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How to Write Your Research Proposal

Writing a research proposal can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into clear sections makes the process manageable. Whether you’re preparing for a nursing project, a dissertation, or any academic study, your proposal should present your research idea, justify why it matters, and explain how you plan to carry it out.

📏 How Long Should a Research Proposal Be?

2,000–3,500 words (about 4–7 pages).
This length gives you enough space to explain your research question, review relevant literature, and describe your methods in detail.

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📝 What to Include in a Research Proposal

1. Title

Your title should clearly indicate your research focus or key question.
Aim for something concise but descriptive.

2. Background and Rationale

Explain why your research matters. Include:

The background and key issues related to your topic
Your discipline or field of study (e.g., nursing, leadership, education)
A short literature review
A summary of key debates and developments in the field

3. Research Question(s)

State your main research question(s) clearly and directly.
Explain what problems or issues you want to explore.
Show why these questions are important and worth investigating.

Statement of Purpose Format for Graduate School (SOP)

4. Research Methodology

Outline how you plan to conduct your study, including:

The theoretical framework (the lens or perspective guiding your study)
Your research approach (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods)
The methods you’ll use (surveys, interviews, experiments, case studies, etc.)
A discussion of the strengths and limitations of your chosen approach

5. Plan of Work and Time Schedule

Give a realistic timeline for completing your study. For example:

Full-time study: Complete research within 3 years, writing up in the 4th year.
Part-time study: Complete research within 6 years, writing up by the 8th year.

Break down your work into stages (e.g., literature review, data collection, analysis, writing).