FOR MA STUDENTS 

Link to Download Docx file: HERE

Title of Your Research:
[Enter your proposed research title here]

1. Model Papers and Literature Review
[Guidance: For this section, find and critically review 3-5 academic papers that are key to your topic. These papers should:

• Be published in reputable journals.
• Use a methodology or approach similar to yours.
• Address similar research questions.

For each paper:

• Citation and Link: [Include a proper citation and a link to the paper if available]
• Summary: [Write 2-3 sentences summarizing the main findings or contributions of the paper]
• Relevance to Your Study: [Explain how this paper informs or influences your research, e.g., by shaping your theoretical framework or guiding your methodology]
• How Your Study Extends or Differentiates from It: [Discuss how your research will build upon or challenge the paper’s findings, theory, or methods.]

Use this section to demonstrate a clear understanding of the current research landscape.]

2. Research Gap
[Guidance: The research gap is the "missing piece" in current literature. To identify it, review key articles in your field and look for:

• Areas where research findings are inconsistent.
• Topics that have not been adequately studied (e.g., in certain regions or populations).
• Limitations in methodologies used by past researchers.

Use phrases such as: "While previous studies have focused on X, there has been little investigation into Y" or "Current literature does not sufficiently address…"]

3. Research Objectives
[Guidance: Your objectives should directly address the research gap. Think about what you specifically aim to achieve in your study. Use action verbs like "explore," "investigate," "analyze," or "evaluate." Ensure that your objectives are clear and measurable.]

4. Methodology
[Guidance: Describe the methods you will use to conduct your research. Be specific about:

• Whether your approach will be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed.
• The data collection techniques you will use (e.g., interviews, surveys, experiments).
• The sample size and population you will study, if applicable.
• Why these methods are appropriate for achieving your objectives.]

8. Expected Outcomes
[Guidance: In this section, explain what you expect to find or demonstrate through your research. You may discuss both theoretical and practical outcomes. Consider questions such as:

• What new insights will your research provide?
• How will it advance the field or address the identified gap?]

9. References
[Guidance: List all academic references you’ve used or plan to consult in the proposal. Follow a consistent citation style APA 7th.