Developing a Research Prospectus

A research prospectus is a brief overview of the key components of a research study.  These components together form the “DNA” of the research methodology design.  The purpose is to build quality into the proposal process by getting this DNA right before launching into developing a full-blown proposal.  Experience suggests that if the DNA is right, the proposal comes together much easier, is more likely to be internally consistent, and requires less rework.

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Downloads

Example Prospectus (PDF)

Prospectus Paper (PDF)

Template (DOC)

Guidelines

A few guidelines for developing the prospectus:

1. The length of a prospectus should be 3 to 5 pages.  The maximum number of pages should be no more than 10.  If the number of pages exceeds 10 then you have missed the point of a prospectus.  The point is to create a document that is small enough that you can deal with the complexity of the methodology design.
   

2. Avoid including any tutorial text on research methods.  Focus instead on the content of the study.
   

3. Use bullets or short statements instead of lengthy passages.
   

4. Be specific and avoid abstract descriptions.
   

5. Even after you develop the full-blown proposal keep the prospectus up-to-date and use it to quickly test the appropriateness of changes to the proposal.
   

The “Acid” Text

Once the prospectus is complete and consistent ask yourself three questions:

1. 
   

1. 1.Will the study produce a needed and useful contribution to the body of knowledge?
   

2. 2.Am I passionate about the topic?
   

3. 3.Is it doable?
   

As you adjust the scope to ensure that the study will make a contribution make sure that the study is doable.

Summary

Developing a research prospectus is an iterative process. The goal here is not to have everything completely determined before the literature review but rather to have a starting point to work from as the literature review unfolds. This framework is designed to facilitate and document the results of that process and help get the most from the multiple iterations.