How to Write a Dissertation Proposal

A dissertation proposal gives an overview of the research one aims to conduct; what it is about, how data will be conducted and its significance. Prior to writing a dissertation, a proposal has to be made which is approved by the supervisor to proceed further.

Dissertation proposal generally include:

• Abstract that gives a brief summary of the research
• An introduction which provides preliminary background and rationale of the study
• A literature review which covers the literature or knowledge gap
• An outline of proposed methodology
• Research discussion and implications
• A bibliography of relevant sources

The length of dissertation proposals varies according to the discipline but it approximately falls under 2000–5000-word count. It is highly recommended to follow guidelines given by the institution.

Step 1: Strong idea for Dissertation

Prior to writing the proposal, it’s crucial to come up with an idea mainly research topic for dissertation.

At first, identify an area of your field that seems interesting and then do preliminary reading for it. Find key concerns of other researchers in term of their suggestion for further research and literature gap in the field. Narrow down the idea that pops up in mind just in order to frame it in the best way.  Never be vague on it, as the topic must be specific. Move from broader area to specific niche:

Social media Effects of social media on mental health         Social media influence on adolescents suffering from inferiority and anxiety.

Step 2: Give research idea in the introduction

A dissertation proposal begins with an introduction that introduces topic of research, preliminary background and present research aim, objectives and research question(s).

• Hook

Never spend too long on grand statements, just directly dive into chosen topic. A sentence must make an assertive claim about the topic and show connectivity to the thesis statement.

      ❌In 21^st century, social media is a significant technological trend. It influences our life and    has changed the world. 

      ✅ Psychologists agree that social media usage by adolescents have a great effect on their mental health. Though, the nature of impact requires further investigation.

 

Context

When you are clear with the research area, present the context and background. Know the current state of research on the topic. To understand the proposed question, what information the reader must know? How will the research contribute to the field?

At this point there is no need to go into details as this is done in literature review. Just provide general debate which makes sense to the reader.

Aims

This pools into the necessary part of the introduction which is the research aim, objectives research questions. It must stand out from the text and is clearly identifiable.

Make sure that research questions are concise, specific and are clearly answerable within the scope of dissertation. There should be limited questions that address all aspects on which the research will be based. The dissertation proposal goal revolves around to convince the reader that the research is feasible and valuable.

  ❌ Is mental health affected by social media?

  ✅What is the impact of everyday use of social media on 18–30 year olds who are suffering from anxiety disorder?

Step 3: In literature review, discover related research to the topic

When the topic is clear, then search for research that covers similar concepts or ideas. It is significant as it allows identifying research gaps in the field and ensures that the same question isn’t answered as some other author has already done. As preliminary reading is done and the topic is more clearly defined, do thorough analysis and evaluation of relevant sources in literature review. Summarize what the other research has found out and comment on problems and gaps in their studies. A lot of research has to be covered, paraphrase concisely as:

  ❌ Robert and Amie assert that ‘our results point to a 30% decline in the incidence of electrical failure after the application of new technique.

  ✅ Robert and Amie formula declined electrical failures by 30%

Identify theories and findings which will influence own research, also the limitation and study gap must be highlighted in previous research which the current research will address:

  ✅Following research was unsuccessful in replicating this result, though, signifying an error in Robert and Amma methods. Probably the reason for failure is..

Step 4: Describe research methodology

Now describe the proposed methodology: the method which will be used to gather and analyze the data. This section requires specificity to tell the supervisor that an approach or research design has been decided to collect the data. Depending on the field, the length varies. You must be focusing on theoretical research by developing a new conceptual model or altering the existing one, or an empirical research by focusing on collection of data and discovering new information.

The research usually involves both, but the methodology section varies depending on the approach which is more significant to dissertation.

Empirical research

It requires gathering new data and analyzing it to answer research questions. It can be quantitative, qualitative or a combination of both. When doing empirical research, it’s significant to describe how the data will be collected.

• Will you use an interview, lab experiment or survey?
• Which variables will be measured?
• Which technique will be used for the representative sample section?
• What measure will be used to ensure that research participants are treated ethically?
• What tools (such as physical and conceptual) will be used, and why?

Cite others research, where appropriate. When a particular method or tool has to be justified, then cite a text which describes the appropriate usage and advantages of that method. Do not repeat the whole theoretical literature, just what’s relevant. It will emphasize more on analysing the data after it is gathered.  Though, one can’t be sure of how the data will be, it’s important to know what is required and the methods (such as thematic analysis, statistical analysis) which will be used. 

Theoretical research

Theoretical research which doesn’t involve original data collection can be included. The methodology section, in this case, focuses more on the theory and relevant conceptual models which has to be included in the dissertation. For instance, dissertation which involves literary analysis rarely requires collecting new data, but still it is important to explain the theoretical approach that has to be taken under discussion and to be focused on. It calls for referring to the same theorists which is already discussed in the literature review. Emphasis is placed on how it is planned to use contributions in own research.

Step 5: Outline the potential implications of research

The dissertation proposal is concluded with a section that discusses what the research aims and expects to achieve. It is hard to be sure due to unpredictability of results. Instead, the projected implications must be described along with contribution to knowledge of dissertation.

Most importantly, consider the implications of research.

• Will you test or develop a theory?
• Will you provide new information to businesses or the government?
• Will you challenge a belief which is commonly held?
• Will you recommend an improvement to a particular process?

Come up with the intended result of research and its practical and theoretical impact;

It is expected that research will contribute to the body of knowledge regarding a high association between social media usage and anxiety disorder. The conclusion will inform future research and will be useful for clinical outreach and practice.

Then, conclude by restating your own contribution to current knowledge and the gaps that will still be existing.

 

 

Step 6: Create a bibliography or reference list

It is important that the dissertation proposal must be properly referenced with all authentic sources used, likewise in other research or essay papers. The references must include a proper format and placed at the end of the proposal. Every institution, according to the field, uses different styles of referencing. Few common are APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago etc.

There is a difference between references and bibliography. A bibliography includes every source which was considered while preparing the proposal, even not included in the text. Whereas, a reference list includes only those sources which are cited in the dissertation proposal.  Check with the supervisor, either you have to mention the reference list or bibliography and in which format.