Well, it is high time for you to write down the issue you are planning to investigate. In other words, you are to prepare a research proposal. Still, wait! Do you know how to write a research proposal? Not yet? Well, it is not a problem, as we are going to help you. Follow the guidelines presented below, and you will find out how to write a research proposal.

1. How to Write a Research Proposal: Step 1

Find out how many chapters your proposal should include
 
The number of chapters a proposal should include can vary depending on the type of research you have to do. Usually, 3 chapters are required for a quantitative proposal (an introduction, a literature review, and methods) and 5 or more chapters for a qualitative proposal (an introduction, a review of literature, results, and conclusions).

2. How to Write a Research Proposal: Step 2

Find out what format is required
 
Do you have to write a Marketing research proposal? Your paper must certainly be formatted in APA style. However, there are lots of exceptions. Usually, proposal format is set by the dissertation committee staff.

3. How to Write Research Proposals: Step 3

Compose an introduction
 
You might be unaware of how to write a research proposal introduction, what info to include. The introduction of your research proposal should present:

• Background of the problem you study;
• Need to study it;
• Significance of the study;
• Purpose of the study;
• Research questions;
• Summary.
4. How to Write a Research Proposal: Step 5

Write a literature review
 
How should you write your research proposal literature review? What should you include? Consider the following points:

• Background or history of qualitative (quantitative) research;
• Reliability or validity of sources;
• Research method and instrumentation (if used);
• Summary.
5. How to Write a Research Proposal: Step 6

Present a very detailed description of your research
 
If you do not know how to write this part of a research proposal, here are some hints for you:

• Present the chosen methods of investigation;
• Explain the effectiveness of these methods;
• Describe your research procedure in brief.

Now that you know how to write research proposals, do not waste your time!
 
You can also read about an academic research proposal on our blog.