Basic Elements of Dissertation Proposal
Title
Abstract of the Proposal
Table of Contents
Introduction
Literature Review
Research Questions and Hypotheses
Methodology
Organization of the Work
Expected Results and Significance of Results
Tentative Dissertation Chapter Outline
Reference List
What to Write in Each Section
Title
The title of the dissertation should be succinct, and one that will allow the reader to get an idea of the topic being researched in the dissertation at a glance.
Opening Abstract
Abstract is a summary of the outline of the paper, usually no more than 1 or 2 pages, the abstract contains the following:
Statement of the Problem
Basic Principles of the Study
Hypotheses
Recommended Methodology
Expected Results
Implications of the Study
Table of Contents
The table of contents should list all headings and subheadings with page numbers, and subheadings should be indented.
Introduction
This section should explain the background of the study from a macro point of view, narrowing down the scope of the research problem and listing relevant references as appropriate.?
Literature Review
This section is not just a summarized abstract of the relevant literature you have already read, but you must critically review it and be able to relate this literature to your proposed research.
Research Questions and Hypotheses
This section should tell the reader what you want to find out in your research. Clearly state your research question and hypothesis in this section. In most cases, the primary research question should be broad enough, while the secondary research questions and hypotheses are more specific, and each should focus on some aspect of the study.