PART II

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Part II: The Research Proposal

1. Definition of a proposal
   This is a written presentation of an intended research specifying the background to the problem, the problem, the hypothesis, the significance, scope methodology and references thereof.


2. The necessary components of a proposal in the preferred order of arrangement are:
1. Title or topic (compulsory)
2. Declaration (compulsory)
3. Approval (compulsory)
4. Table of contents (compulsory)
5. List of tables (where applicable)
6. List of Illustrations, figures or plates (where applicable)
7. Abbreviations and acronyms (where applicable)
8. Descriptive Abstract (for natural and physical sciences where applicable)

** (See a description of the above components a-g under Part Two below)

3. Chapter One: Introduction
   This chapter has the following sections written in the order given below:


1. Background to the study
   This is the rationale of the study. It should provide evidence concerning conditions of existing situations that project the research to be urgent. It should therefore bring out the need for the research to be carried out in order to solve the problem or to provide part of the solution to the problem. This should not go beyond 800 words or two pages.
   
2. Statement of the problem
   This spells out what has been identified as the core concern of the research project that calls for an investigation/study. It should be clearly and precisely stated both in its nature and projected magnitude in space not exceeding one page.


3. Objectives of the study
   There are two types of objectives:
   • The general objective, which expound the wider intention of the researcher and what he/she generally anticipates to accomplish.
   • Specific objectives, which are definite concerns or aims arising from the general objective. Each of these, requires to be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound).
   
   
4. Research questions or Hypotheses
   These are stated assumptions, which guide investigation of the problem identified above. They should lead to answering the study objectives. Choice of one of them renders others unnecessary, i.e. when one opts for hypothesis one need not use research questions.


5. Scope
   This provides the limits within which the research concerns are to be addressed in terms of time, geographical, content or other coverage. It is intended to protect the researcher from losing focus of what he intends to study.


6. Significance of the study
   This spells out the academic or practical or ethical benefits of the findings of the study. This should be presented in a clear and precise manner, and in paragraph form.


7. Theoretical or conceptual framework
   Either
   • A theoretical framework which is an examination of existing or self formulated theories pertaining to the researcher’s objectives

     OR

   • A conceptual framework, which is a scheme of concepts, or variables along which the researcher intend to operate in order to achieve the stated objectives.

   NOTE: Graphs or diagrams may be used to demonstrate the theoretical or conceptual framework.

8. Key Terms, phrases and symbols (where applicable)
   These refer to special terms that are unique and might not be understood by the general reader. This is generated at the end of chapter one.


9. Limitations or Anticipated Problems to the Study(optional)

   This refers to anticipated constraints imposed by methods /location/situation of research. It also considers potential sources of bias in the proposed study. However, these should not be seen to prevent the study from being carried out, lest it may not start. They are major considerations that may affect the validity of findings in one-way or the other. Monetary, logistical and time constraints are not limitations to the study. The student should also provide delimitations.

   
   Chapter Two: Literature review

   This chapter deals with a critical examination of the existing literature on the subject under investigation. The said literature must be relevant to the subject either in revealing the weaknesses or gaps that the existing scholarly works have not addressed, or acknowledging or affirming particular positions the researcher is concerned with. This chapter calls for acknowledgement of sources by making proper full citation in accordance with the three formats herewith appended. (See appendix IV).

   
   Chapter Three: Methodology

   This chapter deals with detailed and unambiguous description of the method and approach to be used in carrying out the research. It is an essential component of the study since it reflects the scientific nature of the proposed work. It spells out whether the research approach is qualitative or quantitative or both. This, once clearly spelt out, is what distinguishes researched work from other writings. It comprises the following components:

   
   
   1. Research design that describes the nature and pattern the research is to follow e.g. historical, descriptive survey, experimental or quasi-experimental etc.
   2. A description of the population from which samples will be selected.
   3. A description of the sample size that is intended to be used in the study.
   4. A description of the geographical area and where population of the study exists (optional).
   Sampling strategies by which the researcher will select representative elements/subjects from the population.
   5. Data collection methods and instruments/procedures to be used in the research described.
   6. Reliability and validity of instruments, which take care of the data control.
   7. Methods of Data Analysis which involve:- -processing (ie organisation, sorting and coding) of data generated. -the measurement formulae, or scales to be used in the study(eg Chi Square, simple percentages, etc). -and data presentation (in tables and charts) discussion and interpretation in relation to the literature reviewed. -computer programme(s) to be used in the management of data collected, (eg SPSS).
   
   References

   This is the last essential component of the proposal. It is part and parcel of the text and therefore pagination of the text ends with it. It is composed of a list of works cited in the proposal and should be written according to the approved format. (See appendix iv).

10. Appendices (where applicable)
    This may comprise of relevant information to the clarity of the work. It may include, a budget, time framework, explanatory notes and instruments. They are paginated in Roman numerals and each set is numbered separately from the others.


11. Length of proposals

    -For Masters Dissertations, the proposal should be up to 10 pages excluding appendices and up to 20 pages for PhD Theses, excluding appendices.

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