language research proposal sample

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First page of “Research Proposal: Investigating the Effectiveness of Pronunciation Instruction for Intelligibility”

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Research Proposal: Investigating the Effectiveness of Pronunciation Instruction for Intelligibility

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IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 7 Issue 9, September 2020 ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 | Impact Factor (2020) – 6.72 www.ijiset.com , 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the difficulties encountered by the Higher National Diploma English students of Advanced Technological Institute, Trincomalee in using stress and intonation and to identity the errors in speaking and loud reading. The use of stress and intonation is very important in oral communication. Encountering difficulties in the use of stress and intonation has been a problem for Higher National Diploma students. As a result, this study was carried out. In this study, 25 Higher National Diploma students from the first-year and second-year of Advanced Technological Institute were randomly selected as the sample for investigation. This study was descriptive research and quantitative method was used to collect data. The research instruments used in this study were oral pronunciation test and audiotape recording. The oral pronunciation test was used to collect the data regarding the difficulties the students encounter in using stress and intonation. It consisted of 5 sets of words and 10 sentences with regard to stress and intonation, and audiotape recording was used to record the performance of the students. Later, their pronunciation errors were noted. According to the finding and results of the oral pronunciation test, 62% of the participants encountered difficulties in using word stress whereas 64% of the participants encountered difficulties in using sentence stress. Further, 68% of the participants encountered difficulties in using intonation. These difficulties and problems causes due to adult age, insufficient phonetic knowledge and lack of pronunciation practice. This problem can be overcome and the ability in using stress and intonation can be improved in their speaking and loud reading when pronunciation is introduced as separate component like grammar, writing etc in school English as a Second Language curriculum. Through implementing it at schools, natural pronunciation can be given before adulthood.

Assessing the Importance of Stress and Intonation as Supra-segmental Features of Speech and Sound-attributes to the process of comprehension, 2007

Uluslararası Dil, Edebiyat ve Kültür Araştırmaları Dergisi (UDEKAD), 2024

The acquisition of intelligible pronunciation in a second language (L2) hinges on successfully managing the perception and production of speech features. In this regard, prosodic speech features, particularly intonation and word stress are of critical importance. This study investigates the diagnostic perception test results of the learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) (N=125) in Turkish higher education context, analyzing their scores on intonation and word stress sections. The results reveal that participants performed better on identifying final intonation patterns compared to word stress items while both areas demonstrated certain challenges. Scores were lower for items with final falling intonation, particularly evident in interrogative wh-/ how questions, suggesting complexities in processing this feature. Additionally, word stress accuracy decreased with increasing syllable count. No significant correlation was observed between intonation and word stress scores. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing intonation and word stress as distinct yet interconnected aspects of pronunciation, calling for effective instructional approaches to address these key components of L2 sound system.

International Journal of English Language Education, 2013

Ilha do Desterro: A Journal of English Language, Literatures in English and Cultural Studies, 2017

Annual review of applied linguistics, 2004

For several decades of the 20th century, the main interest of pronunciation teaching research was in applying contrastive analysis techniques to the sound segments of the L1 and L2 to identify differences between them and so, it was assumed, to highlight areas where L1 transfer ...

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Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 2016

CATESOL Journal, 2018

Journal of Phonetics, 2010

Language Teaching, 2011

International Journal of Multilingual Education, by Hirschi Kevin, 2018

The CATESOL Journal, 2018

International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 2010

Research in Language, 2014

Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 2012

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How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on September 5, 2024.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal aims
	Show your reader why your project is interesting, original, and important.
	Demonstrate your comfort and familiarity with your field. Show that you understand the current state of research on your topic.
	Make a case for your . Demonstrate that you have carefully thought about the data, tools, and procedures necessary to conduct your research.
	Confirm that your project is feasible within the timeline of your program or funding deadline.

Research proposal length

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.

Download our research proposal template

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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.

Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

The proposed title of your project
Your supervisor’s name
Your institution and department

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:

Introduce your topic
Give necessary background and context
Outline your problem statement and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
How much is already known about the topic
What is missing from this current knowledge
What new insights your research will contribute
Why you believe this research is worth doing

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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:

Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

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.

Building a research proposal methodology
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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:

Improving best practices
Informing policymaking decisions
Strengthening a theory or model
Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
Creating a basis for future research

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

Example research schedule
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:

Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

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

Sampling methods
Simple random sampling
Stratified sampling
Cluster sampling
Likert scales
Reproducibility

Statistics

Null hypothesis
Statistical power
Probability distribution
Effect size
Poisson distribution

Research bias

Optimism bias
Cognitive bias
Implicit bias
Hawthorne effect
Anchoring bias
Explicit 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.

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McCombes, S. & George, T. (2024, September 05). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/

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Research Proposals

the research topic briefly outline the area and topic of your research.
the research context relate your proposed research to other work in its field or related fields, and indicate in what ways your research will differ; you might mention monographs on the subject, as well as important theoretical models or methodological exemplars. This is a chance to show your understanding of the background against which your research will be defined.
the contribution you will make this is your chance to show how you have arrived at your position and recognised the need for your research, and what it is that makes it both new and important; you should indicate what areas and debates it will have an impact on, what methodological example it sets (if appropriate) – in short how it contributes to knowledge and to the practice of our subject. Give examples of the sort of evidence you might consider, and of the questions it might help you to raise. Show that you are already thinking about the area in detail and not only in outline.
your methods in some cases there will be little to say here, but if there is something striking about your methodology, you should explain it.
the sources and resources you will use you should delimit your field of enquiry, showing where the project begins and ends; in certain cases, Cambridge will have unique collections and resources of central relevance to your project, and you should mention these.
how the project will develop you might indicate some of the possible ways in which the project could develop, perhaps by giving a broader or narrower version depending on what materials and issues you uncover

You should ask yourself how your work might change the present state of scholarship in your field, and whether the topic is well suited to the resources provided at Cambridge. Even for MPhil courses we generally aim to admit not just those who propose a sensible topic, but those who have the potential to modify the present paradigms of research in their field. Most students, though, refine their research topics after they arrive in the light of what they discover or of advice from their supervisor, so you need not feel that you are inscribing your future in tablets of stone as you compose your proposal.

You may find it helpful to look at the following examples of successful research proposals.

It is vital that you show that your research is necessary. It is not enough that it happens to interest you. You should make clear that it will be of use and interest to others working in your field, or on a particular author, or indeed in neighbouring fields. You should show how your work will make a contribution to knowledge and to the practice of our subject.

Research Proposals for MPhil and PhD in Language and Communication

In the 'Research Proposal' section of the main application form, please include only 100 words outlining your topic, and upload a fuller research proposal as a separate document, in the 'supporting documents' section.

This proposal should be between 1500 and 2500 words in length , and should contain at least the following:

1. Title of proposed research project

This should allow the reader to place the research, at a glance, within an academic sub-field, as well as identifying the main issue to be addressed. It should not be more than 20 words long.

2. Background

Outline the area in which you propose to conduct research. Check that it is a suitable fit with the programme. Why is it important and interesting? What is the need for further research in this area? You should provide a context for your research. Do this by referencing and briefly reviewing a number of key works in your chosen field, showing how your work is built on this prior research.

3. Research questions

You should give at least one overarching research question, plus a number of more specific sub-questions. Make sure these questions all emerge from and are firmly grounded in the literature you have reviewed. Ensure that these questions - particularly the specific sub-questions - are researchable; that is, they should not be too broad or too general. You should also explain how these research questions can be considered original.

4. Data and data analysis

All projects will involve the collection of data of some kind. This is most likely to involve recordings of naturally occurring interaction Will you be able to gain access to the data in the quantities required? Are there ethical concerns which need to be overcome? You should also be as specific as you can at this stage about the kinds of analysis you will perform. What specific techniques will you use? What statistical analyses will you be performing (if any)? Mention any software you envisage using.

5. Fit with Our Research Interests

Before you formulate your proposal, you should look carefully through the supervision tab to identify staff members who might be able to supervise your research. You may mention the person or people by name. You are also encouraged (though you are not obliged) to contact individual staff members to find out if they believe your ideas to be viable and if they would in principle be interested in supervising your project.

6. References

You should provide a list of the works you have referred to in your proposal. Don't list other works which may be relevant: this is to assure the reader that you have read and understood the literature you have cited.

Department of Language and Linguistic Science University of York , York , YO10 5DD , UK Tel: work +44 (0)1904 322650 | [email protected]

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Examples of research proposals

How to write your research proposal, with examples of good proposals.

Research proposals

Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It tells us about the question you want to answer through your research. It is a chance for you to show your knowledge of the subject area and tell us about the methods you want to use.

We use your research proposal to match you with a supervisor or team of supervisors.

In your proposal, please tell us if you have an interest in the work of a specific academic at York St John. You can get in touch with this academic to discuss your proposal. You can also speak to one of our Research Leads. There is a list of our Research Leads on the Apply page.

When you write your proposal you need to:

Highlight how it is original or significant
Explain how it will develop or challenge current knowledge of your subject
Identify the importance of your research
Show why you are the right person to do this research
Research Proposal Example 1 (DOC, 49kB)
Research Proposal Example 2 (DOC, 0.9MB)
Research Proposal Example 3 (DOC, 55.5kB)
Research Proposal Example 4 (DOC, 49.5kB)

Subject specific guidance

Writing a Humanities PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
Writing a Creative Writing PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
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