Why you need a research proposal

WHY do masters students need to produce a research proposal? Aside from the obvious response 'for assessment purposes' in our session on Wednesday 25 Sept, we also discussed how the research proposal acts as an important indicator of whether or not your research project will be seen as worthwhile. SLIDES here

The research proposal marks a distinct break between what can be referred to as academic or scientific research and the many 'information' gathering research activities undertaken in our everyday lives. Our session also explore how this vital document is the primary means whereby post-graduate research students attempt to convince their lecturers that not only is their research project viable as a scientific endeavor, but that they (as students) are competent and ready to undertake the study. It therefore serves to demonstrate your understanding of your research topic and show that you have sufficient knowledge about research methodology to actually conduct the study.
So the proposal has to do some pretty heavy lifting!

I also shared a short demonstration on how I use Mendeley - hopefully the free reference manager and academic social network platform has gained a few new users in the process. It certainly is one way to avoid the 'reference list' headache so many research students have to deal with.


In the next couple of sessions, we will place focus on specific aspects and elements of the proposal document. The various writing activities you will be asked to completed during the sessions should also help you to move closer to a refined understanding and articulation of research project.