Writing your Master's dissertation proposal

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Writing Your Master’s Dissertation Proposal

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Session outline

The research proposal – what is it? Choosing your research project Functions and purpose of the research proposal Sections of the research proposal Common problems



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What is a research proposal?

Phase: Very important first stage of the overall research process

Process: Planning and designing the research (including placing it in context and linking it to relevant literature)

Product: The finished document (often assessed in own right)

Plan: The proposed plan for the execution of the research

Punch (2006)



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Choosing a good research topic

Choose something you are capable of undertaking Make sure you have the required skills, or can develop them in the time available Consider financial and time constraints Ensure that you can gain access to the data you need to collect

It is important that the issues within the research can be linked to theory Knowledge of the relevant literature is important (but you don’t need to read

everything!)

Clearly define your research questions and objectives

Consider whether your research will provide fresh insights into the topic

Choose a topic that interests you



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Functions and purpose of the proposal

To explain

To persuade



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Functions and purpose of the proposal

Explanation What is the general research area? What is the research topic? What is the purpose of the research (what is it trying to find out or

achieve)? Is there a particular perspective behind my research (theoretical

framework/conceptual framework)? What are the general research questions? What are the specific research questions? How does the research propose to answer these questions? What

research methods will you use? What research instruments will you use? How will you analyse the data?



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Functions and purpose

Persuasion Is there a need for the research – is it significant or important? Is the research grounded in the existing literature? Is the research doable by one person in the time available? Is the topic viable (in terms of data, sources, supervisors,

equipment)? Is the methodology suited to the purpose of the research/the stated

aims and objectives? Have you considered ethical issues and sought approval if

necessary? Does the topic match your interests and capabilities?



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The dissertation proposal as product

Sections of the research proposal

Common problems



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Sections (suggested)

Introduction / Statement of intent

Background (literature review/theoretical framework)

Focus

Research questions or hypotheses

Methodology

Timetable

Chapter outline

References



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Introducing the study

The introduction identifies and defines key concepts specifies area of concern arouses interest (e.g. indication of the importance of

the study to theory or practice) communicates information that is essential to the

reader’s comprehension of what follows



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Background

The background section establishes the lineage of the research problem by means of a

review of previous research and, where relevant contemporary practice

may introduce conceptual/theoretical framework (though this may be a separate section)

answers the questions: What do we already know or do? What do we need to know or do?



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Focus

This section:

states the aim/purpose of the research convinces the reader that you are asking the right question(s) and

that the answer is worth finding



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Formulating research questions or hypotheses

Questions (exploratory studies, qualitative research)

Hypotheses (where existing knowledge/theory permits the formulation of reasonable predictions)



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Quantitative research: Formulating research questions

Three tests: Is the question free of ambiguity? Is a relationship among variables expressed? Does the question imply an empirical test?

Can you improve this question? Is there a relationship between self-esteem and reading

achievement in children?



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A clearer, less ambiguous question

Is there a relationship between scores on the Children’s Test of Self-Esteem and scores on the reading element of the

Scholastic Achievement test?



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Questions in qualitative proposals

Usually more generalised; e.g.: What expectations do trainee teachers have of their trainers at the

beginning of the training programme? How do these expectations change in the course of the year?



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Problems with research questions

The problem is not of sufficient importance or is unlikely to produce any new or useful information

The proposed research is based on a hypothesis that rests on insufficient evidence, is doubtful or unsound

The problem is more complex than the researcher appears to realise

The research as proposed is too broad, with too many variables

There is no clear research aim



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Methodology

IMPORTANT: The quality of the data depends on the appropriate selection of methods.

This section includes: Identification and description of the target population and

sampling methods to be used (quantitative research) Presentation of instruments, equipment and/or techniques for

measurement (quantitative research) Presentation of procedures for collecting and recording data Explanation of data analysis procedures to be used Explanation of the coding process and system (qualitative

research) Development of plans for contingencies such as sudden

unavailability of subjects Explanation of limitations or restrictive weaknesses Ethical considerations



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Common problems with approach/methodology

The proposed methods are unsuited to the stated objective

The description of the approach is lacking in clarity

The statistical aspects of the approach have not been given sufficient consideration

The sample size (number of observations) is too small

The coding system is not effective.



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Further reading

Creswell, J.W. (2009) Research Design 3rd edition. Thousand Oaks, Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE

Locke, L.F., Spirduso, W.W. and Silverman S.J. ( 2007) Proposals that Work 5th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA and London: SAGE

Punch, K.F. (2006) Developing Effective Research Proposals 2nd edition. London and Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE



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Writing your Master's dissertation proposal

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