The Quantitative Research Proposal:

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The Quantitative Research Proposal:

This is a summary plan of an intended research using quantitative methodology. It provides the reader with the proposed working title, hint of the problem/ issue/ opportunity to be investigated; main aims/objectives and the significance of the research especially how the research will solve the problem or deal with the issue. It explains the proposed theoretical underpinning; methodology and potential ethical issues as well as current perspectives, debates, knowledge and understanding related to the research.

Components of a Research Proposal

  1. The Proposed Topic / Working Title: This is a suggested title that captures the essence of the proposed research; usually subject to changes as the research progresses.
  2. Abstract/Summary of the Proposal: An abstract is a short summary of the proposal (usually between 150 – 350 words). The abstract provides brief information about the following: the context, problem statement, main aim, research approach and methodology.
  3. Table of Contents:
  4. Acronyms/Abbreviations
  5. Introduction
    1. Problem statement: This is a concise description of the nature of the problem and of the size, distribution and severity of the problem. For example current rising number of teacher attrition/ turnover (who is affected, where, since when, and what are the consequences).
    1. Rationale for the study: the importance of the problem/issue/opportunity. A brief description of how the problem has been solved; the gaps in solutions and further research required. For example, the different approaches used to deal with annual teacher turnover, weaknesses of these approaches etc
    1. Significance of the study: description of the type of outcome/information expected and how it might lead to solving the problem identified (contribution of the expected outcome to solving the problem)
    1. Aim and Purpose of the Study (general aim and objectives): State clearly the main aim and specific objectives which should be linked to the proposed topic, problem statement and significance of the study.
    1. Research Questions and/or Hypotheses: The purpose and audience of a research usually determines whether it is appropriate to use research questions or hypotheses. For example, a research that aims to describe a phenomenon would develop questions that are directed towards providing descriptive answers e.g., How many teachers moved schools….? Similarly, research that aims to find relationship between variable will develop appropriate questions to achieve that e.g. Is there a relationship between teacher attrition and working conditions?  Quantitative research often seeks to test hypothesis – the null hypothesis is usually the major form that puts the burden of proof on the research, for example ‘There is no relationship between teacher attrition and working conditions’. The alternative hypothesis will be stated as: ‘‘There is a relationship between teacher attrition and working conditions’.
    1. Definition and operationalization of key concepts: identify the key concepts and how they each will be used in your research context, e.g. teacher attrition; working condition; teaching strategy; effectiveness; motivation;
  6. Literature Review: This is an extensive and systematic review of knowledge, ideas, research etc published about the topic or proposed problem. Literature reviewed should be authentic (journal articles, published books etc); should cover literature generally and specifically related to the topic and more importantly those related to the context or country in which the research is to be conducted. For example, a proposal about teacher attrition in the UAE should include available literature related to the UAE.
  7. Theoretical underpinning: Remember to include a proposed theoretical underpinning to your research; this should usually flow from the literature review. The literature review may identify some theories and/or perspectives that would pave the way for you to locate your research within the current debate. Note that your theoretical perspective can come in two strands – theoretical lens of the researcher (using an interpretaive/positivist /mixed approach to the study) and the subject-based theory (theory related to the concept under investigation) – providing a clear rationale for your choices. Quantitative research often uses positivists or objectivists frameworks.
  8. Research Methods
    1. Study design: Is it going to be designed as experimental; quasi-experimental, survey etc? Identify and explain the design of your study based on the research topic and justify your choices. State whether it is an observational study or an intervention study. If it is an observational study, is it a descriptive study or an analytical study.
    1. Study setting: Provide a brief description of the study context (setting/area) which should include aspects relevant to the study, e.g. geography (demography; socio-economic); education policy/system etc.
    1. Population and sampling: Clearly define the population and the sampling methods used to select participants for the study (probability / non-probability). The selection of sampling method should be justified.
    1. Data Collection: Identify, describe and justify the proposed data collection instrument/s, e.g. questionnaires, interviews, observation etc. Describe the validity and reliability of the measurement instruments proposed.
    1. Data Collection and Analysis Plan: What is my plan for data collection and analysis? State clearly when data will be collected, by whom and where. As well as description of when data would be analysed which include data management – categorising, coding, data entry, verification, computer programme to be used and statistical techniques.
    1. Ethical consideration: Identify potential ethical issues in the study and how you intend to deal with them (consent from participants, confidentiality, anonymity, vulnerable groups – students etc)
  9. Strengths and weaknesses in your proposal: What are the strengths and weaknesses in my proposal? What makes my study better than early studies? What are the limiting factors in my study?
  10. Research Plan: You should produce a table that shows all the resources you require to complete the research (and costs involved – optional) and proposed timeline for the research.
  11. References: Please use the BUiD recommended referencing style; this should be used correctly and consistently across the whole proposal document.
  12. Appendices: include any instruments  e.g. questionnaires you may have prepared.