ABSTRACT

This chapter outlines some of the key characteristics of good research projects and illustrates those characteristics with a sample study. It provides some guidance on matters that need to be considered in the writing of a research proposal. Research proposals are an example of what J. M. Swales calls ‘occluded’ genres; that is, genres which are difficult for students to have to access to but play an important part in their lives. In scope, the doctoral thesis differs from a master’s research degree by its deeper, more comprehensive treatment of the subject under investigation. A doctoral thesis is also required to demonstrate authority in the area of research. A key feature of a good research proposal is the quality of the project being proposed. There are a number of important steps to go through in developing a research proposal. D. Nunan and K. Bailey provide a useful set of questions for guiding the design of a research proposal.