what is the difference between research proposal and research paper

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Concept Paper vs. Research Proposal – and when to use each

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• Charlesworth Author Services
• 08 March, 2022

On the surface, concept papers sound like they do the same job as a research proposal – and essentially, they do. Both are designed to communicate the rationale, methodology and outcomes of a proposed piece of work. The difference between the two lies mostly in the level of detail and the potential audience, based on which your approach towards writing each will vary. In this article, we dig deeper into these and recommend when to use which.

Concept paper: Putting your idea to paper

• What : A concept paper verbalises an idea and puts it to paper for the first time. Here, an overall rationale is presented, with a focus on the essential idea and potential impact of the expected outcome(s). However, what you would not include here is much in-depth detail.
• When : Writing a concept paper is most useful when an initial expression of interest is made to either a collaborator or funder – provided the funder has mechanisms for you to do this, like an open call.
• Why : The aim of your concept paper will be to win your audience over with your idea and its potential ramifications. 

(For more on concept papers, read: Understanding and developing a concept paper )

Research proposal: Showing how things will get done

Let’s say that through your concept paper, you find funding and collaborators for your proposed research project. You will now get into the nitty gritty of the project with a research proposal, while still keeping it “consumable” enough for a broader audience.

• What : A research proposal builds on a concept paper by now including aspects like key deliverables, milestones and specific outcomes, as well as how you plan to achieve these. 
• When : You will typically send a research proposal to sources of funding of an open nature, i.e. those that do not require a standardised form to be filled in, as is often the case with institutional internal funding or private investors.
• Why : It is not necessary for you to first send someone a concept paper and follow it up with a proposal. However, you may often need to follow this sequence in order to provide only ‘need to know’ material depending on the stage of your relationship with potential partners.

( For more on research proposals, read: Writing a successful research proposal )

When both are needed, a concept paper precedes a research proposal

Deciding between a concept paper and a research proposal

Whether you send someone a concept paper or a research proposal depends entirely on two things: 

• Your existing relationship with whomever you are reaching out to
• What you are trying to achieve

If you are emailing an organisation or individual for the first time, you are more likely to receive a response by attaching a brief, snappy concept paper that is easily read by a multitude of people. On the other hand, some larger organisations, such as pharmaceutical companies, are very used to seeing full-fledged research proposals and may have a portal on their website where you would need to upload one, enabling them to skip the preliminary step of vetting your work through a concept paper.

Our recommendation : Given how pressed many people are for time these days, it would be prudent to send concept papers more frequently than research proposals. If more information is required, you will be asked for it.

Concept papers and research proposals do very similar things, but set out and achieve very different aims. They are often sent in sequence – the concept paper first, followed by the research proposal. The need for a research proposal arises when the concept paper has achieved its mark – when, for example, more information is required for a funding decision to be reached, or due diligence is to be performed, as a result of your concept paper gaining preliminary acceptance. Following up with a research proposal fills in the gaps and will aid in answering questions arising from the concept paper.

Read previous (second) in series: Writing a successful Research Proposal

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A research proposal differs in important respects from other forms of writing with which students are more familiar, such as an academic essay or a research paper.  Instead of trying to reach a minimum length (e.g., 7 pages or 2000 words), you must achieve discrete goals within a specified space constraint (e.g., 2 pages or 750 words).  Many students find this shift challenging, but the process of writing a proposal is essential for  organizing  your exciting ideas and  prioritizing  your next steps.

Defining your questions

While an essay or a research paper requires an overall argument and provides evidence to support it, a research proposal is organized around questions to which the author does not yet have answers.  A good research proposal  does  make an argument of a particular sort: its purpose is to convince readers that the questions are worth trying to answer and that the author has a concrete plan for doing so.

A good proposal and, by extension, a solid research agenda are organized around a central interpretive problem broken down into a series of smaller, more specific questions.  Even if you begin with a topic that just seems fascinating, you will find that you have lots of different kinds of questions about its historiography and history.  As you work toward a proposal, try to isolate and prioritize those questions:  Which questions do you most want to find the answers to?  Which questions can you realistically answer?  If they are not the same, how might you reconcile what you want  to find out with what you  can  find out through independent research?

As you work on a central question for your thesis, you also need to consider how you can explain to others why it is meaningful.  This is the universal “so what?”:  How will answers to your particular questions contribute to our collective knowledge?  How will your research help us better understand the subject?  While there are many ways of establishing the significance of a project, never assume that an uninitiated reader will find your topic inherently interesting.  You must hint at the broader implications of your research in order to win over a reader who does not necessarily know (or care) anything about your thesis topic.  The examples in “Learning from Model Proposals” exhibit various means of achieving this end.

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Research Statement vs Research Proposal

Rachel r.n..

• July 9, 2024
• How to Guides

If you’re in academia or planning to pursue higher education, you’ve probably come across the terms “research statement” and “research proposal.” At first glance, they might seem similar, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.

In this post, we’ll break down the differences between these two important documents and help you understand when and how to use each one.

What You'll Learn

What is a Research Statement?

A research statement is a brief document that outlines your research interests, experience, and future plans. It’s like a snapshot of your academic journey and where you want to go next.

Key Features of a Research Statement

• Length : Usually short, typically 1-3 pages.
• Purpose : To give an overview of your research background and goals.
• Audience : Often read by hiring committees or graduate school admissions teams.
• Content : Includes past research, current interests, and future directions.
• Tone : Professional and confident, showcasing your expertise.

When Do You Need a Research Statement?

You might need to write a research statement when:

• Applying for academic jobs (like professor positions)
• Submitting applications to graduate school programs
• Seeking research funding or grants
• Updating your professional portfolio

Example of a Research Statement (Excerpt)

Here’s a brief example of what part of a research statement might look like:

“As a marine biologist, my research focuses on the impact of climate change on coral reef ecosystems. Over the past five years, I have conducted extensive field studies in the Great Barrier Reef, analyzing the resilience of various coral species to rising ocean temperatures. My current work involves developing new methods for coral restoration using 3D printing technology. In the future, I plan to expand this research to other reef systems around the world, with the goal of creating a global network of coral restoration sites.”

What is a Research Proposal?

A research proposal is a detailed plan for a specific research project. It’s like a roadmap that outlines the what, why, and how of your intended research.

Key Features of a Research Proposal

• Length : Usually longer, typically 10-25 pages (can be shorter or longer depending on requirements).
• Purpose : To convince others that your research idea is worthwhile and feasible.
• Audience : Often read by funding agencies, dissertation committees, or research supervisors.
• Content : Includes research question, literature review, methodology, timeline, and budget.
• Tone : Formal and detailed, demonstrating thorough planning.

When Do You Need a Research Proposal?

You might need to write a research proposal when:

• Applying for research funding or grants
• Starting a Ph.D. program or planning your dissertation
• Pitching a new research project to your department or institution
• Collaborating with other researchers or institutions on a joint project

Example of a Research Proposal (Excerpt)

Here’s a brief example of what part of a research proposal might look like:

“Project Title: The Impact of Microplastics on Marine Mammal Health in the North Atlantic

• Introduction: Microplastic pollution has become a significant concern in marine ecosystems worldwide. This study aims to investigate the presence and effects of microplastics in the digestive systems of various marine mammal species in the North Atlantic Ocean.
• Research Questions: a) What is the prevalence of microplastic ingestion among different marine mammal species in the North Atlantic? b) How does microplastic ingestion correlate with the health status of these marine mammals? c) What are the potential long-term implications of microplastic pollution on marine mammal populations in the region?
• Methodology: We will collect and analyze stomach contents and tissue samples from stranded marine mammals along the coastlines of the North Atlantic. Additionally, we will conduct field observations and health assessments of living populations…”

Key Differences Between Research Statements and Research Proposals

Now that we’ve looked at each document separately, let’s compare them side by side to highlight the main differences:

• Research Statement: Broad overview of your entire research career and interests
• Research Proposal: Focused on a specific project or study
• Research Statement: General and concise
• Research Proposal: Highly detailed and comprehensive
• Research Statement: Covers past, present, and future research interests
• Research Proposal: Focuses on a future project with a specific timeline
• Research Statement: To showcase your research expertise and potential
• Research Proposal: To gain approval or funding for a specific research project
• Research Statement: Often less structured, more like a narrative
• Research Proposal: Highly structured with specific sections (e.g., literature review, methodology)
• Research Statement: Aims to impress and inform the reader about your capabilities
• Research Proposal: Aims to persuade the reader to support or fund your project
• Research Statement: May include some references, but not extensively
• Research Proposal: Requires extensive literature review and citations

How to Write an Effective Research Statement

Now that we understand what a research statement is, let’s look at how to write one that stands out.

1. Start with a Strong Opening

Begin your research statement with a powerful opening that grabs the reader’s attention. This could be a brief story about what inspired your research interests or a compelling statistic that highlights the importance of your work.

Example: “When I first witnessed the devastating effects of coral bleaching during a diving expedition in 2015, I knew my life’s work would be dedicated to understanding and preserving these vital marine ecosystems.”

2. Highlight Your Research Journey

Describe your research background and how your interests have evolved over time. This shows your growth as a researcher and your ability to adapt to new challenges.

Example: “My early work focused on cataloging coral species diversity in the Caribbean. As I observed the rapid decline of certain species, my research shifted towards understanding the factors contributing to coral resilience in the face of climate change.”

3. Showcase Your Achievements

Mention your key accomplishments, such as publications, grants, or impactful findings. Be specific and quantify your achievements where possible.

Example: “My research on heat-resistant coral strains led to the publication of three peer-reviewed articles in leading marine biology journals and secured a $500,000 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.”

4. Explain Your Current Research Focus

Clearly articulate your current research interests and ongoing projects. This demonstrates that you’re actively engaged in your field and have a clear direction.

Example: “Currently, I’m leading a team of researchers in developing innovative coral transplantation techniques using 3D-printed reef structures. Our preliminary results show a 40% increase in coral survival rates compared to traditional methods.”

5. Outline Your Future Research Plans

Describe your future research goals and how they build upon your previous work. This shows that you have a long-term vision and are committed to making a lasting impact in your field.

Example: “In the coming years, I plan to expand our coral restoration techniques to other reef systems around the world. I’m particularly interested in establishing a global network of coral nurseries to preserve genetic diversity and enhance reef resilience.”

6. Connect Your Research to Broader Impacts

Explain how your research contributes to your field and society at large. This helps the reader understand the significance of your work beyond academia.

Example: “By developing more effective coral restoration techniques, my research not only contributes to marine conservation but also helps protect coastal communities that rely on healthy reef systems for food security and economic stability.”

7. Maintain a Clear and Concise Style

Keep your writing clear, concise, and free of jargon. Remember that your audience may include people from different academic backgrounds.

8. Proofread and Revise

Always proofread your research statement carefully and ask colleagues for feedback. A polished, error-free document shows professionalism and attention to detail.

How to Write an Effective Research Proposal

Writing a research proposal requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a compelling proposal:

1. Choose a Compelling Title

Your title should be clear, concise, and accurately reflect the content of your proposal. It should grab the reader’s attention and give them a good idea of what your research is about.

Example: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Predict and Prevent Coral Reef Bleaching Events”

2. Write an Engaging Introduction

Start with a brief background of the research problem and explain why it’s important. State your research question or hypothesis clearly.

Example: “Coral reefs, often called the ‘rainforests of the sea,’ are facing unprecedented threats due to climate change. This research aims to develop an AI-powered early warning system for coral bleaching events, potentially revolutionizing our ability to protect these crucial ecosystems.”

3. Conduct a Thorough Literature Review

Demonstrate your knowledge of the existing research in your field. Identify gaps in the current understanding that your research will address.

Example: “While numerous studies have documented the causes and effects of coral bleaching (Smith et al., 2018; Jones & Lee, 2020), there’s a lack of predictive models that can accurately forecast bleaching events on a local scale. This research builds upon the work of Zhang (2021) on using machine learning for environmental prediction…”

4. Clearly State Your Research Objectives

List your specific research goals or questions. These should be clear, measurable, and achievable within the scope of your project.

Example: “The objectives of this study are to:

• Develop an AI model that can predict coral bleaching events with 85% accuracy at least two weeks in advance.
• Identify the most critical environmental factors contributing to bleaching events in different reef ecosystems.
• Create a user-friendly interface for reef managers to access and interpret bleaching predictions.”

5. Describe Your Methodology in Detail

Explain how you plan to conduct your research. Include information about data collection methods, analysis techniques, and any special equipment or resources you’ll need.

Example: “We will collect real-time data from a network of underwater sensors installed at 20 reef sites across the Great Barrier Reef. This data will include water temperature, pH levels, salinity, and light intensity. We’ll combine this with satellite imagery and historical bleaching data to train our AI model using deep learning algorithms…”

6. Outline Your Timeline

Provide a realistic schedule for your research activities. Break down your project into phases and estimate how long each will take.

Example: “Phase 1 (Months 1-3): Literature review and data collection setup Phase 2 (Months 4-9): Data collection and AI model development Phase 3 (Months 10-18): Model testing and refinement Phase 4 (Months 19-24): Field trials and system optimization”

7. Discuss Potential Challenges and Solutions

Show that you’ve thought about possible obstacles and have plans to overcome them. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills and realistic approach.

Example: “One potential challenge is the reliability of underwater sensors in harsh marine environments. To mitigate this, we’ll use redundant sensors and develop a maintenance schedule to ensure consistent data collection. We’ll also implement data interpolation techniques to handle any gaps in the dataset.”

8. Include a Budget

If you’re seeking funding, provide a detailed budget that outlines all the costs associated with your research. Be realistic and justify major expenses.

Example: “Equipment costs:

• Underwater sensors (20 sets): $40,000
• High-performance computing cluster: $25,000
• Field research boat rental: $10,000 per year

Personnel costs:

• Principal Investigator (25% time): $30,000 per year
• Two graduate research assistants: $25,000 each per year …”

9. Emphasize the Significance and Potential Impact

Explain why your research matters and how it could benefit your field or society at large. This helps justify the resources and support you’re requesting.

Example: “By developing an accurate early warning system for coral bleaching, this research has the potential to save countless reef ecosystems worldwide. It could provide reef managers with crucial time to implement protective measures, potentially preserving biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions who depend on healthy coral reefs.”

10. Include References

Provide a comprehensive list of all the sources you cited in your proposal. Follow the citation style required by your institution or funding agency.

11. Proofread and Seek Feedback

Carefully review your proposal for clarity, coherence, and typos. Ask colleagues or mentors to read it and provide feedback. A polished, well-written proposal greatly increases your chances of success.

Tips for Success in Both Research Statements and Proposals

Whether you’re writing a research statement or a proposal, these general tips can help you create a more effective document:

• Know Your Audience : Tailor your language and level of detail to who will be reading your document. A proposal for a highly specialized grant might use more technical language than a general research statement for a broad academic hiring committee.
• Be Clear and Concise : Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Your ideas should be easy to understand, even for someone who isn’t an expert in your specific field.
• Show Enthusiasm : Let your passion for your research shine through. Enthusiasm can be contagious and may help engage your readers.
• Highlight Your Unique Perspective : What makes your research or approach special? Don’t be afraid to emphasize what sets you apart from others in your field.
• Use Strong, Active Language : Instead of saying “Research was conducted,” say “I conducted research.” Active voice makes your writing more engaging and clearly shows your role in the work.
• Proofread Carefully : Typos and grammatical errors can distract from your message and make your document seem less professional. Take the time to proofread carefully or ask someone else to review your work.
• Follow Instructions : If you’re given specific guidelines for format, length, or content, make sure to follow them exactly. Failing to do so can sometimes result in automatic rejection, regardless of the quality of your content.
• Tell a Story : While maintaining a professional tone, try to create a narrative that ties your past work, current interests, and future plans together coherently. This can make your document more memorable and engaging.
• Be Realistic : Especially in research proposals, make sure your goals and timelines are achievable. Overpromising can hurt your credibility.
• Update Regularly : Especially for research statements, make sure to update your document regularly to reflect your most recent work and interests.

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Research statement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To wrap up our discussion, let’s address some common questions about research statements and proposals:

1. How long should a research statement be?

A research statement is typically 1-3 pages long, but always check specific guidelines as requirements can vary.

2. Do I need to include references in a research statement?

While not always required, including a few key references can strengthen your research statement. However, it shouldn’t read like a literature review.

3. How detailed should the methodology be in a research proposal?

Your methodology should be detailed enough that another researcher in your field could understand and potentially replicate your approach. However, you don’t need to include every minor detail.

4. Can I use the same research statement for different job applications?

While you can use the same basic structure, it’s best to tailor your research statement to each specific position or institution you’re applying to.

5. How often should I update my research statement?

It’s a good idea to review and update your research statement at least once a year, or whenever you have significant new research developments.

6. What if I don’t have many research accomplishments yet?

Focus on your research interests, any relevant coursework or projects, and your future research goals. Everyone starts somewhere!

7. Is it okay to discuss failed experiments in a research proposal?

If relevant, discussing how you’ve learned from past challenges can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and resilience. However, focus more on your successes and future plans.

8. How technical should my language be in these documents?

This depends on your audience. For a specialized committee in your field, you can use more technical language. For a general audience, err on the side of clarity and simplicity.

9. Should I include personal information in my research statement?

While you can briefly mention what inspired your research interests, a research statement should focus primarily on your academic and professional experiences and goals.

10. How important is the budget section in a research proposal?

Very important! A well-thought-out, realistic budget demonstrates that you’ve carefully planned your research and understand what resources you’ll need.

11. Can I submit the same research proposal to multiple funding agencies?

While the core of your proposal might remain the same, it’s important to tailor each submission to the specific requirements and priorities of each funding agency.

12. What if my research plans change after submitting a proposal?

Some degree of flexibility is usually expected in research. If you receive funding and need to make significant changes to your plan, communicate with your funding agency about the necessary adjustments.

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Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a research plan and a research proposal.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

Frequently asked questions: Writing a research paper

A research project is an academic, scientific, or professional undertaking to answer a research question . Research projects can take many forms, such as qualitative or quantitative , descriptive , longitudinal , experimental , or correlational . What kind of research approach you choose will depend on your topic.

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

Research questions anchor your whole project, so it’s important to spend some time refining them.

In general, they should be:

• Focused and researchable
• Answerable using credible sources
• Complex and arguable
• Feasible and specific
• Relevant and original

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

Your research objectives indicate how you’ll try to address your research problem and should be specific:

Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.

They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.

Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in Chicago style are to:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Use 1 inch margins or larger
• Apply double line spacing
• Indent every new paragraph ½ inch
• Include a title page
• Place page numbers in the top right or bottom center
• Cite your sources with author-date citations or Chicago footnotes
• Include a bibliography or reference list

To automatically generate accurate Chicago references, you can use Scribbr’s free Chicago reference generator .

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style are as follows:

• Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Set 1 inch page margins
• Include a four-line MLA heading on the first page
• Center the paper’s title
• Use title case capitalization for headings
• Cite your sources with MLA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a Works Cited page at the end

To format a paper in APA Style , follow these guidelines:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman or 11 pt Arial
• If submitting for publication, insert a running head on every page
• Apply APA heading styles
• Cite your sources with APA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a reference page at the end

No, it’s not appropriate to present new arguments or evidence in the conclusion . While you might be tempted to save a striking argument for last, research papers follow a more formal structure than this.

All your findings and arguments should be presented in the body of the text (more specifically in the results and discussion sections if you are following a scientific structure). The conclusion is meant to summarize and reflect on the evidence and arguments you have already presented, not introduce new ones.

The conclusion of a research paper has several key elements you should make sure to include:

• A restatement of the research problem
• A summary of your key arguments and/or findings
• A short discussion of the implications of your research

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

• A hook to catch the reader’s interest
• Relevant background on the topic
• Details of your research problem

and your problem statement

• A thesis statement or research question
• Sometimes an overview of the paper

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Research Paper vs Research Proposal v Thesis: 5 differences

Some students may be confused concerning the difference between a research proposal and a research paper. This is understandable if it is the first time a student is writing either of the two types of research.

This is because some students may have been used to writing essays that take a much simpler format and approach in writing the content.

Therefore, if you are one of those students who are not sure of the difference(s) between a research proposal and a research paper, do not worry.

Research Proposal vs Research Paper

Now, what is the difference between a research proposal and a research paper? This section will elaborate on the differences between the two while exploring their comparisons with other types of academic papers. 

A research proposal is a preliminary paper that is submitted to the instructor so that the researcher can be granted permission to proceed with the actual research paper. It proposes what the research project will be all about. On the other hand, a research paper is an academic piece that presents what one found out after in-depth research on a specified topic.

Let us understand each of them in deeper detail. What this means is that a research proposal “proposes” what the researcher will be going to tackle within the main paper.

As such, they should clarify or provide details as to what the main research paper will be tackling the topic, the expected hypothesis and claims, the type of studies used, the methodologies, the population in which the research will be conducted, and the expected implications of the research. 

A research proposal needs to demonstrate the importance of the actual research to the discipline and society in general. Without this, then the research proposal would not pass, and no actual research will be conducted to produce the research paper.

When it comes to the actual research paper, it can be regarded as the work that will be produced after the research proposal has been approved and a research go-ahead has been granted to the researcher(s).

Therefore, the research paper will be a complete paper that reports what has been researched, the findings of the studies conducted, and the discussions concerning the findings. It will not be like a research proposal that will be proposing things that will happen in the future.

It should be noted that this is a major or simplified difference between a research proposal and a research paper. The next sections of this article will discuss in detail the main differences between them, plus their differences with other types of papers. 

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What is a research proposal.

A research proposal can be regarded as an academic preliminary request for research that is meant to be submitted to the instructor before the writer or student is given the go-ahead to proceed with writing the research paper.

What this means is that a research proposal will ‘propose’ what the research paper will be all about and the merits of the research to the discipline and society in general. 

Therefore, a research proposal is written before a research paper is written.

If a research proposal fails to be approved, then the researcher or student will not be allowed to write a research paper.

What is a Research Paper?

A research paper can be regarded as a formal academic piece written by students or researchers after the instructor or academic committee has approved their research proposals to tackle a particular research topic in a specific discipline to find solutions through qualitative and/or quantitative studies. 

Therefore, a research paper is a long piece of academic writing that utilizes the research proposal’s topic and claims to test a hypothesis. The research paper aims not to propose a study but to conduct an actual study that would benefit the discipline and society. 

Differences between a Research Proposal and a Research Paper

As we have noted above, there is a big difference between a research proposal and a research paper. Below are some of the major differences between the two:

1. The Time of Being Written

One of the most notable differences between a research proposal and a research paper is that a research proposal is written before a research paper. This is because a research proposal is meant to ‘propose’ what the writer, student, or researcher is going to write in their main research paper. As such, a research proposal has to be approved before a research paper is written. 

The second difference between a research proposal and a research paper is the purpose of the two pieces of writing. The main aim of a research proposal is to present to the instructor what will be tackled within the research paper. 

On the other hand, the purpose of a research paper is to academically present research that has already been conducted by the writer or the researcher. A research paper is a final presentation concerning a particular topic. 

3. Use of Grammatical Tenses

Another difference between a research proposal and a research paper is that while the proposal uses future tense (will be, shall be, and so on), a research paper uses a grammatical tense that describes things that have already been done.

This is because the research has already been conducted. When it comes to the analysis of the findings and discussions, the present tense can be used because things are unfolding. 

4. Context and Audience

The context of a research proposal is to present “proposals” of ideas that will be used to build upon a research paper.

As such, the audience will be the instructor or a research committee that is meant to gauge the relevance of the proposal to the topic. 

On the other hand, a research paper is not formulated to lead to research but to describe the research.

Therefore, a research paper will target the instructor and any reader who is interested in the topic, discipline, or study. 

Finally, the difference between a research proposal and a research paper is the length. A research proposal is considerably shorter compared to a research paper because of the content. A research paper will contain a lot of detail concerning the topic, the type of research, the findings, discussions, and conclusions because research has already been conducted. 

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Difference Between a Thesis and a Research Proposal

The main difference between a thesis and a research proposal is their purpose. A thesis is a formal academic piece of writing done on a particular topic that has not yet been explored. This is why a thesis has a prospectus stage where the student has to consult with a committee. On the other hand, a research proposal proposes the topic and the research to be done.

Therefore, a research proposal will not require a prospectus stage or a committee, and it can be written by any student within an institution of higher learning.

However, an undergraduate student can also write a research proposal to their instructor to ‘propose’ a research paper.

Difference Between a Thesis and a Research Paper

The major difference between a thesis and a research paper is that a thesis is a longer and more detailed piece of writing that is written by post-graduate students, while a research paper will be comparatively shorter with fewer details because undergraduate students mostly write it.

As such, a thesis can take a very long time to write, for example, 20 years if it tackles socio-economic or environmental issues that may take a lot of time to unfold.

However, a research paper takes a shorter time to write. It may take even 3 months to complete a research paper because it does not explore very complex issues. 

The length also matters. A thesis is longer than a research paper by far. Check out the optimal length for a thesis compared to a research paper length and notice the difference.

Check out the guide on the differences in thesis vs theory vs hypothesis to get a wider idea of the three. This will help you know how these three are applied in a dissertation of a research paper.

Josh Jasen or JJ as we fondly call him, is a senior academic editor at Grade Bees in charge of the writing department. When not managing complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In his spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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Home » Education » Difference Between Research Proposal and Research Report

Difference Between Research Proposal and Research Report

Main difference –  research proposal vs research report.

Research proposal and research report are two terms that often confuse many student researchers. A research proposal describes what the researcher intends to do in his research study and is written before the collection and analysis of data. A research report describes the whole research study and is submitted after the competition of the whole research project. Thus, the main difference between research proposal and research report is that a research proposal describes the proposed research and research design whereas a research report describes the completed research, including the findings, conclusion, and recommendations.

This article explains, 

1. What is a Research Proposal?      – Definition, Purpose, Content, and Characteristics

2. What is a Research Report?      – Definition, Purpose, Content, and Characteristics

What is a Research Proposal

A research proposal is a brief and coherent summary of the proposed research study, which is prepared at the beginning of a research project. The aim of a research proposal is to justify the need for a specific research proposal and present the practical methods and ways to conduct the proposed research. In other words, a research proposal presents the proposed design of the study and justifies the necessity of the specific research. Thus, a research proposal describes what you intend to do and why you intend to do it.

A research proposal generally contains the following segments:

• Introduction / Context/ Background
• Literature Review
• Research Methods and Methodology
• Research question
• Aims and Objectives
• List of Reference

Each of these segments is indispensable to a research proposal. For example, it’s impossible to write a research proposal without reading related work and writing a literature review. Similarly, it’s not possible to decide a methodology without determining specific research questions.

What is a Research Report

A research report is a document that is submitted at the end of a research project. This describes the completed research project. It describes the data collection, analysis, and the results as well. Thus, in addition to the sections mentioned above, this also includes sections such as,

• Conclusions
• Shortcomings
• Recommendations

A research report is also known as a thesis or dissertation. A research report is not research plan or a proposed design. It describes what was actually done during the research project and what was learned from it. Research reports are usually longer than research proposals since they contain step-by-step processes of the research.

Research Proposal: Research Proposal describes what the researcher intends to do and why he intends to do it.

Research Report: Research report describes what the researcher has done, why he has done it, and the results he has achieved.

Research Proposal: Research proposals are written at the beginning of a research proposal before the research project actually begins.

Research Report: Research reports are completed after the completion of the whole research project.

Research Proposal: Research proposals contain sections such as introduction/background, literature review, research questions, methodology, aims and objective.

Research Report: Research reports contain sections such as introduction/background, literature review, research questions, methodology, aims and objective, findings, analysis, results, conclusion, recommendations, citation.

Research Proposal: Research proposals are shorter in length.

Research Report: Research reports are longer than research proposals.

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Research proposal or statement of purpose.

Second only to the Personal Statement, is your Research/Project Proposal or Purpose Statement, which you can also expect to include in nearly every national scholarship or fellowship application.  And, you can certainly anticipate some variation of this particular kind of statement to be an expected part of your graduate school applications as well.  As with your Personal Statement, it needs to reflect something of you but with a much more specific focus on your academic plans and preparation.  A Purpose Statement will also be relatively short, at most two-pages in length, and is your opportunity to make a well-substantiated case for what you are proposing to do in the future. Most students will find the Purpose Statement, Research or Project Proposal surprisingly comfortable to write as opposed to the Personal Statement because it is expected that your Purpose Statement is written from a largely academic focus.  Your statement should include the following:

• A clear, early (as in the first sentence or two) introduction of what you intend to do and/or study;
• A well-substantiated (through your CV, transcripts, other essays, writing sample, and letters  of recommendation) case for your exceptional preparation for what you are proposing to pursue and/or study;
• A description of the institution, program, department, research group, faculty and resources that you are interested in being a part of and engaging with in your advanced studies.  Note: the more specific, the better.  It is appropriate, perhaps even expected, to name the individual faculty you would like to work with and make every effort to contact those individuals in advance of submitting your application.  Keep in mind that you are making a case for the following:
• Why you have to be at that particular location or institution;
• With whom you must study in order to be most successful in your efforts;
• What resources will support and sustain your efforts (research and lab facilities, archives, special collections, field-work opportunities, etc.

In short, try to convince your reader that what you are proposing to research or work on can only be done in that particular part of the world and that you, simply, must be there to be the most successful. 

As with your Personal Statement, the more time you devote to careful planning, thought, and writing, the stronger your Purpose Statement will be.  Make sure to ask your faculty mentors and advisors to review your Purpose Statement and/or Research Proposal as they will be able to best guide you in refining your subject and even providing you with further contacts and resources.  Give yourself time to revise, edit, and revise some more. 

NOTE: Some national scholarship and fellowship opportunities require an actual Research Essay ( Goldwater  and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship ).  In this case, expect to submit a very detailed description of your undergraduate research efforts and how you expect to see the work continue in the coming years.  Successful Goldwater research essays often include graphs, charts, notes and bibliographies to give evidence not only to the quality of the research but also to the quality of the students’ ability to put it in writing. 

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program’s research- and study-grants also requires a similar effort in crafting a highly specific project-proposal based on what an applicant intends to pursue in a foreign country.  The proposal needs to be a specific and targeted articulation on research and project plans while still attending to the Fulbright’s ultimate concern of cultural exchange. 

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The Research Problem & Statement

What they are & how to write them (with examples)

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewed By: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | March 2023

If you’re new to academic research, you’re bound to encounter the concept of a “ research problem ” or “ problem statement ” fairly early in your learning journey. Having a good research problem is essential, as it provides a foundation for developing high-quality research, from relatively small research papers to a full-length PhD dissertations and theses.

In this post, we’ll unpack what a research problem is and how it’s related to a problem statement . We’ll also share some examples and provide a step-by-step process you can follow to identify and evaluate study-worthy research problems for your own project.

Overview: Research Problem 101

What is a research problem.

• What is a problem statement?

Where do research problems come from?

• How to find a suitable research problem
• Key takeaways

A research problem is, at the simplest level, the core issue that a study will try to solve or (at least) examine. In other words, it’s an explicit declaration about the problem that your dissertation, thesis or research paper will address. More technically, it identifies the research gap that the study will attempt to fill (more on that later).

Let’s look at an example to make the research problem a little more tangible.

To justify a hypothetical study, you might argue that there’s currently a lack of research regarding the challenges experienced by first-generation college students when writing their dissertations [ PROBLEM ] . As a result, these students struggle to successfully complete their dissertations, leading to higher-than-average dropout rates [ CONSEQUENCE ]. Therefore, your study will aim to address this lack of research – i.e., this research problem [ SOLUTION ].

A research problem can be theoretical in nature, focusing on an area of academic research that is lacking in some way. Alternatively, a research problem can be more applied in nature, focused on finding a practical solution to an established problem within an industry or an organisation. In other words, theoretical research problems are motivated by the desire to grow the overall body of knowledge , while applied research problems are motivated by the need to find practical solutions to current real-world problems (such as the one in the example above).

As you can probably see, the research problem acts as the driving force behind any study , as it directly shapes the research aims, objectives and research questions , as well as the research approach. Therefore, it’s really important to develop a very clearly articulated research problem before you even start your research proposal . A vague research problem will lead to unfocused, potentially conflicting research aims, objectives and research questions .

What is a research problem statement?

As the name suggests, a problem statement (within a research context, at least) is an explicit statement that clearly and concisely articulates the specific research problem your study will address. While your research problem can span over multiple paragraphs, your problem statement should be brief , ideally no longer than one paragraph . Importantly, it must clearly state what the problem is (whether theoretical or practical in nature) and how the study will address it.

Here’s an example of a statement of the problem in a research context:

Rural communities across Ghana lack access to clean water, leading to high rates of waterborne illnesses and infant mortality. Despite this, there is little research investigating the effectiveness of community-led water supply projects within the Ghanaian context. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of such projects in improving access to clean water and reducing rates of waterborne illnesses in these communities.

As you can see, this problem statement clearly and concisely identifies the issue that needs to be addressed (i.e., a lack of research regarding the effectiveness of community-led water supply projects) and the research question that the study aims to answer (i.e., are community-led water supply projects effective in reducing waterborne illnesses?), all within one short paragraph.

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Wherever there is a lack of well-established and agreed-upon academic literature , there is an opportunity for research problems to arise, since there is a paucity of (credible) knowledge. In other words, research problems are derived from research gaps . These gaps can arise from various sources, including the emergence of new frontiers or new contexts, as well as disagreements within the existing research.

Let’s look at each of these scenarios:

New frontiers – new technologies, discoveries or breakthroughs can open up entirely new frontiers where there is very little existing research, thereby creating fresh research gaps. For example, as generative AI technology became accessible to the general public in 2023, the full implications and knock-on effects of this were (or perhaps, still are) largely unknown and therefore present multiple avenues for researchers to explore.

New contexts – very often, existing research tends to be concentrated on specific contexts and geographies. Therefore, even within well-studied fields, there is often a lack of research within niche contexts. For example, just because a study finds certain results within a western context doesn’t mean that it would necessarily find the same within an eastern context. If there’s reason to believe that results may vary across these geographies, a potential research gap emerges.

Disagreements – within many areas of existing research, there are (quite naturally) conflicting views between researchers, where each side presents strong points that pull in opposing directions. In such cases, it’s still somewhat uncertain as to which viewpoint (if any) is more accurate. As a result, there is room for further research in an attempt to “settle” the debate.

Of course, many other potential scenarios can give rise to research gaps, and consequently, research problems, but these common ones are a useful starting point. If you’re interested in research gaps, you can learn more here .

How to find a research problem

Given that research problems flow from research gaps , finding a strong research problem for your research project means that you’ll need to first identify a clear research gap. Below, we’ll present a four-step process to help you find and evaluate potential research problems.

If you’ve read our other articles about finding a research topic , you’ll find the process below very familiar as the research problem is the foundation of any study . In other words, finding a research problem is much the same as finding a research topic.

Step 1 – Identify your area of interest

Naturally, the starting point is to first identify a general area of interest . Chances are you already have something in mind, but if not, have a look at past dissertations and theses within your institution to get some inspiration. These present a goldmine of information as they’ll not only give you ideas for your own research, but they’ll also help you see exactly what the norms and expectations are for these types of projects.

At this stage, you don’t need to get super specific. The objective is simply to identify a couple of potential research areas that interest you. For example, if you’re undertaking research as part of a business degree, you may be interested in social media marketing strategies for small businesses, leadership strategies for multinational companies, etc.

Depending on the type of project you’re undertaking, there may also be restrictions or requirements regarding what topic areas you’re allowed to investigate, what type of methodology you can utilise, etc. So, be sure to first familiarise yourself with your institution’s specific requirements and keep these front of mind as you explore potential research ideas.

Step 2 – Review the literature and develop a shortlist

Once you’ve decided on an area that interests you, it’s time to sink your teeth into the literature . In other words, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the existing research regarding your interest area. Google Scholar is a good starting point for this, as you can simply enter a few keywords and quickly get a feel for what’s out there. Keep an eye out for recent literature reviews and systematic review-type journal articles, as these will provide a good overview of the current state of research.

At this stage, you don’t need to read every journal article from start to finish . A good strategy is to pay attention to the abstract, intro and conclusion , as together these provide a snapshot of the key takeaways. As you work your way through the literature, keep an eye out for what’s missing – in other words, what questions does the current research not answer adequately (or at all)? Importantly, pay attention to the section titled “ further research is needed ”, typically found towards the very end of each journal article. This section will specifically outline potential research gaps that you can explore, based on the current state of knowledge (provided the article you’re looking at is recent).

Take the time to engage with the literature and develop a big-picture understanding of the current state of knowledge. Reviewing the literature takes time and is an iterative process , but it’s an essential part of the research process, so don’t cut corners at this stage.

As you work through the review process, take note of any potential research gaps that are of interest to you. From there, develop a shortlist of potential research gaps (and resultant research problems) – ideally 3 – 5 options that interest you.

Step 3 – Evaluate your potential options

Once you’ve developed your shortlist, you’ll need to evaluate your options to identify a winner. There are many potential evaluation criteria that you can use, but we’ll outline three common ones here: value, practicality and personal appeal.

Value – a good research problem needs to create value when successfully addressed. Ask yourself:

• Who will this study benefit (e.g., practitioners, researchers, academia)?
• How will it benefit them specifically?
• How much will it benefit them?

Practicality – a good research problem needs to be manageable in light of your resources. Ask yourself:

• What data will I need access to?
• What knowledge and skills will I need to undertake the analysis?
• What equipment or software will I need to process and/or analyse the data?
• How much time will I need?
• What costs might I incur?

Personal appeal – a research project is a commitment, so the research problem that you choose needs to be genuinely attractive and interesting to you. Ask yourself:

• How appealing is the prospect of solving this research problem (on a scale of 1 – 10)?
• Why, specifically, is it attractive (or unattractive) to me?
• Does the research align with my longer-term goals (e.g., career goals, educational path, etc)?

Depending on how many potential options you have, you may want to consider creating a spreadsheet where you numerically rate each of the options in terms of these criteria. Remember to also include any criteria specified by your institution . From there, tally up the numbers and pick a winner.

Step 4 – Craft your problem statement

Once you’ve selected your research problem, the final step is to craft a problem statement. Remember, your problem statement needs to be a concise outline of what the core issue is and how your study will address it. Aim to fit this within one paragraph – don’t waffle on. Have a look at the problem statement example we mentioned earlier if you need some inspiration.

Key Takeaways

We’ve covered a lot of ground. Let’s do a quick recap of the key takeaways:

• A research problem is an explanation of the issue that your study will try to solve. This explanation needs to highlight the problem , the consequence and the solution or response.
• A problem statement is a clear and concise summary of the research problem , typically contained within one paragraph.
• Research problems emerge from research gaps , which themselves can emerge from multiple potential sources, including new frontiers, new contexts or disagreements within the existing literature.
• To find a research problem, you need to first identify your area of interest , then review the literature and develop a shortlist, after which you’ll evaluate your options, select a winner and craft a problem statement .

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

I APPRECIATE YOUR CONCISE AND MIND-CAPTIVATING INSIGHTS ON THE STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS. PLEASE I STILL NEED SOME SAMPLES RELATED TO SUICIDES.

Very pleased and appreciate clear information.

Your videos and information have been a life saver for me throughout my dissertation journey. I wish I’d discovered them sooner. Thank you!

Very interesting. Thank you. Please I need a PhD topic in climate change in relation to health.

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Difference Between Research Proposal and Research Report

The Research Proposal is the way a researcher presents the research problem and communicates the need for research. It is a crucial part of the application process. It provides a brief overview of the research questions the researcher is trying to answer. It also outlines the research methodology that the researcher will use.

Definition of a Research Proposal

A Research Proposal is a document that the researcher creates to describe the research program in detail. This is usually a request for funding for the subject being studied. A research proposal, in other words, is a summary or description of the research process that provides quick information about the research project.

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The purpose of the proposal is to justify the necessity and importance of the study and to show the practical methods for conducting it. To demonstrate the necessity of the research, the proposal should contain persuasive evidence.

Definition of Research Report

Research Report is the document that organizes and presents the data collected and analyzed. It’s a publication that includes the purpose, scope, and hypothesis of the research project, as well as the methodology, findings, limitations, recommendations, and conclusion.

The research proposal outlines the scope of research, its relevance and the methods to be the used. The research report,the  on the other hand, determines the scope of the research, data sources, data collection methods (i.e. Survey, interview, questionnaire), results and conclusions, as well as recommendations for future research.

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How to Write the Rationale of the Study in Research (Examples)

What is the Rationale of the Study?

The rationale of the study is the justification for taking on a given study. It explains the reason the study was conducted or should be conducted. This means the study rationale should explain to the reader or examiner why the study is/was necessary. It is also sometimes called the “purpose” or “justification” of a study. While this is not difficult to grasp in itself, you might wonder how the rationale of the study is different from your research question or from the statement of the problem of your study, and how it fits into the rest of your thesis or research paper. 

The rationale of the study links the background of the study to your specific research question and justifies the need for the latter on the basis of the former. In brief, you first provide and discuss existing data on the topic, and then you tell the reader, based on the background evidence you just presented, where you identified gaps or issues and why you think it is important to address those. The problem statement, lastly, is the formulation of the specific research question you choose to investigate, following logically from your rationale, and the approach you are planning to use to do that.

Table of Contents:

How to write a rationale for a research paper , how do you justify the need for a research study.

• Study Rationale Example: Where Does It Go In Your Paper?

The basis for writing a research rationale is preliminary data or a clear description of an observation. If you are doing basic/theoretical research, then a literature review will help you identify gaps in current knowledge. In applied/practical research, you base your rationale on an existing issue with a certain process (e.g., vaccine proof registration) or practice (e.g., patient treatment) that is well documented and needs to be addressed. By presenting the reader with earlier evidence or observations, you can (and have to) convince them that you are not just repeating what other people have already done or said and that your ideas are not coming out of thin air. 

Once you have explained where you are coming from, you should justify the need for doing additional research–this is essentially the rationale of your study. Finally, when you have convinced the reader of the purpose of your work, you can end your introduction section with the statement of the problem of your research that contains clear aims and objectives and also briefly describes (and justifies) your methodological approach. 

When is the Rationale for Research Written?

The author can present the study rationale both before and after the research is conducted. 

• Before conducting research : The study rationale is a central component of the research proposal . It represents the plan of your work, constructed before the study is actually executed.
• Once research has been conducted : After the study is completed, the rationale is presented in a research article or  PhD dissertation  to explain why you focused on this specific research question. When writing the study rationale for this purpose, the author should link the rationale of the research to the aims and outcomes of the study.

What to Include in the Study Rationale

Although every study rationale is different and discusses different specific elements of a study’s method or approach, there are some elements that should be included to write a good rationale. Make sure to touch on the following:

• A summary of conclusions from your review of the relevant literature
• What is currently unknown (gaps in knowledge)
• Inconclusive or contested results  from previous studies on the same or similar topic
• The necessity to improve or build on previous research, such as to improve methodology or utilize newer techniques and/or technologies

There are different types of limitations that you can use to justify the need for your study. In applied/practical research, the justification for investigating something is always that an existing process/practice has a problem or is not satisfactory. Let’s say, for example, that people in a certain country/city/community commonly complain about hospital care on weekends (not enough staff, not enough attention, no decisions being made), but you looked into it and realized that nobody ever investigated whether these perceived problems are actually based on objective shortages/non-availabilities of care or whether the lower numbers of patients who are treated during weekends are commensurate with the provided services.

In this case, “lack of data” is your justification for digging deeper into the problem. Or, if it is obvious that there is a shortage of staff and provided services on weekends, you could decide to investigate which of the usual procedures are skipped during weekends as a result and what the negative consequences are. 

In basic/theoretical research, lack of knowledge is of course a common and accepted justification for additional research—but make sure that it is not your only motivation. “Nobody has ever done this” is only a convincing reason for a study if you explain to the reader why you think we should know more about this specific phenomenon. If there is earlier research but you think it has limitations, then those can usually be classified into “methodological”, “contextual”, and “conceptual” limitations. To identify such limitations, you can ask specific questions and let those questions guide you when you explain to the reader why your study was necessary:

Methodological limitations

• Did earlier studies try but failed to measure/identify a specific phenomenon?
• Was earlier research based on incorrect conceptualizations of variables?
• Were earlier studies based on questionable operationalizations of key concepts?
• Did earlier studies use questionable or inappropriate research designs?

Contextual limitations

• Have recent changes in the studied problem made previous studies irrelevant?
• Are you studying a new/particular context that previous findings do not apply to?

Conceptual limitations

• Do previous findings only make sense within a specific framework or ideology?

Study Rationale Examples

Let’s look at an example from one of our earlier articles on the statement of the problem to clarify how your rationale fits into your introduction section. This is a very short introduction for a practical research study on the challenges of online learning. Your introduction might be much longer (especially the context/background section), and this example does not contain any sources (which you will have to provide for all claims you make and all earlier studies you cite)—but please pay attention to how the background presentation , rationale, and problem statement blend into each other in a logical way so that the reader can follow and has no reason to question your motivation or the foundation of your research.

Background presentation

Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, most educational institutions around the world have transitioned to a fully online study model, at least during peak times of infections and social distancing measures. This transition has not been easy and even two years into the pandemic, problems with online teaching and studying persist (reference needed) . 

While the increasing gap between those with access to technology and equipment and those without access has been determined to be one of the main challenges (reference needed) , others claim that online learning offers more opportunities for many students by breaking down barriers of location and distance (reference needed) .  

Rationale of the study

Since teachers and students cannot wait for circumstances to go back to normal, the measures that schools and universities have implemented during the last two years, their advantages and disadvantages, and the impact of those measures on students’ progress, satisfaction, and well-being need to be understood so that improvements can be made and demographics that have been left behind can receive the support they need as soon as possible.

Statement of the problem

To identify what changes in the learning environment were considered the most challenging and how those changes relate to a variety of student outcome measures, we conducted surveys and interviews among teachers and students at ten institutions of higher education in four different major cities, two in the US (New York and Chicago), one in South Korea (Seoul), and one in the UK (London). Responses were analyzed with a focus on different student demographics and how they might have been affected differently by the current situation.

How long is a study rationale?

In a research article bound for journal publication, your rationale should not be longer than a few sentences (no longer than one brief paragraph). A  dissertation or thesis  usually allows for a longer description; depending on the length and nature of your document, this could be up to a couple of paragraphs in length. A completely novel or unconventional approach might warrant a longer and more detailed justification than an approach that slightly deviates from well-established methods and approaches.

Consider Using Professional Academic Editing Services

Now that you know how to write the rationale of the study for a research proposal or paper, you should make use of Wordvice AI’s free AI Grammar Checker , or receive professional academic proofreading services from Wordvice, including research paper editing services and manuscript editing services to polish your submitted research documents.

You can also find many more articles, for example on writing the other parts of your research paper , on choosing a title , or on making sure you understand and adhere to the author instructions before you submit to a journal, on the Wordvice academic resources pages.

Educational resources and simple solutions for your research journey

What Are Research Objectives and How to Write Them (with Examples)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Research is at the center of everything researchers do, and setting clear, well-defined research objectives plays a pivotal role in guiding scholars toward their desired outcomes. Research papers are essential instruments for researchers to effectively communicate their work. Among the many sections that constitute a research paper, the introduction plays a key role in providing a background and setting the context. 1 Research objectives, which define the aims of the study, are usually stated in the introduction. Every study has a research question that the authors are trying to answer, and the objective is an active statement about how the study will answer this research question. These objectives help guide the development and design of the study and steer the research in the appropriate direction; if this is not clearly defined, a project can fail!

Research studies have a research question, research hypothesis, and one or more research objectives. A research question is what a study aims to answer, and a research hypothesis is a predictive statement about the relationship between two or more variables, which the study sets out to prove or disprove. Objectives are specific, measurable goals that the study aims to achieve. The difference between these three is illustrated by the following example:

• Research question : How does low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) compare with a placebo device in managing the symptoms of skeletally mature patients with patellar tendinopathy?
• Research hypothesis : Pain levels are reduced in patients who receive daily active-LIPUS (treatment) for 12 weeks compared with individuals who receive inactive-LIPUS (placebo).
• Research objective : To investigate the clinical efficacy of LIPUS in the management of patellar tendinopathy symptoms.

This article discusses the importance of clear, well-thought out objectives and suggests methods to write them clearly.

What is the introduction in research papers?

Research objectives are usually included in the introduction section. This section is the first that the readers will read so it is essential that it conveys the subject matter appropriately and is well written to create a good first impression. A good introduction sets the tone of the paper and clearly outlines the contents so that the readers get a quick snapshot of what to expect.

A good introduction should aim to: 2,3

• Indicate the main subject area, its importance, and cite previous literature on the subject
• Define the gap(s) in existing research, ask a research question, and state the objectives
• Announce the present research and outline its novelty and significance
• Avoid repeating the Abstract, providing unnecessary information, and claiming novelty without accurate supporting information.

Why are research objectives important?

Objectives can help you stay focused and steer your research in the required direction. They help define and limit the scope of your research, which is important to efficiently manage your resources and time. The objectives help to create and maintain the overall structure, and specify two main things—the variables and the methods of quantifying the variables.

A good research objective:

• defines the scope of the study
• gives direction to the research
• helps maintain focus and avoid diversions from the topic
• minimizes wastage of resources like time, money, and energy

Types of research objectives

Research objectives can be broadly classified into general and specific objectives . 4 General objectives state what the research expects to achieve overall while specific objectives break this down into smaller, logically connected parts, each of which addresses various parts of the research problem. General objectives are the main goals of the study and are usually fewer in number while specific objectives are more in number because they address several aspects of the research problem.

Example (general objective): To investigate the factors influencing the financial performance of firms listed in the New York Stock Exchange market.

Example (specific objective): To assess the influence of firm size on the financial performance of firms listed in the New York Stock Exchange market.

In addition to this broad classification, research objectives can be grouped into several categories depending on the research problem, as given in Table 1.

Table 1: Types of research objectives

Characteristics of research objectives

Research objectives must start with the word “To” because this helps readers identify the objective in the absence of headings and appropriate sectioning in research papers. 5,6

• A good objective is SMART (mostly applicable to specific objectives):
• Specific—clear about the what, why, when, and how
• Measurable—identifies the main variables of the study and quantifies the targets
• Achievable—attainable using the available time and resources
• Realistic—accurately addresses the scope of the problem
• Time-bound—identifies the time in which each step will be completed
• Research objectives clarify the purpose of research.
• They help understand the relationship and dissimilarities between variables.
• They provide a direction that helps the research to reach a definite conclusion.

How to write research objectives?

Research objectives can be written using the following steps: 7

• State your main research question clearly and concisely.
• Describe the ultimate goal of your study, which is similar to the research question but states the intended outcomes more definitively.
• Divide this main goal into subcategories to develop your objectives.
• Limit the number of objectives (1-2 general; 3-4 specific)
• Assess each objective using the SMART
• Start each objective with an action verb like assess, compare, determine, evaluate, etc., which makes the research appear more actionable.
• Use specific language without making the sentence data heavy.
• The most common section to add the objectives is the introduction and after the problem statement.
• Add the objectives to the abstract (if there is one).
• State the general objective first, followed by the specific objectives.

Formulating research objectives

Formulating research objectives has the following five steps, which could help researchers develop a clear objective: 8

• Identify the research problem.
• Review past studies on subjects similar to your problem statement, that is, studies that use similar methods, variables, etc.
• Identify the research gaps the current study should cover based on your literature review. These gaps could be theoretical, methodological, or conceptual.
• Define the research question(s) based on the gaps identified.
• Revise/relate the research problem based on the defined research question and the gaps identified. This is to confirm that there is an actual need for a study on the subject based on the gaps in literature.
• Identify and write the general and specific objectives.
• Incorporate the objectives into the study.

Advantages of research objectives

Adding clear research objectives has the following advantages: 4,8

• Maintains the focus and direction of the research
• Optimizes allocation of resources with minimal wastage
• Acts as a foundation for defining appropriate research questions and hypotheses
• Provides measurable outcomes that can help evaluate the success of the research
• Determines the feasibility of the research by helping to assess the availability of required resources
• Ensures relevance of the study to the subject and its contribution to existing literature

Disadvantages of research objectives

Research objectives also have few disadvantages, as listed below: 8

• Absence of clearly defined objectives can lead to ambiguity in the research process
• Unintentional bias could affect the validity and accuracy of the research findings

Key takeaways

• Research objectives are concise statements that describe what the research is aiming to achieve.
• They define the scope and direction of the research and maintain focus.
• The objectives should be SMART—specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.
• Clear research objectives help avoid collection of data or resources not required for the study.
• Well-formulated specific objectives help develop the overall research methodology, including data collection, analysis, interpretation, and utilization.
• Research objectives should cover all aspects of the problem statement in a coherent way.
• They should be clearly stated using action verbs.

Frequently asked questions on research objectives

Q: what’s the difference between research objectives and aims 9.

A: Research aims are statements that reflect the broad goal(s) of the study and outline the general direction of the research. They are not specific but clearly define the focus of the study.

Example: This research aims to explore employee experiences of digital transformation in retail HR.

Research objectives focus on the action to be taken to achieve the aims. They make the aims more practical and should be specific and actionable.

Example: To observe the retail HR employees throughout the digital transformation.

Q: What are the examples of research objectives, both general and specific?

A: Here are a few examples of research objectives:

• To identify the antiviral chemical constituents in Mumbukura gitoniensis (general)
• To carry out solvent extraction of dried flowers of Mumbukura gitoniensis and isolate the constituents. (specific)
• To determine the antiviral activity of each of the isolated compounds. (specific)
• To examine the extent, range, and method of coral reef rehabilitation projects in five shallow reef areas adjacent to popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.
• To investigate species richness of mammal communities in five protected areas over the past 20 years.
• To evaluate the potential application of AI techniques for estimating best-corrected visual acuity from fundus photographs with and without ancillary information.
• To investigate whether sport influences psychological parameters in the personality of asthmatic children.

Q: How do I develop research objectives?

A: Developing research objectives begins with defining the problem statement clearly, as illustrated by Figure 1. Objectives specify how the research question will be answered and they determine what is to be measured to test the hypothesis.

Q: Are research objectives measurable?

A: The word “measurable” implies that something is quantifiable. In terms of research objectives, this means that the source and method of collecting data are identified and that all these aspects are feasible for the research. Some metrics can be created to measure your progress toward achieving your objectives.

Q: Can research objectives change during the study?

A: Revising research objectives during the study is acceptable in situations when the selected methodology is not progressing toward achieving the objective, or if there are challenges pertaining to resources, etc. One thing to keep in mind is the time and resources you would have to complete your research after revising the objectives. Thus, as long as your problem statement and hypotheses are unchanged, minor revisions to the research objectives are acceptable.

Q: What is the difference between research questions and research objectives? 10

Q: Are research objectives the same as hypotheses?

A: No, hypotheses are predictive theories that are expressed in general terms. Research objectives, which are more specific, are developed from hypotheses and aim to test them. A hypothesis can be tested using several methods and each method will have different objectives because the methodology to be used could be different. A hypothesis is developed based on observation and reasoning; it is a calculated prediction about why a particular phenomenon is occurring. To test this prediction, different research objectives are formulated. Here’s a simple example of both a research hypothesis and research objective.

Research hypothesis : Employees who arrive at work earlier are more productive.

Research objective : To assess whether employees who arrive at work earlier are more productive.

To summarize, research objectives are an important part of research studies and should be written clearly to effectively communicate your research. We hope this article has given you a brief insight into the importance of using clearly defined research objectives and how to formulate them.

• Farrugia P, Petrisor BA, Farrokhyar F, Bhandari M. Practical tips for surgical research: Research questions, hypotheses and objectives. Can J Surg. 2010 Aug;53(4):278-81.
• Abbadia J. How to write an introduction for a research paper. Mind the Graph website. Accessed June 14, 2023. https://mindthegraph.com/blog/how-to-write-an-introduction-for-a-research-paper/
• Writing a scientific paper: Introduction. UCI libraries website. Accessed June 15, 2023. https://guides.lib.uci.edu/c.php?g=334338&p=2249903
• Research objectives—Types, examples and writing guide. Researchmethod.net website. Accessed June 17, 2023. https://researchmethod.net/research-objectives/#:~:text=They%20provide%20a%20clear%20direction,track%20and%20achieve%20their%20goals .
• Bartle P. SMART Characteristics of good objectives. Community empowerment collective website. Accessed June 16, 2023. https://cec.vcn.bc.ca/cmp/modules/pd-smar.htm
• Research objectives. Studyprobe website. Accessed June 18, 2023. https://www.studyprobe.in/2022/08/research-objectives.html
• Corredor F. How to write objectives in a research paper. wikiHow website. Accessed June 18, 2023. https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Objectives-in-a-Research-Proposal
• Research objectives: Definition, types, characteristics, advantages. AccountingNest website. Accessed June 15, 2023. https://www.accountingnest.com/articles/research/research-objectives
• Phair D., Shaeffer A. Research aims, objectives & questions. GradCoach website. Accessed June 20, 2023. https://gradcoach.com/research-aims-objectives-questions/
• Understanding the difference between research questions and objectives. Accessed June 21, 2023. https://board.researchersjob.com/blog/research-questions-and-objectives

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What is the difference between preparing a research proposal and writing the actual thesis in the case of theoretical research?

In some countries, whenever someone applies for a Ph.D. admission, the universities ask for a research proposal. A research proposal includes a literature review and bibliography.

If the research is paper-based research, i.e. no popular survey or experiment is involved, I see no further need for research work. For instance, say, someone wants to redefine and redescribe the origin and purpose of British colonialism in India. In this case, if the researcher has already read the needed resources and done his desk-research, the only task left is writing a thesis that may take at most three months.

• research-proposal

2 Answers 2

In general a research proposal (separate from the literature review) is a description of the questions that you wish to answer in the research and a description, perhaps preliminary, about how you intend to answer those questions. it doesn't include the results, which, we assume, aren't available yet.

The literature review asked for will probably be less complete than the one that later appears in the dissertation, since all that is needed here is the papers, etc, that you have read that lead you to ask the question and support the idea that they are important questions that haven't yet been answered. You will possibly need to do more in a formal literature review once the research begins.

You seem to imply in the question that all research questions have already been answered before you make the proposal. That is normally not the case. In the example you state, your proposal should also include how you intend to support the conclusions you reach. This might include additional library research or interviews with knowledgeable people, etc.

Even if we imagine that the information of interest is perfectly and unambiguously presented (which is not reliably the case...), it is absolutely NOT the case that all the logical implications are easily obtainable. (See K. Godel's completeness and incompleteness theorems, about first-order predicate logic.)

Another aspect: even though one can perhaps conceive of a project, and see no obstacles to its completion, that is very different from execution of the project. E.g., conceiving of moving a huge pile of sand from one spot to another, versus literally moving it.

And, also, there's the question of "what questions we didn't think to ask" :)

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• Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Thesis and Research Paper

On the other hand, a research paper is analytical, argumentative and interpretative in nature. It involves the pursuit of knowledge and intelligent analysis of the information collected. It contains the idea of the author, often supported by expert opinions, research and information available in this regard.

Whether you are writing a thesis or research paper, they are equally challenging and take a lot of time to prepare. In this post, we will update you on all the points of difference between thesis and  research paper.

Content: Thesis Vs Research Paper

• Key Elements
• Thesis Statement

How to start a research paper?

Comparison chart.

What is Thesis?

The thesis is a document containing the research and findings that students submit to get the professional qualification or degree . It has to be argumentative, which proposes a debatable point with which people could either agree or disagree. In short, it is a research report in writing that contains a problem which is yet to be dealt with.

In a thesis, the researcher puts forth his/her conclusion. The researcher also gives evidence in support of the conclusion.

Submission of the thesis is a mandatory requirement of a postgraduate course and PhD degree. In this, the primary focus is on the novelty of research along with the research methodology.

It is all about possibilities, by introducing several anti-thesis. Also, it ends up all the possibilities by nullifying all these anti-thesis.

Key Elements of Thesis

• Proposition : The thesis propagates an idea, hypothesis or recommendation.
• Argument : Gives reasons for accepting the proposition instead of just asserting a point of view.
• Maintenance of argument : The argument should be made cogent enough by providing suitable logic and adequate evidence.

Features of An Ideal Thesis

• An Ideal thesis is expected to add fresh knowledge to the existing theory.
• It communicates the central idea of the research in a clear and concise manner.
• An effective thesis is more than a simple statement, fact or question.
• It answers why and how questions concerned with the topic.
• To avoid confusion, it is worded carefully.
• It outlines the direction and scope of your essay.
• It gives reasons to the reader to continue reading.

Also Read : Difference Between Thesis and Dissertation

What is Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is a sentence of one line, usually written at the end of your first paragraph. It presents the argument to the reader.

It is a blueprint of your thesis that directs the writer while writing the thesis and guides the reader through it.

What is Research Paper?

Research Paper is a form of academic writing. It is prepared on the basis of the original research conducted by the author on a specific topic, along with its analysis and interpretation of the findings.

An author generally starts writing a research paper on the basis of what he knows about the topic and seeks to find out what experts know. Further, it involves thorough and systematic research on a particular subject to extract the maximum information.

In short, a research paper is a written and published report containing the results of scientific research or a review of published scientific papers. Here, the scientific research is the primary research article, while the review of a published scientific paper is the review article.

In case of the primary research article, the author of the research paper provides important information about the research. This enables the scientific community members to:

• Evaluate it
• Reproduce the experiments
• Assess the reasoning and conclusions drawn

On the other hand, a review article is written to analyze, summarize and synthesize the research carried out previously.

When a research work is published in a scientific journal, it conveys the knowledge to a larger group of people and also makes people aware of the scientific work. Research work published as a research paper passes on knowledge and information to many people. The research paper provides relevant information about the disease and the treatment options at hand .

To start writing a research paper, one should always go for a topic that is interesting and a bit challenging too. Here, the key to choosing the topic is to pick the one that you can manage. So, you could avoid such topics which are very technical or specialized and also those topics for which data is not easily available. Also, do not go for any controversial topic.

The researcher’s approach and attitude towards the topic will decide the amount of effort and enthusiasm.

Steps for writing Research Paper

The total number of pages included in a Research Paper relies upon the research topic. It may include 8 to 10 pages, which are:

• Introduction
• Review of Literature
• Methodology
• Research Analysis
• Recommendations

Also Read : Difference Between Research Proposal and Research Report

Key Differences Between Thesis and Research Paper

• A thesis implies an original, plagiarism-free, written academic document that acts as a final project for a university degree of a higher level. But, Research Paper is a novel, plagiarism-free long essay. It portrays the interpretation, evaluation or argument submitted by a researcher.
• The thesis acts as a final project. Whereas a research paper is a kind of research manual of journals.
• The length of the thesis is around 20,000 to 80,000 words. On the contrary, the length of the research paper is relative to the study.
• The thesis focuses on the central question or statement of an intellectual argument that entails further research. On the contrary, the research paper is concerned with proving the central argument.
• The purpose of submitting the thesis is to get the degree or professional qualification. It also presents the knowledge of the candidate in the respective field. Conversely, the aim of publishing research papers is to prove credibility and contribute knowledge in the respective field.
• While the student submits the thesis to the educational committee or panel of professors who review it. In contrast, scientists and other researchers read and review the research paper.
• Preparation and completion of thesis is always under the guidance of a supervisor. For submission of the thesis, the university assigns a supervisor to each student, under whose guidance the thesis must be completed. As against, no supervisor is appointed as a guide in case of a research paper.
• The thesis contains a broader description of the subject matter. In contrast, the research paper contains a narrow description of the subject matter.

Once the research paper is published, it increases the fellowship and job opportunities for new researchers. On the other hand, thesis writing will enable the students to get the desired degree at the end of the course they have opted.

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Dr. Owenga says

February 23, 2023 at 2:38 pm

So good and informative. These are quite beneficial insights. Thanks

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DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROPOSAL, RESEACH & REPORT

Each and every year, thousands of students graduate from different colleges and universities, but before they graduate they had to present their graduation projects, so Good Proposal writing, submitting and presenting has always been the concern for many students in academic arena, especially for final year students, because students can't graduate without submitting their graduation project. However, this paper highlights very briefly what a proposal is all about, meaning and definition, steps to following when writing proposal, what is a research, characteristics of research, difference between research and proposal, different between research and report, the steps to follow when writing report as well as proposal, finally the paper presents practical guide for writing project proposal.

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moawia A alshiek

After more than a decade of teaching the course of research skills, I believe that the need for reference works on proposal writing for students and researchers is an essential handout. Not only to acquire the ability to write successful researched proposals but also to share my experience with them. The purpose of this review is to screen research skills literature to identify how and why proposals are written. Ultimately, to provide a document that guides students and researchers to write an effective proposal for their research projects. I found following accredited proposal guidelines will help to produce an effective successful document. However, there is no one single format but general template. Every institution, journal or funding agency has its own format. But all have this sequence: introduction, objectives, methodology, workplan, budget, references and annexes. 1) Background: There is no single formula for a strong effective proposal. There are a number of precepts that are consistently found in successful proposals. The sooner one learns them, the better. (1) When a social scientist desires to conduct an experiment, he first develops a proposal. The proposal introduces the problem, the significance of a study as well as the experimenter's research question and hypothesis. It also gives a brief explanation of the theory guiding the study, a review of relevant literature pertaining to the theory, and the procedure for the experiment. (2) The goal of a research proposal is to present and justify the need to study a research problem. As well as, to show design elements and procedures for conducting the research. It goes without saying the proposal must provide persuasive evidence that a need exists for the proposed study. (3)

IJSRP Journal

A Research Design is the arrangement of conditions for collection and analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy procedure. Research Design is needed because it facilitates the smooth sailing of the various research operations. Tools for data collection method, to give the result and testing hypothesis, my paper deals with the steps involve in Research Design, Need of Research Design, and Characteristic of Research Design, Features of Research Design, and the tools and techniques of data collection method. Report writing is a presentation of facts and findings. After collecting and analyzing the data, the researcher has to accomplish the task drawing Interference followed by report writing. This has do very carefully, otherwise misleading conclusion may be drown and the whole purpose of doing research may be violated. In this paper I had clearly sketch the outline of report writing from title to end page and also our sample of title page.

Radina Mohamad Deli

Given the importance of writing skills for communicating messages in the field of engineering, and the seemingly perpetual conflict between novice engineers " poor ability to write and the quality expected by employers, it is worthwhile to investigate student engineers " writing ability or experiences prior to their employment. This study thus aims to investigate English as a Second Language (ESL) students " writing in engineering studies. The objectives of the study are to (1) identify the genres of writing by ESL undergraduates in engineering studies, and (2) analyse students " laboratory reports for " moves " typically identified in the genre. Students " written scripts were collected from various engineering courses within the mechanical, electrical, and electronic engineering programmes of a Malaysian public university, and identified by genre based on their structure and content. The preliminary finding suggests that the majority of the writings are laboratory and technical reports. Based on a " move " analysis outlined for student laboratory reports in science and engineering (Parkinson, 2017) a total of 14 laboratory reports was analysed and 5 macro-sections were identified namely introduction, method, result, discussion, and conclusion. This differs from the 6 macro-sections found for engineering in Parkinson (2017) study. Although the number of moves identified was essentially similar, some steps were unavailable in the laboratory reports within these macro-sections. It is believed that findings from this genre-based study can have pedagogical importance in that it may help to enhance the writings of ESL students in engineering studies to reach a standard that may be more aligned to the accepted norms of laboratory report writing. Contribution/ Originality: This study contributes in the existing literature by detailing common " moves " found in ESL student writing of laboratory reports in the engineering field. Most analyses of moves for similar written genres in the engineering discipline have focused on the writings of native speakers of English.

TRISNA AMELIA

Biology Seminar is a course in Biology Education Study Program of FKIP UMRAH that requires students to have the ability to apply scientific attitudes, perform scientific writing and undertake scientific publications on a small scale. One of the learning strategies that can drive the achievement of learning outcomes in this course is Research-Based Learning. Research-Based Learning principles are considered in accordance with learning outcomes in Biology Seminar courses and generally in accordance with the purpose of higher education. On this basis, this article which is derived from a qualitative research aims at describing Research-based Learning on Biology Seminar course. Based on the research, it was known that Research-Based Learning on Biology Seminar courses is applied through: designing learning activities around contemporary research issues; teaching research methods, techniques and skills explicitly within program; drawing on personal research in designing and teaching courses; building small-scale research activities into undergraduate assignment; and infusing teaching with the values of researchers.

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39th Southwest Educational Research Association (SERA), New Orleans

Genç Osman Ilhan

Comics reflect a story with pictures, speech bubbles and movement figures. They are the choice of entertainment for both the adults and children, a means of communication for the authors, and the medium to improve the activity of learning for educators. They are used in literacy (Rapp, 2012), mathematics (Brozo, 2013), language (Cary, 2004), health education (Branscum & Sharma, 2009), and primary education (Rota & Izquierdo, 2003). Comics has been found advantageous and their positive effects in education have been outlined. Comics have been encouraged to be used in education as they reflect the features of the era in an authentic way, provide an enjoyable way of learning to the students, contribute to students’ vocabulary, improve students’ creativity, and provide enhancing and permanent ethical teachings (Carr, 1958). The start of comics use in education started almost three years after the release of comic books in 1935 (Sons, 1944). However, the remind of the popularity of this type of genre which lost its popularity in 1950s in education was after 2000s although it was used as a reading material in 1990s (Pelton, Pelton & Moore, 2007). Unfortunately, it is difficult to find an empirical process of analysis about teaching with comics that could often be found in health education (Cary, 2004). Teaching with comic books have occurred in the fields of reading (Rapp, 2012) and language education (Cary, 2004) with the use of comic books as an ordinary book. The history-reflective and informative features of comic books have been neglected this way and the benefits of comic books in education have been decreased. In addition, the use of comic books in teacher education has been investigated; however, this investigation was only limited to mathematics teaching (Herbst, Chazan, Chen, Chieu & Weiss, 2011). Moreover, comics generator applications have been designed and it has been made easier to create comics of one’s own. This way, it has become much easier for teachers to generate their own comics and use a material much more beneficial than the other visuals. Comics have been found more advantageous over other visuals, as they involve visual, communicative and movemental components (Morrison, Bryan & Chilcoat, 2002). Regarding the progress of comics in technology and its advantages, it would not be mistaken that comics might be used intensively in education in the upcoming years. However, a review study of comics use in education has not been found. Thus, this study is thought to be a guide for the instructors and academicians as it aims to analyze the studies about comic books in education as a review study. This way, the direction of comics use in the history of education could be outlined and suggestions could be made for the future users and researchers of comics use in education. This study was designed as a review study and it was started with the scan of studies about the use of comics in education from past to today by using the educational databases. Although many studies were found about comics, only articles as a publication type under the topic of comics use in education were the target of this study. Review studies are regarded significant for the advance of knowledge about an issue (Webster & Watson, 2002). Review studies analyze and group studies made in an area or about a subject, and reach some suggestions or insights about the issue under the light of reached information (Kay, 2012). While constructing and operating this study, the features of the articles were identified and they were grouped. The grouped articles will be analyzed according to their subject areas, databases, methodologies, results and effects.

Stella Atter

Arulsamy Savarimuthu

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• DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001831
• Corpus ID: 272215835

Comparative effects of time-restricted feeding versus normal diet on physical performance and body composition in healthy adults with regular exercise habits: a systematic review and meta-analysis

• Ke-wen Wan , Zi-han Dai , +2 authors Stephen Heung-Sang Wong
• Published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise… 1 August 2024
• BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine

42 References

An intervention of four weeks of time-restricted eating (16/8) in male long-distance runners does not affect cardiometabolic risk factors, effect of time-restricted eating and resistance training on high-speed strength and body composition, feasibility of time-restricted eating and impacts on cardiometabolic health in 24-h shift workers: the healthy heroes randomized control trial., effects of wearing a mask during exercise on physiological and psychological outcomes in healthy individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis, complex physiology and clinical implications of time-restricted eating., clinical application of intermittent fasting for weight loss: progress and future directions, differential effects of one meal per day in the evening on metabolic health and physical performance in lean individuals, effect of time-restricted feeding on anthropometric, metabolic, and fitness parameters: a systematic review., the effects of a macronutrient-based diet and time-restricted feeding (16:8) on body composition in physically active individuals—a 14-week randomised controlled trial, four weeks of 16/8 time restrictive feeding in endurance trained male runners decreases fat mass, without affecting exercise performance, related papers.

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