PYR research proposal - Template 2

1. A summary or abstract

One or two paragraphs (not more than 250 words) that summarise what you will do in the research project and how you will do it. The abstract should follow a structured framework covering:

• Purpose
• Design, methods, approach
• Findings
• Originality/value

2. Problem, question or hypothesis and key assumptions

The key problem or issue that frames the research project will focus on. The rationale for the research and a motivation for the research (including personal experience). Give the key assumptions that you will follow in building your arguments, models, or experiments.

3. Significant prior research (Literature Review)

This should comprehensively demonstrate that you are aware of the major relevant sources of information in your chosen area. Most research projects arise out of considerable prior research, which should be summarised. You also need to show the relationship between your question or problem and this prior research. This should conclude with specific research questions to be addressed in a series of studies.

4. Research methodology

The methodology section is one of the most important sections of your proposal. It demonstrates your understanding of the steps and skills necessary to undertake your intended research. It should be as explicit as possible, detailing how you will collect, analyse and present your data or research.

Note that justification for the use of multiple studies or methods needs to be given. Your choice of methodology and design should be justified by your research questions.

Be sure to describe your intended data collection and analysis techniques with enough detail to persuade the reviewers that you understand what you plan to do. These plans may well change as you conduct your research, so you won’t be judged on that. You should also note any major questions yet to be decided upon.

How you intend to analyse your data needs to be described. This should refer to methods or techniques of analysis not the software you will use.

5. Ethical considerations

All University research is expected to conform to acceptable ethical standards and proposals and must be approved before the research commences by the University of Auckland Human Participants Ethics Committee.

To read the University’s ethics guidelines and submit an application, visit the Human Participants Ethics Committee page.

6. Importance and significance of the research topic

Your thesis must make an original contribution to knowledge. Thus, you must show how your proposed research is important enough to justify it being done. You should also include a statement about how your research can influence educational theory or practice.

This section should contain a paragraph or two that defines the limits of your research. It’s common for students to try to do too much. This section is useful in defining how much you will undertake.

7. Management

Outline the proposed schedule or timeline for this thesis, including expected completion dates for each stage. Identify any resources you anticipate needing.

8. References

This final section lists the literature you have cited in this proposal.

9. Appendices

You may insert research tools and HPEC approval forms if they are available.