http://english.csusb.edu/documents/rudd.pdf

This research proposal is designed to identify a topic/issue of interest of which you will conduct further research and analysis. In this proposal, I want to know what

the issue is, why it is important, and how you will analyze the issue. Remember, you are not conductingthe study andanalysis in this proposal.  You are identifying the

issue and proposing a project to further study the issue. You need to justify your research/experimental design.
Basic Requirements:(Consider the items below your outline for organizing your proposal.)
1. Introduce the larger topic in a relevant context.
2. Narrow down the issue and state what you plan to look generally (NOTE: the methods will come later).
3. Include at least 5 sources that help explain the issue, its background, and two or three perspectives of the issue. (This is a mini literature review.  You will

need a reference page at the end of the paper.)
4. Explain what questions, or hypotheses, you plan to addressand what you will doto further critique the issue and the ways it has been studied.
5. Explain your methods of research.  Identify essential variables. Will you have to control for any biases?  Consider time constraints; you may design a survey to

gather data or conduct a meta-analysis.  Describe how you will collect your data. What method of analysis will you use to make sense of your results?  If you have

access to additional lab equipment, you may propose a more controlled method of analysis.