LibGuides: Student Research Guide: How to Write a Research Proposal

Developing a Research Proposal

A thesis proposal is an outline and justification of your proposed plan of research. Your proposal will include:

the scope of your intended project,
an explanation of the questions in which you plan to investigate,
research methodology, and
the significance of your proposed research in relation to its wider contribution to the scholarly conversation.

The aim of your thesis proposal is to explain to the reader what you intend to study, how you will engage with the topic, including your questions, and why this research is relevant. Lastly, it may include a timetable describing how you will manage your time as well.

The proposal should be 4-6 pages in length and requires the approval of a mentor prior to submission to the curricular dean.

Research Proposals Include the Following Sections:

Introductory section
Literature review
Methods section
Analytical section
Feasibility and limitations section
Preliminary bibliography

Senior Honors Thesis
For more information on each section, consult this webpage from Georgetown University, Walsh School of Foreign Service.
Make an Appointment with the Writing Center
If you need assistance with writing your research proposal, please feel free to make an appointment with a Writing Center Specialist at the GUQ Writing Center.
Research Proposal Helpsheet
Written by the University of Melbourne. This may help you to understand the main elements that comprise a research proposal and prepare a well-structured research proposal.