Writing an MS/ M.

Phil Research Proposal

Superior University Lahore

The objective of this document is to provide the brief guidelines for the MS/ M. Phil
candidates of Superior University to write a good research proposal. This document will
show that

1) You have the competence and work plan to complete the research.
2) You have a research idea which will lead to the creation of new knowledge and
understanding.
3) It includes sufficient information for us to evaluate the proposed study

Structure of the Proposal

A research proposal submitted to Superior University for acceptance should be written in a
clear, concise, cohesive and meaningful way. The proposal should not exceed 2000 words
and should follow the following structure:
1

Working Title (Maximum 20 words)

Abstract (150 words Approx.)

Introduction (500 words Approx.)

Review of literature (1000 words Approx.)

Research Methodology (300 words Approx.)

Research Project Timeline

Conclusion (100 words Approx.)

References (APA 6th Manual)

Working Title
Working title is the foremost part of the research proposal. Therefore, it must be selfexplanatory that should give a clear idea to the reader that what you are going to undertake.
Specifically the title should encapsulate the precise identification of the problem, main
variables or concepts, and target population. It should reflect the clarity, conciseness and
effective arrangement of words in the title. The title is designed to stimulate the readers
interest. A good title should attract and inform the readers and be accurate. It needs to stand
out in some way from the other thousands of titles that compete for the readers attention,
but it also needs to tell the reader what the paper is about.
Abstract
The abstract begins with the statement of the problem which is based on the critical
analysis of the literature. The abstract continues with the research questions and
corresponding hypotheses (if used). Measures operationalizing the variables are identified
and the procedures are briefly described. It should be interesting enough to motivate a

reader to read the full proposal. An abstract maximum of 150 words should be given at the
top of second page. Further it is also important to mention key word at the end of abstract
in a separate head
Introduction/Background
The introduction of a proposal should begin with a capsule statement of what is being
proposed and then should proceed to introduce the subject to a stranger. It should give
enough background to enable an informed layman to place your particular research
problem in a context of common knowledge and should show how its solution will
advance the field or be important for some other work. The statement

Establish the field: assert briefly how significant, relevant, and important is

your chosen topic

Summarize your predecessors more general research
Focus in on your own research project. In this however move, indicate a gap

in knowledge to be filled,, the question to answer

Introduce your own research by stating the question you wish to answer, what
you hope to discover, what hypothesis you will test. Novel methods can earn a
brief mention, but rarely will an Introduction include any results.

Rationale (Significance) of the study

The significance section describes the importance of seeking a solution to the statement of
the problem identified previously. The statement of significance justifies the student and
faculty time and financial resources that need to be devoted to the research. You are
required to present your justification that how your research will add value to theory,
policy and practice.
Review of Literature
The purpose of the literature review is to situate your research in the context of what is
already known about a topic. It need not be exhaustive, it needs to show how your work
will benefit the whole. It should provide the theoretical basis for your work, show what has
been done in the area by others, and set the stage for your work.
In a literature review you should give the reader enough ties to the literature that they feel
confident that you have found, read, and assimilated the literature in the field. It should
probably move from the more general to the more focused studies, but need not be
exhaustive, only relevant.
Research Methodology
This part of the research proposal should briefly communicate that how you will carry out

your research study. It should cover the following points:

Research Paradigm

Research Approach

Philosophical Assumptions

Induction/ Deduction

Research Method

Qualitative/ Quantitative

Research Design

Population

Sample Size

Sampling Technique

Data Collection Instrument

Data Collection Technique

Data Analysis

Ethical Consideration

Delimitations and Limitations of the study

References
List all the research studies you have cited in your proposal. The references should be
given in APA 6th manual style. Use of references in your study should be smart enough to
convey that you have read, understood and evaluated the work of previous researchers. You
can add the work of other that might be relevant to your topic but you have not actually
cited in your proposal for whatsoever reason can also be shown as bibliography.

Outline of MS/ M. Phil Research Proposal

1. Title Page
2. Main Body
Research Title:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1. Introduction
a. Background of Research

b. Research Gap

c. Significance of Research

d. Research Questions

e. Definition of key constructs

2. Theoretical Framework
a. Base theories

b. Relationships of constructs

c. Development of Hypothesis or Research Questions

3. Methodology

i.

a. Research Paradigm
Philosophical Assumptions

i.

b. Research Approach
Induction/Deduction

i.

c. Research Method
Qualitative/ Quantitative/ Mixed

ii.

Research Design (Population, Sample Size, Sampling Technique, Data Collection

Instrument, Data Collection Technique, Data Analysis, Ethical Considerations,
Delimitations and Limitations of the study)

4. Research Project Timeline

5. Conclusion

10

6. References

11