Research Proposal Writing Guidelines for
Graduate Students
Prepared by Alemu M.
To ensure consistency among Students of an academic institution, it is essential for research
proposals to adhere to a structured format. While variations may exist based on academic
discipline and the nature of the study, a typical research proposal from a student should
encompass distinct sections, each commencing on a separate page. In line with standard
practices, formal research proposals by graduate students are generally expected to incorporate
the fundamental components outlined below.
1. Preliminary Section
i. Cover Page (Title Page)
ii. Abstract
iii. Acknowledgements (optional)
iv. Table of Contents
v. List of Tables (if applicable)
vi. List of Figures (if applicable)
vii. Abbreviations (Acronyms and Abbreviations)
2. Main Body Section: Divided into Chapters
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objectives
1.4 Significance of the Study
1.5 Scope of the Study
CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.2 Theoretical Review
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Conceptual Framework or Model
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY (MATERIALS AND METHOD)
3.1 Research Approach
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3.2 Research Design
3.3 Data Type and Sources
3.4 Methods of Data Collection
3.5 Sampling Design and Technique
3.6 Method of Data Analysis
3.7 Time and Cost Breakdown
3.8 Plan of Activities
3.9 Budget
4. References
5. Appendix (if applicable)
A DESCRIPTION OF EACH OF THESE SECTIONS:
1. Cover Page: The cover page provides essential information about the research proposal,
including the university/college name, title of the proposal, student's name, department,
program of study, advisors, and date and location of submission. It follows specific
formatting guidelines, including title case letters, bold capitalization for certain elements, and
a recommended font size.
2. Acknowledgements: The acknowledgements section expresses gratitude to individuals or
institutions that have provided guidance, assistance, or special support during the preparation
of the proposal. It acknowledges contributions made by others to the research endeavor.
3. Table of Contents: The table of contents lists all sections and subsections of the proposal,
ensuring consistency in wording, font, and case with the actual headings and entries. It
facilitates navigation through the document but avoids unnecessary elements like "title" and
"page" at the top, as well as dotted lines connecting headings to page numbers.
4. List of Tables (if any): The list of tables, if included, enumerates the tables present in the
proposal. While not commonly found in research proposals, it follows a format similar to the
list of figures.
5. List of Figures: Similar to the list of tables, the list of figures enumerates the figures
included in the proposal. It follows the list of tables or immediately follows the table of
contents if no tables are present.
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6. Abbreviations and Acronyms: his section lists abbreviations and acronyms alphabetically,
providing their full names. It ensures clarity and consistency in the use of terminology
throughout the proposal, particularly for technical terms and specialized jargon.
7. Abstract: The abstract succinctly summarizes the entire proposal, typically in less than 250
words. It includes essential components such as the title, problem statement, objectives, and
methodology. The abstract provides a concise overview of the proposed study's focus and
significance.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION:
The introduction sets the stage for the research proposal, offering background information,
stating the problem, outlining objectives, discussing significance, defining the scope, and
indicating the organization of the study.
1.1 Background of the Study: Provides general context and relevant background
information.
1.2 Statement of the Problem: Clearly articulates the research issue and gaps in previous
efforts to address it.
1.3 Objective of the Study: Specifies expected outcomes and research objectives aligned
with the problem.
1.4 Significance of the Study: Highlights the proposed study's contributions and potential
benefits.
1.5 Scope of the Study: Defines the study's subject matter, geographical coverage, and
temporal boundaries.
1.6 Organization of the Study: Optionally outlines the structure and content of the proposal's
subsequent chapters.
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW:
This critical analysis examines existing knowledge relevant to the research topic, including
theoretical frameworks, empirical studies, and conceptual models.
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CHAPTER 3: MATERIALS AND METHODS (RESEARCH METHODOLOGY):
This chapter outlines the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques to
be employed in the study.
3.1 Description of the Study Area
3.2 Research Design
3.3 Data Type and Sources
3.4 Description of the Population
3.5 Sampling Methods
3.6 Method of Data Collection
This includes questionnaires, use of observation, focus group discussions, in-depth
interviews, laboratory analysis and similar methods that may be considered by the
research need to be described. The description should outline the data to be collected in
the study, the methods of measurement and the units of measurement.
3.7 Method of Data Analysis:
The student should decide how the data generated will be analyzed. Descriptions of the
data analytical methods, techniques, tools and statistical tests that will be used in
analyzing the data should be provided. If the study undertakes inferential analysis such as
cause and effect (regression analysis) and statistical tests, the following sub headings may
be necessary.
Description of the Model
Description of Variables (Definition of Variables)
Diagnostic Tests (test for the violations of basic assumptions)
3.8 Data Quality Assurance:
Here the researcher may discuss how to check the data collection instruments, the
plans for ensuring confidentiality of data when appropriate, and describe the
reliability and validity of instruments used in the research.
3.9 Ethical Consideration
Ethical considerations are critical to the completion of any social sciences,
health, medical or veterinary medicine research. It is required that ethics be
discussed when researching people or animals. Examples of ethical issues
include:
Known benefits and risks of participant involvement in the research.
When appropriate, indicate any special incentives for treatment that
human subjects will receive through their participation in the study.
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Discuss the procedures for informed consent by the study participants
where applicable.
Indicate how the data collected in the study will be kept secure
and confidential.
Lists drugs, vaccines, diagnoses, clinical procedures and instruments to be used
and whether they are registered, unregistered, new or currently in use in
Ethiopia.
When studying human and animal subjects, ethical principles include respect for the subjects,
beneficence, and justice, whether the objectives of the study are ethically achievable, and the
ethical soundness of the methods. In recognizing the critical nature of ethics, the formal
approval of the planned research study by the College/ a university or national ethics review
committee must be conducted and must be stated in the research proposal
ADDITIONAL TOPICS:
1. Plan of Activities: This chapter details the timeline and schedule for research activities,
providing a structured plan for project implementation.
2. Budget: Describes the financial resources required for the research project, including
personnel, equipment, travel, and other expenses. It follows guidelines for budget
justification and includes tables summarizing budget items.
3. References: Lists all works cited in the proposal alphabetically, ensuring consistency
between citations in the narrative and the reference list.
4. Appendix (if any): Contains supplementary materials such as questionnaires, consent forms,
tables, maps, or detailed procedures that support the proposal but are not included in the main
text.
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