Show that you understand the current state of research on your topic.
The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.
One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.
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Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.
Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:
The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.
Your introduction should:
To guide your introduction , include information about:
As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.
In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:
Following the literature review, restate your main objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.
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To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.
For example, your results might have implications for:
Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .
Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.
Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.
Download our research schedule template
Research phase | Objectives | Deadline |
---|---|---|
1. Background research and literature review | 20th January | |
2. Research design planning | and data analysis methods | 13th February |
3. Data collection and preparation | with selected participants and code interviews | 24th March |
4. Data analysis | of interview transcripts | 22nd April |
5. Writing | 17th June | |
6. Revision | final work | 28th July |
If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.
Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:
To determine your budget, think about:
If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Methodology
Statistics
Research bias
Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .
Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.
I will compare …
A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.
Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.
A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.
A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.
A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.
All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.
Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.
Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.
The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved July 2, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/
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Home » Significance of the Study – Examples and Writing Guide
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Definition:
Significance of the study in research refers to the potential importance, relevance, or impact of the research findings. It outlines how the research contributes to the existing body of knowledge, what gaps it fills, or what new understanding it brings to a particular field of study.
In general, the significance of a study can be assessed based on several factors, including:
The significance of the Study can be divided into the following types:
Theoretical significance refers to the contribution that a study makes to the existing body of theories in a specific field. This could be by confirming, refuting, or adding nuance to a currently accepted theory, or by proposing an entirely new theory.
Practical significance refers to the direct applicability and usefulness of the research findings in real-world contexts. Studies with practical significance often address real-life problems and offer potential solutions or strategies. For example, a study in the field of public health might identify a new intervention that significantly reduces the spread of a certain disease.
This pertains to the potential of a study to inspire further research. A study might open up new areas of investigation, provide new research methodologies, or propose new hypotheses that need to be tested.
Here’s a guide to writing an effective “Significance of the Study” section in research paper, thesis, or dissertation:
The Significance of the Study in a research paper refers to the importance or relevance of the research topic being investigated. It answers the question “Why is this research important?” and highlights the potential contributions and impacts of the study.
The significance of the study can be presented in the introduction or background section of a research paper. It typically includes the following components:
Suppose a researcher is conducting a study on the “Effects of social media use on the mental health of adolescents”.
The significance of the study may be:
“The present study is significant because it addresses a pressing public health issue of the negative impact of social media use on adolescent mental health. Given the widespread use of social media among this age group, understanding the effects of social media on mental health is critical for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. This study will contribute to the existing literature by examining the moderating factors that may affect the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes. It will also shed light on the potential benefits and risks of social media use for adolescents and inform the development of evidence-based guidelines for promoting healthy social media use among this population. The limitations of this study include the use of self-reported measures and the cross-sectional design, which precludes causal inference.”
The significance of the study in a thesis refers to the importance or relevance of the research topic and the potential impact of the study on the field of study or society as a whole. It explains why the research is worth doing and what contribution it will make to existing knowledge.
For example, the significance of a thesis on “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare” could be:
The significance of a study in a research proposal refers to the importance or relevance of the research question, problem, or objective that the study aims to address. It explains why the research is valuable, relevant, and important to the academic or scientific community, policymakers, or society at large. A strong statement of significance can help to persuade the reviewers or funders of the research proposal that the study is worth funding and conducting.
Here is an example of a significance statement in a research proposal:
Title : The Effects of Gamification on Learning Programming: A Comparative Study
Significance Statement:
This proposed study aims to investigate the effects of gamification on learning programming. With the increasing demand for computer science professionals, programming has become a fundamental skill in the computer field. However, learning programming can be challenging, and students may struggle with motivation and engagement. Gamification has emerged as a promising approach to improve students’ engagement and motivation in learning, but its effects on programming education are not yet fully understood. This study is significant because it can provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of gamification in programming education and inform the development of effective teaching strategies to enhance students’ learning outcomes and interest in programming.
Here are some examples of the significance of a study that indicates how you can write this into your research paper according to your research topic:
Research on an Improved Water Filtration System : This study has the potential to impact millions of people living in water-scarce regions or those with limited access to clean water. A more efficient and affordable water filtration system can reduce water-borne diseases and improve the overall health of communities, enabling them to lead healthier, more productive lives.
Study on the Impact of Remote Work on Employee Productivity : Given the shift towards remote work due to recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, this study is of considerable significance. Findings could help organizations better structure their remote work policies and offer insights on how to maximize employee productivity, wellbeing, and job satisfaction.
Investigation into the Use of Solar Power in Developing Countries : With the world increasingly moving towards renewable energy, this study could provide important data on the feasibility and benefits of implementing solar power solutions in developing countries. This could potentially stimulate economic growth, reduce reliance on non-renewable resources, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
Research on New Learning Strategies in Special Education : This study has the potential to greatly impact the field of special education. By understanding the effectiveness of new learning strategies, educators can improve their curriculum to provide better support for students with learning disabilities, fostering their academic growth and social development.
Examination of Mental Health Support in the Workplace : This study could highlight the impact of mental health initiatives on employee wellbeing and productivity. It could influence organizational policies across industries, promoting the implementation of mental health programs in the workplace, ultimately leading to healthier work environments.
Evaluation of a New Cancer Treatment Method : The significance of this study could be lifesaving. The research could lead to the development of more effective cancer treatments, increasing the survival rate and quality of life for patients worldwide.
The Significance of the Study section is an integral part of a research proposal or a thesis. This section is typically written after the introduction and the literature review. In the research process, the structure typically follows this order:
In the Significance of the Study section, you will discuss why your study is important, who it benefits, and how it adds to existing knowledge or practice in your field. This section is your opportunity to convince readers, and potentially funders or supervisors, that your research is valuable and worth undertaking.
The Significance of the Study section in a research paper has multiple advantages:
The Significance of the Study section plays an essential role in any research. However, it is not without potential limitations. Here are some that you should be aware of:
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Details on key changes affecting business taxpayers
California Senate Bill 167 was signed into law by the acting governor on June 27, 2024. The bill makes several tax changes designed to alleviate the 2024-2025 budget shortfall of $27.6 billion and the projected $28.4 deficit for the 2025-2026 budget year.
A follow up bill—Senate Bill 175—which is still pending signature, provides some relief for businesses affected by the revenue raising measures in Senate Bill 167.
Details on key changes affecting business taxpayers are below.
California lawmakers have regularly limited the use of business credits and suspended the deduction of net operating losses during deficit years. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, and before January 1, 2027, net operating losses (NOLs) are suspended for both corporate and personal income taxes. The suspension will not apply to any taxpayer with net business income or modified adjusted income of less than $1 million. The existing 20-year carryforward period for NOLs is extended for up to three years if losses are not able to be used due to the NOL suspension.
Another provision in Senate Bill 167 limits the use of credits for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, and before January 1, 2027. During this period, a business (including all taxpayers that are members of a combined report) may claim a total of only $5 million in credits under both the Corporation and Personal Income Tax laws (including the carryover of any business credit). Most business credits, including the California research and development (R&D) credit, are subject to this limitation. However, certain personal income tax credits and the low-income housing credit that applies to both corporate and personal income taxpayers are excluded. The carryover periods (if applicable) are extended by the number of years that a credit is disallowed by reason of this limitation.
Senate Bill 175 provides that the limits and suspensions do not apply for the 2025 and 2026 tax years if, by May 14, 2025 or 2026, the Director of Finance determines that General Fund money over the multiyear forecast is sufficient without the revenue impact of the NOL suspension and credit limitation.
Senate Bill 175 also authorizes taxpayers to make an irrevocable election to receive an annual refundable credit amount of qualified credits (credits that are subject to the limitation) during the three-year limitation period. The “annual refundable credit amount” is 20% of the credit amount for the tax year. “Credit amount” means the amount of the qualified credits that would otherwise have been available to reduce net tax in the tax year of the election but for the limitation. For the first five tax years beginning with the third tax year after the taxpayer makes the election, the annual refundable credit amount shall be allowed as a credit against the tax.
As an example, if a business had $10 million in qualified credits for the 2024 tax year, but could only utilize $5 million due to the limitation, the taxpayer might elect on an original timely filed 2024 return to receive a refundable credit. Beginning with the 2027 tax year, this refundable credit could be applied $1 million each year for five years.
In Microsoft, the California Office of Tax Appeals concluded that the full amount of qualifying dividends deducted from income under California R&TC section 24411 were includable in the taxpayer’s sales factor. Senate Bill 167 adopts Legal Ruling 2006-1, which the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) relied on in Microsoft as support for its position that only the portion of the qualifying dividends that remained in the tax base were included in the sales factor. In addition, the law has been amended to provide that a transaction or activity, to the extent that it generates income or loss not included in “net income,” subject to apportionment, shall be excluded from the apportionment formula. “Not included in net income’” means income from transactions and activities that is not included in net income subject to apportionment for any reason, including, but not limited to: exclusion, deduction, exemption, elimination, or nonrecognition. This amendment, which Senate Bill 167 specifies does not constitute a change in law, applies to tax years beginning before, on, or after the effective date of the bill.
Effective beginning with the 2024 tax year, Senate Bill 167 repeals the state’s Enhanced Oil Recovery Cost Credit, which is modeled after the credit allowed under IRC section 43. California R&TC section 24423, which provides that the provisions of IRC section 263(i) apply to intangible drilling and development costs incurred outside the US, is repealed. Several provisions of the IRC that affect oil companies are no longer operative for California purposes as of January 1, 2024, including IRC sections 613(b)(2)(B) (in the case of oil shale), 613(b)(4) (relating to coal), and 613A (relating to limitations on percentage depletion in the case of oil and gas wells).
California allows a bad debt deduction for sales and use taxes remitted to the state that relate to accounts that have been found to be worthless and charged off for income tax purposes or under GAAP for taxpayers not required to file income tax returns. A “retailer” includes certain entities affiliated with the retailer. Further, if an account is held by a lender, either the retailer or lender (if an election is made) is entitled to a deduction or a refund of the tax that the retailer has previously reported and paid if certain conditions are met. Senate Bill 167 suspends the bad debt deduction for affiliates of retailers on January 1, 2025. Further, electing lenders would not be entitled to the bad debt deduction unless the relevant account was found worthless and written off before January 1, 2025. On January 1, 2028, the current statute allowing retailers and lenders a bad debt deduction is repealed entirely and only retailers (not including affiliates) will be entitled to the deduction going forward.
Senate Bill 167 amends current law to provide that the state’s Administrative Procedure Act (APA) is not applicable to legal ruling of counsel issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. The APA is currently not applicable to a counsel ruling issued by the FTB. Finally, going forward, the Director of Finance, as opposed to the FTB, will determine whether a taxpayer is affected by a state of emergency.
For more information, contact a KPMG State and Local Tax professional:
David Bertsch | [email protected]
Doug Bramhall | [email protected]
Jim Kuhl | [email protected]
The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation. For more information, contact KPMG's Federal Tax Legislative and Regulatory Services Group at: + 1 202 533 3712, 1801 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20006.
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Common types of limitations and their ramifications include: Theoretical: limits the scope, depth, or applicability of a study. Methodological: limits the quality, quantity, or diversity of the data. Empirical: limits the representativeness, validity, or reliability of the data. Analytical: limits the accuracy, completeness, or significance of ...
In research, studies can have limitations such as limited scope, researcher subjectivity, and lack of available research tools. Acknowledging the limitations of your study should be seen as a strength. It demonstrates your willingness for transparency, humility, and submission to the scientific method and can bolster the integrity of the study.
Possible Limitations of the Researcher. Access-- if your study depends on having access to people, organizations, data, or documents and, for whatever reason, access is denied or limited in some way, the reasons for this needs to be described.Also, include an explanation why being denied or limited access did not prevent you from following through on your study.
Research limitations are one of those things that students tend to avoid digging into, and understandably so. No one likes to critique their own study and point out weaknesses. Nevertheless, being able to understand the limitations of your study - and, just as importantly, the implications thereof - a is a critically important skill. In this post, we'll unpack some of the most common ...
Limitations in Research. Limitations in research refer to the factors that may affect the results, conclusions, and generalizability of a study. These limitations can arise from various sources, such as the design of the study, the sampling methods used, the measurement tools employed, and the limitations of the data analysis techniques.
Methodology limitations. Not having access to data or reliable information can impact the methods used to facilitate your research. A lack of data or reliability may limit the parameters of your study area and the extent of your exploration. Your sample size may also be affected because you won't have any direction on how big or small it ...
Step 1. Identify the limitation (s) of the study. This part should comprise around 10%-20% of your discussion of study limitations. The first step is to identify the particular limitation (s) that affected your study. There are many possible limitations of research that can affect your study, but you don't need to write a long review of all ...
sentence tha. signals what you're about to discu. s. For example:"Our study had some limitations."Then, provide a concise sentence or two identifying each limitation and explaining how the limitation may have affected the quality. of the study. s findings and/or their applicability. For example:"First, owing to the rarity of the ...
Abstract. Study limitations represent weaknesses within a research design that may influence outcomes and conclusions of the research. Researchers have an obligation to the academic community to present complete and honest limitations of a presented study. Too often, authors use generic descriptions to describe study limitations.
Answer: The limitations of a study are its flaws or shortcomings which could be the result of unavailability of resources, small sample size, flawed methodology, etc. No study is completely flawless or inclusive of all possible aspects. Therefore, listing the limitations of your study reflects honesty and transparency and also shows that you ...
3. Identify your limitations of research and explain their importance. 4. Provide the necessary depth, explain their nature, and justify your study choices. 5. Write how you are suggesting that it is possible to overcome them in the future. Limitations can help structure the research study better.
Writing a Research Proposal; Acknowledgements; Definition. The limitations of the study are those characteristics of design or methodology that impacted or influenced the application or interpretation of the results of your study. They are the constraints on generalizability and utility of findings that are the result of the ways in which you ...
Limitations of a dissertation are potential weaknesses in your study that are mostly out of your control, given limited funding, choice of research design, statistical model constraints, or other factors. In addition, a limitation is a restriction on your study that cannot be reasonably dismissed and can affect your design and results.
The ideal way is to divide your limitations section into three steps: 1. Identify the research constraints; 2. Describe in great detail how they affect your research; 3. Mention the opportunity for future investigations and give possibilities. By following this method while addressing the constraints of your research, you will be able to ...
Writing the limitations of the research papers is often assumed to require lots of effort. However, identifying the limitations of the study can help structure the research better. Therefore, do not underestimate the importance of research study limitations. 3. Opportunity to make suggestions for further research.
Research Limitations. Research limitations are, at the simplest level, the weaknesses of the study, based on factors that are often outside of your control as the researcher. These factors could include things like time, access to funding, equipment, data or participants.For example, if you weren't able to access a random sample of participants for your study and had to adopt a convenience ...
re impressive to reviewers than ignoring them.A fourfold approach can be used when presenting limitations as outlined in the Figure 13.1: (1) describe the potential limitation, (2) describe the potential impact of the limitation on your study findings, (3) discuss alternatives and why they were not selected, and (4) describe the methods that ...
iStock, Jacob Wackerhausen. Scientists work with many different limitations. First and foremost, they navigate informational limitations, work around knowledge gaps when designing studies, formulating hypotheses, and analyzing data. They also handle technical limitations, making the most of what their hands, equipment, and instruments can achieve.
Your professor may assign the task of writing a research proposal for the following reasons: Develop your skills in thinking about and designing a comprehensive research study; ... ANOTHER NOTE: This section is also where you describe any potential limitations to your proposed study. While it is impossible to highlight all potential limitations ...
For instance, a study involving females only or carried out in a specific town can have limitations like sample size, gender, and location. What's more, the entire study could be limited to the researcher's perception. Lack of or inadequate training: The research process doesn't have a systematic methodology.
Research proposal examples. Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We've included a few for you below. Example research proposal #1: "A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management".
1 Answer to this question. Answer: In a proposal, limitations are the constraints of the study, that is, aspects of the study not covered for various reasons. These could pertain to subjects, geography, data, and so on. For instance, one limitation could be that the study will only look at people of a certain age group or income level.
The limitations of this study include the use of self-reported measures and the cross-sectional design, which precludes causal inference." ... The significance of a study in a research proposal refers to the importance or relevance of the research question, problem, or objective that the study aims to address. ...
California Senate Bill 167 was signed into law by the acting governor on June 27, 2024. The bill makes several tax changes designed to alleviate the 2024-2025 budget shortfall of $27.6 billion and the projected $28.4 deficit for the 2025-2026 budget year.