Research proposal writing is very similar to writing proposals for projects in format.  However, research proposal writing must adhere to the guidelines of its particular field of study, whether academic or in scientific research.  Because it is usually a panel of peers who are reading research proposal writing, the proposal should be very detailed and contain information from authoritative resources.

Whether the research proposal writing is for academic purposes or post-graduate research, it must always be described with precise methodology as it applies to the field.  Because of this, some of the components of the proposal may not apply.  Keep this in mind while reviewing this research proposal writing structure outline.

Cover Page: Should include the topic, the proposal writer, and the associated institution

Table of Contents: This will list all the sections of the research proposal writing and their page numbers.

Background/Need for Study: Here is where the writer can include more information about the context of the research proposal writing, the author’s inspiration, or policy.  It is common for this part of the research proposal writing to talk about any gaps in the research of the field.

Purpose and Goals of the Research: The research proposal writing should clearly outline questions to be answered as well as the reason for conducting the study.  All of the goals should be related to the study.  This part of the research proposal is not expected to be extensive.

Review of Related Studies and Literature: Here is where the research proposal writing goes over related studies in the field to show that the writer is aware of any other relevant studies.  Further, you should review these studies and literature in order to show that you can judge the issues in the field.

Research Design: This is where the writer will include a detailed plan for how the research will be carried out.  This part of the research proposal writing may include data collection methods, procedures, analysis methods, and also will include information about the author’s knowledge and how this relates to the research approach.

Timetable: This is a detailed plan of all the tasks involved in the research proposal writing and the timeframe for their completion.

Proposed Thesis Structure: Here is where the writer will describe what the focus of each chapter is.

Expectations: The research proposal writing here will delve into that the predicted outcome of the study may be and how this will be significant.  This part may be excluded from the proposal if the expectations have already been addressed.

Glossary: A glossary is necessary if the research proposal writing includes terms from another culture, has concepts which are from a new field, or acronyms.  The glossary should always be easy to locate.

Appendices: Rather than disrupt the flow of the research proposal writing, relevant documentation can be placed in an appendix.

References: A precise list of any existing research, interviews, studies, etc that have been used in the course of the research proposal writing.