1. What is a research plan?
I think I should probably make sure that any of us are really on the same page before we delve into how to write a research plan, right? Let's do this first.
A research proposal is a statement designed to convince your readers that you have a topic worth studying.
The proposal should also prove that you have an understanding of the subject, reasonable research ideas and the ability to complete the work.
In other words, don't write suggestions on how you want to finally determine the meaning of life. You can't finish such a project.
The research plan is part of the formal research process, so it should be taken seriously. Use clear and concise words and formal academic tone.
The proposal doesn't just say "I want to write about helicopter parents". It follows a specific format, which at first glance seems overwhelming. But if you take it step by step, it will be easier than you think.
By the way, let's discuss how to write a research plan in depth, shall we
2. How to write a research plan: six basic elements
A research plan contains six key parts.
I have included a brief discussion of every component and example of helicopter parenting. I hope they can provide some inspiration in the process of writing research proposals.
1) title
? Believe it or not, the topic of your project is very important. We have all heard the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover". But we often judge a book not only by its cover, but also by its title.
? After all, would you rather watch A Comprehensive Discussion on Dating and Courtship Ceremony in America or 10 How to Find the Perfect Partner? Yes, I will choose the second one. )
? The title of your research plan should provide a clear descriptive overview for your paper. It should inform readers of your topic and attract their interest.
? This is an example of a title:
? # 1 helicopter parents: Are they helping or hurting children?
? This title is descriptive-it tells readers that this paper will be about helicopter parenting. It also provides a wealth of information-it explains that this paper will study whether helicopter parenting is effective.
2) Summary
? Abstract is a short summary, usually 200-300 words. It should include the following contents:
? What are you writing?
? #2 Why write and study this topic?
? #3 What do you hope to find by completing the investigation?
? If you are completing any research of your own (such as conducting a survey), you can also discuss how to incorporate it into your writing.
? This is a sample summary:
The research project will focus on helicopter parenting. Helicopter parents are usually defined as well-meaning parents who are excessively involved in the lives of their children (usually adult children). Although helicopter parents usually think that their actions are helping their children, many researchers now question whether parents are involved too much. In recent years, with the social doubts about its effectiveness, this relatively new way of parenting has been examined. This research project examines whether this excessive participation is ultimately beneficial or harmful to children. This project will briefly outline several common parenting styles, including tolerant and authoritative parenting styles, and compare these parenting styles with helicopter parenting styles to check the positive and negative results of each parenting style. Literature review will be the main method of research; However, the research project will also be included in the original survey of about 20 high schools and college students. The survey will include short and multiple choice questions, and will provide evidence to prove whether teenagers with helicopter parents are struggling academically and whether these people can make their own decisions.
? Wow! This is a lot of words! Hang it there. We haven't finished the research plan yet. Keep working and writing ... that cake is within reach!
3) Introduction
The introduction of your research plan will be two or three paragraphs, much like the introduction of any research paper. You want to attract readers' attention and outline your paper.
When writing an introduction in your research proposal, you should include the following:
? # 1 The problem you solved in your research paper
? #2 The reasons behind your research and the importance of completing this research.
? #3 What do you hope to find by completing the investigation?
? #4 Any predictions you have about this study
? Yes, I know, you have stated some information in the abstract. But remember, the summary summarizes your project. The introduction is more specific and introduces readers with more detailed information.
4) Literature review
? Literature review as the name implies: literature review. No, you're not writing Moby Dick's book review or A Tale of Two Cities.
? In the literature review, you will find reliable sources about your topic and provide readers with an overview of experts' current views on your topic.
? The purpose of literature review is not only to tell readers what kind of experts are talking about this topic, but also to explain why your research is timely and important.
? The length of literature review can range from several paragraphs to several pages. So please consult the coach for specific length requirements.
? In my example of helicopter parenting, I will review the materials that discussed how and when helicopter parenting became a common parenting method, as well as other parenting methods. I will also review why some experts may think helicopter parenting is helpful to children and why some experts think it is harmful to children.
5) Methods and results
? The method part of the research proposal explains to readers how you will conduct your own research.
? You need to explain what kind of research you will complete. Will you conduct a survey or a questionnaire survey? Will you do experiments in the laboratory? Did you finish the work in person or online?
? The method part will also decide who will participate in the study. Will you recruit friends and bribe them with pizza to finish your research? Will you recruit other college students, high school students, professors or other groups?
? In the methods section, you also need to explain the types of methods you use and how you know they are reliable. In other words, did you use the multiple choice questionnaire? Have you interviewed anyone? Do you use computer programs to analyze data?
? Finally, the results section may make some predictions about your research.
? In my research project on helicopter parenting, I will explain that I plan to use multiple-choice and short-answer questionnaires to survey about 20 senior high schools and college students. I also predict that students with helicopter parents will work harder for independence than those without helicopter parents.
6) discussion
? The discussion part of the research plan is not just a dialogue about the content of your paper. It focuses on any possible weakness, complexity or limitation in the research.
? For example, if you are managing an online survey, can anyone else complete the survey except the target participants? If you are completing a survey of a group of people, how do you know that they are answering truthfully?
? In my example, I suggest to investigate about 20 students and ask them questions about helicopter parenting. One of the limitations of my questionnaire is that people may not answer honestly, or may deliberately try to influence the research results.
? I only investigated a small number of people. This of course has its limitations. A small number of students hold negative or positive views on helicopter parenting, which does not necessarily mean that all people of similar age groups will feel the same way.
3, the end of the research plan
No, I'm not advocating giving up the research proposal I'm celebrating because you finished your proposal. Finish your proposal, and you must win that German chocolate cake!
Listen, learning how to write a research plan is not that bad. At least you have cake, right?