research proposal

Meaning

A formal document that outlines a plan for a research project, detailing the objectives, methodology, timeline, and significance of the study. It is typically submitted to academic advisors, boards, or funding bodies to secure approval or financial support.

Examples

• My advisor gave me some excellent feedback on the first draft of my research proposal.

  My advisor gave me some excellent feedback on the first draft of my research proposal.

• You must submit a detailed research proposal before the department can approve your dissertation topic.

  You must submit a detailed research proposal before the department can approve your dissertation topic.

• She spent the entire weekend writing a research proposal to apply for a government grant.

  She spent the entire weekend writing a research proposal to apply for a government grant.

• A strong research proposal should clearly explain why your study is necessary and how you plan to conduct it.

  A strong research proposal should clearly explain why your study is necessary and how you plan to conduct it.

• The committee rejected his research proposal because the methodology was too vague.

  The committee rejected his research proposal because the methodology was too vague.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am writing a research project to get a grant.

  ✓ I am writing a research proposal to get a grant.

  A 'research project' is the actual work or study you do. The document you write to ask for permission or funding *before* starting that work is a 'research proposal'.

• ✗ The professor approved my research proposition.

  ✓ The professor approved my research proposal.

  'Proposition' refers to a statement, idea, or offer. In academic contexts, the formal document outlining a research plan is always a 'proposal'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Before you start collecting data, you need to submit a written ___ to your supervisor.

  💡 A formal plan describing what you intend to study and how.

  Show answer

  research proposal

• The funding committee approved her ___ and awarded her a ten-thousand-dollar grant.

  💡 The document submitted to request funding or approval for a scientific study.

  Show answer

  research proposal