How to Make a Research Proposal: Complete Guide for Scholars
How To Make a Research Proposal (Basic to Advanced Guide for Literature Scholars)
Introduction
A research proposal is the most crucial document in your M.Phil/PhD journey. It shows the Research Committee what you want to study, why the topic matters, and how you will conduct your research. Most universities in India follow a similar basic structure. However, many scholars are unsure how to transform their topic into a professional proposal.
This article provides a step-by-step guide from basic understanding to an advanced format used in top universities.
What is a Research Proposal?
In simple language, a research proposal answers three core questions:
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What do you want to study?
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Why is it important?
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How will you study it?
If you can explain these clearly, your proposal is strong.
Advanced Structure of a Research Proposal
Use the following sections in your proposal:
1) Title of the Research
Make it focused, scholarly and specific.
Example:
Caste-Based Gender Violence and Literary Memory: A Study of Subaltern Women’s Trauma in Bihar (1980s–1990s)
2) Introduction
(1–2 pages)
Give the background, context, why the topic matters today, and how it connects to contemporary academic debates.
3) Statement of the Problem
(1 Paragraph)
Identify the gap in existing research.
Example:
“Scholars have written on caste or on gender separately. But very few studies have explored the intersection of caste + gender + violence in Bihar’s historical context.”
4) Research Questions
(3–5 questions only)
Example:
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How is caste-based gender violence represented in literary and oral narratives?
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How do these narratives preserve trauma memory?
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What role does literary language play in documenting subaltern women’s suffering?
5) Review of Literature
(2–3 pages)
Discuss important books & articles in your field. Present what previous researchers said, and what they missed.
Aim: Show that your study is necessary, original and relevant.
6) Theoretical Framework
(1–2 pages)
Please specify the theoretical lenses you will employ.
Examples:
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Trauma Theory (Cathy Caruth, Judith Herman)
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Subaltern Studies (Spivak, Ranajit Guha)
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Intersectional Feminism (Kimberlé Crenshaw)
Explain how these theories support your research.
7) Research Methodology
(1–2 pages)
Explain the tools you will use to collect and analyse data:
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textual analysis
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close reading
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archival research
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field interviews
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oral testimonies
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thematic coding
Mention sample, location (if any), primary texts, etc.
8) Objectives of the Study
(5–7 points)
Example:
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To analyse representations of trauma in selected texts
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To document oral narratives of survivors
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To study the intersection of caste and gender violence
9) Scope and Limitations
Define what you will cover and what you will not include to keep the research focused.
10) Expected Outcomes
(½ page)
Write what new knowledge your research will contribute.
11) Chapter Outline (Tentative)
| Chapter No. | Tentative Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction |
| 2 | Literature Review |
| 3 | Conceptual & Theoretical Framework |
| 4 | Analysis of Primary Texts and Field Data |
| 5 | Findings and Conclusion |
12) References / Bibliography
Add 10–20 scholarly books/articles (preferably recent, after 2000).
Tips for a Strong Proposal
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Use recent sources
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Include 2–3 latest journal articles
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Show a clear research gap
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Do not choose an overly broad topic. Focus.
Conclusion
A research proposal is not difficult if you know the exact structure. Follow these steps logically and your proposal will automatically appear professional, original, and academically solid.
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