Debre Markos University
Research and Publication directorate
Contents of conventional research proposals
A research proposal in Debre Markos University should have the following contents though
there are some variations across disciplines. Each chapters should start on a new page. Heading
one, All letters should be capital
Heading two first letter of the words should be capital
Heading three, the first letter of the topic should be capital
Heading four, the first letter of the topic should be capital and italicized
The cover page
The cover page should contain:
University Logo
Name of the University,
Title of the research proposal (it should be clear, informative, specific, concise, and easily
understandable)
Details of the researcher(s) (names, academic qualifications, statuses in the proposed
research (principal investigator, co-investigator, etc.), affiliations (college,
schools/department, and program), and addresses (email, phone numbers, P.O.Box etc.)).
Date of submission, Debre Markos University, Ethiopia
Abbreviations and Acronyms (if any)
All abbreviations and acronyms must be listed in alphabetical order and be followed by full
description of their contents. In the narrative, each abbreviation and acronym should be
defined in full when they are first used. Standard Scientific International (SI) units do not
need to be listed.
Abbreviations example: for Doctor (Dr.)
Acronyms example World Health Organization (WHO)
Table of Contents
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All of the headings and entries in the table of contents should correspond exactly in
wording, font, and case with their headings or entries that appear in the text of a particular
document. Researchers should not use “title” and “page” at the top of the page in the table
of contents. Also, there should be dotted lines (or other forms of tab leaders) connecting
headings and respective pages. Subdivisions of headings should not exceed four levels.
List of Tables (if any)
Where tables are used in the proposal, they should be displayed indicating the page numbers
on which they are found in the proposal.
List of Figures
Where figures are used in the proposal, they should be displayed indicating the page
numbers on which they are found in the proposal.
Executive Summary (optional)
An executive summary is a quick way for readers or evaluators to understand the research
project without reading the proposal in its entirety. It offers a concise, but clear presentation
of a proposal’s organization, emphasis, and content. It is usually a one-paragraph summary
of the research proposal (not exceeding 300 words) and presented in a single block
paragraph. It is written in 1.5 spacing without subtitles or divisions. An excellent executive
summary provides relevant information on the background, significance, objectives,
materials, and methods, expected output as well as budget and time frame.
1. INTRODUCTION
The maximum pages for introduction should be four.it
1.1 Background: The background focuses on the overall issue, problem, or question that the
research addresses. An ideal background provides readers sufficient context and background
regarding the issue of the research. It must be written from general to specific.pages
1.2 Statement of the problem
Provide a general presentation and analysis of the severity and magnitude of the
problem(s) and their interrelation at all levels with sufficient, relevant, and updated
literature review to justify the specific objectives that will contribute to the resolution of
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the problems by the action to be taken in the envisaged year(s) and Justification
(Rationale) for the study. Ask yourself:
i. Will this study generate new knowledge?
ii. Will the study benefit Community, advance understanding, or influence policy?
iii. Will the study fill gaps in existing knowledge or resolve current controversies?
A critical summary of research on a topic of interest generally prepared to put a research
problem in context or to identify gaps and weaknesses in prior studies to justify a new
investigation.
Review significant previous empirical researches on the issue, find the gap properly and
devise/propose the intervention to fill that gap firmly.
1.3 Objectives of the study
The title must be supported with major and specific objectives to which the planned action
will contribute and aims to achieve. Specific objectives (SMART) can be set and connected
to or emanating from the major ones. In other words, these objectives (general and specific)
must be achievable with reasonable certainty by the action that will be taken during the life
of the project.
General and specific objectives should be written separately.
1.4 Significance of the study
This is a place where researchers offer brief and realistic explanations regarding the
outcome of the research, the role of the research in overcoming the existing problem and
generating new knowledge or information.
Organization/structure/ of the proposal
2. Literature Review
The literature review summarizes critical analysis of a relevant body of literature on the
research topic. The literature review might systematically lead to the development of
conceptual/research framework for the proposed research.
2.1. Theoretical Litrature Review
2.2. Emprical Litrature Review
2.3. Conceptual Framework
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3. Research Methodology/Materials and Methods /Research Methods
The methodology/materials and methods section is where researchers describe the
processes, approaches, methods and steps, and procedures of their research. Research should
be based on appropriate sampling methods, study design, measures, and analytical
techniques/processes.
Research methodology/ Materials and Methods should also include:
i. Description of the Study Area or Experimental Site
ii. Research Design
iii. Description of study Population/research materials. This includes inclusive and exclusive
criteria, the source population, the study population and sample population (where
applicable)
iv. Sampling Methods and techniques. This includes sample size calculation and sampling
methods (when applicable).
v. Data Collection Methods. This includes questionnaires, use of observation, focus group
discussions, in-depth interviews, document analysis,laboratory analysis and similar
methods. The description should outline the data to be collected in the study, the methods
of measurement and the units of measurement.
vi. Data Collection methods– This is about the steps to be followed to collect data May
include issues such as getting consent from concerned bodies, logical order of using
instruments, etc.
vii. Data Analysis. The researcher should decide how the data will be analyzed. Primarily, the
researcher shall describe variables, the data analytical methods, techniques, tools, and
statistical tests that will be used in analyzing the data, and also the Software planned for
use in statistical analysis (where applicable).
viii. Validity and Reliability of Instruments(Optional). Where required, discuss how to check
the data collection instruments, the plans for ensuring confidentiality of data when
appropriate, and describe the reliability and validity of instruments used in the research.
ix. Ethical Consideration
Ethical considerations are critical to the completion of any research. Researchers must consider
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the ethical issues in their specific areas of research. As deemed necessary, ethical clearance must
be obtained from authorized body.
Outcome dissemination strategy
A researcher should clearly put how he/she will disseminate the research output to the
community or study participants.
Work Plan
The work plan should clearly display the major research activities and their corresponding time
frames in a table/Gehant chart.
Budget breakdown
The budget breakdown section should clearly indicate necessary expenses for personnel,
transportation, equipment, supplies and materials, laboratory analysis and any associated services
in a table format. The budget should be prepared following the government's financial rules,
regulations, and provisions.
References
The References section is where researchers list the works they have cited in the text of their
research report or manuscript. All references appearing in the References section must only be
the ones cited, and also the list contains only the references which are used in the text of the
research in the narrative following the American Psychological Association (APA) style.
Appendices (if necessary)
Appendices (if any) should appear as the last chapter of the proposal. Among others, appendices
may include drafts of questionnaires in English and other languages, participant consent forms,
observation checklists, pictures and specifications of equipment or measurement tools to be used
in the research, mathematical formulae or derivations, a detailed description of the procedures
followed during the sample selection and dummy tables.
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