how to make a qualitative research proposal

Principles of Social Research Methodology pp 263–277 Cite as

Designing a Research Proposal in Qualitative Research

• Md. Ismail Hossain 4 ,
• Nafiul Mehedi 4 &
• Iftakhar Ahmad 4  
• First Online: 27 October 2022

2127 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.

• Social research
• Research proposal
• Qualitative research
• University students

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Introduction

Generally, a researcher attempts to uncover hidden events to find the answer to a question. A variety of methods and strategies are used for doing this research. The two primary forms of research are quantitative and qualitative. The former is concerned with numerical measurements, whereas the latter is focused on the in-depth meaning of the linguistic aspects. They are one-of-a-kind and are conducted in various ways to provide quite diverse sorts of information. When a researcher considers a natural investigation of a social phenomenon, such as experience, s/he most often thinks of qualitative research. A natural investigation technique is used in qualitative research to acquire an in-depth knowledge of a social phenomenon, and the inquiry is conducted in a natural setting. This method tries to address the question ‘why’ rather than ‘what’. In qualitative research, the researcher relies on primary data, which includes people’s experiences in naturalistic environments (Ahmad et al., 2019 ; Aspers & Corte, 2019 ). In contrast to qualitative research, quantitative research works with numerical or numerically convertible data. Statistical analysis is fundamental in analysing numerical data. In both kinds of research, a proposal is a prerequisite.

The research proposal is the reflection of a researcher’s working plan that s/he is thinking of employing to explore and understand a specific social issue. Researchers convey the relevance of the study to a specific issue through a research proposal. It ideally illustrates the originality and significance of the study, as well as the investigator’s capacity to carry out the planned set of actions (Abdulai & Owusu-Ansah, 2014 ). A researcher can use some qualitative research designs to gain in-depth knowledge about a social phenomenon. A suitable design for the study may be chosen based on the study’s aims and objectives, as well as the researcher’s expertise. The field of qualitative research is diverse, and the validity of studies that employ such an approach is increasingly being questioned by social and behavioural scientists. It is frequently stated that writing good qualitative research proposals is both a science and an art. Good qualitative research ideas may represent the researcher’s field expertise and approach (Sandelowski & Barroso, 2003 ). Sharing research ideas with others, on the other hand, helps researchers sharpen their ideas and improves the validity and reliability of the research. Therefore, preparing a research proposal is a prerequisite for all kinds of social research. Qualitative research proposals are not an exception to fulfilling this requirement.

Key Concepts Related to the Designing of a Qualitative Research Proposal

Preparing or designing a research proposal is crucial in qualitative research. Being a systematic method of exploring and understanding social phenomena, qualitative research must follow specific procedures. A novice researcher must have an understanding of some key concepts related to qualitative research before following the specific procedures for designing a proposal.

Research Design

An appropriate research design is crucial for sensibly understanding a problem. The research design depicts the methods and strategies of inquiry with possible challenges and ways in a study coherently. It also influences regulatory variables that may establish the legitimacy of research results (Grove, Burns & Gray, 2012 ; Islam, 2019 ). The design phase of any kind of research provides an opportunity for exploration, showing creativity regarding selected problems. It starts from a state of inquisitiveness to an approach that helps achieve research objectives. As a result, a scientifically valid design is required to handle the research topic rationally, which must include other items in the study. Before going to the field to gather data, the researcher must decide on a study design. Research design has a specific goal of maximizing the eventual validity of the study findings (Mouton & Marais, 1990 ). Furthermore, the research design addresses the issues of how, when, and where data will be gathered, processed, and analysed (Parahoo, 2014 ). Guidelines depicted in the proposal are followed throughout the study, and therefore, a suitable design is required from the onset (Islam, 2019 ). The most frequently applied qualitative research designs are narrative, grounded theory, phenomenology, case study, and ethnography. These designs have diverged from one to another, but they share commonalities. The foundation of qualitative research is completely based on a comprehensive understanding of a social issue, scenario, or situation linked to direct experience in the social context (DJS Research, 2021 ). Exploring lived experiences of people about a particular issue always requires consideration of the social context, which may indicate the application of different techniques, including in-depth interview, group discussion, observation, and documents/content analysis to get an overall picture of the context. There may be some issues of communication to consider (Wilson, 2015 ). Moreover, it is assumed in qualitative research that using more than one way of collecting evidence is all important for knowing the reality. This strategy is much more appreciated by researchers in phenomenological research. While designing a proposal, researchers must decide along four dimensions to achieve the goals: the purpose of the study, theoretical paradigm, setting in which the study is conducted, and techniques used to gather first-hand experience.

Research design is also termed as a strategic framework that is structured to reflect relevant issues guided by two principles: (1) design validity and (2) design coherence (Durrheim, 2006 ). Research validity is often restricted to complexity, which happened due to researchers’ lack of control over the situation (Campbell & Stanley, 2015 ). Design validity is ensured by identifying and managing possible validity threats. Design coherence is achieved by the logical construction of the mentioned dimensions (Durrheim, 2006 ).

Research Proposal: An Action Plan for a Study

In general, a research proposal is the first step in an investigator’s decision-making process about a study topic. It provides an initial description of a research problem as well as a description of the process of investigating a social issue. A research proposal is recognized as an important part of the academic arena since it helps academics to explore problems methodically in their area of expertise (Islam, 2019 ). Research proposals need to be arranged logically to get the justification of the concerned authorities on the proposed research (Abdulai & Owusu-Ansah, 2014 ). It explains the state, nature, and significance of a particular research project with an approximate time and budget, and it is placed with the concerned authority, which might be an academic institution or organization, who approves the project and may grant funds for running the project. Without the approval of the research proposal by the concerned authority, the research work cannot be started or it may not be accepted. According to Boeije ( 2010 ), the study proposal is a manifestation of an explanation regarding the method, activities, and prospective results. A proposal generally addresses the planning that researchers have to accomplish to explore the identified issue. It also focuses on the reasons for undertaking the attempt to investigate and how it is intended to be deployed (Al-Riyami, 2008 ). The proposal gives the researchers a chance to rethink and refine their argument while the research project is proceeding in full swing. Therefore, researchers need to consult proposals at various phases of a research project to focus on the relevance of the issue and to identify and address the challenges that emerge as the project activities progress.

Without proper planning, it is impossible to study a problem in the right direction. Researchers may lack focus in data collection processes that hamper the momentum of researchers’ work and lead to other problems affecting the results. Writing a clear proposal will undoubtedly minimize those challenges to a large extent. The research entails a sequence of operations, and thus, the proposal outlines all of them systematically and scientifically. Therefore, on one hand, a research proposal is called a blueprint of the study. On the other hand, a proposal is a tentative research plan; hence, the researcher can revise it in the course of research work. In short, a research proposal demonstrates the central issues of the research in a concise manner. It highlights the features of the research by detailing current information and arguments on the topic. This kind of focus on existing debate may aid and direct researchers to change, modify, or incorporate new ideas into their research.

Qualitative Research

A qualitative study is a method of comprehending a societal or human phenomenon. It aims to portray a comprehensive and holistic image by utilizing phases as well as providing a complete overview of the place in the natural environment (Creswell, 1994 ). It helps academics to learn more about a specific area that has just arisen as a study question and about which little is understood (Liamputtong & Ezzy, 2005 ). Furthermore, it concentrates on comprehending the study question from a humanistic or philosophical standpoint (Pathak et al., 2013 ). Qualitative studies usually deal with human subjects. It is specifically used to examine religious opinions, experiences, emotions, actions, and relationships (Pathak et al., 2013 ). The key features of qualitative research are: it is conducted in a natural setting, relies on researchers as key instruments, involves multiple techniques, focuses on participant perspectives, and is situated within the context, reflective and interpretive, and evolving and emerging design (Creswell, 2013 ). Due to the obvious flexibility, openness, and receptivity of qualitative studies to the topic, the phases of data collection, procedure, and interpretation are not discrete and consecutive (Russell & Gregory, 2003 ).

Qualitative research may be used to develop a sense of reality, characterize and understand the social environment, and build interpretive theories and models. It is the principal means of constructing or re-examining the theoretical underpinnings of the social sciences (Morse & Field, 1996 ). Qualitative research involves an interpretive philosophy to explain the problem. It is used to interpret or make sense of the terms related to those phenomena according to the connotations that individuals assign to them (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005 ). This method contrasts with positivism, which uses the statistical measurement of numerical data to process the findings (Strauss & Corbin, 1990 ). In a nutshell, qualitative research focuses on how individuals perceive or interpret the occurrences around them while making sense of things. Another of the primary themes of qualitative inquiry is how individuals being examined comprehend and perceive wider social realities (Bryman et al., 1988 ). In qualitative research, there is no way to manipulate the phenomenon according to researchers’ interests. As social phenomena are dynamic and subject to change, qualitative researchers should record an event after and before the change occurs. Like in quantitative research, qualitative researchers also need to ensure the credibility of the findings (Patton, 2001 ). Qualitative research techniques are employed when the researcher intends to have a better understanding of the phenomenon (Rosenthal, 2016 ). Here, the researcher attempts to explain a phenomenon from the perspective of participants. Qualitative research is conducted to explore the causes and effects of a phenomenon based on non-numerical data. Generally, the researchers collect direct quotes from the participants. Data are collected using different techniques and from multiple sources and interpreted thematically. Direct conversations, field notes, pictures, recordings, and memoranda are all included as the sources of data (Islam, 2019 ).

Essential Components of a Proposal in Qualitative Study

A qualitative research proposal has some general components. Without these components, a proposal cannot be a complete one. Therefore, while designing a proposal for a qualitative study, researchers must consider these components. The following sections have described the essential components with a specific example.

In a qualitative study, the researcher seeks to investigate the participants’ lived experiences about the issue to be investigated. The subject matter of a qualitative study is vast, and it is usually reflected in the title. The title, on the other hand, should be succinct, simple, and comprehensible (Islam, 2019 ). It should avoid acronyms and instead utilize words that make a good impression and pique the reader’s attention. The title gives the readers a primary view of the selected issue. The title should include some keywords related to the proposed field of research. Ideally, it should  comprise 8–12 words. The dependent and independent variables should also be explicitly identified in the title. For instance, if we want to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health workers, a possible title would be “The Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Psychosocial Health of Medical Professionals”. Here in this title, COVID-19 is an independent variable and the psychosocial health of frontline workers is a dependent variable.

Common tips for framing a research title

Simple and comprehensive.

8–12 words.

Clear indication of dependent and independent variable.

No technical terminologies or abbreviations.

Statement of the Problem

This section expands on the title and describes what has already been known as well as what has yet to be explored. A good research problem should target a gap that exists in the course’s knowledge and lead to more study (Davis, 2021 ). It is the opening pitch of a study. It establishes the setting and contextualizes the study. Likewise, in research work, a problem statement is employed as a declaration that is to be investigated by a study. The problem statement in a qualitative research proposal highlights the unknown occurrences or inadequacies in the study subjects. Therefore, stating the problem is an important element of qualitative research. Following the aforementioned research title, the problem statements may include the relevance of the study on the psychological health of medical workers. The researcher may clarify that earlier studies have indicated deteriorated physical health, but the state of psychological health has yet to be investigated. Furthermore, the study should be linked to international programmes and policies on the health and well-being of medical health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key issues for consideration in writing the problem statement

Identify some essential and relevant features to explain the investigation’s logic.

Connect the study to some current issues.

Relate the study with some international and national agendas/policies/plans/programs.

Objectives and Research Questions

The objectives offer a general view of the study and what the researchers want to explore. The study objectives direct the researcher where to go. It sets a boundary and gives a specific direction, which helps the researcher not to go all around. Therefore, every piece of research should have a specific goal. In a qualitative study, the research goals and objectives provide the researcher with direction. Without a goal or objective, research is just like a boat in the ocean without any anchoring place. Qualitative research should have both general and specific objectives. The general objective explicitly focuses on the research title, and specific objectives allude to investigating the respondents’ lived experiences of the very closely relevant issue.

Key points in setting research objectives

Two type of objectives: general and specific.

General objective reflects the research title but the wording is bit different.

Specific objectives are the parts of general objective but very simple, concrete, and understandable.

Specific objectives reflect the meaning of what, why, and how related to the main query.

Following the above-mentioned title, the general objective of the research can be set as the following:

The main aim of this study is to explore the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychosocial health of medical professionals.

To fulfil the general aim, the researcher needs to identify specific objectives. Accordingly, the general objective can be divided in the following ways:

To understand the workload of the medical professionals during the COVID-19 catastrophe;

To find out the challenges in work–life balance during the pandemic; and

To figure out the means of adaptation with the challenges.

Literature Review: Concepts and Theories

A review of the literature refers to all sources of scientific data relating to the issue of interest. Finding literature is no longer a difficult task in this day and age of digitization and easy access, and there is a lot of literature available from plenty of sources. The investigator finds it difficult to include everything within the current study (Balakumar et al., 2013 ). As a result, it is critical to look for relevant and recent articles, books, or other kinds of publications. Such things may be retrieved using search engines such as Google, Google Scholar, Embase, PubMed, and others. They also check for publisher websites, such as SAGE, Wiley, Lancet, Cambridge University Press, and so on. It is also stated that studying 15–20 articles is optimal for moving on to the research work. Moreover, the researchers may adopt one or more specific theories to explain the whole research. The ‘Review of Literature’ section takes time and is difficult to write. It is said that a review of the literature in an investigation helps to clarify not just the scholastic necessity of investigating the phenomena, but also the researcher’s objectives and purpose in addressing the study (Fry et al., 2017 ). The researcher may discover relevant material for the above-mentioned research title by utilizing the key phrases “COVID-19”, “Consequences”, “Psychosocial Health”, “Medical Professionals”, and so forth.

Key steps in doing literature review

Recent and relevant literature.

Search with keywords.

Selection of approximately 15–20 articles from standard journals.

Read the literature carefully and summarize.

Compile the notes thematically, juxtapose the findings, find the gaps in support of the current study.

Methodology

The methodology is the most crucial part of the research proposal. The methodology outlines the investigation process that is to be adopted in the study. The level of validity and reliability of the research findings particularly depend on how much sound the methodology adopted in the study is. In general, the reviewers are more critical about research methodology. Research proposal with strong and sound methodology are more likely to get grants through competition. The research methodology comprises research approach (quantitative/qualitative), design (case study/phenomenology/ethnography), research area, population and sample, data collection techniques and tools, data collection, and data analysis. The most significant aspect of a research project, whether it is qualitative or quantitative, is the methodology. It also determines the process of sample selection, data collection, and analysis. In this situation, using a phenomenological method will provide themes and sub-themes based on the participants’ experiences. For the aforementioned title, the researcher may use a qualitative research design like phenomenology. In addition, the population must be specified within a specific geographic location. The sampling process and sample size must also be explicitly specified. The data collection techniques and tools should be well fitted, and they should be mentioned explicitly. Cross-checking is to be done based on the literature review, supervisors’ comments, or self-expertise. It is also necessary to discuss the data analysis procedure. Qualitative data can be processed and analysed using the MAXQDA and NVivo programs.

Example of the methodology Section

The approach of the study : Qualitative Approach.

Design of the study : Phenomenological design.

Area of the study : Sylhet City Corporation area.

Population : All the physicians and nurses in Sylhet City Corporation area.

Sample : 15/ based on the saturation level.

Sampling Technique : Purposive.

Data Collection Techniques : In-depth interview/ KII/ FGDs.

Data collection tools : Interview checklist/ guideline/ protocol.

Data Analysis : Thematic analysis using MAXQDA.

Challenges: Restriction in access due to lockdown.

Ethical Consideration and Philosophical Foundation

The philosophical underpinnings, epistemology, are connected to the creation of knowledge in qualitative studies (James & Busher, 2009 ). Ethical guidelines are a necessary component in the research process that needs to be mentioned in the proposal. The researcher must state how ethical standards will be maintained throughout the study. The qualitative research method investigates people’s experiences in the natural setting. Therefore, qualitative research involving human participants must adhere to ethical standards, regulations, and institutional rules (Pietilä et al., 2020 ). The proposal must include a declaration regarding the identification and privacy of those involved in data collection. The collection of data directly from the participants must ensure the confidentiality and anonymity of the subjects because disclosure of participants’ identities may be harmful to them. The voluntary participation of the participants should be ensured. Before collecting data, consent must be obtained from the subjects to include them in the study (Walker, 2007 ).

Key issues in ethical consideration

Informed consent.

Voluntary involvement of the participant.

Participant’s confidentiality and anonymity.

Standards, regulations, and institutional rules.

No false promise.

Significance of the Study

Every qualitative study, such as phenomenology, should explore the learning paradigms from this epistemological position throughout to explain the validity of understanding (Islam, 2019 ). Here, epistemology is the philosophy of discovery of the origin, degree, and extension of knowledge (Becker, 1996 ). It generally describes the potential impact of the study, as well as a brief discussion of the challenges and difficulties in the country/area that are related to the planned study. Then, a discussion should be placed highlighting the contribution of the current study to address the problem of the targeted community or the country. In this portion, the researcher should emphasize the importance of the research. For example, why the researcher is interested in psychosocial health or medical professionals must be described. The researcher should also discuss how the current work will benefit the scientific community.

Key points in significance of the study

The necessity of carrying out the research.

Justify and illustrate possible impact of the study.

Contribution to knowledge among the scientific community.

Scope of the Study

The scope of the study indicates the extent to which a study arena will be explored in the study and specifies the variables that will be at work within the exploration (Davis, 2021 ). The major areas of concern, specific challenges, demographics, and location of the study should be discussed here. Essentially, this implies that the study has very specific coverage. This section must clarify the issues that will be addressed and those that will not. This will fall within the constraints. In general, a research article’s scope is preceded by its restrictions (Editage Insights, 2019 ). Hence, the researcher must set the variables in this part. As an example, he may say that COVID-19 is an independent variable and psychosocial health is a dependent variable. The investigator must also provide a detailed explanation of the topics with which he will deal, such as psychological issues.

Key Issues in scope of the study

Identify the main areas/aspects/concepts of the proposed study.

Targeted problems, population and community/location.

Involving institutions/agencies and stakeholders.

Work Schedule

The researchers need to set a specific timeframe for the study. A proposal has no formal ending without having a specific time frame. On the other hand, every piece of research has a definite purpose that is to be accomplished within a certain time frame. Otherwise, the findings would not be usable for the purpose that motivated this study. A time frame guides the researcher when to start and finish the project. The cost of the research is also associated with the timeframe. Any project called by an institution gives a time duration. Researchers must follow the time frame mentioned in the call. For academic research, there is also a time limit. Without finishing the study, the degree cannot be conferred. Therefore, demonstrating the research schedule is a vital component of the proposal. The entire study endeavour might take several months to several years to finish. Using a Gantt chart helps researchers organize required functions such as literature review, methodology and data collection equipment design, data collection, data processing and analysis, report writing, and publication within a specific time frame.

Inserting the references correctly is a deft touch. The references in the proposal are typically few. However, each educational institution and publisher has a distinct requirement for referencing. So, before submitting the proposal, the researcher must thoroughly read the submission requirements. The learner must write these end references in alphabetical order (Islam, 2019 ). There are several referencing styles in the academic area, and academics must utilize one of them. It changes from style to style depending on the journal’s/publisher’s preference. The most popular reference styles include APA (American Psychological Association), Harvard, and Chicago, among others. APA’s 6th edition is the most popular and widely used style.

Illustration of an APA reference

A proposal is an action plan for research. The quality of the study depends on the proposal. However, designing a good qualitative proposal is a challenging task. Preparing a proposal for a research project is a difficult task in the dynamic landscape of qualitative study. It is more difficult for novice researchers, particularly masters or PhD students since they do not have sufficient experience in qualitative research. The researcher should be aware of the feasibility of executing the action plan while designing a proposal. At the same time, he needs to be aware of the methodology and whether it is conducive to attaining the objectives of the study. Careful following of the steps and addressing the issues mentioned here can draw a good research proposal.

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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

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• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

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Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved April 1, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/

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7 Writing a proposal

• Published: May 2018
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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.

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• Indian J Anaesth
• v.60(9); 2016 Sep

How to write a research proposal?

Department of Anaesthesiology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Devika Rani Duggappa

Writing the proposal of a research work in the present era is a challenging task due to the constantly evolving trends in the qualitative research design and the need to incorporate medical advances into the methodology. The proposal is a detailed plan or ‘blueprint’ for the intended study, and once it is completed, the research project should flow smoothly. Even today, many of the proposals at post-graduate evaluation committees and application proposals for funding are substandard. A search was conducted with keywords such as research proposal, writing proposal and qualitative using search engines, namely, PubMed and Google Scholar, and an attempt has been made to provide broad guidelines for writing a scientifically appropriate research proposal.

INTRODUCTION

A clean, well-thought-out proposal forms the backbone for the research itself and hence becomes the most important step in the process of conduct of research.[ 1 ] The objective of preparing a research proposal would be to obtain approvals from various committees including ethics committee [details under ‘Research methodology II’ section [ Table 1 ] in this issue of IJA) and to request for grants. However, there are very few universally accepted guidelines for preparation of a good quality research proposal. A search was performed with keywords such as research proposal, funding, qualitative and writing proposals using search engines, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus.

Five ‘C’s while writing a literature review

BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

A proposal needs to show how your work fits into what is already known about the topic and what new paradigm will it add to the literature, while specifying the question that the research will answer, establishing its significance, and the implications of the answer.[ 2 ] The proposal must be capable of convincing the evaluation committee about the credibility, achievability, practicality and reproducibility (repeatability) of the research design.[ 3 ] Four categories of audience with different expectations may be present in the evaluation committees, namely academic colleagues, policy-makers, practitioners and lay audiences who evaluate the research proposal. Tips for preparation of a good research proposal include; ‘be practical, be persuasive, make broader links, aim for crystal clarity and plan before you write’. A researcher must be balanced, with a realistic understanding of what can be achieved. Being persuasive implies that researcher must be able to convince other researchers, research funding agencies, educational institutions and supervisors that the research is worth getting approval. The aim of the researcher should be clearly stated in simple language that describes the research in a way that non-specialists can comprehend, without use of jargons. The proposal must not only demonstrate that it is based on an intelligent understanding of the existing literature but also show that the writer has thought about the time needed to conduct each stage of the research.[ 4 , 5 ]

CONTENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The contents or formats of a research proposal vary depending on the requirements of evaluation committee and are generally provided by the evaluation committee or the institution.

In general, a cover page should contain the (i) title of the proposal, (ii) name and affiliation of the researcher (principal investigator) and co-investigators, (iii) institutional affiliation (degree of the investigator and the name of institution where the study will be performed), details of contact such as phone numbers, E-mail id's and lines for signatures of investigators.

The main contents of the proposal may be presented under the following headings: (i) introduction, (ii) review of literature, (iii) aims and objectives, (iv) research design and methods, (v) ethical considerations, (vi) budget, (vii) appendices and (viii) citations.[ 4 ]

Introduction

It is also sometimes termed as ‘need for study’ or ‘abstract’. Introduction is an initial pitch of an idea; it sets the scene and puts the research in context.[ 6 ] The introduction should be designed to create interest in the reader about the topic and proposal. It should convey to the reader, what you want to do, what necessitates the study and your passion for the topic.[ 7 ] Some questions that can be used to assess the significance of the study are: (i) Who has an interest in the domain of inquiry? (ii) What do we already know about the topic? (iii) What has not been answered adequately in previous research and practice? (iv) How will this research add to knowledge, practice and policy in this area? Some of the evaluation committees, expect the last two questions, elaborated under a separate heading of ‘background and significance’.[ 8 ] Introduction should also contain the hypothesis behind the research design. If hypothesis cannot be constructed, the line of inquiry to be used in the research must be indicated.

Review of literature

It refers to all sources of scientific evidence pertaining to the topic in interest. In the present era of digitalisation and easy accessibility, there is an enormous amount of relevant data available, making it a challenge for the researcher to include all of it in his/her review.[ 9 ] It is crucial to structure this section intelligently so that the reader can grasp the argument related to your study in relation to that of other researchers, while still demonstrating to your readers that your work is original and innovative. It is preferable to summarise each article in a paragraph, highlighting the details pertinent to the topic of interest. The progression of review can move from the more general to the more focused studies, or a historical progression can be used to develop the story, without making it exhaustive.[ 1 ] Literature should include supporting data, disagreements and controversies. Five ‘C's may be kept in mind while writing a literature review[ 10 ] [ Table 1 ].

Aims and objectives

The research purpose (or goal or aim) gives a broad indication of what the researcher wishes to achieve in the research. The hypothesis to be tested can be the aim of the study. The objectives related to parameters or tools used to achieve the aim are generally categorised as primary and secondary objectives.

Research design and method

The objective here is to convince the reader that the overall research design and methods of analysis will correctly address the research problem and to impress upon the reader that the methodology/sources chosen are appropriate for the specific topic. It should be unmistakably tied to the specific aims of your study.

In this section, the methods and sources used to conduct the research must be discussed, including specific references to sites, databases, key texts or authors that will be indispensable to the project. There should be specific mention about the methodological approaches to be undertaken to gather information, about the techniques to be used to analyse it and about the tests of external validity to which researcher is committed.[ 10 , 11 ]

The components of this section include the following:[ 4 ]

Population and sample

Population refers to all the elements (individuals, objects or substances) that meet certain criteria for inclusion in a given universe,[ 12 ] and sample refers to subset of population which meets the inclusion criteria for enrolment into the study. The inclusion and exclusion criteria should be clearly defined. The details pertaining to sample size are discussed in the article “Sample size calculation: Basic priniciples” published in this issue of IJA.

Data collection

The researcher is expected to give a detailed account of the methodology adopted for collection of data, which include the time frame required for the research. The methodology should be tested for its validity and ensure that, in pursuit of achieving the results, the participant's life is not jeopardised. The author should anticipate and acknowledge any potential barrier and pitfall in carrying out the research design and explain plans to address them, thereby avoiding lacunae due to incomplete data collection. If the researcher is planning to acquire data through interviews or questionnaires, copy of the questions used for the same should be attached as an annexure with the proposal.

Rigor (soundness of the research)

This addresses the strength of the research with respect to its neutrality, consistency and applicability. Rigor must be reflected throughout the proposal.

It refers to the robustness of a research method against bias. The author should convey the measures taken to avoid bias, viz. blinding and randomisation, in an elaborate way, thus ensuring that the result obtained from the adopted method is purely as chance and not influenced by other confounding variables.

Consistency

Consistency considers whether the findings will be consistent if the inquiry was replicated with the same participants and in a similar context. This can be achieved by adopting standard and universally accepted methods and scales.

Applicability

Applicability refers to the degree to which the findings can be applied to different contexts and groups.[ 13 ]

Data analysis

This section deals with the reduction and reconstruction of data and its analysis including sample size calculation. The researcher is expected to explain the steps adopted for coding and sorting the data obtained. Various tests to be used to analyse the data for its robustness, significance should be clearly stated. Author should also mention the names of statistician and suitable software which will be used in due course of data analysis and their contribution to data analysis and sample calculation.[ 9 ]

Ethical considerations

Medical research introduces special moral and ethical problems that are not usually encountered by other researchers during data collection, and hence, the researcher should take special care in ensuring that ethical standards are met. Ethical considerations refer to the protection of the participants' rights (right to self-determination, right to privacy, right to autonomy and confidentiality, right to fair treatment and right to protection from discomfort and harm), obtaining informed consent and the institutional review process (ethical approval). The researcher needs to provide adequate information on each of these aspects.

Informed consent needs to be obtained from the participants (details discussed in further chapters), as well as the research site and the relevant authorities.

When the researcher prepares a research budget, he/she should predict and cost all aspects of the research and then add an additional allowance for unpredictable disasters, delays and rising costs. All items in the budget should be justified.

Appendices are documents that support the proposal and application. The appendices will be specific for each proposal but documents that are usually required include informed consent form, supporting documents, questionnaires, measurement tools and patient information of the study in layman's language.

As with any scholarly research paper, you must cite the sources you used in composing your proposal. Although the words ‘references and bibliography’ are different, they are used interchangeably. It refers to all references cited in the research proposal.

Successful, qualitative research proposals should communicate the researcher's knowledge of the field and method and convey the emergent nature of the qualitative design. The proposal should follow a discernible logic from the introduction to presentation of the appendices.

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Conflicts of interest.

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Key Skills in Writing a Qualitative Research Proposal

• Watching now: Chapter 1: Understanding Research Proposals Start time: 00:00:00 End time: 00:02:19
• Chapter 2: Framing a Research Proposal Start time: 00:02:20 End time: 00:04:18
• Chapter 3: Linking a Research Proposal to Related Literature Start time: 00:04:19 End time: 00:06:55
• Chapter 4: Designing and Developing a Qualitative Methodology for Your Research Proposal Start time: 00:06:56 End time: 00:11:16
• Chapter 5: Planning for Qualitative Research Proposal Implementation Start time: 00:11:17 End time: 00:14:47

Video Type: Tutorial

Durdella, N. (Academic). (2018). Key skills in writing a qualitative research proposal [Video]. Sage Research Methods. https:// doi. org/10.4135/9781526442635

Durdella, Nathan. "Key Skills in Writing a Qualitative Research Proposal." In Sage Video . London: SAGE Publications Ltd, 2018. Video, 00:14:47. https:// doi. org/10.4135/9781526442635.

Durdella, N., 2018. Key Skills in Writing a Qualitative Research Proposal , Sage Video. [Streaming Video] London: Sage Publications Ltd. Available at: <https:// doi. org/10.4135/9781526442635 & gt; [Accessed 2 Apr 2024].

Durdella, Nathan. Key Skills in Writing a Qualitative Research Proposal . Online video clip. SAGE Video. London: SAGE Publications, Ltd., 5 Mar 2018. doi: https:// doi. org/10.4135/9781526442635. 2 Apr 2024.

Key Skills in Writing a Qualitative Research Proposal [Streaming video]. 2018. doi:10.4135/9781526442635. Accessed 04/02/2024

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Nathan Durdella explains the process and components involved in writing a research proposal. Durdella also examines different qualitative traditions and how to integrate them into the proposal.

Chapter 1: Understanding Research Proposals

• Start time: 00:00:00
• End time: 00:02:19

Chapter 2: Framing a Research Proposal

• Start time: 00:02:20
• End time: 00:04:18

Chapter 3: Linking a Research Proposal to Related Literature

• Start time: 00:04:19
• End time: 00:06:55

Chapter 4: Designing and Developing a Qualitative Methodology for Your Research Proposal

• Start time: 00:06:56
• End time: 00:11:16

Chapter 5: Planning for Qualitative Research Proposal Implementation

• Start time: 00:11:17
• End time: 00:14:47
• Product: Sage Research Methods Video: Practical Research and Academic Skills
• Type of Content: Tutorial
• Title: Key Skills in Writing a Qualitative Research Proposal
• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
• Publication year: 2018
• Online pub date: March 05, 2018
• Discipline: Sociology
• Methods: Research proposals , Planning research , Qualitative data collection
• Duration: 00:14:47
• DOI: https:// doi. org/10.4135/9781526442635
• Keywords: administration , developing relationships , maintaining relationships , proposal writing , technical writing , writing (composition) , writing aids Show all Show less

Academic: Nathan Durdella

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The qualitative research proposal

Affiliation.

• 1 School of Nursing Science, North-West University, South Africa. [email protected]
• PMID: 19653539
• DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v31i4.1062

Qualitative research in the health sciences has had to overcome many prejudices and a number of misunderstandings, but today qualitative research is as acceptable as quantitative research designs and is widely funded and published. Writing the proposal of a qualitative study, however, can be a challenging feat, due to the emergent nature of the qualitative research design and the description of the methodology as a process. Even today, many sub-standard proposals at post-graduate evaluation committees and application proposals to be considered for funding are still seen. This problem has led the researcher to develop a framework to guide the qualitative researcher in writing the proposal of a qualitative study based on the following research questions: (i) What is the process of writing a qualitative research proposal? and (ii) What does the structure and layout of a qualitative proposal look like? The purpose of this article is to discuss the process of writing the qualitative research proposal, as well as describe the structure and layout of a qualitative research proposal. The process of writing a qualitative research proposal is discussed with regards to the most important questions that need to be answered in your research proposal with consideration of the guidelines of being practical, being persuasive, making broader links, aiming for crystal clarity and planning before you write. While the structure of the qualitative research proposal is discussed with regards to the key sections of the proposal, namely the cover page, abstract, introduction, review of the literature, research problem and research questions, research purpose and objectives, research paradigm, research design, research method, ethical considerations, dissemination plan, budget and appendices.

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Home » How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

Table of Contents

How To Write a Research Proposal

Writing a Research proposal involves several steps to ensure a well-structured and comprehensive document. Here is an explanation of each step:

1. Title and Abstract

• Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research.
• Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal.

2. Introduction:

• Provide an introduction to your research topic, highlighting its significance and relevance.
• Clearly state the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Discuss the background and context of the study, including previous research in the field.

3. Research Objectives

• Outline the specific objectives or aims of your research. These objectives should be clear, achievable, and aligned with the research problem.

4. Literature Review:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings, identify gaps, and highlight how your research will contribute to the existing knowledge.

5. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to employ to address your research objectives.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques you will use.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate and suitable for your research.

6. Timeline:

• Create a timeline or schedule that outlines the major milestones and activities of your research project.
• Break down the research process into smaller tasks and estimate the time required for each task.

7. Resources:

• Identify the resources needed for your research, such as access to specific databases, equipment, or funding.
• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources to carry out your research effectively.

8. Ethical Considerations:

• Discuss any ethical issues that may arise during your research and explain how you plan to address them.
• If your research involves human subjects, explain how you will ensure their informed consent and privacy.

9. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

• Clearly state the expected outcomes or results of your research.
• Highlight the potential impact and significance of your research in advancing knowledge or addressing practical issues.

10. References:

• Provide a list of all the references cited in your proposal, following a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

11. Appendices:

• Include any additional supporting materials, such as survey questionnaires, interview guides, or data analysis plans.

Research Proposal Format

The format of a research proposal may vary depending on the specific requirements of the institution or funding agency. However, the following is a commonly used format for a research proposal:

1. Title Page:

• Include the title of your research proposal, your name, your affiliation or institution, and the date.

2. Abstract:

• Provide a brief summary of your research proposal, highlighting the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

3. Introduction:

• Introduce the research topic and provide background information.
• State the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Explain the significance and relevance of the research.
• Review relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings and identify gaps in the existing knowledge.
• Explain how your research will contribute to filling those gaps.

5. Research Objectives:

• Clearly state the specific objectives or aims of your research.
• Ensure that the objectives are clear, focused, and aligned with the research problem.

6. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to use.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate for your research.

7. Timeline:

8. Resources:

• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources effectively.

9. Ethical Considerations:

• If applicable, explain how you will ensure informed consent and protect the privacy of research participants.

10. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

11. References:

12. Appendices:

Research Proposal Template

Here’s a template for a research proposal:

1. Introduction:

2. Literature Review:

3. Research Objectives:

4. Methodology:

5. Timeline:

6. Resources:

7. Ethical Considerations:

8. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

9. References:

10. Appendices:

Research Proposal Sample

Title: The Impact of Online Education on Student Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study

1. Introduction

Online education has gained significant prominence in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes by comparing them with traditional face-to-face instruction. The study will explore various aspects of online education, such as instructional methods, student engagement, and academic performance, to provide insights into the effectiveness of online learning.

2. Objectives

The main objectives of this research are as follows:

• To compare student learning outcomes between online and traditional face-to-face education.
• To examine the factors influencing student engagement in online learning environments.
• To assess the effectiveness of different instructional methods employed in online education.
• To identify challenges and opportunities associated with online education and suggest recommendations for improvement.

3. Methodology

3.1 Study Design

This research will utilize a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The study will include the following components:

3.2 Participants

The research will involve undergraduate students from two universities, one offering online education and the other providing face-to-face instruction. A total of 500 students (250 from each university) will be selected randomly to participate in the study.

3.3 Data Collection

The research will employ the following data collection methods:

• Quantitative: Pre- and post-assessments will be conducted to measure students’ learning outcomes. Data on student demographics and academic performance will also be collected from university records.
• Qualitative: Focus group discussions and individual interviews will be conducted with students to gather their perceptions and experiences regarding online education.

3.4 Data Analysis

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analysis. Qualitative data will be transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and themes.

4. Ethical Considerations

The study will adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of participants. Informed consent will be obtained, and participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

5. Significance and Expected Outcomes

This research will contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of online education on student learning outcomes. The findings will help educational institutions and policymakers make informed decisions about incorporating online learning methods and improving the quality of online education. Moreover, the study will identify potential challenges and opportunities related to online education and offer recommendations for enhancing student engagement and overall learning outcomes.

6. Timeline

The proposed research will be conducted over a period of 12 months, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.

The estimated budget for this research includes expenses related to data collection, software licenses, participant compensation, and research assistance. A detailed budget breakdown will be provided in the final research plan.

8. Conclusion

This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes through a comparative study with traditional face-to-face instruction. By exploring various dimensions of online education, this research will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and challenges associated with online learning. The findings will contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational practices and help shape future strategies for maximizing student learning outcomes in online education settings.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Writing Your Qualitative Methods in a Proposal

Hello Qualitative Mind,

We continue talking about writing qualitative research proposals, and hopefully setting you up for success with your own proposals. One of the areas you need to detail in a qualitative research proposal is methods. Writing your qualitative methods commonly feels like walking the line: you need to provide enough details yet demonstrate you’ll be flexible and responsive to your qualitative data. Moreover, it’s hard not to wonder how much qualitative expertise a reviewer committee will have and, as such, how much you need to explain your sample size and sampling strategy, for example.

While we cannot control who the reviewers will be, we will strive to do the best we can on our side of things. Over the years, I’ve learned a few key things about writing qualitative methods for proposals that helped me to be more comfortable with the task without losing the flexibility and creativity I strive to have as a qualitative researcher. Here are the key elements of a methods section and what they mean to me:

Methodological coherence: I describe qualitative methods, approaches, data collection, and data analysis strategically. Although we are often limited by the number of words we can use and/or available space, we need to offer the reviewer enough details about the research setting, sampling and recruitment strategies, data collection, and data analysis. This is when we need to think about methodological cohesion and assume a savvy qualitative reviewer might adjudicate your project. What does this mean? If you are claiming you will be conducting phenomenological research to explore individuals’ lived experiences, and recruiting approximately 25 individuals for focus groups, you might have just raised your reviewers’ eyebrows (and lost a few points). Your expected sample size is too big and the method of data collection is not congruent with phenomenology. A qualitative reviewer would quickly notice that, and red flag your methods.

Qualitative research can change once a project starts and the researcher needs to be responsive.

However, qualitative research can change once a project starts and the researcher needs to be responsive. So what to do?

Rigor Description: What strategies are planned regardless of unplanned changes? How will you strive for concurrent data collection and analysis? What records will you keep, e.g., a journal with field notes, audio-recorded debriefings? How will you practice reflexivity? What external supports and expertise will you have as you move along with your project? Thinking of these questions, and describing them in a paragraph, can demonstrate to your reviewer that even though you are  penciling in certain methods, you will be using strategies that may cause you to revisit your methods, and make changes when needed.

Responsiveness in qualitative research: In my opinion, rigor and responsiveness go together so if you thoughtfully demonstrate the former, you are also thinking about the latter. This tells a reviewer that you know qualitative inquiry well enough the be covering important topics in your methods.

In addition, many funding agencies want researchers to outline what they will do with the results/findings. So at the end of your methods or under an “expected outcomes” subheading, try to discuss what you envision for knowledge translation/mobilization. I think qualitative researchers have almost a natural advantage when it comes to knowledge translation because our work is relational and full of possibilities for creative, meaningful, community-led mobilization. Aim high when thinking where your research results will go, and the impact they might have.

Now you have two posts outlining both the key aspects of writing the literature review and methods for qualitative research proposals. The next one will be about supports for writing and reviewing qualitative research proposals before you click the submit button in whatever platform your university or funding agency uses!

Maira Quintanilha