How to Write a Research Proposal in 2023
The aim of a research proposal is to convince the academic community that you have:
1. identified a scientific problem
2. a methodological approach to solve the problem
3. a realistic time frame to complete the project at reasonable expenses
1. General Information
Length: between 5-10 pages (minimum 2000 words)
Proper layout: typeface, line spacing, table of contents, page numbers Be clear, concise, and relevant in your writing! 2. Title Page
Personal data: name, academic title (if applicable), position at your own university, date of birth, nationality, work and home address including phone number and e-mail address
Title of planned dissertation → concise, clear, and understandable Research area (e.g. Political Science) 3. General Overview of Research Area and Literature
Short and precise overview of the current state of research related to your research project
Name the most important contributions of other scholars
Clearly indicate an open problem, which will be the motive for your project.
4. Citation The research proposal has to be written by you. Any passage/ sentence from another source or author has to be appropriately cited. Plagiarism will result in disqualification!
5. Key Research Questions and Objectives This section should establish the relevance and value of the proposed research and justify the research effort! → What do you intend to find out? → What are your objectives? → What is the relevance of your research for your academic field? 2 www.daad.tj
6. Methods (most important and longest section of the proposal) Provide detailed information on the theoretical/methodological framework that will be used in your research: → How do you intend to answer your research questions? → What sources will you consult? → What analytical techniques/ methods will you employ? → How will you collect the required data? → How much time will you need (timetable)? → Are there anticipated difficulties or ethical issues in collecting the required data?
7. Tentative Timetable (table format) Give information about the research phases and the time required for each phase
8. Research Bibliography → List only publications that you have used for drafting your proposal! → Use recent publications! → Do not copy bibliographies from other papers! → In case important publications are not available in your home country, list them separately and make clear that you had no opportunity to read them.
9. Text Editing Check grammar and spelling! Check that title and content correspond! Have someone within the academic community proofread your proposal in order to make sure it conforms to international academic standards
10. Checklist ☐Table of Contents ☐Abstract ☐Introduction to the General Topic ☐Problem Statement and Justification of the Research Project ☐Hypothesis and Objectives of the Study ☐Literature and Research Review ☐Research Method(s) ☐Data Collection, Analysis and Evaluation of Data (empirical research) ☐Analysis of Texts and Documents ☐Expected Results of the Study ☐Bibliography ☐Appendix, e.g. Tables, Graphs, Questionnaires, etc. ☐Timetable