How to...Write a Research Proposal in Half an Hour

It’s not ideal, you know it should take longer, that you really should have put more thought into it, but sometimes that application deadline rolls around and there you are sans research proposal. It happened to me when my deadline turned out to be a week earlier than anticipated.

I panicked and threw together a page of rudimentary ideas and theories but out of that chaos was born a methodology: how to write a research proposal in half an hour.

You will need: an internet connection, a word processor, a keen mind and a sense of impending doom.

Step 1: Choosing a topic or project

This first step is the biggie; in fact it’s most likely the reason your research proposal didn’t get written weeks ago. However, it doesn’t have to be a big deal if you think it through clearly and calmly.

Begin by looking at your current research or academic interests: is there anything that could be further developed or an area which you feel could be extended in a larger project?

For example, I study the transition to agriculture and its impact on human populations and one aspect of this that interested me and had not been well covered was the origination of social inequality.

You then need to consider if you can provide an interesting view on your chosen topic- funding bodies might not be looking for mavericks but they’re not looking for plodders either.

It can be as simple as using a different methodology or sample set to re-examine current research but an element of novelty is essential.

Finally it is important to ensure your project is feasible: nothing says ‘hastily thrown together’ like a grandiose vision with little consideration for the practical difficulties said vision would entail.

When you have you idea it’s time for step 2: actually writing it.

Step 2: Writing your research proposal.

There are several issues to be aware of here rather than direct steps to follow:

·         Be aware of your audience: it is a good idea to tailor your research to your audience, particularly if it can be easily adapted. For example, when applying for funding from a body supporting women in academia I emphasised sexual division of labour as my chief element of interest in examining socio-economic status. There is no need to pander, or completely abandon your idea but be prepared to be flexible.

·         Be vague about technical aspects but not ignorant: you don’t want to go into too much detail about equipment and experimental design even if you do know what you’ll need. However, if it is necessary to refer to aspects of technology make sure you know what you’re talking about: they’ll know if you don’t.

·         Have references: nothing solidifies a research proposal like the weight of academia. You don’t have to have time to read any of the papers you cite- unless they’re from your previous work, but judicious use of Google scholar and careful reading of abstracts can ensure you look like you know what you’re talking bout without risking looking like a fool.

Step 3: Presentation

Ok, you’re nearing the finish line and that deadline is looming, but it’s important not to lose focus.

Now is the time to proof-read as if your life depended on it, roping in friends and supervisors as available.

Important checkpoints: make sure you have your facts right- if you’ve been a bit lax with your fact checking rectify that now.

Spelling and grammar is vital- the person reading your application may not come from your field but they will be highly literate so being sloppy in this area is a mistake.

Finally make sure the proposal is well formatted: pick a nice ,clean font and good type size, set reasonable page margins, write clear headings and double-space it. It should be as easy to read as possible.

So there you have it: thirty minutes later you are one research proposal better off and hopefully one step closer to your academic future. Now all that’s left to do is to send it off.

Good luck!