LESSON 2 ALIGNING RESEARCH PROPOSAL TO THE ACTUAL LESSON OBJECTIVES

RESEARCH
• To discuss the outline of a
TOPICS research proposal.
• Research Proposal • To write a research
• Research report proposal on a proposed
. topic of concern
• To discuss the structure of
a research report.

Why This Lesson

A researcher needs to have a a well-planned and written proposal in order to conduct a research study. A good research
proposal indicates that the researcher is well-prepared to carry out an adequate research study.

Basically, a research proposal is a document that proposes a particular research study. The researcher plans and prepares it
to guide him to conduct his proposed study. It serves as the structure of the study and contains detailed information how the
researcher intends to implement his study on the proposed topic.

Once the proposal has been approved, an adequate study will be carried out which consists of steps prescribed in the
proposal. At the end of research process, the researcher will to write a research report. It concludes the research study.

This lesson focuses on the topic: Aligning Research Proposal to Actual Research. Preparing a research proposal and a research
report on an area of concern in education will be highlighted. At the end of the lessons, the particpants will be able to
achieve the following objectives:
CLO 1: To discuss the format of a research proposal;
CLO 2: To write a research proposal on a proposed topic of concern; and
CLO 3: To discuss the structure of a research report.

Defining a Research Proposal

A researcher plans and writes a research proposal prior to conducting the actual research study.The research proposal is
the research plan for the study. Primarily, it is a document that proposes a specific area of concern and the research process.
It is a well-thought written document that provides an overview of the research project, why it is important and what is
needed to be done. It comes with a detailed description of the proposed research study of an educational area of concern.
“It is the plan of the entire research process that gives a reader a summary of the information discussed in a project” and
“the research blueprint and an action plan” for the proposed research study. (Wikipedia).

Purposes of Writing a Research Proposal

Why is a research proposal written? A research proposal is usually required when one plans to conduct a research work. It is
written to:
• Convince a sponsoring institution if the research project is significant and worthwhile.
• Convince that the research project is original, and essential.
• Demonstrate the familiarity of the researcher with the proposed research field.
• Explain clearly the research designs and methods used in the study.
• Ascertain that the researcher’s ability to complete the research within the timeline.
• Provides a checklist for the researcher to to remind him of the focus, progress of the study , and to predict potential
challenges faced in the study.
• Chart how the research project has progressed (www.unh.edu)

© UNITAR International University 1 Prepared by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Sofi bin Ali
 Components of a Research Proposal

There is no one template for a research proposal. It differs depending on the requirement of each institution. At Unitar
International University (UNITAR), the following components are specified in a research proposal.

Title of Proposed Research The title provides a quick grasp of the research. It provide
the research project with a working title. The title should be
specific, and thorough to allow the reader know what the
project is about. It should not be too complicated to
understand or too short which might cause
misinterpretation. The aim is grab the reader's attention and
to convince them to read more.
Abstract/Executive Summary The abstract/executive provides a short summary of the
research project. It contains what the research will solve. It
outlines the solution to the problem by explaining the
research design and methods to be used inclusive of
sampling, data collection and analysis procedures, and
instruments that will be used in the study. The maximum
length is 300 words with a mximum of 5 keywords.

A problem statement is an important communication tool

Problem Statement that can help ensure everyone working on a study knows
what the problem they need to address is and why the study
is important. It is a concise description of the problem or
issues a study seeks to address. It also identifies the current
state, the desired future state and any gaps between the
two (Indeed.com).
Research Questions Research questions are questions that narrow the purpose
statement to specific questions that the researcher seek to
answer. The researcher states multiple research questions so
that they can fully explore a topic. The research questions
must state clearly what your proposed study is meant to
address or answer. They must be specific, realistic and
attainable.
Objectives of Research The research objectives specifically indicate the purpose (s)
of the research study. They provide a clear indication of the
steps that the researcher will take to achieve the aim of the
research. The objectives must be specific, measurable,
achievable, relevant and time-bound, and most important,
it they must be aligned with the research questions.
Literature Review A literature review is a written summary of the findings of
articles, books, and other documents that describes the
past and current state of knowledge about the proposed
topic. It organises the literature into topics, and documents
a need for a proposed study. It serves the purpose of
providing a need for a study and demonstrating that other
studies have not addressed the same topic in exactly the
same way. (Creswell & Gutterman, 2021). Essentially, the
literature review is to place the research study within the
larger whole of what has been studied in the past. It also
demonstrates that the work is original and it adds to the
larger body of knowledge.

© UNITAR International University 2 Prepared by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Sofi bin Ali
 Research Designs and Methods

The research design must be clearly defined and explained

since it constitutes the blueprint for the collection,
measurement, and analysis of data in this study. It explains
why and how the tasks outlined will help the researcher to
investigate the research problem and answer the research
question(s).

The design could be quantitative, qualitative or a mixed

methods design (e.g.Descriptive, Exploratory, Correlational,
Experimental/Quasi Experimental or
Ethnographic/Phemenological Studies or Action Research).

The objective is to convince the reader that the overall

research design and methods of analysis are effective for
the researcher to solve the research problem identified. As
such, it must be tied to the specific objectives of the study.

A good research design is well-written, clear, and logically

organised. It will inform the reader what the researcher is
going to do and how he is going to do it.

References

References are listed in the reference page. It is the last

page of the research proposal. It lists the literature that has
been referenced in the body of the research proposal so
that the readers can easily find what has been cite. It is
usually written in APA style.

Timeline/Research Schedule The research exhibits your work schedule for the research. It
must be stated clearly with the projected timelines of the
various stages of the research study.

Analysis of a Research Proposal

Task:
The following is an extract of a research proposal. Analyse it based on the components of a research proposal stated above.

Element Description
Title ISSUES AND CONCERNS FACED BY UNDERGRADUATES IN LEARNING ENGLISH AS A SECOND
LANGUAGE: A QUALITATIVE CASE STUDY

Statement of The English language, one of the most popular languages, is perhaps the most spoken language
Problem around the world. People learn the language simply to place them in a better position to secure
work, or communicate more effectively within and/or outside the country. Though a preferred
language of choice, English is not a simple language to master. In Malaysia, second language
learners faced numerous challenges in the classroom, which seemed to be the dominant factors
of concerns by both the students and ESL instructors Some of the issues they faced could be
structural, linguistics, phonetic, cultural differences between English language and the mother
tongue (Mohd Sofi Ali, 2008). Coupled with the psychological, and pedagogical issues in classroom,

© UNITAR International University 3 Prepared by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Sofi bin Ali
 they are detrimental to be addressed by the learners and ESL instructors if English is to be effectively
taught in the classrooms. This qualitative case study, therefore, wishes to explore the phenomenon
and to gain an in-depth understanding why Malaysian undergraduates failed to be proficient in
English after years of learning the language in schools and universities. It intends to examine the
issues and concerns faced by a group of undergraduates in a tertiary institution when they learned
English as a second language in the classroom.

Research This study atttempts to examine these issues and concerns faced by university undergraduates, as
Objectives a case and the effects of those issues on their learning of English in the classroom. Specifically, the
research objectives are:
1. To identify specific issues and concerns faced by the university undergraduates related to
learning English as a second language
2. To examine the effects of the issues and concerns on learning English on the
undergraduates
3. To explore how the undergraduates respond to the issues and concerns they faced while
learning English
4. To examine the responses of ESL lecturers towards the issues and concerns faced by the
undergraduates in learning English at the university

Research Questions This study atttempts to examine these issues and concerns faced by university undergraduates as
a case and the effects of those issues on their learning of English in the classroom. Specifically, the
research objectives are:
1. What are specific issues and concerns faced by the university undergraduates related to
learning English as a second language
2. What are the effects of the issues and concerns on learning English among the
undergraduates
3. How did the undergraduates respond to the issues and concerns they faced while learning
English
4. How did ESL lecturers respond towards the issues and concerns faced by the
undergraduates in learning English at the university

Significance of The study intends to ascertain the findings of previous research studies especially in Malaysian
Research classroom contexts. It will further enhance the findings gathered on English language learning and
teaching experiences among undergraduates and ESL lecturers thus allowing continuous
improvement on the quality of English language teaching and learning in the classroom. The findings
are also beneficial to Faculty of Education, universities and Ministry of Education to review the English
language curriculum and methodology, and even policies on the teaching English in the classroom.

Research Research Design

Methodology This study uses a qualitative case study research design to examine the specific issues and
concerns faced by undergraduates and their effects on learning English language as a second
language at the university. A qualitative case study is an indepth study of a situation or a
phenomenon which the researcher is concerned.

Respondents and Sampling Decision

A group of ten (10) non-TESL undergraduates of Bachelor of Education(English language
proficiency level weak to average) and three (3) ESL lecturers of a private university will be involved
in this study. Purposive/convenient sampling used to select the respondents.

© UNITAR International University 4 Prepared by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Sofi bin Ali
 Collection of Data Procedure
The qualitative data for the study will be collected mainly through
(a) Interviews with ten non-TESL undergraduates and three ESL lecturers
(b) Classroom observations, and
(c) Document analysis.

Data Analysis Strategies

The qualitative data collected from the interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis
will be transcribed and coded as case data; an emerging patterns to be formulated for assertions
and interpretation.

Timeline 1. January – March: Collection of Data

2. April – June: Analysis and Interpretation of Data
3. July – November: Writing Report
4. December: Editng and Publication

References 1) Mohd Sofi b Ali. 2008. A case for a Case: A Qualitative Research Experience. Kuala Lumpur:
University Malaya Press.

(Adapted: Mohd Sofi Ali et.al. 2013. Unpublished)

The Research Report

Creswell and Gueterman (2021) state that “a research report is a completed study that reports an investigation or exploration
of a problem, identifies questions to be addressed, includes the collection and analysis of data, and advances an
interpretation of the data”.
• It is an important document, a first-hand account of the research process, that provides a summary of the research
process.
• It is a well- written document which is objective and accurate source of information, produced at the end of the
research process.
• It clearly highlights the processes, findings, recommendations of a systematic exploration.

Reading a well-written research report should provide the reader with all the information he needs about the main areas
of the research process. To Creswell and Gueterman (2021), reports “vary in purpose, length, and forms”.

Characteristics of a Research Report

The characteristics of a research report are:

• It is a detailed presentation of research processes and findings. Quantitative research reports usually includes tables
and graphs, while qualitative research reports will be in words and descriptions.
• It is written in a formal academic language.
• A research report is usually written in the third person; qualitative researchers often reports often use the first person
in the report.
• It is informative and comprehensive based on data and information collected and analysed in the study.
• It is formally structured and numbered with headings, sections and sub-sections. A title and abstract are clearly
provided.
• It always includes recommendations for future actions.

Why Reporting the Research

There are a variety of reasons for reporting the research.

1. Completion of the Research Project:

© UNITAR International University 5 Prepared by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Sofi bin Ali
 A research report allows the research to present information in a precise and concise manner. It is written at the end
of the research process.
2. Knowledge Transfer:
A research report serves as a means to effectively communicate the findings of a systematic investigation to all and
sundry.

3. Identification of Knowledge Gaps:

Recommendations for further research are usually included in the research. It shows what has been done while
suggesting at other areas which systematic investigation and further research. As such, readers and researchers will
be able to identify knowledge gaps for future research studies.

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Reports

Qualititative Research Report

• It outlines the methods, processes, and findings of a qualitative method of systematic investigation.
• In educational research, a qualitative research report provides an opportunity for one to apply his or her knowledge
and develop skills in planning and executing qualitative research projects.
• A qualitative research report is usually descriptive in nature.
• In addition to presenting details of the research process, you must also create a descriptive narrative of
https://www.formpl.us/blog/research-report
Quantitative Research Report
• Quantitative research is a type of systematic investigation that pays attention to numerical or statistical values in a
bid to find answers to research questions. A quantitative research report is a type of research report that is written for
quantitative research.
• The researcher presents quantitative data to support the research process and findings.
• It works with numbers; that is, it is numerical in nature.

Structure of a Research Report

SECTION SUB-SECTION DESCRIPTION

TITLE The title should be specific, and thorough to
allow the reader know what ther study is about.
It should not be too complicated to understand
or too short which might cause misinterpretation.
The aim is grab the reader's attention and to
convince them to read more. The length should
be less that 20 words.

ABSTRACT This section comprises of an abstract or an

executive of the report. An abstract is a brief
summary of a research article and is often used
to help the reader quickly ascertain the paper's
purpose. It usually appears at the beginning of a
research report.
The abstract conveys the main results and
conclusions and a critical discussion of the
interpretations and conclusions.
CHAPTER 1: 1.1 Introduction This section introduces the report by provide
INTRODUCTION 1.2 Background of Study details of the problem studied and its
1.3 Statement of Research Problem, background, the purpose and objectives,
research questions, the scope of the study and

© UNITAR International University 6 Prepared by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Sofi bin Ali
 1.4 Research Objectives, limitations of the study. It also indicates the
1.5 Research Questions significance of the study.
1.6 Significance of Research Operational definitions of keys are also provided.
The conceptual and/or theoretical frameworks
1.7 Limitations of Research
can either be included here or in other chapters
1.8 Conceptual/Theoretical of the report.
Framework
1.9 Definitions of Terms
1.10 Conclusion

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE 2.1 Introduction This section consists of comprehensive review of

REVIEW 2.2 Related Literature past related literature and studies on the topic
2.3 Related Research under examination.
A literature review is “a written summary of journal
2. 4 Conclusion
articles, books, and other documents that
describes the past and current state of
information on the topic of the research study”
(Creswell & Gueterman, 2021).
Literature selected, old or recent, will be critically
analysed and synthesised logically (based on
topics) for essential findings, and to explain how
they are related to the topic.

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH 3.1 Introduction This section contains a description of the research
METHODOLOGY 3.2 ResearchDesign design, sample and sampling decision, data
3.3 Population and collection and analysis procedures. All
Sample/Respondents/Participants procedures must be explained and described in
3.4 Research Instruments detail with all the necessary justifications and
3.5 Procedure for Data Collection examples for the chosen approach.
3.6 Procedure for Data Analyses
3.7 Research Ethics
3.8 Conclusion

CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH 4.1 Introduction This section consists of facts; it presents a

FINDINGS 4.2 Backgrounds of complete account of the results of the study
Respondents/Problem Statement obtained from the analysed data gathered. The
4.3 Research Question 1 results can be presented in the form of text,
4.4 Research Question 2 figures or tables for quantitative research or
4.5 Research Question 3 themes and categories for qualitative research.
4.6 Conclusion
CHAPTER 5: 5.1 Introduction This section illustrates the significance of the study
DISCUSSION, 5.2 Summary of Research Findings and stresses the findings upon which a conclusion
RECOMMENDATIONS & 5.3 Discussion of the Findings or conclusions are drawn in line with the
objectives set. Usually,a summary of findings will
CONCLUSION 5.4 Implications of the Findings
be provided, and implications from the study
5.5 Conclusion discussed. Discussion of the findings will be done
5.6 Recommendations for Further in relation to the hypotheses or objectives of the
Research study and how they fit into the existing or current
5.7 Conclusion body of knowledge. This section will also Include
the limitations, recommendations for future
research and a conclusion, too.
REFERENCES References

References is the last page of the research report.

It lists the literature that has been referenced in
the body of the research report. It will help the
readers find the sources and what has been
cited. It is usually written in APA style.

© UNITAR International University 7 Prepared by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Sofi bin Ali
 APPENDICES Appendix 1 Appendices consist a list of related materials
Appendix 2 which are too detailed to be included in the
Appendix 3 main report. Examples are interview transcripts,
questionnaires, documents, mathematical
calculations, or other relevant data used in the
research. Each appendix must be referred to by
appropriate number or letter.
(Source: Adapted from UNITAR Postgraduate Handbook)

References
Creswell, J.W., and Guetterman. (2021). Designing Quantitative and Qualitative Research. 6 th Edition. Pearson Education
Components of Research Proposal. https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/jibcresearchmethods/chapter/14-3-components-of-a-
research-proposal/
Indeed.com. Problem Statement. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-a-problem-
statement
Mohd Sofi Ali et.al. 2013. Unpublished. Proposal: Issues and Concerns During Practicum Faced by Undergraduates. Unitar
International University:
Quantitative and Qualitative Research Reports. https://www.formpl.us/blog/research-report
UNITAR International University. n.d. Postgraduate Handbook.
UNISA. How to Write a Research Proposal: Components of a Research
Proposal.https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/c.php?g=1166884&p=8520157
Research Proposal. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_proposal
Research Proposal. https://www.unh.edu/writing/sites/default/files/media/pdfs/research_proposals_final.pdf
Research Report. https://www.formpl.us/blog/research-report
Wikipedia. Abstract. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abstract_(summary)

END OF CONTENT

© UNITAR International University 8 Prepared by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Sofi bin Ali