Research Proposal Checklist

Background and Significance of the Research

Ο Will the results of the research fill a gap in our knowledge?

Ο Will the research advance our understanding of this topic?

Literature Review

Ο Does the proposal demonstrate thorough and current understanding and knowledge of the peer- reviewed literature related to the topic?

Ο Is the literature reviewed critically?

Ο Does the literature review identify gaps, shortcomings, and/or limitations in existing research, therefore providing a context for the study?

Ο Does the literature review justify the question/problem being studied?

Theoretical Framework

Ο Is a theoretical framework identified and clearly described?

Ο Is the theoretical framework linked to the research problem/question/hypothesis?

Ο Does the theoretical framework demonstrate understanding of current and relevant peer-reviewed literature?

Research Problem/Question/Hypothesis

Ο Does the proposal clearly frame the research question/problem/hypothesis?

Ο Is the research problem/question/hypothesis logical and researchable?

Ο Is the research problem/question/hypothesis manageable and achievable?

Ο Is the research problem/question/hypothesis ethical?

Ο Is the research question/problem/hypothesis focused and grounded in relevant peer-reviewed literature?

Ο Where relevant, is the research grounded in the researcher’s experience and context?

Methodology

Rationale for Research Method

Ο Is the methodology (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods) appropriate for the research question/problem?

Ο Does the proposal identify and describe the specific type of methodology (e.g., qualitative (ethnography, grounded theory, case study, etc.), quantitative (descriptive, quasi-experimental, etc.), or mixed methods (from both traditions)?

Ο Is the methodology clearly articulated and supported by current and relevant peer-reviewed literature?

Research and Data-Gathering Procedures

Ο Are the procedures well organized and clearly described in a carefully focused step-by-step, straight- forward manner?

Ο Are the procedures consistent with the selected methodology?

Ο Are the methods reasonable and appropriate for the research question/problem?

Ο Is a timeline for the project provided? Is it manageable and achievable?

Ο Does the proposal demonstrate thorough and current understanding and knowledge relevant peer reviewed literature related to selected research and data-gathering procedures?

Data Description and Preparation

Ο Does the proposal identify the who, what, where, when, why, and how of data collection?

Ο Does the proposal identify possible problems with data sources, collection of data, and/or preparation of data?

Resources Required

Ο Are required resources (i.e., any special equipment or materials that will be needed during the research) described?

Ο Are required resources available to the student?

Data Analysis

Ο Does the proposal identify possible methods for data analysis?

Ο Does the proposal demonstrate thorough and current understanding and knowledge of the research/peer reviewed literature related to their data analysis?

Ethical Considerations

Ο Does the proposal anticipate and/or discuss potential difficulties and obstacles in the approach I have chosen?

Ο Have I fully considered potential benefits and risks to research participants?

Ο Does the proposal discuss how confidentiality of subjects and their responses will be maintained?

Ο Does the proposal discuss how data will be stored to ensure confidentiality of subjects?

References

Ο Does the proposal provide a list of cited references?

Ο Are the references current and relevant?

Ο Is APA used appropriately in the reference list?

Ο Are references cited appropriately in the literature review, theoretical framework, and description of methodology?

Overall

Ο Is the proposal coherent and easily understood by reviewers?

Ο Is peer-reviewed literature used effectively to support the proposal’s theoretical underpinnings?

Ο Are headings used to organize sections and demonstrate understanding of essential components?

Ο Do the headings reflect an organizational structure for the final product?

Ο Is the research, as proposed, likely to get ethics approval?

Ο Are there any spelling, grammar, punctuation, or presentation features that interfere with coherence and clarity?

Ο Is APA formatting consistent and appropriately applied?