How to write a Synopsis/Research Proposal By Sadaf Naz

 

For the students of M.S and P.H.D and B.S/Masters (occasionally), it’s necessary to submit a research plan or synopsis.

Students’ usually get tired to write it down with a proper manner. Here are discussing some general guideline and basic structure to write down the Synopsis.

Basic headings:

1)     Research Problem

2)     Introduction

3)     Purpose of the study

4)     Research Question

5)     Justification

6)     Methodology

7)      Bibliography

1)     Research Problem

Research problem is a statement, which describes relationships between two variables. Variables can be one, two or more.

Remember! When u write down the problem, u must be very clear that what actually you want to do. If are not clear about your task, you would not be able to do a satisfied research.

Some words usually used, while describing the problem, be careful about choosing these words.

Analysis:

Problem:

 “An analytical study of the problems of genius child in Secondary classed.”

Here the word analytical shows that you want to study all problems of genius separately.

Evaluation:

Problem:

 “An evaluation of the system of Primary education of Pakistan, with special reference to the reforms by UNESCO.”

Here the word evaluation shows that you will study all variables and aspects of primary education.

Comparative:

“A comparative study of the system of Higher education of Pakistan, with the Higher education of India.”

Here the word comparative shows that u will study these systems and then compare them with each other.

There are many other words, which are chosen to define your research problem but these are the most common words.

 

2) Introduction

Introduction is actually a brief view towards your topic. It should cover basics of your topic and give an idea that what you are going to do.

NOTE: you have to be very concise, while giving the introduction.

3) Purpose of study

Purpose is an important part of the Synopsis. Purpose could be written in paragraph form and in points, but it is more likely to write them in points. It gives a clear way to the supervisor or analysis committee about your Research. It should not more then five.

4) Research question/Hypothesis

For qualitative research, research question is designed. This is an overview about what you want to do.

Example

Problem:  “An evaluation of the system of Primary education of Pakistan, with special reference to the reforms by UNESCO”

Research question: Does primary education system of Pakistan meet the standards of international primary education?

This is an example for qualitative research; you can design hypothesis instead of them, according to your need.

5) Justification

In this section, you have to write down the importance of your research. You have to answer the following question precisely.

A.   Why researcher want to conduct this study?

B.    What are the benefits, if this study will be conducted?

C.   How this research will be useful?

NOTE: you have to be very concise, while giving the justifications.

 

6) Methodology

In this section, you have to write that what nature of research of research you are using, Qualitative or Quantitative or mixture of them. You have to describe as well that what resources you will use to collect the data, and how will you do the Sampling, what methods will you use for sampling and what tools will be used to collect the data.

It means u have to mention clearly:

1- Nature of research

2- Sampling method/ sources of data collection

3- Tools for collect the data

7) Bibliography

All books, websites, journals, articles, newspaper, you have consulted, mention there references in detail with alphabetical order.

Guideline for cover sheet

The first page, which is called coversheet will be consists on following headings.

Sample coversheet:

 Coversheet

for student

Subject:                          Research Proposal

Submitted to:                  Board of research studies, Department of ...………

Submitted by:                  Sadaf Naz

Submission date:             16^th May, 2011

Disclaimer

I certify that attached proposal is my own work. Material drawn from other resources has been acknowledged.

For Boards of research studies, Department of ………..

Remarks: ______________________________________________

Date:            16^th May, 2011

Signature:    

Font size

Font size of headings should be 14 and bold. The text size should be 12. Bold the introduction and research problem. And write bibliography in italic.

For more questions, use FAQ or comments.