怎样写一篇好的rearch proposal?
每个学术研究者必须经历的一道关卡，就是Rearch Proposal的写作。它大致对应中文里的“开题报告”、“选题报告”、“研究报告”，是一项研究开始之前的提纲、规划和陈述；既是为了帮助自己梳理文献、整理思路、廓清方向，也常常是写给相关他人的说明：研究动机和意义何在？可能有何成果？为什么它值得你的资助/认可/支持/批准？不知道是否可以说，好的proposal是研究成功的一半。但实际而功利的说，如果你的proposal很烂，可能根本就不会有开始研究的机会。
How to write a rearch proposal?
能否写出漂亮的proposal，本质上取决于你对研究的思考深度和专业水准。但形式也很重要。英文的Rearch Proposal自有一套“八股”。程式化和结构化的好处就在于，可以让读者直接集中注意到最本质的内容上，而不是为形式分神。对于非英语native speaker的我们，如何理解英文学术世界的规范或曰思维定势，也是写作proposal之前必备的背景知识。下面这篇流传甚广的Rearch Proposal写作指南，言简意赅，颇具启发，对我自己的写作有所帮助，也希望能给更多的学界同仁带来便利。[点击这里，查看更多关于Rearch Proposal以
及Grant Proposal、Project Proposal写作的网上资源]
文章作者Paul T. P. Wong, Ph.D., C.Psych. (Rearch Director, Graduate Program in Counlling Psychology. Trinity Western University Langley, BC, Canada). 题为：How to Write a Rearch Proposal. 全文转载如下：
Most students and beginning rearchers do not fully understand what a rearch proposal means, nor do they understand its importance. To put it bluntly, one’s rearch is only as a good as one’s proposal. An ill-conceived proposal dooms the project even if it somehow gets through the Thesis Supervisory Committee. A high quality proposal, on the other hand, not only promis success for the project, but also impress your Thesis Committee about your potential as a rearcher.
A rearch proposal is intended to convince others that you have a worthwhile rearch project and that you have the competence and the work-plan to complete it. Generally, a rearch proposal should contain all the key elements involved in the rearch process and include sufficient information for the readers to evaluate the propod study.
Regardless of your rearch area and the methodology you choo, all rearch proposals must address the following questions: What you plan to accomplish, why you want to do it and how you are going to do it.
The proposal should have sufficient information to convince your readers that you have an important rearch idea, that you have a good grasp of the relevant literature and the major issues, and that your methodology is sound.
The quality of your rearch proposal depends not only on the quality of your propod project, but also on the quality of your proposal writing. A good rearch project may run the risk of rejection simply becau the proposal is poorly written. Therefore, it pays if your writing is coherent, clear and compelling.
This paper focus on proposal writing rather than on the development of rearch ideas.
Title:
It should be conci and descriptive. For example, the phra, “An investigation of . . .” c
ould be omitted. Often titles are stated in terms of a functional relationship, becau such titles clearly indicate the independent and dependent variables. However, if possible, think of an informative but catchy title. An effective title not only pricks the reader’s interest, but also predispos him/her favourably towards the proposal.
Abstract:
It is a brief summary of approximately 300 words. It should include the rearch question, the rationale for the study, the hypothesis (if any), the method and the main findings. Descriptions of the method may include the design, procedures, the sample and any instruments that will be ud.
Introduction:
The main purpo of the introduction is to provide the necessary background or context for your rearch problem. How to frame the rearch problem is perhaps the biggest problem in proposal writing.
If the rearch problem is framed in the context of a general, rambling literature review, then the rearch question may appear trivial and uninteresting. However, if the same question is placed in the context of a very focud and current rearch area, its significance will become evident.
Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast rules on how to frame your rearch question just as there is no prescription on how to write an interesting and informative opening paragraph. A lot depends on your creativity, your ability to think clearly and the depth of your understanding of problem areas.
However, try to place your rearch question in the context of either a current “hot” area, or an older area that remains viable. Secondly, you need to provide a brief but appropriate historical backdrop. Thirdly, provide the contemporary context in which your propod rearch question occupies the central stage. Finally, identify “key players” and refer to the most relevant and reprentative publications. In short, try to paint your rearch question in broad brushes and at the same time bring out its significance.
