Numbers 13:17,21; Proverbs 23:2
The primary purpose for conducting research is to discover, interpret and develop methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge, on a wide variety of matters that affect not only human beings but also the universe as a whole. In defining what a research is, the Belmont Report says it is an activity that is designed to test a hypothesis, permit conclusions to be drawn, thereby, helping to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. Research is an indispensable tool for progress and development universally. The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through investigation, experimentation, testing, exploration, analysis and fact-finding. Research is essential for the survival of the individual, organization, the nation and the entire world. For students in tertiary academic institutions, research proposal, conduct, analysis, and reporting are often a compulsory requirement for certification and for the award of degrees. For academic staff, research is the second leg of the tripod on which a successful academic career rests, the other two being teaching / training and community service.
Research, as a systematic event, requires planning. A written plan for research is called a research proposal. The account in Luke 14:28 is an example of research planning or proposal: “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” The research proposal is a document in which a research project is propounded. Therefore, the research proposal is a plan of intended activities to be carried out by the researcher. When a detailed research proposal is prepared before the commencement of a research, the academic exercises of preparing publications or writing thesis or dissertation from the research are halfway done. Moreover, where necessary and when required, research proposals can be tools to seek grant support for the research in focus. Writing a good proposal will enhance adequate foundational preparation for a well-done research work.
- The Components of Exceptional Research Proposal: Proverbs 22:29; Habakkuk 2: 2, 3; Ecclesiastes 9: 10
Research proposals generally follow a standard format. Variation depends upon institutions, the purpose of research, and whether or not the proposal is for research grant, training/conference grant, or some other development project. The essential components of research proposal include the following:
Title page: The specification of the title page can be dictated by the sponsoring agencies; otherwise, in a dissertation, follow the format of the institution.
Abstract: The summary of the intending research is valued at this level, stating the objectives of the study and the proposed methods.
Table of contents: Brief proposal with few sentences usually do not need a table of contents. Long and detailed proposals may require, in addition to a table of contents, a list of illustration (or figures) and a list of tables.
Introduction: The introduction of a proposal begins with a capsule statement. It should address all the independent and dependent variables in the study.
Background: The following points are germane.
Make clear what the research problem(s) or gap(s) is / are
Give evidence of your own competence in the field.
Materials and Methods: This section is the heart of the proposal. It addresses requirements for the study, study design, instrumentations, personnel, data gathering, storage, analyses and interpretation, ethical issues, where necessary, etc.
Description of Relevant Instructional Resources: This section explains in detail the resource(s) and possibly shows why the sponsor should select a particular institution.
Budget: This will make for a smooth and an unhindered completion of intended research work. This includes personnel, non-personnel. administrations, and overhead expenses.
- The Challenges with Executing Research Proposals Proverbs 19:2; Zechariah 4:7
Research is a serious business that requires rigour, stamina and doggedness. Awoul 8 researcher must acquire requisite academic training, professional competence, scie C soundness and ethical awareness for a successful work. In spite of these, though, he/she may still face challenges in the conduct of research. There may be challenges emanating from the research itself and possibly the researcher himself/ herself. On the other there may be confrontations that have great consequences on the research proposal. Some of these include:
' Identification of research problems, questions and hypothesis
' Logistics, finance, equipment, institutional problems
' Problems with data collection, storage and analysis
'Collaboration and interdisciplinary research issues. Etc.
Confrontations can also be in form of or arise from:
The Devil (1 Thessalonians 2: 18)
Discouragement (Numbers 13: 1; 21:4; 14:1; Deuteronomy 1:21)
Ignorance (Hosea 4:6)
Isolation (Isaiah 5:21)
Slothfulness (Proverbs 24:30, 31; 6:9-11) Procrastination (Ecclesiastes 11:4)
Corrupt Practices (Proverbs 20:23)
- The Centrallty of God for Excellent Research Proposal Psalms 127:1; Proverbs 9:1
A research proposal is an intended action. And since God knows all about the future, He should not be left out in research efforts (John 15:5). Moses understood this truth when he insisted thus: “If thy PRESENCE go not with me, carry us not up hence” (Exodus 33:15). As researchers, God is essential and central in all we do (Daniel 1:4-15). : Therefore, we should ensure the following:
Relationship with God (Matthew 6:33)
Diligence (Proverbs 10:4; 13:4; 22:29)
Prayer (Ephesians 6:18; John 16:24)
Steadfastness (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
Access to information (Hosea 4:6)
God-given wisdom (Ecclesiastes 7: 19; 9: 16).
With God on our side, we are bound to succeed in our research efforts and endeavours.
What Shall we then my to these things? I# headerf God be for us, who can be against in? (Romans 8:31).
