thesis proposal.pdf

7/29/2019 Thesis Proposal.pdf

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UNIT IV

The Research ProposalProf. Noel K. Torreta

In industry, a proposal is a written response to a request to have a work performed.

The requesting company sends out requests for proposals to a list of companies qualified to

perform the type of work needed. This module does not tell you everything you know aboutwriting proposals for big businesses. Instead, this module focuses on a practical writing

project in which you write a proposal for a major research paper or report you need to do to

complete your academic program.

Objectives:

After studying this lesson, you should be able to:

1. differentiate a research proposal from a research report;2. recognize the different parts of a research proposal;3. observe some general guidelines in preparing the different parts of a research

proposal; and4. write a research proposal.

What is a research proposal?

A research proposal is a written offer to solve a problem in a particular way under a specified

plan or management for a certain sum of money. It is a formal plan of solution to a problem.

What is a research report?

A research report is a written account or record of facts (procedures, findings) about and, at

times, recommendations on a subject designed to meet a specific need.

Here are some guidelines in preparing the different sections of a research proposal:

I. Introduction

A. Function

The purpose of this section is to supply sufficient background information to allow the reader

to understand and evaluate the results of the present study without needing to refer to

previous publication on the topic. This presents an understandable view of the researchproblem.

B. Content

This section contains the following:

Research problem

Subject of the studygeneral area to which the research problem belongs

Backgroundgeneral information concerning the research problem; usually has

something to do with an observed problem; information to put the problem in its

proper perspective (principles, theories, processes, concepts relevant to the study)


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General purposewhat the research paper hopes to accomplish/accomplished as a

justification for conducting the study

Scopeextent to which the problem will be/was worked on

Importance/significancehow the research results will be used; values that may be

obtained from the research; contributions (practical or otherwise) that the research

results may have

C. Treatment

The basic principles of developing an expository composition are applied

Use of expository techniques such as definition, comparison and contrast,

description, and explanation, etc.

Use of appropriate orders of presentation such as: logical, chronological, topical,

cause to effect.

Use of appropriate tense and voices.Explicit presentation of the problem of the proposed study/report.

Example:

This proposed study will explore/explored the prospect of controllingErwinia carotova var.

chrysanthemi, the casual organism of the bacterial stalk rot of corn, using antibiotic

Streptomyces spp.

D. Suggested Rules

1. It should present first, with all possible clarity, the nature and scope of the probleminvestigated.2. It should review the pertinent literature to orient the reader.3. It should state the method of the investigation. If deemed necessary, the reasons for

the choice of a particular method should be stated.

4. It should state the principal results of the investigation.5. It should state the principal conclusion(s) suggested by the results.

II. Materials and Methods

A. Function

The purpose of this section is to present the materials and the steps to be followed/ that were

followed in conducting the research; shows the soundness, appropriateness of the materials

and methods to meet the research objectives.

B. Content

Research method/s, designs, treatment/s, technique/s, number of replications

Materialsexperimental animals, plants, solutions, chemicals, etc.

Instruments and equipmenttest tubes, beakers, etc.

Step-by-step procedureStatistical analysis


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Population, sample size, sampling techniques

Operational definition of terms

Respondents

Instrumentsquestionnaire, interview guide, interview schedule

Data to be gathered/ that were gathered

Sources of information

Exclusive to the RP: detailed schedule of activities

Exclusive to the RR: problems encountered and modifications, if any, made in the

original plan

C. Treatment

May be presented in a numbered list form (often used in the RP); in paragraph

form (often used in the RR); or combination

For the RR, presentation uses indicative mood, passive voice, past tense

Smaller, subordinate processes need not be described

The length of the estrous cycle during pre-treatment and treatment periods will be observed

following vaginal smear techniques of Long and Evans (1922).

Should be replicable

III. Results and Discussion

This section corresponds to the analysis and interpretation of steps of the research process.

A. Functions

Results

Presents organized data

o Shows some generalizations concerning datao Gives emphasis to the highest and lowest data

Discussion

Links findings to show their relation to one another

Provides explanations for the different expected or unexpected findings

B. Content

Findings and explanations

At times, part/s or the M and M

Relationships among data (trends/ patterns; quantitative information; causes;

effects)

C. Treatment

May be presented together in one section or as two different sections

Often makes use of tabular and graphic presentationStatements of analysis and interpretation go with the data presented


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Focus on the use of may be due to or seem to in presenting interpretations

Use of expository techniques

IV. Summary and Conclusion

A. Functions

Summary

Presents highlights of the research

Conclusion

Presents the answer/s to the objective/s

Shows which hypothesis/es is/are accepted or rejected

B. Content

Highlights and conclusions

C. Treatment

Usually presented as one section

Use of past and present tenses

V. Implications

A. Functions

Relates research results to what is currently known in the research area

Recommends solutions to identified problems based on the research findings

Recommends possible areas for future research endeavors

B. Content

Discussion of research findings

Recommendations

C. Treatment

Use of expository techniques

Use of past and present tenses

Recommendations may just be listed or discussed

IV. Title

A. Function

Identifies research being proposed or reported

B. Content


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Research problem

C. Treatment

Neither too long nor too shortNeither too general nor too specific

o Gibeberellic acid and riceo Effects of gibeberellic acid on riceo Effects of gibberellic acid on character A, character B, character C, character

D, and character E of rice

o Effects of gibberelic acid on some agronomic characters of riceA two-part title may be used instead of a long title

o Instead of: The modification and evaluation of the Thailand-designatedmanually operated peanut shellers

o Use: Thailand designed manually operated peanut shellers: their modificationand evaluation

Meaningless and overworked phrases should be avoided

o A proposal ono A report ono An investigation ofo An analysis ofo A study ofo A discussion ofVagueness should be avoided

o From: a method for measuring porosity coefficientso To: measurements of porosity coefficients by the shallow-bore methodo From: system for improving computer reliabilityo To: preventive maintenance: an aid to computer reliabilityMust contain no word, concept, or idea not covered in the text

Research method may be reflected in the title

o The Ideal Puto Seco Factory: a case studyo A survey of jobs held by UPLB BS math graduateso The effect of long storage on the germination ofK. bangkalseedso Isolation and identification of the antibiotic producing bacillus from the soil

VII. Budgetary Requirements

A. Function

Presents a comprehensive, clear, easily understood estimates of the costs of theresearch

B. Content

Financial requirements of the research

Personal


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Salaries of full-time staff (research assistants, laboratory aides, technicians, interviewers,

typists, etc.)

Honoraria/ stipends and/or allowances of part-time staff (project leader, coordinator, senior

researcher, graduate students, etc.)

Operating and maintenance expensesSupplies and materialskind and quantity

Equipment/instrumentskind and quantity

Travelmode, tentative places to be visited, number and kinds (observational conference,

inspection, interview, arrangement) of trips, purpose and number of people; approximate

dates

Sundrymiscellaneous, undetermined expenses

Capital outlayhuge expenditure for items which are more or less permanent

Contingencyallotment for unexpected expenses

C. Treatment

Outline form

Columnar entries for total and subtotals

Clear at one glance how much each item costs

References:

Alcantara, RD. and Espina, FP. 1995. Technical Writing for Filipino Students. Quezon City:

Katha Publishing co., Inc.

Bautista, OK., Bondad, ND. 1997. Technical Writing for Beginners (guide to writing thesis

dissertation, research report, and journal article). UPLB, College, Laguna.

Day, R. 1995. How to Write a Scientific Paper. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Librero, F. 1996. How to Write a Thesis Proposal, Some Practical Guidelines. College,

Laguna: College of Agriculture, Publications Program.

Maslog, CC., Colet-Villadolid, A. 1992. Science and Science Writing. Philippine Press, Inc.

Mills, JH., Walter, JA. 1990. Technical Writing. Quezon City: JMC Press, Inc.

Nem Sings, RP. And Calixihan, JO. 1994. Fundamentals of Technical Writing. Metro

Manila: National Bookstore Inc.

Samson, DC. 1993. Editing Technical Writing. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Some Notes on the Research Proposal and the Report (English 10 Handout)

thesis proposal.pdf

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