PROPOSAL CONTENT CHECKLIST

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

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1.1 Introduction

 A brief exposition of the subtopics of Chapter 1.

 Statement of the problem and why the research is proposed.

1.2 Background of the study

 State the current context or background of the research topics, in general.

 Discuss a few issues in relation to the research problem, using supporting literature.

 Discuss the concept of the research question.

 Specify the main idea of the research problem, supported with 2-3 main/key references related
to the topic of the research proposal. The 2-3 main/key references are (highly encouraged)
related local studies so that you could highlight the gap. The main/key references refer to
references which have similar research questions with your study.

1.3 Statement of the problem

 Prove and explain the existence of the research problem (provide relevant data/tables, if
available) based on reviewed references; such as books, journals, articles, proceedings, reports
and verified sources.

 Highlight the existing knowledge gap and discuss how it has been addressed, and the gap that is
yet to be filled. The discussion has to refer to the aspects of research that are related to the
reported research questions, as well as the ones not yet reported.

 Justify the rationales of proposing this research (on the chosen topic) based on the
aforementioned knowledge gap.

 The gap could also be the novelty/newness of the study/intervention in your context. You need
to support your claim with references.

* Refer to Creswell (2008) and Schumacher (2000)

1.4 Research Purpose

 Briefly explain the direction and the purpose of the research based on the research problem
(1.3) in a statement of purpose.
1.5 Research Objectives

 (a) For a quantitative research, ensure that all statements of the research objectives include the
types and relationship values that you seek to identify, variables (dependent and independent)
to be measured and the samples that will be used.

Formula: “Relationship” + V1….V2….V3…. + Sample(s)”

“Relationship” refers to the levels, correlations, differences, causes, factors, and interaction effects.

For example:

the correlation between the variables investigated.  causes and effects relationship between
variables.  differences between variables.  level/status of any particular phenomena.

(b) For a qualitative research, ensure that the statement of objectives pictures the ‘exploration’
towards the understanding of:

 how a construct is being conceptualized or interpreted.

 how the construct is being processed or approached.

 What (concepts/ steps/ techniques/ strategies) are contained in the construct.

 What proposal (i.e.: model, approach, strategies etc.) will be set forth based on the
aforementioned findings.

1.6 Research questions

 Make sure you include the independent and dependent variables in your research question
(quantitative)

 What do you intend to measure (quantitative) in numerical figures

 The questions are always on answers which you need to describe (descriptive) on ‘why’ and
‘how’

1.7 Research objectives

 State every research objective in the form of a statement, do not change the terms/jargons in
the research questions

 State who are the participants in the study (e.g. What are the reading strategies of Form Four
students?)

1.8 Research hypotheses (if relevant) only for quantitative study

 Ensure that all statements of the research hypotheses are in the form of null hypothesis (Ho).
1.9 Conceptual Framework

 In the conceptual framework, explain the relevant/underpinning theories that have been
referred to, and how this framework is suitable for answering the research questions.

 Elaborate/explain every component in the model/theoretical framework in the diagram and

their relationship with each other based on the model /theoretical framework.

 Summarize in general by providing the rationales for choosing the conceptual framework in the
context of its suitability in answering the research questions.

 Double-check the diagram that shows the relationships between the components in a model/
theoretical framework.

1.10 Significance of the Research

 Indicate how the research is significant in advancing the knowledge to relevant studies in the
same field, in the aspects of:

i. New variables being investigated.

ii. Research methodology.

iii. Research samples.

iv. New results/findings expected.

v. New/different perspectives.

 Indicate how this research provide positive effects to relevant stakeholders (e.g.
teachers/lecturers, course designers, policy makers, students)

1.10 Limitations of the study

 State the limitations of the study from its methodological aspect such as the sample chosen,
instruments used, and procedures.

 State the limitations of the research validity and reliability from the consistency /replication
aspects and the research generalisation.

 State the research limitations from the aspect of the research scope, i.e. as a part of a larger
sphere.

1.11 Operational definition/terms

 For a quantitative research, make sure the constructs/concepts/variables contained in the

research objectives are defined operationally (measurable in a certain scale) based on valid
resources/references.

 For a qualitative research, ensure that the main concepts/constructs contained in the research
objectives are defined based on concepts recommended in literature selected by the researcher.

 All the words in the title must be explained

 All the operational definitions must be relevant/appropriate with your study

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

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1. Ensure that the introduction part pictures the topics that will be discussed in this chapter as a
whole, briefly.

2. For any particular studies, include background information that is necessary for the readers to
know for the context of the next discussions. (For example, about any institutions, systems etc.).

3. Discuss topics related to the elaboration of the constructs/concepts’ definitions in the research
topic using valid resources/references.

4. Discuss topics related to the elaboration of the constructs/concepts in the research topic using
valid resources/references.

5. Discuss relevant topics to every construct/variable in all research objectives listed using valid
resources/references. Ensure every concept and element that contributes to the meaning of the
construct/variable are deeply researched using as many references as possible.

6. Discuss theories that the model/conceptual theories are based on as mentioned in Chapter 1.

7. Discuss the existing models besides the ones highlighted in Chapter 1 to provide a complete
picture and to justify why the model chosen in Chapter 1 is the most suitable.

8. Discuss previous studies that are relevant to the research objectives and problem statements,
synthesizing and reasoning.

9. Sum up by synthesizing the direction of knowledge that provides the foundation of the thesis,
based on the aforementioned information.
 CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
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3.1 Introduction

 Briefly explain the components of this chapter’s content.

3.2 Research Design

 Discuss the research design chosen.

 Provide the rationale for choosing the relevant research design.

3.3 Research population and samples/participants

 Discuss the characteristics and rationales of choosing the samples/respondents involved in

providing data to the researcher.

 Explain the types of sampling techniques used (either at random, systematically, stratified,
purposive etc.) as well as relevant sampling procedures.

 For a quantitative research, explain the factors taken into account in determining the sample
size. [For instance, from the aspect of statistical power analysis, size effects and such.]
**Refer to Gall and Gall (2003)

 Provide the details of the venue/location where the data are collected.

 Explain why the location has been chosen in the context of fulfilling the research objectives.

3.4 Research instrument

 Explain the format of the instrument used for data collection.

 Explain how the items of the instrument are built for the constructs intended to be measured
by the research (content validity) as well as the references (experts and literature).

 Explain the pilot study procedures to purify the instrument by reporting its reliability
coefficient.

 Explain the purification of the items of the instrument made based on the feedback from the
aforementioned pilot study.

 If an existing instrument is adapted, explain its source(s), the process to attain permission,
and state why and how the adaptation process has been conducted.
 Discuss, the Hawthorne Effect, biasness due to the presence of the researcher and the video
recorder at the research location, if relevant.

 For a qualitative research, ensure these matters:

i. interview-structured questions/thinking aloud/restrospective/focus group discussion built are

based on the proposed research objectives, research design, literature studies and research
model.

ii. Guidelines for the item(s) intended to be observed are in line with the items in the
aforementioned structured questions.

iii. The document to be analysed need to be explained on why its information is suitable for
triangulation and state the name/type/publisher of the analysed documents.

iv. The validity and reliability of the instruments and findings are thoroughly discussed.

v. Ethical considerations should be discussed

3.5 Data Collection Procedures

 Explain on the procedures or steps in collecting the survey data or the interventions made in the
aspects of: i. Time ii. The application of intervention on samples iii. Location/Venue

 For a qualitative research, if observation and interview methods are applied, state clearly who
does the observation and the interview, the time and the total observation hours, location and
the method in conducting the observation and the interview.

 Explain how documents will be obtained from any sources, and their relevance.

3.6 Data Analysis Procedure

(a) For a quantitative research;

 Ensure that the scale for each variable intended to be measured is the right one.

 Detail the type of statistic that will be used for each section’s data analysis.

 Provide the rationale of choosing the type of statistic that will be used.

 Set the level of confidence (level ), if relevant.

(b) For a qualitative research;

 Explain the data analysis approach used and how it will be conducted. [For instance:
Constant comparative method, inductive analysis etc.]

 Explain how triangulation is used in the data analysis process.

 Explain how the validity and reliability aspects are ensured.