Proposals

Writing a research proposal is very different from writing a term paper - where a term paper presents a topic and draws conclusions about it, a research proposal identifies a question and proposes an argument about how to answer it. 

Most people need to draft and rewrite their proposal many times, because it is so difficult to write about a question they can?t yet answer. Ask your mentor, your dean, other professors and your friends to comment on your draft proposal as you refine it ? and remember that any aspect that seems confusing, infeasible, or vague to them will likely appear the same way to the evaluation committee.

First-rate proposals include the following information:

• a brief introductory section that sets out the general research question and identifies the faculty mentor;
• an overview of the relevant scholarly literature in the field in which the question falls;
• an explanation of the specific problem or question at the heart of the research, along with an argument about why it is important;
• a discussion of the methods that will be used to investigate the question and their potential strengths and weaknesses;
• a description of the major conceptual tools, primary sources or data that will be used in the research. You should do some preliminary work to find out what resources are available, restrictions on access, etc.
• evidence that the project is feasible. You should outline your course background and skills (languages, statistical competence, etc.) appropriate to carrying out the research and producing a convincing argument.

Of course, it is expected that the questions, methods, and sources will be refined and augmented during the course of research. The proposal is not an iron-clad plan. Rather, it is an argument about why you should be allowed to pursue research in the honors program.

In your effort to prepare a solid thesis proposal, you may wish to consult these examples of a poor proposal and a good proposal.