a) Usually, the review of literature serves two purpose:
To set the theoretical base of the research and
To set the current research into perspective to show the “state of the art in the discipline.” Literature review shows how present research fits into the whole scheme of things. The review of literature surveys the research previously done on the problem and evaluates what the research has and has not accomplished in solving the problem currently understudy (gap to be filled or new area to be explored).
The review of related literature should be in an organised form, with appropriate subheads to indicate the areas or topics covered.
There should be a short introduction to the body of the chapter and a short summary at the end.
Theoretical Framework
In selecting the theoretical framework, the investigator would have reviewed research theories of past work, and identify the theory or theories or construct models that are relevant to his study and test of research questions or hypotheses.
Research Questions
Having covered some literature and interacted widely with the problem area, the researcher is expected to be able to guess or make some conjectural statements or questions bordering on the problem. A problem really cannot be scientifically solved if it is not reduced to hypothesis form because a problem is a question, usually of a broad nature and is, in and of itself not directly testable. Answering research questions enable us to define the unit of analysis. The unit of analysis is derived from the research questions. To answer and measure our research questions, we define the unit of analysis by:
identifying the information needed to answer the research problem – that is, what variables do we need.
Then, we have to determine which objects (decisions, individuals, organisations, employees, etc) are described by the variables we want to measure.
These points help us know what to do with the results and who to address in our conclusions and recommendations.
Hypothesis
Hypothetical statements are in the form of relationship statements between known variables or construct; or it could be directional statement. A hypothesis is a conjectural statement of the relation between two or more variables. Hypotheses are always in declarative sentence and they relate either generally or specifically, variables to variables. The importance of hypothesis or research question is to give the study a focus or direction.
What Makes a Good Hypothesis?
A good hypothesis should fulfill three conditions. It should be (Blumberg et al, 2005:38-39):
Adequate for its Purpose for a Descriptive Hypothesis
Adequacy for its purpose means that it clearly states the condition, size or distribution of some variable in terms of values that are meaningful to the research task. If it is an explanatory hypothesis, it must explain the facts that gave rise to the need for explanation. Using the hypothesis, plus other known and accepted generalisations, one should be able to deduce the original problem condition (Blumberg et al., 2005:38-39):
Testable
A hypothesis is testable if it meets the following conditions:
it does not require techniques that are currently unavailable
it does not require an explanation that defies known physical or psychological laws
there are consequences or derivatives that can be deduced for testing purposes.
Better than its Rival
Generally, a hypothesis is better than its rivals if it:
has a greater range than its rivals
200
explains more facts than its rivals
explains a greater variety of facts than its rival
is simple, requiring few conditions or assumptions.
Operational Definition of Terms
The researcher is expected to explain or properly define the technical terms, concepts, variables or constructs used in the proposal. These definitions are given according to what they mean in the study.
Delimitation and Limitation of the Study
The researcher is supposed to express the scope of his study, where the study should start and end should be categorically stated. The possible problems to be encountered while undertaking the study should also be stated such as constraint of time, money, material, equipment, location or logistic. The researcher is also expected to explain how those limitations were overcome by his/her study to achieve the objectives of the study.
Research Methodology
The research methodology is the crux of the research proposal. It is the background against which the reader evaluates the findings and conclusions.
Research methodology involves step-by-step procedures, so that another researcher could replicate the study in another situation. It involves:
Design of study
Population and sample size
Sampling procedures
Data collection instruments
Data presentation analysis and interpretation
Research design.
Chapterisation
This is the synopsis of the organisation of the study and contents of each chapter. This would high-light a brief review of contents of each chapter and help the reader understand how the study is organised.
Appendix
Materials that are related to the study, but which would make the body of the study bulky or awkward are placed in the appendix. These may
include questionnaires, interview guides, detailed explanation of statistical tests used in the study, tables, supplementary materials and related items.
SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
What are the techniques of producing a good academic research proposal?
4.0 CONCLUSION
In this unit, we have examined how to write a good academic research proposal. Research proposals are usually the first serious exercise towards conducting a research study. Proposals are made up of statements of intention of the researcher meant to show the detail research plan of action, focus of study and the intended research method insight. The essence is to ensure that the research study is properly focused and that the essential parts of the research work are properly structured from onset.
5.0 SUMMARY
Without a research proposal, the assumptions of the researcher which may be wrong would not have an opportunity of correction before the main work is executed. The research proposal assists the researcher to be adequately prepared for the research proper. The researcher outlines his research execution plan. The researcher plans the use of resources and his literature material in his sourcing approach. This enables the researcher to focus his thoughts on the research objectives and means of achieving these objectives.
6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT
1. Describe the techniques for producing a good academic research proposal?
2. What are the benefits of producing a good research proposal?
7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING
Blumberg, B., Cooper, D.R. & Schindler, P.S. (2005). Business Research Methods. London: The McGraw-Hill Companies.
Eneanya, A.N. (2012). Research Methods in Political Science and Public Administration. Lagos: University of Lagos Press Ltd.
202
Kerlinger, F.N. (1986). Foundations of Behavioural Research (3rd ed.).
New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
McMillan, K. & Weyers, J. (2007). How to Write Dissertations and Project Reports. England: Pearson Education Ltd.