Spontaneously, nor Can Its Findings

¶ … spontaneously, nor can its findings be seen as reliable or applicable without taking all of the proper preliminary measures. Among these, the research proposal is absolutely essential as a way of projecting the intentions of the research endeavor, as a way of delineating the major dimensions of the intended research project and as a way of gaining approval for the endeavor through a board of review.

In light of these important functions, the research proposal must be composed with a clear idea of where the research is headed. While it is sometimes perceived that the research proposal is a first step in proceeding with one's research, it should in fact be preceded by an initial gathering of materials, a review of literature and the establishment of certain analytical assumptions. Indeed, these are the assumptions that will help one to develop core research questions as well as to mold a hypothesis. Therefore, a competent research proposal in any given subject will typically reflect some research preparation which will consequently allow the author to construct research questions and a hypothesis that are analytical in nature.

Indeed, according to Wegran (2003), the mode of analytical thinking is a necessity where the research proposal is concerned. The subject and the approach taken by the proposal must be thoughtful and compelling enough both to justify further research and to convince those that must approve the proposal that the perspective contained therein represents a unique and worthwhile one. As Wegran points out, "what all analytical questions have in common is the fact that they are not merely descriptive. That is, an analytical question moves beyond the 'what' and explores the 'how,' and the 'why.'" (p. 1)

To this end, the proposal will hinge significantly on the degree to which the author has developed a hypothesis warranting further investigation. This requires one to identify and consequently to draw a connection between the variables identified as essential to the research subject. For instance, if one determines to research the subject of the legal status of abortion, it would not be considered analytical to simply report that "Abortion is a highly controversial issue in Australian society." An analytical hypothesis might instead make the argument that "Abortion laws remain highly debated in Australia because the national government has not sufficiently defined a universal legal position on the subject."

The latter hypothesis provides the grounding for a research proposal where one can identify dependent and independent variables, where one can presume the presence of certain relationships and where one can consequently suggest a research design that might prove these relationships. Ultimately, this helps us to understand the research proposal as something of a reference to be used by the author as the research process ensues. Following approval, this can become a useful instrument for bringing focus to the purpose and aims of a research endeavor.