The proposal should begin with an introduction to include some of the information listed below. Remember that some of the contents suggested in this section may not be relevant to certain studies, so use your discretion in selecting only what is pertinent to your study. In writing this section, the literature review (see chapter 3 on reviewing the literature) is of central importance as it serves two main functions:
Ø 1. It acquaints you with available literature in the area of your study, thereby broadening your knowledge base
Ø 2. It provides you with information on the methods and procedures other people have used in similar situations and tells you what works and what not.
The type, extent and quality of a literature review are mostly dependent upon the academic level for which you are writing the proposal. The contents of this section may also vary greatly according to the subject area under study.
Start with a very broad perspective of the main subject area, before gradually narrowing the focus to the central problem under investigation. In doing so, cover the following aspects of your study area:
|
❑ |
An overview of the main area under study |
|
❑ |
A historical perspective (development, growth, etc.,) pertinent to the study area |
|
❑ |
Philosophical or ideological issues relating to the topic |
|
❑ |
Trends in terms of prevalence, if appropriate |
|
❑ |
Major theories if any |
|
❑ |
The major issues, problems and advances in the subject area under study |
|
❑ |
Important theoretical and practical issues relating to the central problem under study |
|
❑ |
The main findings relating to the core issue(s) |
Ø Activity one
Suppose that you are conducting study investigate the impact of immigration on the family. The preamble/ introduction should include a brief description of the following
|
❑ |
The origins of the migratory movements in the world |
|
❑ |
General theories developed to explain migratory behavior |
|
❑ |
The reasons for migration |
|
❑ |
Current trends in migration (national and state) |
|
❑ |
The impact of immigration on family roles and relationships (e.g. on husband and wife, on children and parents, on parental expectations of children, etc.) |
|
❑ |
Occupational mobility |
|
❑ |
Etc |
Ø Activity two
Suppose your research project is to conduct a study of the attitudes of foster carers towards foster payment in … (name of the place/ state/ country). The preamble / introduction would include the following:
|
❑ |
The origins of foster placement, the philosophy of foster care, a historical overview of foster care and changes over the years |
|
❑ |
Reasons for foster care and changes over time |
|
❑ |
The origins of foster placement in … ( the country in which you are conducting your study) |
|
❑ |
The effects of foster placement on children and parents |
|
❑ |
Policies with respect to foster care in.. ( the region). |
|
❑ |
The origins of foster care in ..( the region) |
|
❑ |
Administrative procedures for foster care in .. ( the region) |
|
❑ |
The training of foster parents in …( the region) |
|
❑ |
The role and responsibility of foster parents |
|
❑ |
Etc |
Ø Activity three
Suppose that you plan to study the relationship between academic achievement and social environment. The preamble / introduction would include the following:
|
❑ |
The role of education in our society |
|
❑ |
Major changes in philosophy of education over time |
|
❑ |
Factors affecting attitudes towards education |
|
❑ |
The development of education in… (country) |
|
❑ |
Trends in education participation rates in …( country) with particular reference to the region in which the study is being carried out |
|
❑ |
Changing educational values |
|
❑ |
Role of parents and peers in academic achievement |
|
❑ |
Impact of social environment on academic achievement |
|
❑ |
Etc |
Ø Activity four
Suppose you are undertaking a qualitative study to find out what it means to have a child with ADHD in the family. The preamble/ introduction should include your thoughts and arguments, and what the literature says around the following aspects of ADHD
|
❑ |
Defintions and symptoms of ADHD |
|
❑ |
Causes of ADHD |
|
❑ |
Medical perspective on ADHD |
|
❑ |
Effects of ADHD on family life |
|
❑ |
Treatment for ADHD |
|
❑ |
Implications for a child if untreated |
|
❑ |
Management of ADHD |
|
❑ |
Etc |