Introduction
For the Master Thesis COM the research proposal is the starting document in order to get assigned to a tutor. The research proposal needs to incorporate sufficient information to start up a content based discussion about the research proposition and design options regarding the proposed research project. On going the research proposal will be further elaborated and in order to be able to execute the research. At the end, the research proposal will be integrated into the final research article or report of the Master Thesis COM.
The content of a research proposal
Research proposals can differ regarding the content based on the research proposition, context and design of the research project. Though in order to prepare for the Master Thesis COM a research proposal needs to meet certain minimal requirements. Therefore the research proposal should at least provide information regarding following aspects:
1 The research proposition
The research proposition holds a practical or public relevance as well as a theoretical introduction and framework regarding the research topic. Thus, explaining why the research topic is worth investigating for a practical or public cause and also for the domain of communication sciences.
2 The research context and/or case study
After describing the research propositions it is important to look at the context or case study for the research. Thus a description of what is actually needed to execute the research in terms of a target group, sample population, specific requirements of the case study etc..
3 The main problem setting, research questions and/or hypothesis
Deriving from the research proposition an research context the main problem setting can be formulated. In order to specify the main problem setting additional research questions or hypotheses are also addressed in this section.
4 The research design and method(s)
In this section it is important you present a (provisional) outline of the research design. Do the research questions demand a qualitative or quantitative design? Furthermore which applied research methods, such as survey- or interview techniques, but perhaps also card-sort techniques, can be used?
5 The project time table
Finally it is important to consider a general project time table. Make a schedule in which you indicate the expected or desired end date of the project. Then try to fill in all the necessary stages of the research project. Depending on other( internship) activities it is important to estimate or calculate whether the time schedule corresponds with the 25 EC or 700 hours of study load.
Addition information
The internet can provide you with additional information concerning the writing of a research proposal. In that respect, information on the below link provided by the BMS - Methodology shop may be helpful.