qualitative Sociology, 42 (2), 139–160.

Balakumar, P., Inamdar, M. N., & Jagadeesh, G. (2013). The critical steps for successful research: The research proposal and scientific writing (A report on the pre-conference workshop held in conjunction with the 64th annual conference of the Indian Pharmaceutical Congress-2012). Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics, 4 (2), 130.

Becker, H. (1996). The epistemology of qualitative research. In R. Jessor, A. Colby & R. A Shweder (Eds.), Ethnography and human development: Context and meaning in social inquiry .

Boeije, H. (2010). Analysis in qualitative research . Los Angeles Sage Publications.

Bryman, A., Bresnen, M., Beardsworth, A., & Keil, T. (1988). Qualitative research and the study of leadership. Human Relations, 41 (1), 13–29.

Campbell, D. T., & Stanley, J. C. (2015). Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for research . Ravenio Books.

Creswell, J. W. (1994). Research design: Qualitative and quantitative approach . London: Publications.

Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th Edn.). London: SAGE Publications, Inc.

Davis, B. (2021). What is the scope of the study in research proposal? Retrieved from https://www.mvorganizing.org/what-is-the-scope-of-the-study-in-research-proposal-4/#What_are_strengths_and_limitations . Accessed on August 28, 2021.

Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2005). Introduction: The discipline and practice of qualitative research. In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), The Sage handbook of qualitative research (pp. 1–32). Sage Publications Ltd.

DJS Research. (2021). Qualitative research design . Retrieved from https://www.djsresearch.co.uk/glossary/item/Qualitative-Research-Design . Accessed on September 12, 2021.

Durrheim, K. (2006). Research design. In M. T. Blanche, M. J. T. Blanche, K. Durrheim, & D. Painter (Eds.), Research in practice: Applied methods for the social sciences (Vol. 2, pp. 33–59). Juta and Company Ltd.

Editage Insights. (2019). How do I present the scope of my study? Retrieved from https://www.editage.com/insights/how-do-i-present-scope-of-my-study . Accessed on August 31, 2021.

Fry, J., Scammell, J., & Barker, S. (2017). Drowning in muddied waters or swimming downstream? A critical analysis of literature reviewing in a phenomenological study through an exploration of the lifeworld, reflexivity and role of the researcher. Indo-Pacific Journal of Phenomenology , 17 (1).

Grove, S. K., Burns, N., & Gray, J. (2012). The practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence . Elsevier Health Sciences.

Islam, M. R. (2019). Designing a Ph.D. proposal in qualitative research. In Social research methodology and new techniques in analysis, interpretation, and writing (pp. 1–22). IGI Global.

James, N., & Busher, H. (2009). Epistemological dimensions in qualitative research: The construction of knowledge online. SAGE Internet Research Methods , 5–18.

Liamputtong, P., & Ezzy, D. (2005). Qualitative research methods. Second . Oxford University Press.

Morse, J. M., & Field, P. A. (1996). The purpose of qualitative research. In Nursing research (pp. 1–17). Springer.

Mouton, J., & Marais, H. C. (1990). Basic concepts in the methodology of the social sciences (Revised). Human Sciences Research Council.

Parahoo, K. (2014). Nursing research: principles, process and issues (3rd ed.). Palgrave.

Pathak, V., Jena, B., & Kalra, S. (2013). Qualitative research. Perspectives in Clinical Research, 4 (3), 192. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-3485.115389

Patton, A. J. (2001). Modelling time-varying exchange rate dependence using the conditional copula.

Pietilä, A. M., Nurmi, S. M., Halkoaho, A., & Kyngäs, H. (2020). Qualitative research: Ethical considerations. In The application of content analysis in nursing science research (pp. 49–69). Springer.

Rosenthal, M. (2016). Qualitative research methods: Why, when, and how to conduct interviews and focus groups in pharmacy research. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 8 (4), 509–516.

Russell, C. K., & Gregory, D. M. (2003). Evaluation of qualitative research studies. Evidence-Based Nursing, 6 (2), 36–40.

Sandelowski, M., & Barroso, J. (2003). Writing the proposal for a qualitative research methodology project. Qualitative Health Research, 13 (6), 781–820.

Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1990). Basics of qualitative research . Sage publications.

Walker, W. (2007). Ethical considerations in phenomenological research. Nurse researcher , 14 (3).

Wilson, A. (2015). A guide to phenomenological research. Nursing Standard, 29 (34), 38–43.

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Department of Social Work, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Md. Ismail Hossain, Nafiul Mehedi & Iftakhar Ahmad

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Md. Ismail Hossain .

Editor information

Editors and affiliations.

Centre for Family and Child Studies, Research Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

M. Rezaul Islam

Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Niaz Ahmed Khan

Department of Social Work, School of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Rajendra Baikady

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this chapter

Hossain, M.I., Mehedi, N., Ahmad, I. (2022). Designing a Research Proposal in Qualitative Research. In: Islam, M.R., Khan, N.A., Baikady, R. (eds) Principles of Social Research Methodology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-5441-2_18

Download citation

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-5441-2_18

Published : 27 October 2022

Publisher Name : Springer, Singapore

Print ISBN : 978-981-19-5219-7

Online ISBN : 978-981-19-5441-2

eBook Packages : Social Sciences Social Sciences (R0)

Share this chapter

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Publish with us

Policies and ethics

• Find a journal
• Track your research

• Thesis Action Plan New
• Academic Project Planner

Literature Navigator

Thesis dialogue blueprint, writing wizard's template, research proposal compass.

• Why students love us
• Rebels Blog
• Why we are different
• All Products
• Coming Soon

Crafting a Research Proposal Timeline: An Example to Follow

Creating a research proposal can be a challenging task, but having a clear timeline can make it a lot easier. A timeline helps you stay organized and ensures that you meet all your deadlines. This article will guide you through the steps to create an effective research proposal timeline, making your project more manageable and achievable.

Key Takeaways

• A timeline helps make your research project more feasible by breaking it down into manageable steps.
• It ensures that you complete your project on time by setting clear deadlines for each stage.
• Having a timeline helps in allocating resources more efficiently throughout the project.
• A well-defined timeline includes setting research objectives, identifying milestones, and allocating time for each stage.
• Using tools like ClickUp's Timeline Template can simplify the process of tracking progress and making adjustments.

Importance of a Research Proposal Timeline

A research proposal timeline is essential for organizing your project. It helps you manage your time effectively and ensures that you allocate enough resources to each stage. This level of detail is crucial for both planning and evaluating the feasibility of your research.

Enhancing Project Feasibility

A well-structured timeline outlines the key milestones and deadlines of your project . This helps you and your reviewers understand the feasibility and progression of your work. It demonstrates that you have carefully thought through the research process.

Ensuring Timely Completion

Including a timeline in your research proposal is highly recommended. It provides a clear and organized plan for the various stages of your research project. This helps you stay on track and ensures that you complete your tasks on time.

Facilitating Resource Allocation

A detailed timeline helps you allocate sufficient resources to each stage of your project. This is essential for managing your time effectively and ensuring that you have the necessary resources to complete your research. It also provides a realistic overview of when you expect to complete different tasks.

Key Elements of an Effective Research Proposal Timeline

Creating a research proposal timeline involves several key elements that ensure your project stays on track and meets its goals. Defining clear objectives is the first step. This helps you understand what you aim to achieve and sets the stage for the rest of your timeline. Next, identifying key milestones is crucial. These are the significant points in your project where you can measure progress and make necessary adjustments. Finally, allocating time for each stage ensures that you have a realistic plan for completing your research. This involves breaking down the process into manageable parts and assigning a specific timeframe to each. By focusing on these elements, you can create a timeline that enhances the feasibility and success of your research project.

Constructing the Initial Phases of Your Timeline

Creating the first part of your research timeline is essential for setting a strong foundation. This phase includes several key steps that will guide your project from the start.

Introduction and Background

Begin your timeline with an introductory phase. Allocate the first two weeks to providing a comprehensive introduction to your research topic. This involves presenting the context, outlining the relevance of your study, and identifying any gaps in the existing literature. This early phase is crucial for establishing a solid foundation for your research .

Literature Review

Next, dedicate time to a thorough literature review. This step is vital for understanding the current state of research in your field and identifying where your work will fit in. Spend about three to four weeks on this phase, ensuring you cover all relevant sources and theories.

Research Design

Finally, plan your research design. This stage involves deciding on your methodology, selecting your data collection methods, and outlining your analysis plan. Allocate around two weeks for this phase to ensure you have a clear and feasible plan moving forward.

Mid-Project Milestones and Adjustments

During the data collection phase, you gather the necessary information to support your research. This step is crucial as it forms the foundation of your study. Ensure you have a clear plan for collecting data, including the methods and tools you will use. Be prepared to face challenges and adapt your approach as needed.

Once you have collected your data, the next step is to analyze it. This involves interpreting the data to draw meaningful conclusions. Use appropriate statistical or qualitative methods to make sense of your findings. Remember, the quality of your analysis can significantly impact the overall success of your research.

It's normal to make adjustments to your timeline as your research progresses . Unforeseen challenges or changes in circumstances may require you to adapt your plan. Be flexible and responsive to the evolving nature of research, but also communicate any significant changes to your advisors or project stakeholders. This ensures everyone is aligned and can help you navigate any obstacles that arise.

Final Stages and Completion

As you approach the end of your research project, it's crucial to enter the writing and revising phase. Dedicate several weeks to drafting your final document. Regularly review and revise your work to ensure it is coherent and well-organized. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to enhance the quality of your writing. Pay attention to detail to present a professional and well-crafted final product.

In the final review stage, share your draft with advisors, mentors, or colleagues. Use this time to gather constructive feedback and make necessary revisions. This step is essential for improving the clarity and coherence of your research document. Remember, the importance of setting realistic deadlines for thesis completion cannot be overstated.

Finally, allocate the last week for the submission of your completed research work. This includes submitting the final document, any required supplementary materials, and adhering to any specific submission guidelines outlined by your institution. Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated and focused.

Utilizing ClickUp’s Timeline Template

Using ClickUp's Timeline Template can greatly simplify managing your research project. This tool helps you keep track of tasks and deadlines, ensuring everything is on schedule. The ClickUp Gantt project timeline template is ideal for managing long-term projects. It offers daily, monthly, and yearly overviews for easy progress tracking.

Discover how ClickUp’s Timeline Template can streamline your project management and keep you on track. This tool is perfect for students and professionals alike, helping you visualize deadlines and milestones effortlessly. Ready to take your productivity to the next level? Visit our website now to learn more!

Creating a research proposal timeline is a vital step in planning and executing a successful research project. By breaking down your project into manageable phases and setting clear deadlines, you can ensure that each stage of your research is completed on time. This not only helps in maintaining a structured approach but also demonstrates to reviewers that you have a well-thought-out plan. Utilizing tools like ClickUp's Timeline Template can further streamline this process, making it easier to visualize and track your progress. Ultimately, a detailed and realistic timeline is essential for the feasibility and success of your research proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a timeline important in a research proposal.

A timeline is important because it outlines the key steps and deadlines of your project. It helps you manage your time, ensures you have enough resources for each part, and gives a clear picture of when you will finish different tasks. This detail is crucial for planning and checking if your research is doable.

How detailed should my research timeline be?

Your research timeline should be detailed enough to show that you have thought through your approach. Break down the process into stages and provide a realistic timeline for each part.

Should I include a timeline in my research proposal?

Yes, including a timeline is a good idea. A clear and organized timeline helps you and your reviewers understand the steps and feasibility of your project. It shows that you have planned carefully.

What are the main elements of a research proposal timeline?

The main elements include defining research objectives, identifying key milestones, and allocating time for each stage. These steps help in planning and tracking the progress of your research.

How can ClickUp's Timeline Template help in my research proposal?

ClickUp’s Timeline Template helps you plan and visualize your research project from start to finish. It allows you to set deadlines and milestones, track progress, and stay organized with all your research tasks in one place.

What should I do if I need to adjust my timeline?

If you need to adjust your timeline, review your progress and identify any delays or changes in your project. Update your timeline to reflect these changes and communicate them to your team or reviewers.

Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics: A Fun and Informative Guide

Unlocking the Power of Data: A Review of 'Essentials of Modern Business Statistics with Microsoft Excel'

Discovering Statistics Using SAS: A Comprehensive Review

Understanding the Difference Between Research Objectives and Research Questions

Transitioning Beyond Academia: Life After Completing Your Thesis

Trending Topics for Your Thesis: What's Hot in 2024

Thesis Action Plan

• Blog Articles
• Affiliate Program
• Terms and Conditions
• Payment and Shipping Terms
• Privacy Policy
• Return Policy

© 2024 Research Rebels, All rights reserved.

Your cart is currently empty.

Newly Launched - AI Presentation Maker

Researched by Consultants from Top-Tier Management Companies

AI PPT Maker

Powerpoint Templates

Icon Bundle

Kpi Dashboard

Professional

Business Plans

Swot Analysis

Gantt Chart

Business Proposal

Marketing Plan

Project Management

Business Case

Business Model

Cyber Security

Business PPT

Digital Marketing

Digital Transformation

Human Resources

Product Management

Artificial Intelligence

Company Profile

Acknowledgement PPT

PPT Presentation

Reports Brochures

One Page Pitch

Interview PPT

All Categories

Top 5 Research Timeline Samples with Templates and Examples

Ashima Monga

When it comes to doing a thesis, project report, or dissertation, you spend lots of time doing research through case studies. It, however, always works best if you planned everything in a given timeline. Thus, a research timeline template is beneficial for writing a research report or project presentation for sponsors or investors.

To address this pain point of business, SlideTech offers you invaluable help in building innovative research timeline templates that give you the outline to create perfect project reports, add or remove new tasks and milestones, and change the deliverable dates of your project with a few clicks. Our templates provide an overview of the project plan’s events, highlight important points in time, break down the project’s agenda and distill important information about your products or services, etc.

In this blog, we are introducing our top-notch research timeline templates that are perfect for telling stories and visualizing the processes of your project. 

Template 1: Projected Research Timeline Milestone PPT PowerPoint Presentation Ideas Backgrounds

If you need to learn how to make a research document and set schedule activities for each step, then use this fantastic research template that encompasses the content of a well-maintained research paper. Organize your activities and map meetings according to project milestones with this expert-curated template. For instance, use this template to mark out when your ‘reading and research starts and mark it as task 1, with the color-coded legend. Then task 2 could be topic presenting that starts, as soon as task 1 ends. Then, topic interpreting can be task 3 with the same start as the work on the topic started. This editable template lets you change font styles and color themes with a few clicks.

Download Now!

Template 2: Projected Research Timeline Elements PPT Presentation Infographic Template Skills

When you introduce your new products and services to the customers, get this template where steps are needed to analyze, plan, design, implement, and evaluate a specific product. Adapt this PPT Template to give a comprehensive overview of your products to target audience that you value. This handy template design guides your project from inception to completion dividing your project research tasks into Elements, Tasks and Actions. 

Template 3: Projected Research Timeline Planning PowerPoint Presentation Icon Backgrounds

Manage your planning with this PPT Template design to complete your project research, enlist tasks or activities with its deadline. You can measure the activities you planned through it by going to the timetable you set and evaluating the work progress. Business owners can easily visualize data with customizable maps, widgets, graphs, and charts. The phases are also listed out in detail in this template.

Template 4: Dissertation Projected Research Timeline Analysis PPT PowerPoint Presentation Professional

Fashionably present your research project through this ready-made Presentation Template and keep track of project deadlines. This goal- oriented template breaks down your project’s events or tasks in chronological order, giving a high-level view of the project's planning and reflecting your business plan. Use color hues for each task that differentiate each task from others on the timeline, schedule prioritize tasks, and make information more visual.

Template 5: Dissertation Projected Research Timeline Research PPT PowerPoint Presentation Topics

Grab this research timeline to illustrate and represent roadmaps for your project and highlight the planning process’s goals and tasks over a specific period. Color-coding of this template makes your design more readable, differentiating tasks, defining specific daily, weekly, or monthly activities, etc. The project manager can visualize processes and their status quo and also create natural flow of information among team members. 

The Final Word

Running a business smoothly is a very tricky job and sometimes may be hard to manage. Our beautifully crafted research timeline templates provide the most solid foundation that builds something genuinely remarkable for your business that will captivate your audience, stakeholders, investors, etc. Our research timeline templates communicate the business’s core message clearly and emphasizes timely project delivery to your potential customers. You can always modify our templates to fit your business’s needs. 

FAQs on Research Timeline

What is a research timeline.

A research timeline is an essential part of any project proposal. It defines the chronological order of events of your project plan that includes aspects such as reading & research, analysis results, milestones, preliminary data results, literature review results, etc. It gives a broad overview of your project’s planned activities at a glance.

How do you write a research timeline?

Writing a research document for any project comes with levels of complexity. You must follow some guidelines while writing a research timeline to keep yourself on track. Write the research timeline of the project in stages and give enough time to complete every step of your work.

• Define research ideas, objectives, and resources and then prepare the research proposal.
• Develop a research design for it
• Capture relevant information to create a sampling plan
• Carry out data collection to write it up 
• Prepare data for analysis and draw conclusions or recommendations
• Write the final draft of the application.
• Again, review it and edit it if required and submit the final research proposal.

How long should a research timeline be?

A research timeline project can be eight weeks, six months, one year, two years, three years, or more, depending on the requirement of the project proposal. But it would help if you remembered to complete it timely while planning these periods.

How do you write a  PhD research timeline?

A PhD Research Timeline is a challenging process that spans across years. Sometimes, researchers can feel quite overwhelmed. Some tips for writing a perfect PhD research timeline are:

• Decide what elements like data collection, fieldwork, experiments, data analysis, writing plan, conferences, publications, coursework, etc., you must include in your PhD research timeline.
• Share or discuss your ideas and thoughts with your guide or PhD supervisor and get their views. Note the discussion points during the meeting and edit your provisional PhD research timeline, accordingly. 
• Think about the design of your PhD research timeline and prepare it across tasks and milestones.
• Track your tasks and update your PhD research timeline to prioritize tasks and set achievable and concrete goals when needed.

Related posts:

• [Updated 2023] Top 35 Timeline And Milestone Templates for Clearly Visualizing A Project’s Progress
• Top 10 Product Launch Timeline Template with Examples and Samples
• Top 10 Visual Timeline Templates with Examples and Samples
• Top 10 Personal Timeline Templates with Examples and Samples

Liked this blog? Please recommend us

Top 5 Strategic Roadmap Timeline Template with Examples and Samples

Top 10 Timeline Chart Template With Examples and Samples

This form is protected by reCAPTCHA - the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Search Menu

Sign in through your institution

• Browse content in Arts and Humanities
• Browse content in Archaeology
• Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Archaeology
• Archaeological Methodology and Techniques
• Archaeology by Region
• Archaeology of Religion
• Archaeology of Trade and Exchange
• Biblical Archaeology
• Contemporary and Public Archaeology
• Environmental Archaeology
• Historical Archaeology
• History and Theory of Archaeology
• Industrial Archaeology
• Landscape Archaeology
• Mortuary Archaeology
• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Underwater Archaeology
• Zooarchaeology
• Browse content in Architecture
• Architectural Structure and Design
• History of Architecture
• Residential and Domestic Buildings
• Theory of Architecture
• Browse content in Art
• Art Subjects and Themes
• History of Art
• Industrial and Commercial Art
• Theory of Art
• Biographical Studies
• Byzantine Studies
• Browse content in Classical Studies
• Classical History
• Classical Philosophy
• Classical Mythology
• Classical Numismatics
• Classical Literature
• Classical Reception
• Classical Art and Architecture
• Classical Oratory and Rhetoric
• Greek and Roman Papyrology
• Greek and Roman Epigraphy
• Greek and Roman Law
• Greek and Roman Archaeology
• Late Antiquity
• Religion in the Ancient World
• Social History
• Digital Humanities
• Browse content in History
• Colonialism and Imperialism
• Diplomatic History
• Environmental History
• Genealogy, Heraldry, Names, and Honours
• Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing
• Historical Geography
• History by Period
• History of Emotions
• History of Agriculture
• History of Education
• History of Gender and Sexuality
• Industrial History
• Intellectual History
• International History
• Labour History
• Legal and Constitutional History
• Local and Family History
• Maritime History
• Military History
• National Liberation and Post-Colonialism
• Oral History
• Political History
• Public History
• Regional and National History
• Revolutions and Rebellions
• Slavery and Abolition of Slavery
• Social and Cultural History
• Theory, Methods, and Historiography
• Urban History
• World History
• Browse content in Language Teaching and Learning
• Language Learning (Specific Skills)
• Language Teaching Theory and Methods
• Browse content in Linguistics
• Applied Linguistics
• Cognitive Linguistics
• Computational Linguistics
• Forensic Linguistics
• Grammar, Syntax and Morphology
• Historical and Diachronic Linguistics
• History of English
• Language Evolution
• Language Reference
• Language Acquisition
• Language Variation
• Language Families
• Lexicography
• Linguistic Anthropology
• Linguistic Theories
• Linguistic Typology
• Phonetics and Phonology
• Psycholinguistics
• Sociolinguistics
• Translation and Interpretation
• Writing Systems
• Browse content in Literature
• Bibliography
• Children's Literature Studies
• Literary Studies (Romanticism)
• Literary Studies (American)
• Literary Studies (Asian)
• Literary Studies (European)
• Literary Studies (Eco-criticism)
• Literary Studies (Modernism)
• Literary Studies - World
• Literary Studies (1500 to 1800)
• Literary Studies (19th Century)
• Literary Studies (20th Century onwards)
• Literary Studies (African American Literature)
• Literary Studies (British and Irish)
• Literary Studies (Early and Medieval)
• Literary Studies (Fiction, Novelists, and Prose Writers)
• Literary Studies (Gender Studies)
• Literary Studies (Graphic Novels)
• Literary Studies (History of the Book)
• Literary Studies (Plays and Playwrights)
• Literary Studies (Poetry and Poets)
• Literary Studies (Postcolonial Literature)
• Literary Studies (Queer Studies)
• Literary Studies (Science Fiction)
• Literary Studies (Travel Literature)
• Literary Studies (War Literature)
• Literary Studies (Women's Writing)
• Literary Theory and Cultural Studies
• Mythology and Folklore
• Shakespeare Studies and Criticism
• Browse content in Media Studies
• Browse content in Music
• Applied Music
• Dance and Music
• Ethics in Music
• Ethnomusicology
• Gender and Sexuality in Music
• Medicine and Music
• Music Cultures
• Music and Media
• Music and Religion
• Music and Culture
• Music Education and Pedagogy
• Music Theory and Analysis
• Musical Scores, Lyrics, and Libretti
• Musical Structures, Styles, and Techniques
• Musicology and Music History
• Performance Practice and Studies
• Race and Ethnicity in Music
• Sound Studies
• Browse content in Performing Arts
• Browse content in Philosophy
• Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art
• Epistemology
• Feminist Philosophy
• History of Western Philosophy
• Metaphysics
• Moral Philosophy
• Non-Western Philosophy
• Philosophy of Language
• Philosophy of Mind
• Philosophy of Perception
• Philosophy of Science
• Philosophy of Action
• Philosophy of Law
• Philosophy of Religion
• Philosophy of Mathematics and Logic
• Practical Ethics
• Social and Political Philosophy
• Browse content in Religion
• Biblical Studies
• Christianity
• East Asian Religions
• History of Religion
• Judaism and Jewish Studies
• Qumran Studies
• Religion and Education
• Religion and Health
• Religion and Politics
• Religion and Science
• Religion and Law
• Religion and Art, Literature, and Music
• Religious Studies
• Browse content in Society and Culture
• Cookery, Food, and Drink
• Cultural Studies
• Customs and Traditions
• Ethical Issues and Debates
• Hobbies, Games, Arts and Crafts
• Natural world, Country Life, and Pets
• Popular Beliefs and Controversial Knowledge
• Sports and Outdoor Recreation
• Technology and Society
• Travel and Holiday
• Visual Culture
• Browse content in Law
• Arbitration
• Browse content in Company and Commercial Law
• Commercial Law
• Company Law
• Browse content in Comparative Law
• Systems of Law
• Competition Law
• Browse content in Constitutional and Administrative Law
• Government Powers
• Judicial Review
• Local Government Law
• Military and Defence Law
• Parliamentary and Legislative Practice
• Construction Law
• Contract Law
• Browse content in Criminal Law
• Criminal Procedure
• Criminal Evidence Law
• Sentencing and Punishment
• Employment and Labour Law
• Environment and Energy Law
• Browse content in Financial Law
• Banking Law
• Insolvency Law
• History of Law
• Human Rights and Immigration
• Intellectual Property Law
• Browse content in International Law
• Private International Law and Conflict of Laws
• Public International Law
• IT and Communications Law
• Jurisprudence and Philosophy of Law
• Law and Politics
• Law and Society
• Browse content in Legal System and Practice
• Courts and Procedure
• Legal Skills and Practice
• Legal System - Costs and Funding
• Primary Sources of Law
• Regulation of Legal Profession
• Medical and Healthcare Law
• Browse content in Policing
• Criminal Investigation and Detection
• Police and Security Services
• Police Procedure and Law
• Police Regional Planning
• Browse content in Property Law
• Personal Property Law
• Restitution
• Study and Revision
• Terrorism and National Security Law
• Browse content in Trusts Law
• Wills and Probate or Succession
• Browse content in Medicine and Health
• Browse content in Allied Health Professions
• Arts Therapies
• Clinical Science
• Dietetics and Nutrition
• Occupational Therapy
• Operating Department Practice
• Physiotherapy
• Radiography
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Browse content in Anaesthetics
• General Anaesthesia
• Clinical Neuroscience
• Browse content in Clinical Medicine
• Acute Medicine
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Clinical Genetics
• Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Dermatology
• Endocrinology and Diabetes
• Gastroenterology
• Genito-urinary Medicine
• Geriatric Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Toxicology
• Medical Oncology
• Pain Medicine
• Palliative Medicine
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Respiratory Medicine and Pulmonology
• Rheumatology
• Sleep Medicine
• Sports and Exercise Medicine
• Community Medical Services
• Critical Care
• Emergency Medicine
• Forensic Medicine
• Haematology
• History of Medicine
• Browse content in Medical Skills
• Clinical Skills
• Communication Skills
• Nursing Skills
• Surgical Skills
• Browse content in Medical Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Paediatric Dentistry
• Restorative Dentistry and Orthodontics
• Surgical Dentistry
• Medical Ethics
• Medical Statistics and Methodology
• Browse content in Neurology
• Clinical Neurophysiology
• Neuropathology
• Nursing Studies
• Browse content in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Gynaecology
• Occupational Medicine
• Ophthalmology
• Otolaryngology (ENT)
• Browse content in Paediatrics
• Neonatology
• Browse content in Pathology
• Chemical Pathology
• Clinical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics
• Histopathology
• Medical Microbiology and Virology
• Patient Education and Information
• Browse content in Pharmacology
• Psychopharmacology
• Browse content in Popular Health
• Caring for Others
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Self-help and Personal Development
• Browse content in Preclinical Medicine
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Reproduction, Growth and Development
• Primary Care
• Professional Development in Medicine
• Browse content in Psychiatry
• Addiction Medicine
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Forensic Psychiatry
• Learning Disabilities
• Old Age Psychiatry
• Psychotherapy
• Browse content in Public Health and Epidemiology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Browse content in Radiology
• Clinical Radiology
• Interventional Radiology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiation Oncology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Browse content in Surgery
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Gastro-intestinal and Colorectal Surgery
• General Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Paediatric Surgery
• Peri-operative Care
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Transplant Surgery
• Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Browse content in Science and Mathematics
• Browse content in Biological Sciences
• Aquatic Biology
• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Ecology and Conservation
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Microbiology
• Molecular and Cell Biology
• Natural History
• Plant Sciences and Forestry
• Research Methods in Life Sciences
• Structural Biology
• Systems Biology
• Zoology and Animal Sciences
• Browse content in Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Computational Chemistry
• Crystallography
• Environmental Chemistry
• Industrial Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Materials Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Mineralogy and Gems
• Organic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Polymer Chemistry
• Study and Communication Skills in Chemistry
• Theoretical Chemistry
• Browse content in Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Architecture and Logic Design
• Game Studies
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Mathematical Theory of Computation
• Programming Languages
• Software Engineering
• Systems Analysis and Design
• Virtual Reality
• Browse content in Computing
• Business Applications
• Computer Security
• Computer Games
• Computer Networking and Communications
• Digital Lifestyle
• Graphical and Digital Media Applications
• Operating Systems
• Browse content in Earth Sciences and Geography
• Atmospheric Sciences
• Environmental Geography
• Geology and the Lithosphere
• Maps and Map-making
• Meteorology and Climatology
• Oceanography and Hydrology
• Palaeontology
• Physical Geography and Topography
• Regional Geography
• Soil Science
• Urban Geography
• Browse content in Engineering and Technology
• Agriculture and Farming
• Biological Engineering
• Civil Engineering, Surveying, and Building
• Electronics and Communications Engineering
• Energy Technology
• Engineering (General)
• Environmental Science, Engineering, and Technology
• History of Engineering and Technology
• Mechanical Engineering and Materials
• Technology of Industrial Chemistry
• Transport Technology and Trades
• Browse content in Environmental Science
• Applied Ecology (Environmental Science)
• Conservation of the Environment (Environmental Science)
• Environmental Sustainability
• Environmentalist Thought and Ideology (Environmental Science)
• Management of Land and Natural Resources (Environmental Science)
• Natural Disasters (Environmental Science)
• Nuclear Issues (Environmental Science)
• Pollution and Threats to the Environment (Environmental Science)
• Social Impact of Environmental Issues (Environmental Science)
• History of Science and Technology
• Browse content in Materials Science
• Ceramics and Glasses
• Composite Materials
• Metals, Alloying, and Corrosion
• Nanotechnology
• Browse content in Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics
• Biomathematics and Statistics
• History of Mathematics
• Mathematical Education
• Mathematical Finance
• Mathematical Analysis
• Numerical and Computational Mathematics
• Probability and Statistics
• Pure Mathematics
• Browse content in Neuroscience
• Cognition and Behavioural Neuroscience
• Development of the Nervous System
• Disorders of the Nervous System
• History of Neuroscience
• Invertebrate Neurobiology
• Molecular and Cellular Systems
• Neuroendocrinology and Autonomic Nervous System
• Neuroscientific Techniques
• Sensory and Motor Systems
• Browse content in Physics
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Biological and Medical Physics
• Classical Mechanics
• Computational Physics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Electromagnetism, Optics, and Acoustics
• History of Physics
• Mathematical and Statistical Physics
• Measurement Science
• Nuclear Physics
• Particles and Fields
• Plasma Physics
• Quantum Physics
• Relativity and Gravitation
• Semiconductor and Mesoscopic Physics
• Browse content in Psychology
• Affective Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Criminal and Forensic Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Evolutionary Psychology
• Health Psychology
• History and Systems in Psychology
• Music Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Organizational Psychology
• Psychological Assessment and Testing
• Psychology of Human-Technology Interaction
• Psychology Professional Development and Training
• Research Methods in Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Browse content in Social Sciences
• Browse content in Anthropology
• Anthropology of Religion
• Human Evolution
• Medical Anthropology
• Physical Anthropology
• Regional Anthropology
• Social and Cultural Anthropology
• Theory and Practice of Anthropology
• Browse content in Business and Management
• Business Ethics
• Business Strategy
• Business History
• Business and Technology
• Business and Government
• Business and the Environment
• Comparative Management
• Corporate Governance
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Entrepreneurship
• Health Management
• Human Resource Management
• Industrial and Employment Relations
• Industry Studies
• Information and Communication Technologies
• International Business
• Knowledge Management
• Management and Management Techniques
• Operations Management
• Organizational Theory and Behaviour
• Pensions and Pension Management
• Public and Nonprofit Management
• Social Issues in Business and Management
• Strategic Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Browse content in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Criminal Justice
• Criminology
• Forms of Crime
• International and Comparative Criminology
• Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice
• Development Studies
• Browse content in Economics
• Agricultural, Environmental, and Natural Resource Economics
• Asian Economics
• Behavioural Finance
• Behavioural Economics and Neuroeconomics
• Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
• Economic History
• Economic Systems
• Economic Methodology
• Economic Development and Growth
• Financial Markets
• Financial Institutions and Services
• General Economics and Teaching
• Health, Education, and Welfare
• History of Economic Thought
• International Economics
• Labour and Demographic Economics
• Law and Economics
• Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics
• Microeconomics
• Public Economics
• Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics
• Welfare Economics
• Browse content in Education
• Adult Education and Continuous Learning
• Care and Counselling of Students
• Early Childhood and Elementary Education
• Educational Equipment and Technology
• Educational Strategies and Policy
• Higher and Further Education
• Organization and Management of Education
• Philosophy and Theory of Education
• Schools Studies
• Secondary Education
• Teaching of a Specific Subject
• Teaching of Specific Groups and Special Educational Needs
• Teaching Skills and Techniques
• Browse content in Environment
• Applied Ecology (Social Science)
• Climate Change
• Conservation of the Environment (Social Science)
• Environmentalist Thought and Ideology (Social Science)
• Management of Land and Natural Resources (Social Science)
• Natural Disasters (Environment)
• Pollution and Threats to the Environment (Social Science)
• Social Impact of Environmental Issues (Social Science)
• Sustainability
• Browse content in Human Geography
• Cultural Geography
• Economic Geography
• Political Geography
• Browse content in Interdisciplinary Studies
• Communication Studies
• Museums, Libraries, and Information Sciences
• Browse content in Politics
• African Politics
• Asian Politics
• Chinese Politics
• Comparative Politics
• Conflict Politics
• Elections and Electoral Studies
• Environmental Politics
• Ethnic Politics
• European Union
• Foreign Policy
• Gender and Politics
• Human Rights and Politics
• Indian Politics
• International Relations
• International Organization (Politics)
• Irish Politics
• Latin American Politics
• Middle Eastern Politics
• Political Behaviour
• Political Economy
• Political Institutions
• Political Methodology
• Political Communication
• Political Philosophy
• Political Sociology
• Political Theory
• Politics and Law
• Politics of Development
• Public Policy
• Public Administration
• Qualitative Political Methodology
• Quantitative Political Methodology
• Regional Political Studies
• Russian Politics
• Security Studies
• State and Local Government
• UK Politics
• US Politics
• Browse content in Regional and Area Studies
• African Studies
• Asian Studies
• East Asian Studies
• Japanese Studies
• Latin American Studies
• Middle Eastern Studies
• Native American Studies
• Scottish Studies
• Browse content in Research and Information
• Research Methods
• Browse content in Social Work
• Addictions and Substance Misuse
• Adoption and Fostering
• Care of the Elderly
• Child and Adolescent Social Work
• Couple and Family Social Work
• Direct Practice and Clinical Social Work
• Emergency Services
• Human Behaviour and the Social Environment
• International and Global Issues in Social Work
• Mental and Behavioural Health
• Social Justice and Human Rights
• Social Policy and Advocacy
• Social Work and Crime and Justice
• Social Work Macro Practice
• Social Work Practice Settings
• Social Work Research and Evidence-based Practice
• Welfare and Benefit Systems
• Browse content in Sociology
• Childhood Studies
• Community Development
• Comparative and Historical Sociology
• Disability Studies
• Economic Sociology
• Gender and Sexuality
• Gerontology and Ageing
• Health, Illness, and Medicine
• Marriage and the Family
• Migration Studies
• Occupations, Professions, and Work
• Organizations
• Population and Demography
• Race and Ethnicity
• Social Theory
• Social Movements and Social Change
• Social Research and Statistics
• Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
• Sociology of Religion
• Sociology of Education
• Sport and Leisure
• Urban and Rural Studies
• Browse content in Warfare and Defence
• Defence Strategy, Planning, and Research
• Land Forces and Warfare
• Military Administration
• Military Life and Institutions
• Naval Forces and Warfare
• Other Warfare and Defence Issues
• Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
• Weapons and Equipment

• < Previous chapter
• Next chapter >

7 Writing a proposal

• Published: May 2018
• Cite Icon Cite
• Permissions Icon Permissions

When researchers plan to undertake qualitative research with a pilot or full RCT they write a proposal to apply for funding, seek ethical approval, or as part of their PhD studies. These proposals can be published in journals. Guidance for writing a proposal for the qualitative research undertaken with RCTs has been published, and there is existing guidance for writing proposals in related areas such as mixed methods research. In this chapter, existing guidance is introduced and built upon to offer comprehensive and detailed guidance for writing a proposal for the qualitative research undertaken with an RCT. There are challenges to writing these proposals and these are discussed and potential solutions proposed.

Personal account

• Sign in with email/username & password
• Get email alerts
• Save searches
• Purchase content
• Activate your purchase/trial code
• Add your ORCID iD

Institutional access

Sign in with a library card.

• Sign in with username/password
• Recommend to your librarian
• Institutional account management
• Get help with access

Access to content on Oxford Academic is often provided through institutional subscriptions and purchases. If you are a member of an institution with an active account, you may be able to access content in one of the following ways:

IP based access

Typically, access is provided across an institutional network to a range of IP addresses. This authentication occurs automatically, and it is not possible to sign out of an IP authenticated account.

Choose this option to get remote access when outside your institution. Shibboleth/Open Athens technology is used to provide single sign-on between your institution’s website and Oxford Academic.

• Click Sign in through your institution.
• Select your institution from the list provided, which will take you to your institution's website to sign in.
• When on the institution site, please use the credentials provided by your institution. Do not use an Oxford Academic personal account.
• Following successful sign in, you will be returned to Oxford Academic.

If your institution is not listed or you cannot sign in to your institution’s website, please contact your librarian or administrator.

Enter your library card number to sign in. If you cannot sign in, please contact your librarian.

Society Members

Society member access to a journal is achieved in one of the following ways:

Sign in through society site

Many societies offer single sign-on between the society website and Oxford Academic. If you see ‘Sign in through society site’ in the sign in pane within a journal:

• Click Sign in through society site.
• When on the society site, please use the credentials provided by that society. Do not use an Oxford Academic personal account.

If you do not have a society account or have forgotten your username or password, please contact your society.

Sign in using a personal account

Some societies use Oxford Academic personal accounts to provide access to their members. See below.

A personal account can be used to get email alerts, save searches, purchase content, and activate subscriptions.

Some societies use Oxford Academic personal accounts to provide access to their members.

Viewing your signed in accounts

Click the account icon in the top right to:

• View your signed in personal account and access account management features.
• View the institutional accounts that are providing access.

Signed in but can't access content

Oxford Academic is home to a wide variety of products. The institutional subscription may not cover the content that you are trying to access. If you believe you should have access to that content, please contact your librarian.

For librarians and administrators, your personal account also provides access to institutional account management. Here you will find options to view and activate subscriptions, manage institutional settings and access options, access usage statistics, and more.

Our books are available by subscription or purchase to libraries and institutions.

• About Oxford Academic
• Publish journals with us
• University press partners
• What we publish
• New features  
• Open access
• Rights and permissions
• Accessibility
• Advertising
• Media enquiries
• Oxford University Press
• Oxford Languages
• University of Oxford

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide

• Copyright © 2024 Oxford University Press
• Cookie settings
• Cookie policy
• Privacy policy
• Legal notice

This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

17 Research Proposal Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

A research proposal systematically and transparently outlines a proposed research project.

The purpose of a research proposal is to demonstrate a project’s viability and the researcher’s preparedness to conduct an academic study. It serves as a roadmap for the researcher.

The process holds value both externally (for accountability purposes and often as a requirement for a grant application) and intrinsic value (for helping the researcher to clarify the mechanics, purpose, and potential signficance of the study).

Key sections of a research proposal include: the title, abstract, introduction, literature review, research design and methods, timeline, budget, outcomes and implications, references, and appendix. Each is briefly explained below.

Watch my Guide: How to Write a Research Proposal

Get your Template for Writing your Research Proposal Here (With AI Prompts!)

Research Proposal Sample Structure

Title: The title should present a concise and descriptive statement that clearly conveys the core idea of the research projects. Make it as specific as possible. The reader should immediately be able to grasp the core idea of the intended research project. Often, the title is left too vague and does not help give an understanding of what exactly the study looks at.

Abstract: Abstracts are usually around 250-300 words and provide an overview of what is to follow – including the research problem , objectives, methods, expected outcomes, and significance of the study. Use it as a roadmap and ensure that, if the abstract is the only thing someone reads, they’ll get a good fly-by of what will be discussed in the peice.

Introduction: Introductions are all about contextualization. They often set the background information with a statement of the problem. At the end of the introduction, the reader should understand what the rationale for the study truly is. I like to see the research questions or hypotheses included in the introduction and I like to get a good understanding of what the significance of the research will be. It’s often easiest to write the introduction last

Literature Review: The literature review dives deep into the existing literature on the topic, demosntrating your thorough understanding of the existing literature including themes, strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the literature. It serves both to demonstrate your knowledge of the field and, to demonstrate how the proposed study will fit alongside the literature on the topic. A good literature review concludes by clearly demonstrating how your research will contribute something new and innovative to the conversation in the literature.

Research Design and Methods: This section needs to clearly demonstrate how the data will be gathered and analyzed in a systematic and academically sound manner. Here, you need to demonstrate that the conclusions of your research will be both valid and reliable. Common points discussed in the research design and methods section include highlighting the research paradigm, methodologies, intended population or sample to be studied, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures . Toward the end of this section, you are encouraged to also address ethical considerations and limitations of the research process , but also to explain why you chose your research design and how you are mitigating the identified risks and limitations.

Timeline: Provide an outline of the anticipated timeline for the study. Break it down into its various stages (including data collection, data analysis, and report writing). The goal of this section is firstly to establish a reasonable breakdown of steps for you to follow and secondly to demonstrate to the assessors that your project is practicable and feasible.

Budget: Estimate the costs associated with the research project and include evidence for your estimations. Typical costs include staffing costs, equipment, travel, and data collection tools. When applying for a scholarship, the budget should demonstrate that you are being responsible with your expensive and that your funding application is reasonable.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: A discussion of the anticipated findings or results of the research, as well as the potential contributions to the existing knowledge, theory, or practice in the field. This section should also address the potential impact of the research on relevant stakeholders and any broader implications for policy or practice.

References: A complete list of all the sources cited in the research proposal, formatted according to the required citation style. This demonstrates the researcher’s familiarity with the relevant literature and ensures proper attribution of ideas and information.

Appendices (if applicable): Any additional materials, such as questionnaires, interview guides, or consent forms, that provide further information or support for the research proposal. These materials should be included as appendices at the end of the document.

Research Proposal Examples

Research proposals often extend anywhere between 2,000 and 15,000 words in length. The following snippets are samples designed to briefly demonstrate what might be discussed in each section.

1. Education Studies Research Proposals

See some real sample pieces:

• Assessment of the perceptions of teachers towards a new grading system
• Does ICT use in secondary classrooms help or hinder student learning?
• Digital technologies in focus project
• Urban Middle School Teachers’ Experiences of the Implementation of
• Restorative Justice Practices
• Experiences of students of color in service learning

Consider this hypothetical education research proposal:

The Impact of Game-Based Learning on Student Engagement and Academic Performance in Middle School Mathematics

Abstract: The proposed study will explore multiplayer game-based learning techniques in middle school mathematics curricula and their effects on student engagement. The study aims to contribute to the current literature on game-based learning by examining the effects of multiplayer gaming in learning.

Introduction: Digital game-based learning has long been shunned within mathematics education for fears that it may distract students or lower the academic integrity of the classrooms. However, there is emerging evidence that digital games in math have emerging benefits not only for engagement but also academic skill development. Contributing to this discourse, this study seeks to explore the potential benefits of multiplayer digital game-based learning by examining its impact on middle school students’ engagement and academic performance in a mathematics class.

Literature Review: The literature review has identified gaps in the current knowledge, namely, while game-based learning has been extensively explored, the role of multiplayer games in supporting learning has not been studied.

Research Design and Methods: This study will employ a mixed-methods research design based upon action research in the classroom. A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control group design will first be used to compare the academic performance and engagement of middle school students exposed to game-based learning techniques with those in a control group receiving instruction without the aid of technology. Students will also be observed and interviewed in regard to the effect of communication and collaboration during gameplay on their learning.

Timeline: The study will take place across the second term of the school year with a pre-test taking place on the first day of the term and the post-test taking place on Wednesday in Week 10.

Budget: The key budgetary requirements will be the technologies required, including the subscription cost for the identified games and computers.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: It is expected that the findings will contribute to the current literature on game-based learning and inform educational practices, providing educators and policymakers with insights into how to better support student achievement in mathematics.

2. Psychology Research Proposals

See some real examples:

• A situational analysis of shared leadership in a self-managing team
• The effect of musical preference on running performance
• Relationship between self-esteem and disordered eating amongst adolescent females

Consider this hypothetical psychology research proposal:

The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Stress Reduction in College Students

Abstract: This research proposal examines the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on stress reduction among college students, using a pre-test/post-test experimental design with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods .

Introduction: College students face heightened stress levels during exam weeks. This can affect both mental health and test performance. This study explores the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions such as meditation as a way to mediate stress levels in the weeks leading up to exam time.

Literature Review: Existing research on mindfulness-based meditation has shown the ability for mindfulness to increase metacognition, decrease anxiety levels, and decrease stress. Existing literature has looked at workplace, high school and general college-level applications. This study will contribute to the corpus of literature by exploring the effects of mindfulness directly in the context of exam weeks.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n= 234 ) will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, receiving 5 days per week of 10-minute mindfulness-based interventions, or a control group, receiving no intervention. Data will be collected through self-report questionnaires, measuring stress levels, semi-structured interviews exploring participants’ experiences, and students’ test scores.

Timeline: The study will begin three weeks before the students’ exam week and conclude after each student’s final exam. Data collection will occur at the beginning (pre-test of self-reported stress levels) and end (post-test) of the three weeks.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: The study aims to provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress among college students in the lead up to exams, with potential implications for mental health support and stress management programs on college campuses.

3. Sociology Research Proposals

• Understanding emerging social movements: A case study of ‘Jersey in Transition’
• The interaction of health, education and employment in Western China
• Can we preserve lower-income affordable neighbourhoods in the face of rising costs?

Consider this hypothetical sociology research proposal:

The Impact of Social Media Usage on Interpersonal Relationships among Young Adults

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effects of social media usage on interpersonal relationships among young adults, using a longitudinal mixed-methods approach with ongoing semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data.

Introduction: Social media platforms have become a key medium for the development of interpersonal relationships, particularly for young adults. This study examines the potential positive and negative effects of social media usage on young adults’ relationships and development over time.

Literature Review: A preliminary review of relevant literature has demonstrated that social media usage is central to development of a personal identity and relationships with others with similar subcultural interests. However, it has also been accompanied by data on mental health deline and deteriorating off-screen relationships. The literature is to-date lacking important longitudinal data on these topics.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n = 454 ) will be young adults aged 18-24. Ongoing self-report surveys will assess participants’ social media usage, relationship satisfaction, and communication patterns. A subset of participants will be selected for longitudinal in-depth interviews starting at age 18 and continuing for 5 years.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of five years, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide insights into the complex relationship between social media usage and interpersonal relationships among young adults, potentially informing social policies and mental health support related to social media use.

4. Nursing Research Proposals

• Does Orthopaedic Pre-assessment clinic prepare the patient for admission to hospital?
• Nurses’ perceptions and experiences of providing psychological care to burns patients
• Registered psychiatric nurse’s practice with mentally ill parents and their children

Consider this hypothetical nursing research proposal:

The Influence of Nurse-Patient Communication on Patient Satisfaction and Health Outcomes following Emergency Cesarians

Abstract: This research will examines the impact of effective nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction and health outcomes for women following c-sections, utilizing a mixed-methods approach with patient surveys and semi-structured interviews.

Introduction: It has long been known that effective communication between nurses and patients is crucial for quality care. However, additional complications arise following emergency c-sections due to the interaction between new mother’s changing roles and recovery from surgery.

Literature Review: A review of the literature demonstrates the importance of nurse-patient communication, its impact on patient satisfaction, and potential links to health outcomes. However, communication between nurses and new mothers is less examined, and the specific experiences of those who have given birth via emergency c-section are to date unexamined.

Research Design and Methods: Participants will be patients in a hospital setting who have recently had an emergency c-section. A self-report survey will assess their satisfaction with nurse-patient communication and perceived health outcomes. A subset of participants will be selected for in-depth interviews to explore their experiences and perceptions of the communication with their nurses.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including rolling recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing within the hospital.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the significance of nurse-patient communication in supporting new mothers who have had an emergency c-section. Recommendations will be presented for supporting nurses and midwives in improving outcomes for new mothers who had complications during birth.

5. Social Work Research Proposals

• Experiences of negotiating employment and caring responsibilities of fathers post-divorce
• Exploring kinship care in the north region of British Columbia

Consider this hypothetical social work research proposal:

The Role of a Family-Centered Intervention in Preventing Homelessness Among At-Risk Youthin a working-class town in Northern England

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effectiveness of a family-centered intervention provided by a local council area in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth. This case study will use a mixed-methods approach with program evaluation data and semi-structured interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative data .

Introduction: Homelessness among youth remains a significant social issue. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in addressing this problem and identify factors that contribute to successful prevention strategies.

Literature Review: A review of the literature has demonstrated several key factors contributing to youth homelessness including lack of parental support, lack of social support, and low levels of family involvement. It also demonstrates the important role of family-centered interventions in addressing this issue. Drawing on current evidence, this study explores the effectiveness of one such intervention in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth in a working-class town in Northern England.

Research Design and Methods: The study will evaluate a new family-centered intervention program targeting at-risk youth and their families. Quantitative data on program outcomes, including housing stability and family functioning, will be collected through program records and evaluation reports. Semi-structured interviews with program staff, participants, and relevant stakeholders will provide qualitative insights into the factors contributing to program success or failure.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Budget: Expenses include access to program evaluation data, interview materials, data analysis software, and any related travel costs for in-person interviews.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in preventing youth homelessness, potentially informing the expansion of or necessary changes to social work practices in Northern England.

Research Proposal Template

Get your Detailed Template for Writing your Research Proposal Here (With AI Prompts!)

This is a template for a 2500-word research proposal. You may find it difficult to squeeze everything into this wordcount, but it’s a common wordcount for Honors and MA-level dissertations.

Your research proposal is where you really get going with your study. I’d strongly recommend working closely with your teacher in developing a research proposal that’s consistent with the requirements and culture of your institution, as in my experience it varies considerably. The above template is from my own courses that walk students through research proposals in a British School of Education.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

8 thoughts on “17 Research Proposal Examples”

Very excellent research proposals

very helpful

Very helpful

Dear Sir, I need some help to write an educational research proposal. Thank you.

Hi Levi, use the site search bar to ask a question and I’ll likely have a guide already written for your specific question. Thanks for reading!

very good research proposal

Thank you so much sir! ❤️

Very helpful 👌

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Part 2 — The Budget Calculation (Qualitative Research Proposal Series)

twigandfish

This is Part 2 of a four-part series on proposal writing for qualitative research. Please read Part 1 of this series, which covers crafting an overview as a starting point of conversation with the client.

Budget calculations at the most basic level include estimated costs in professional fees and expenses associated with your proposal. These costs are in fact estimates because sometimes project scopes can adjust total fees, and expenses are never easy to predict.

Regardless of whether you apply a fixed fee or variable fee approach — creating a budget calculation is always advisable. Meena and I have always advocated a fixed fee approach, believing it shows sufficient predictability to the process, and one that does not rest on our charging for every small piece of work conducted. The key in a fixed fee approach is the confidence you have in your process.

A good budget calculation requires some previous experience and repeatable processes. Because our projects typically involve research and some strategy, we developed a five-phased research approach that can be applied to pretty much any program. Within each of these general phases, there is a lot of consistency to the tasks included. Often, each is tweaked to meet the demands of the research study.

The five-phased approach is a result of both Meena and my experience. Based on our experiences, we know exactly what it takes us to execute a well thought-out and credible research program. We encourage you to tap into your personal experience to determine the best process for you that can make crafting a budget calculation more predictable.

On a side note, when consulting, it’s easy to spend just as much time writing proposals as it does conducting project work. Set structures in place so that you are not reinventing the wheel every time you create a proposal — this will save you time, and money. This could mean a reusable budget calculator in a spreadsheet, or using a program that you have had good success with.

We have both used project programs, spreadsheets and other tools to calculate budget. I used to be a big fan of Microsoft Project because it not only provides tasks associated with real dollars and hours, but it also links up to actual working time (dates). This is great, but MS Project is a costly tool. We use a simple Excel spreadsheet that does just the trick, but does not include actual dates

Each section will describe how to determine and describe:

1. Professional fees

2. Expenses

3. Field schedule

1. Professional Fees

There are a number of calculators online that help freelancers and independent consultants determine an annual living wage. If you have not already determined what this is, we suggest exploring these calculators to determine your hourly wage. It is ALSO very important to look at market data on how much freelancers/independents are charging in your region. We strongly advocate doing your research prior to determining your hourly wage so as not to artificially inflate or weigh down (deflate) the value of qualitative research.

Once you have determined your hourly wage, you can enter this as a header column in a spreadsheet. From there, list all the possible tasks that would be associated with the program (one task per line). Do not forget little administrative tasks like the time it takes you to book travel (unless you outsource it, in which case it becomes an expense). Indicate the number of hours (considering an 8-hour work day) for each task, and multiply these hours by your wage. This will yield your professional fee total, ta da!

Having a solid, well-thought out description of tasks in professional fees is crucial for the discussion with the client. While we do not share the spreadsheet with our client, it gives us specific line items to adjust. Therefore, when the inevitable discussion about cost-cutting comes into play, we can specifically associate any cost reduction with specific tasks. For instance, “we removed an orientation session with client observers,” is a specific task and associated deliverable that is tied to actual dollars. As well, the client can understand where some variability can be applied. Creating a research protocol is a task regardless of meeting with 5, 10 or 15 people. Therefore, its creation does not get affected by the sample or recruitment. The amount of time spent on analysis does get affected — and therefore, the client can appreciate which professional fees can and cannot get affected by sample size change.

Qualitative research requires plenty of purchases, partnerships, and getting around. If a methodology and sample size are set, then the cost of recruiting is typically the same whether a client goes with vendor x or vendor y. As such, we like to focus the conversation on the professional fees and our value-add as opposed to the number of flights and cost of group session catering.

Expenses typically fall into three categories: travel, recruiting, and supplies.

For travel, we always do research into flight options as well as hotel and ground transportation. Having specific numbers for each travel component (such as hotel, number of Uber rides, etc.) will give a better sense of what it will take to be in the field. We always indicate two multipliers in our spreadsheet — the number of researchers or participants, and the number of days in the field. These help us determine total cost of travel. As well, consider times of year, and availability of flights and hotels: doing this legwork upfront can help manage the client perception of research expenses.

For recruiting, our strategy is to outsource. We will discuss this in more length in Part 3 (The Conversation/Talking Points). We work with a trusted partner to give us an estimate on recruiting fees, incentives, floater fees, facility rentals, catering (for behind and in front of the glass), and video recording. We typically ask for these as line items so that we know the per head cost. To bring down costs, video recording is often the first thing to go. Meena and I typically challenge that video is expensive, and does not yield as much actual value to the client. How often does the client team go back and review the recordings? What will the recordings be used for, and more importantly, how will the recordings be stored? Given that it almost always contains personal information on specific individuals recruited for a study, we want to make sure it is given its due respect.

Lastly, supplies are always a big part of our research programs. We believe people have easier times articulating themselves when they do not have to simply sit in conversation. We calculate how much printing, shipping, purchasing, and renting we have to do and make this one lump sum. It is essentially the cost of executing the protocol and conducting analysis. This can also include printing, which we tend to outsource because often our deliverables involve some printed material.

3. Field Schedule

In qualitative research, it is important to be as realistic as possible, as early as possible. In the same spreadsheet in which we have our budget calculation, we also include a field schedule. This helps us visually see how many actual days we are in the field, and when actual travel will occur. A flight out on a Sunday evening is going to be a different price than a Monday morning — for example. As well, from a work-life balance standpoint, there will be times you will have to work on Sunday evenings, or late into a weeknight, but, making it a regular occurrence often sets an unhealthy standard.

We indicate the days of the week (often with actual dates), and list off the amount of participants that can be engaged on any given day. We always give ourselves enough travel time between participant locations, and enough time to debrief with our client (who is often in the field with us).

Once we have a rough field schedule, and the proposal is moving to signature, we then populate an actual Google calendar with these dates. This is a shared calendar between Meena and I, and we use it to see if there are any conflicts. It is usually a separate project calendar that can be deleted or hidden once we are finished with the program.

Your budget calculation is your hard, fast numbers. It is crucial to give it the diligence and time it deserves. All the details count here, even if they are not ported into your actual proposal. Budgeting is a skill — and not something that comes to everyone right away. We feel comfortable with our process because we have done it so many times. Be sure to set aside time to reflect on the budget, and the fees and expenses applied so that you can continuously make the process more accurate as you evolve in your profession. Note details about the client interaction as well — and where your time might be eaten more so than other projects. This permits you to allow more time for the “client that needs extra coaching” so that can be explained in those very terms when costs are brought up.

Written by twigandfish

a human-centered research consultancy that empowers teams to practice empathy

Text to speech

Our websites may use cookies to personalize and enhance your experience. By continuing without changing your cookie settings, you agree to this collection. For more information, please see our University Websites Privacy Notice .

Office of Undergraduate Research

Surf awards: sample timelines.

• Program Information
• Prepare Your Application
• Budget Policies & Samples
• Sample Timelines

Your SURF proposal timeline should:

• clearly indicate start and end dates,
• include an anticipated number of project work hours each week (maximum: 40),
• include a total number of project work hours,
• provide a week-by-week listing of planned project milestones, and
• include your full name.

This level of detail will show the reviewers you have carefully structured your project. Account for your planned enrollment in summer coursework, participation in study abroad programs, and/or any other substantial commitments in your timeline. All weeks of summer research must be completed between May 6 and August 23, 2024 .

The standard SURF timeline involves working on your project 40 hours/week for 9 weeks (or 35 hours/week for 10 weeks). However, the weeks need not be continuous, and you might elect to work fewer hours per week if that would be more appropriate to your particular situation. If you commit to fewer than 350 total project hours, your stipend amount will be prorated.

There are many different ways to present a timeline; three good examples follow below. Remember that your proposal, timeline, and budget should work in concert to demonstrate the feasibility of your project.

Timeline – Jane Husky Total project hours – 350. Work week: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm (35 hrs/week for 10 weeks). I will have weekly lab meetings with my advisor to track progress and troubleshoot any major issues. I will also be consulting regularly with graduate students in the lab working on related projects.

Timeline – Jonathan Husky Work weeks will be 5 days per week (Mon. – Fri.) at an average of 25 hours per week, totaling approximately 400 hours. In accordance with the policies of the Institute of Materials Science, I will not be working in the lab in the absence of supervision from either a graduate student or instructor.

Timeline – June Husky

I will remain in regular touch with my advisor, Professor Cross, throughout the summer. We have scheduled weekly Skype calls for the time I will be in Brazil and biweekly meetings on campus upon my return. Project hours: 350 hours total.

Qualitative Research Plan

Every drop counts . Because research requires the input of resources—money or kind—it should have a justified return. You may be fine with throwing away a few dollars, but what about thousands of dollars? And what if you could shorten five months of hard labor into half? Think of all the other things you could have done with your time and money. When you have a research plan , you can save yourself the avoidable hassle of losing your mind to stress at 3 AM.

Before the board or your academic mentors give your study a signal, you have to show them that you know what you’re doing. A research plan is your research roadmap. And like any map, you use the plan to steer you and your team in the right direction. In essence, it is a document that reminds the researcher of the important details about the study.

Plan vs. Proposal

A research plan is different from a research proposal . Although both talks about the study, the proposal is meant to sway opinion to favoring the conduct of the study. You also use proposals when you want to acquire study grants from higher institutions. A plan is for your perusal. As a researcher, you tend to become immersed in your study. By following all the promising trails, you may get lost in the process. Having a plan at arms reach lets you keep yourself on track. When you include a project timeline in your document, you can also track your progress along the way.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative

The rift goes way beyond numbers or the lack of thereof. The difference between the two isn’t because one is better than the other. In fact, a lot of research fields can benefit from the input of both methods. The choice between the two lies in what kind of question you want to answer. Qualitative research is appropriate for pioneer studies or those that require a deeper understanding of opinion, experiences, and encounters. Some things cannot be reduced to ones and zeroes. There are different methods for performing qualitative research. You can use interviews, focus groups, surveys , or observations. The versatility and cost-effectiveness of these methods make them a popular resort to researchers.

However, we cannot reduce quantitative research as a cold way to see the world. Quantitative research places measurements on things like opinion, behavior, and other variables. This method is more analytical and structured than qualitative research. Because most of the subjectivity is removed in data collection and analysis, the findings that are true for a small group can be used to generalize a bigger population. Most research in hard sciences is quantitative because the replicability of the results generally makes for credible results, especially when the only witnesses of the described event are the scientists in that lab. This research also makes use of surveys and questionnaires, provided that the observations can be represented in numerical data afterward.

Plan Framework

In general, the plans adhere to the same format, although you can see derivations in the names of the headers or the arrangement of the sections. The document is like a proposal, except that the details are made for the researchers themselves. Research plans can be a precursor to research proposals. Hence they tend to have similarities in the document structure.

Research Question:  This is the cold brew of your research study that kickstarts the entire research endeavor. This is the challenge or the issue that you want to address with your study. When you have a poorly-defined research question, you might as well forget about getting that research grant . The question is a lead on what the study will cover and the gaps in related literature.

Hypotheses:  These are your well-educated predictions on the results of the study in answer to your research questions. Your entire research design is grounded in testing these hypotheses. That is why your guesses must be backed by established and credible information. It is also these hypotheses that will be supported or refuted by succeeding studies.

Objectives: Objectives will influence the research design because what you want to accomplish will direct the methods you’ll use. When well-defined, they will steer you straight in the right direction. This means that they should be appropriate for your study. In devising your objectives , you should remember to make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based.

Research Design:  Because a research plan is like a rough sketch of your study, it includes your actual plan on how you will perform your investigation, as well as your list of materials and equipment. The details don’t have to be refined and specific, but they should convey the general idea. You can create a research flowchart of your methods to visualize the process better. Aside from being a map of the research, it is also an inventory check to see if you have the things you need for the study.

Examples of Qualitative Research Plans

People learn by example. Check out the following qualitative research plans that would help you with your content. You can download these PDF files as your guide.

1. Research Plan Sample

Size: 22 KB

2. Research Plan Guide

Size: 264 KB

3. Research Plan Abstract

Size: 73 KB

4. Research Plan Outline

Size: 106 Kb

5. Research Plan Example

Size: 116 KB

6. Funded Research Example

Size: 89 KB

7. Data Analysis Plan

Size: 941 KB

Preparing a Research Plan

Your research plan is for your use. It is meant to guide you throughout the entire research conduct . However, when you’ve set your standards too high and your plan is too idealistic, your performance and results might disappoint you. How do you make a plan that will work for you?

1. Research Your Research

When you want to answer a problem, you first have to be knowledgeable about it. Especially when you are applying for a research grant, your benefactors should have the impression that you know what you’re doing. You have to scour sources for related literature. Maybe the study has already been done, or there is a similar problem that has already been solved. By being diligent in your literature review, you can get a grasp of the issue’s relevance to society. Because you are learning more about the subject, you can identify methods and approaches that you can apply. By now, your study is taking shape.

2. Draw a Complete Map

This is a large section of your research plan. It describes what you want to come out of this study and your expectations. You will also write about your course of action to realize those goals. There is a domino relationship shared by your research questions, objectives, and methodology . The former two determine your methods. And the three will have a significant bearing on your results. You can use established methods provided that you justify why you use them. You can be as specific as possible. But because the plan is preliminary, you can expect changes along the way.

3. Be Practical and Realistic

As a researcher, you would want to make a significant contribution to the world. However, being too ambitious without the capacity to back it up will have negative consequences for your study. Therefore, when you plan a study, you have to look at your available resources. If you plan on procuring materials for the study, will they arrive on time? Is your expected schedule for deliverables realistic? Is your expectation for the study reasonable? You can add a timetable and a breakdown of foreseen expenses in your plan. That way, you can stick to your schedule and your budget.

4. Track Your Progress

Your research plan should be with you throughout the study period as a reference. You can view it to review your next steps or spot the ones you missed. Will the activities still fit the determined period? The chances that you will run out of time on an activity. Don’t create a rigid time frame. The future is unpredictable, so you should include a time allowance for each activity. You can also use Gantt charts to monitor your progress. The charts will let you see how much you have accomplished and how much work is left.

In any research endeavor, it pays to be prepared. We can’t predict the future, but when we have a plan on how to live with this uncertainty, we can mitigate losses. As a researcher, you can integrate research plans in the conduct of your studies. The document can influence the success of your investigation.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Create a study plan for final exams in high school

Develop a project timeline for a middle school science fair.

 Your Data, Expertly Coded

Get your data meticulously hand-coded by PhD-qualified research specialists, who understand exactly what markers want.

How It Works

Getting your qualitative data carefully coded is as easy as 1-2-3 .

What Exactly You Get

You’ll receive 3 core deliverables when you work with us:

We can code data for various types of qualitative analyses, including (but not limited to) content analysis, thematic analysis, narrative analysis and discourse analysis.

The Grad Coach Difference

Three things make Grad Coach the obvious choice for qualitative coding:

100% Manual Coding

Your data will be manually coded by PhD-qualified, seasoned qualitative researchers, that have a deep understanding of English language usage. No AI or automation here.

Context-Sensitive Coding

Your data will be coded against the backdrop of your research aims and objectives, as well as your analysis method, ensuring you have a highly relevant coding structure.

Text & Audio-Based Coding

If you’re working with audio recordings and haven’t yet transcribed them, our team of seasoned transcribers will carefully transcribe your data, completely manually.

Get a quick, no-obligation quote to have your data coded by experts.

Or book a no-obligation consultation with a friendly Coding Specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most popular coding-related questions we get asked.

Qualitative Coding

Do you code manually or with software.

To ensure the highest quality of coding, we code all content completely manually (in other words, it's done by humans).

Coding is handled by our experienced, highly-qualified team of qualitative research specialists. All our coders have extensive academic experience, are native English speakers (from the US, UK and SA) and have worked on numerous research projects.

We do not use any automation or software-based coding tools, as these tools can never be as accurate and effective as human-based coding. Quality is our priority.

Can I see a sample/example of your coding?

Yes, certainly. You can download a sample coding project here .

What format do you provide the coded content in?

We code all content in Word , using the comments feature to label the respective words and phrases.  We then export all coded content into an Excel spreadsheet for easy navigation, filtering and sorting. You can view a sample of this here .

Can your coding be imported into NVivo, ATLAS.ti, MaxQDA, etc.?

The summary Excel spreadsheet that we provide ( see example here ) can be imported into most qualitative analysis software packages. However, you should check the import capabilities of your chosen software beforehand, to ensure compatibility.

My interviews aren't transcribed yet. Can you code these?

We will need transcribed versions of your interviews. If you need us to transcribe, we do offer a transcription service in addition to coding. We will quote you separately for this service if needed.

What is the process if I work with you?

The typical engagement process is as follows:

First, we'll have an initial discussion (over email or Google Meet ) to understand your project and specific requirements. Once we have these details, we'll provide you with a firm quote and timeline.

2 - Project kickoff

You'll send us your data (e.g., interview transcripts), along with the details regarding your research aims and objectives, research questions and methodology, so that we can assess the best possible approach to coding your data.

3 - Approval and execution

We'll review all the information and propose a coding structure/approach. Once you've agreed to this, we'll get to work coding and send you the completed project as per the agreed timeline.

How long will it take to get my data coded?

This depends on a few factors, including the size and complexity of your dataset, as well as our capacity at your time of enquiring. We have completed coding projects in as little as 24 hours , but a typical project requires at least a few days .

Feel free to request a quotation, at which point we'll also confirm our availability/timelines.

How much does coding cost?

Our fee is based on the quantity and length of the interview transcripts (or any other text-based data set).

For a rough indication of typical costs, please visit the pricing page . For a firm quotation, please email us or book a free initial consultation .

What format do you require the data to be in?

We code in Microsoft Word , so please send us your data in this format (i.e., DOCX). If your documents are in another format, we can convert them to Word format, but this will impact the turnaround time.

Can you code my interviews one by one, as I complete them?

We can, but we don't recommend it. We recommend that you wait until you have your complete data set before starting with the coding process. Coding is an iterative process, and so we need to review the entire data set (e.g., all interviews) to ensure a comprehensive coding structure.

Should I include my interview questions in my transcripts?

Yes, we need these in order to understand the context of each response.

Can you assist with the qualitative analysis as well?

We can assist you in undertaking your analysis on a coaching basis , but this is separate from the coding service. If you would like guidance through the analysis phase, please book an initial consultation with one of our friendly coaches to discuss how we can help you.

Please keep in mind that the analysis itself needs to be your own work. We can coach you through the process step by step and provide detailed feedback regarding your writing, but we cannot write up your analysis for you, as that would constitute academic misconduct.

I still have questions…

No problem. Feel free to email us or book an initial consultation to discuss.

Still have a question? No problem – feel free to  email us  or  book a consultation .

What Our Clients Say...

We've worked 1:1 with 5000+ students . Here's what some of them have to say:

David's depth of knowledge in research methodology was truly impressive. He demonstrated a profound understanding of the nuances and complexities of my research area, offering insights that I hadn't even considered. His ability to synthesize information, identify key research gaps, and suggest research topics was truly inspiring. I felt like I had a true expert by my side, guiding me through the complexities of the proposal.

Cyntia Sacani (US)

I had been struggling with the first 3 chapters of my dissertation for over a year. I finally decided to give GradCoach a try and it made a huge difference. Alexandra provided helpful suggestions along with edits that transformed my paper. My advisor was very impressed.

Tracy Shelton (US)

Working with Kerryn has been brilliant. She has guided me through that pesky academic language that makes us all scratch our heads. I can't recommend Grad Coach highly enough; they are very professional, humble, and fun to work with. If like me, you know your subject matter but you're getting lost in the academic language, look no further, give them a go.

Tony Fogarty (UK)

So helpful! Amy assisted me with an outline for my literature review and with organizing the results for my MBA applied research project. Having a road map helped enormously and saved a lot of time. Definitely worth it.

Jennifer Hagedorn (Canada)

Everything about my experience was great, from Dr. Shaeffer’s expertise, to her patience and flexibility. I reached out to GradCoach after receiving a 78 on a midterm paper. Not only did I get a 100 on my final paper in the same class, but I haven’t received a mark less than A+ since. I recommend GradCoach for everyone who needs help with academic research.

Antonia Singleton (Qatar)

I started using Grad Coach for my dissertation and I can honestly say that if it wasn’t for them, I would have really struggled. I would strongly recommend them – worth every penny!

Richard Egenreider (South Africa)

Kickstart Your Coding

Get a no-obligation quotation and timeline for your project. 

Alternatively, book a free consultation with a friendly Coding Specialist.