Research Proposal

Review of the Literature

The first step in constructing a research proposal is to conduct an exhaustive review of previous literature on the subject. From this review, the researcher can distinguish if there is a need for new contributions to the particular area of research, and using recommendations for future research and other unanswered questions from previous research, begin to outline the plan or proposal for new research.

A review of previous research will provide the majority of the content for the research proposal’s literature review. The literature review should be organized from general to specific, by first providing a general background of the topic to be studied, then narrowing that topic more specifically to the exact research subject area to be proposed. Previous studies conducted on the research topic should be outlined with a specific focus on any elements supporting the need for additional research. Additionally, if previous research indicated that a different scale should be employed or specific considerations should be made with sample demographics or data collection, those details should be addressed as necessary to identify the need for the new research study. These steps ensure that the researcher does not duplicate previous research or continue to make the same mistakes in regards to methodology.

After establishing the subject area and specifically focusing on previous studies associated with the research topic, the literature review should include an exhausted definition of all key terms associated with the proposed study. Depending on the research, the list of variables and additional terms may be quite extensive. Since many terms can have multiple meanings, based on various contexts, it is imperative to clearly define the terms as necessary for the specific research to be conducted. Definitions should provide anyone reading the research proposal a clear understanding of each term to ensure reader comprehension.

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