Fundamental Guideline for Writing an Academic Research Proposal and Some Common Mistakes

*Address of correspondence: Dr. Samia Amin Senior lecturer Dept of Public health, Lincoln University College , Kelana Jaya, Post code: 47301 Selangor, Malaysia. Telephone: +60142996859 Email: drsamia27@gmail.com UpDCJ:2016;6(2):Fundamental Guideline for Writing an Academic Research Proposal and Some Common Mistakes 2 | P a g e A vague, susceptible or incomplete research proposal can cause a delayed and unsuccessful research implementation. A good and well thought research proposal must have some basic components that shows in Figure1. Research problem Research question Methodology Research Idea Budget Expected outcome Literature review Research objective Time plan Research Proposal Outline There are no tough rules governing the structure or component of a proposal. It mostly depends on the type of study design; as well formal approval by a particular university or sponsoring agency. Table 1 frame the outline of a typical format of research proposal: Table 1: Research Proposal Outline CHAPTER COMPONENT KEY POINTS Cover page  Topic/Title  Name of researcher and co researchers  Institution Title should be descriptive of focus, simple, concise, eye-catching and use key words. Example: Effectiveness of educational intervention on stage of change in smoking cessation among the undergraduate university students. Table of contents  Uses a hierarchy for heading and sub-heading  Page number should be given sequentially Abstract  Background  Methodology  Expected outcome  keywords It starts by describing the background, then state the methodology and finally concludes the expected outcome with anticipated implications; should be written last approximately 250-300 words, as a concise summary of the proposal. Chapter


Introduction
Research is a scientific and systematic investigation to collect new knowledge, information, and appropriate solution of a problem to establish a fact and reach a new conclusion.It is a critical investigation through which the area of knowledge will expand.So, before conduct a research, a researcher should prepare a proposal which will be a blueprint for the proposed research 1 .Writing a research proposal is a vital step within the research process.
There are no specific format for writing a proposal for research, it depends on type of research, institutions, or funding companies.If the proposal is writing for academic purpose like thesis or dissertation, then the supervisor can recommend their own point of interest 2 .So, there are numerous steps to be undertaken by researcher to prepare a quality research proposal.The purpose of the research proposal is to show the strategic ideas of the research question and significance of the problem statement to the supervisory committee, ethics clearance board as well as the funding agency.
A vague, susceptible or incomplete research proposal can cause a delayed and unsuccessful research implementation.A good and well thought research proposal must have some basic components that shows in Figure1.

Budget
Expected outcome Literature review

Research Proposal Outline
There are no tough rules governing the structure or component of a proposal 4 .It mostly depends on the type of study design; as well formal approval by a particular university or sponsoring agency.Table 1 frame the outline of a typical format of research proposal:

COMMON MISTAKES IN WRITING PROPOSAL
To write a best quality research proposal the researcher should adhere to guidelines required by the institution, organization, or funding agency to which the proposal will submit 4 .In writing the first draft of proposal, the researcher should focus more on organization and logical thought sequences than on exact wording, grammatical correctness and spelling.Assume that the readers know nothing about the proposed proposal; so describe the proposed methodology with as much detail and precision as possible.Although researcher take full concern in writing the proposal but still there are some common mistakes happen which is highlighted in Table 2

Conclusion
An accurate and significantly designed proposal can overcome the common pitfalls that give credibility statement concerning the investigator.

Table 1 : Research Proposal Outline
List all relevant and up-to-date references should be cited  May use soft wares such as Endnote or Refworks to help in writing  Uses a hierarchy for heading and sub-heading  Page number should be given sequentially Abstract  Background  Methodology  Expected outcome  keywords It starts by describing the background, then state the methodology and finally concludes the expected outcome with anticipated implications; should be written last approximately 250-300 words, as a concise summary of the proposal.

Table 2 : Common mistakes in writing proposal
Vague and unfocused description of design and method  Data inappropriate for the research problem  Methodology/procedures inappropriate for the research problem  Appropriate controls lacking or inadequate  Outdated or inappropriate equipment  Poorly considered statistical analysis Mistakes related to the investigator  Insufficient training or experience for the proposed research  Unfamiliar with the literature relevant for the proposed research  Insufficient time to devote to the project Mistakes related to resources  Institutional setting is unfavorable for the proposed research  Proposed use of equipment, support staff, or other resources is unrealistic.