How to write research proposals: A guide to writing thesis and dissertation proposals in Applied Linguistics

In the context of gradate studies, research proposals play an important role. In most instances the decision to permit the student to embark on a thesis or dissertation is made solely on the completeness of the research proposal. The quality of writing in the proposal is likely to be used by advisors as a basis for judging the clarity of thought that has preceded the document. The proposal along with its constituencies will also be used as an index of the degree of facility with which the study will implemented if appropriate, and the adequacy of expository skills the student will bring to reporting the results. In sum, the proposal is the instrument through which faculty must judge whether there is a reasonable hope that the student can conduct any research project at all.

This step-by-step guidebook is prepared to help graduate students in the field of applied linguistics to prepare and write proposals that could meet the conventions of the field. The text moves with the student from discovery of a topic to gathering sources and references, reviewing related literature, drafting, revising and editing the intended research proposal. In chapter six, a list of resources in applied linguistics has been provided that should be useful to both students and researchers.