How to Write a Good Dissertation Proposal: An Outlined Guide

A dissertation is one of the higher-level academic writing works that begins with a preparation of a dissertation proposal. Basically, this guide on how to write a dissertation proposal starts with a definition of this type of work, its format, some topics, steps, structure, and outline template. In writing, this format identifies three primary sections of a document: introduction, review of literature, and research method. Then, a presented manual continues to deconstruct major sections of this type of paper into crucial subsections that are present in any dissertation. Besides, this guide mentions differences between a standard research proposal and a dissertation proposal, especially in introduction and literature review sections, and provides its complete example, covering some writing tips on what to include and what to avoid.

General Aspects

A dissertation proposal is a first formal document that future doctors of philosophy write to begin an entire process of creating their dissertations or thesis papers. Basically, writing such a paper contains an accurate description of a specific topic students plan to analyze. In writing, an entire content of this type of document allows a panel of professors to develop a deep understanding of a student’s topic and offer necessary critiques to guide future doctors to complete a research process successfully. Moreover, a dissertation proposal has three main chapters: introduction, review of literature, and study methods. In turn, these three chapters are identical to a structure of a research proposal or an executive summary, although there are some minor differences in some elements.

What Is a Dissertation Proposal and Its Purpose

According to its definition, a dissertation proposal is a formal document and writing that outlines a research project’s plan and objectives, typically presented as part of a graduate program. For example, the main purpose of writing a dissertation proposal is to define a unique scope and direction of a research paper, ensuring a proposed study is feasible, original, and academically significant (Single & Reis, 2023). Basically, such a paper outlines an intended study topic, some research questions or hypotheses, a methodology to be employed, and a theoretical framework that will guide an entire project. Further on, these documents serve to secure approval from a student’s academic committee or advisors, who assess whether an entire project is well-conceived, original, and capable of contributing new knowledge to a specific field (Terrell, 2023). Beyond approval, this type of paper helps students to organize their thoughts, refine their research questions, and anticipate potential challenges. Moreover, by providing a well-thought-out plan, an entire content lays a valid foundation for a successful project and ensures students remain on track throughout a dissertation writing process (Cassuto & Weisbuch, 2021). In terms of pages and words, the length of a dissertation proposal depends on academic levels and program or institution requirements, while general writing guidelines are:

University (Bachelor’s Degree)

Length: 8-20 pages
Word Count: 2,000-5,000 words
Comment: University-level papers are more comprehensive, requiring a thorough literature review, detailed methodology, and a clear articulation of a study’s significance.

Master’s Degree

Length: 20-30 pages
Word Count: 5,000-7,500 words
Comment: Master’s papers are in-depth, including a substantial literature review, detailed methodology, some questions or hypotheses, and a clear rationale for a study’s contribution to a specific field.

Ph.D. Degree

Length: 20-40+ pages
Word Count: 5,000-10,000+ words
Comment: Ph.D. papers are highly detailed, often including an extensive literature review, comprehensive methodology, theoretical framework, defined questions, and a clear outline of a study’s potential contribution to academic knowledge.

Format

Section	Content
Title Page	Provide a unique title of a dissertation proposal, as well as your name, institution, department, date, and advisor’s name.
Abstract	Include a brief summary (150-300 words) of a dissertation proposal, including a specific research problem, objectives, and methodology.
Introduction	Introduce a chosen topic, provide background information, and state a research problem and objectives.
Literature Review	Present a comprehensive and well-structured review of existing knowledge and literature relevant to a given topic, identifying gaps that a proposed work will address.
Research Questions/Hypotheses	Clearly state research questions or hypotheses that an entire study will explore or test.
Theoretical Framework	Outline a theoretical perspective or framework that will guide further examination.
Research Methodology	Detail a specific research design, methods of data collection, and analysis techniques and include information on a study’s scope, sampling methods, and any tools or instruments to be used.
Significance of a Study	Explain a potential contribution of a proposed project to a specific field, including practical or theoretical implications.
Timeline	Provide a timeline for an entire investigation, detailing each stage of a project from proposal approval to final submission.
List of References	List all the academic sources cited in a dissertation proposal, following a required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, etc.).
Appendices	Include any additional material that supports a dissertation proposal, such as questionnaires, consent forms, or detailed data collection plans.

Note: Some writing sections of a dissertation proposal can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, depending on a specific discipline, scope of work, and paper’s requirements. For example, a standard dissertation proposal format is a structured outline that guides a specific organization and presentation of an entire research plan, including sections, like an introduction, literature review, methodology, and references, to ensure clarity and coherence in writing (Terrell, 2023). In writing, a dissertation proposal should be between 10 to 20 pages or 2,500 to 5,000 words long, depending on an academic level and specific institutional requirements. Further on, a dissertation prospectus is a formal document and writing that outlines a proposed project, including a specific research question, methodology, literature review, and significance, serving as a plan to guide an entire work (Single & Reis, 2023). Basically, a principal difference between a dissertation proposal and a prospectus is that the latter outlines a detailed plan for a project, including methodology and objectives, while a prospectus is a preliminary document that broadly outlines an intended research paper and seeks approval to proceed with a more detailed proposition. Moreover, research design is important because this layout provides a structured framework that ensures an entire examination is methodologically sound, reliable, and capable of addressing research questions effectively (Stadtlander, 2022). In a good research design, people need to include a chosen approach, data collection methods, sampling strategy, data analysis plan, and any considerations for ensuring validity and reliability. Finally, a dissertation proposal should include a unique topic for writing, a problem statement, objectives, a literature review, research questions or hypotheses, a methodology, and a study’s significance (Cassuto & Weisbuch, 2021). In turn, to start a dissertation proposal, people begin with a clear introduction that outlines a chosen topic, its significance, and a research problem or question they intend to address.

Prompts

To choose a dissertation proposal topic, people identify an area of interest within a specific field that addresses a gap in existing knowledge or literature, is feasible to study, and aligns with individual academic and career goals.

Cybersecurity Measures: Protecting Personal Data in the Digital Age
Potential Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on Urban Planning
Impacts of Remote Work on Employee Productivity in Post-Pandemic Corporate Environments
Exploring a Role of Person-to-Person Communication in Enhancing Personalized Learning in Higher Education
Sustainable Urban Development: Evaluating an Effectiveness of Green Infrastructure in Mitigating Urban Heat Islands
Cultural Identity and Language Preservation Among Indigenous Communities in a Digital Age
A Potential Influence of Social Media on Political Polarization: A Comparative Study of Twitter and Facebook
Evaluating Long-Term Effects of Mindfulness Practices on Mental Health in Adolescents
Consumer Behavior and Ethical Marketing: Analyzing Modern Shifts Toward Sustainable Products
Roles of Blockchain Systems in Securing Financial Transactions in E-Commerce
Assessing a Psychological Impact of Virtual Reality Therapy on PTSD Patients
Barriers to Women’s Leadership in STEM Fields: A Case Study of Tech Industry Professionals

Steps on How to Write a Right Dissertation Proposal

To write a dissertation proposal, people systematically develop a clear and concise document that outlines their study objectives, background, literature review, methodology, and significance, ensuring an entire project aligns with academic guidelines and addresses a specific research question. For example, a dissertation proposal outlines a planned research paper, including objectives, methodology, and significance, while a dissertation itself is a comprehensive document that presents a completed project and its findings (Ghoston et al., 2020). In writing, a dissertation proposal includes an assigned topic, problem statement, objectives, literature review, research questions or hypotheses, methodology, and a project’s significance. Further on, a literature review for a dissertation proposal is a critical analysis of existing research relevant to a chosen topic, identifying gaps and establishing a unique context for a proposed study (Cassuto & Weisbuch, 2021). In principle, people have a good main research question if such a statement is clear, focused, researchable, and significant enough to contribute to existing knowledge in a specific field. Finally, a thesis or dissertation outline is a structured plan that organizes main sections and sub-sections of a project, guiding a development and flow of an entire document (Rogers, 2020). In turn, basic steps for writing include:

Choose a Topic: Select a unique topic for writing that is both interesting and feasible within your academic field.
Conduct a Literature Review: Review existing knowledge to identify gaps and establish a specific context for your study.
Formulate Research Questions or Hypotheses: Develop clear and focused study questions or hypotheses to guide your writing.
Outline Your Theoretical Framework: Determine key theories or models that will underpin your exploration and provide a foundation for analysis.
Design Your Methodology: Choose appropriate study methods, including data collection and analysis techniques, to answer your study questions.
Draft an Introduction: Write an introduction that presents a defined research problem, objectives, and significance of an entire project.
Develop a Timeline: Create a realistic timeline or deadline that outlines key stages of your analysis and writing process.
Prepare an Abstract: Summarize key aspects of your dissertation proposal in a concise abstract.
Write a Conclusion: Conclude your paper by highlighting some expected outcomes and potential contributions of your examination.
Review and Revise: Carefully review your complete document for clarity, coherence, and adherence to academic and writing standards, making revisions as necessary.

3-Chapter Structure and Outlined Template

Chapter 1: Introduction

Background

This subsection is a collection of evidence authors use as a basis for an entire identification of a problem when organizing any proposition paper. For example, to write a dissertation proposal topic, people choose a specific, researchable area of interest that addresses a gap in existing knowledge or literature and is relevant to their field of study (Cassuto & Weisbuch, 2021). Basically, students conduct a formal literature review, which focuses on a specific problem to convince an intended audience that a proposed problem is real and actionable. Mostly, a supporting literature cited in this section is very recent and takes a form of statistical findings or well-articulated arguments (Terrell, 2023). In writing, a background of a problem is present in both a standard research proposal and a dissertation proposal. Besides, it plays a similar role in academic texts, which is to respond to a simple question, “Why is it a problem?” In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning a dissertation proposal are:

This study seeks to examine underlying factors that influence [subject/topic] in order to provide a deeper understanding of [specific aspect] and its implications for [relevant field or practice].
A primary objective of this research paper is to investigate an actual impact of [variable/phenomenon] on [outcome/subject] within a context of [specific environment or population], aiming to offer new insights that can inform [potential applications or theories].
Recent developments in a field of [related field] have highlighted an urgent need for a more comprehensive examination of [topic/issue], particularly in relation to [specific relationship or consequence].
Despite extensive analysis on [subject/topic], there remains a significant gap in understanding how [specific factor] interacts with [another factor], which this work aims to address by [study approach or method].
This dissertation proposal aims to investigate a direct relationship between [factor/variable] and [outcome/variable], with a particular focus on how these dynamics affect [specific group or outcome] in [context/setting].
A current project will address a question of how [specific factor] influences [outcome/behavior], taking into account various factors, such as [additional variables], to better understand broader implications of [subject/topic].
Building on previous studies, this project will focus on exploring a role of [factor/variable] in [process/phenomenon], seeking to extend an existing knowledge and literature by examining [specific aspect or new perspective].
Given an increasing importance of [topic/issue] in [field or context], this study will examine how [specific variable] affects [outcome] and propose new approaches for enhancing [practice or understanding] based on [findings or theories].
A real significance of this project lies in its potential to provide new insights into [topic/phenomenon], which could lead to more effective strategies for addressing [problem or challenge] within a framework of [specific context or discipline].
This proposal will contribute to a field by offering a novel perspective on [subject/topic], employing a methodological approach that has not been previously applied to [specific issue or area of study].

Statement of a Problem

This writing element of an introduction chapter of a dissertation proposal explicitly outlines a problem authors have logically developed in a background part. Hence, a good problem statement has 6 primary characteristics, wich include:

Scholars can investigate a problem ethically.
It defines a manageable scope for a study.
People possess some knowledge, resources, and time to explore a problem.
It is possible to investigate a problem by using data.
A problem has inherent practical or theoretical significance.
Investigators have a deep interest in a problem.

A problem statement is not necessarily one sentence. However, students should ensure a problem statement is concise and straightforward. In writing, a problem statement contains all variables people plan to consider in further investigation (Single & Reis, 2023). Therefore, a problem statement is a critical feature of research papers and dissertations that conform to the same writing guidelines.

Significance

In this subsection of writing a dissertation proposal, scholars explain an actual value of the findings of their study. For example, authors elucidate some benefits of conducting an entire examination and hint at possible implications of a study in an area of interest (Cassuto & Weisbuch, 2021). In consequence, a real significance of any study is a final element of an extended justification of an entire examination students develop in background and problem statement sections. Moreover, research and dissertation proposals contain a subsection that addresses a significance of a proposed study of a problem. In writing, there are no differences in authorship practices.

Purpose Statement and Research Questions

Purpose statement and research questions share a close relationship where scholars derive the latter from the former when writing a dissertation proposal. For example, a purpose statement informs a target audience of an author’s overarching focus for an entire study (Terrell, 2023). Particularly, this passage states a central goal of conducting a study explicitly. Usually, a purpose statement has a standard ‘signal phrase,’ “The purpose of this study is to . . .” Then, students design research questions from a purpose statement to break down this part into researchable chunks that lead to specific study methods (Single & Reis, 2023). In writing, this subsection is present in both research and dissertation proposals with no notable distinctions.

Hypothesis or Proposition

A hypothesis or proposition is a tentative response to research questions authors propose before conducting their investigations. For example, each hypothesis or proposition corresponds to a specific study question (Cassuto & Weisbuch, 2021). Basically, a tentative position concerning the results of a study relies heavily on a literature review, which people use as a basis for prediction when writing a proposition paper. Moreover, a hypothesis appears in a quantitative dissertation proposal, while a qualitative dissertation proposal contains a proposition (Terrell, 2023). In writing, hypotheses or propositions are components of a research proposal that follow the same development system.

Chapter 2: Review of Literature

Link to a Problem Statement

A literature review’s primary role is an entire creation of a link between existing literature, problem statements, and research questions. For example, students write a literature review to contextualize their analysis in a discourse on a particular topic (Single & Reis, 2023). Typically, authors aim to map an entire history of a problem, identify central theories concerning this issue, and familiarise themselves with seminal articles that define an area of inquiry. Moreover, a literature review section should contain evidence of an evaluation and synthesis of the existing literature, which demonstrates that students understand the progression of the discourse (Cassuto & Weisbuch, 2021). In writing, there is no fixed arrangement for a literature review. However, authors should ascertain that this part flows in a logical presentation format that flows smoothly. Notably, a literature review for writing a dissertation proposal has a broader scope compared to a literature review for organizing a standard research paper.

Link to Methodology

A secondary role of a literature review is to establish a theoretical foundation for key research methods students intend to employ in answering their study questions. For example, a literature review allows students to identify suitable study strategies, procedures, and data collection instruments (Terrell, 2023). Specifically, they locate recent studies to understand some strengths and weaknesses of existing instruments and derive theoretical guidance for an entire development of new valid study tools. Essentially, a review of literature justifies a selection of specific research instruments and procedures despite an existence of comparable tools and techniques (Single & Reis, 2023). In writing a dissertation proposal, authors must answer a question, “Why instrument A, but not instrument B, yet a scholar can use either technique?” In contrast, writers of a regular research proposal answer a question, “Can a scholar use instrument A?”

Chapter 3: Research Methods

Research Design

Scholars describe an overall research approach they plan to use to answer study questions. For example, to decide which research methods to use, people consider their study questions, a nature of their study (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods), a type of data needed, a feasibility of information collection, and some strengths and limitations of each framework in addressing their objectives (Cassuto & Weisbuch, 2021). Firstly, authors explain whether a study is qualitative, quantitative, or hybrid. Secondly, they mention some specifics of a research design by stating a reference period (retrospective or prospective), a nature of an investigation (experimental or case study), and a number of contacts (correctional or longitudinal). In turn, an entire description of a study design may vary extensively for each dissertation (Terrell, 2023). However, it revolves around the same accepted study approaches. Finally, a third chapter of writing a research proposal and dissertation proposal are entirely identical in structure and purpose.

Participants and Sampling

Scholars reveal key characteristics of participants of a study and a sampling technique. For example, depending on a nature of investigation, authors prioritize the most relevant participant characteristics that a target audience must know to interpret results correctly (Single & Reis, 2023). Nonetheless, there are common participant characteristics, such as age and number, to write about. Moreover, scholars discuss sampling techniques to ensure their audience has a clear understanding of an overall generalizability of their findings and some differences between a sample and a population (Cassuto & Weisbuch, 2021). It is because each sampling technique has different effects on an outcome of a study.

Instruments and Research Procedures

In this subsection of writing a dissertation proposal, scholars expound on tools and processes they utilize in a study. For example, students identify study instruments and provide an overview of their mechanism of operation (Terrell, 2023). In writing, authors outline a specific procedure they would follow in administering the various tests. Further on, students should present a research procedure in a systematic manner that represents actual steps of of conducting a study (Single & Reis, 2023). Finally, scholars should discuss an overall reliability (split-half, interrater, equivalent forms, or test-retest) and validity (construct, content, criterion, or predictive) of individual tests.

Plans for Data Analysis

When writing a dissertation proposal, students create a roadmap for an information analysis process. For example, this approach gives an intended audience a clear picture of data manipulation techniques that lead to the results (Cassuto & Weisbuch, 2021). In quantitative research, a data analysis plan highlights individual inferential and descriptive statistical tests for the study. Conversely, a data analysis plan of a qualitative study explains an entire process of extracting information and a scheme for inferencing. Further on, scholars need to develop a comprehensive data analysis plan because issues concerning invalidity or unreliability of tests may cripple one’s study (Terrell, 2023). Moreover, they should take adequate time to ensure their data collection process delivers necessary information to satisfy key demands of their analysis plans. As a result, to write a dissertation proposal example, people outline a hypothetical topic, including an introduction, literature review, research questions, methodology, and significance, to demonstrate how this project is structured.

Complete Dissertation Proposal Example

Dissertation Proposal Example Download PDF Doc

What to Include

Example	Description
Research Problem	State a specific issue or gap in knowledge or literature that a dissertation proposal aims to address.
Expected Outcomes	Write about the anticipated findings or contributions of an entire examination.
Limitations	Discuss any potential weaknesses or constraints in a study.
Scope of Study	Define some boundaries or extent of a project, including what will and will not be covered.
Review of Relevant Theories	Cover an examination of key theories related to writing about a chosen topic.
Conceptual Framework	Present a system of concepts, assumptions, expectations, beliefs, and theories that support further analysis.
Validation/Verification	Describe some methods for ensuring an overall reliability and validity of the findings.
Impact of Study	Write about a potential influence or significance of a project on a specific field, practice, or policy.
Study Population	Provide a description of a chosen population from which a research sample will be drawn.
Expected Challenges	Mention anticipated difficulties in conducting an entire project and strategies to overcome them.

Common Mistakes

Lack of a Clear Research Question: Failing to articulate a focused research question can lead to a vague and unfocused dissertation proposal.
Inadequate Literature Review: Not conducting a thorough literature review can result in missing important studies and underestimating a specific context of your writing.
Overly Ambitious Scope: Proposing a project that is too broad or complex can make it difficult to complete within a given timeframe and resources.
Weak Theoretical Framework: Neglecting to establish a solid theoretical framework can undermine an academic rigor of your proposal and writing.
Unclear Methodology: Failing to clearly define your research methods can leave reviewers questioning how you plan to collect and analyze data.
Ignoring Ethical Considerations: Overlooking ethical issues in your analysis can lead to complications during an approval process and in a study itself.
Poorly Defined Objectives: Not clearly stating key objectives of your work can make it hard for reviewers to understand a unique purpose and expected outcomes.
Inconsistent or Incorrect Citations: Improper citation of sources can detract from an overall credibility of your proposal and lead to issues with plagiarism in writing.
Lack of a Realistic Timeline: Proposing an unrealistic timeline can signal a lack of planning and may result in project delays.
Neglecting to Revise and Edit: Submitting a dissertation proposal without thorough revision can leave it riddled with writing and formatting errors, weakening your argument and presentation.

Summing Up

A presented guide outlines an entire process of writing a dissertation proposal by emphasizing an actual importance of defining a clear research problem and setting a strong foundation for a project. In writing, such a document breaks down essential sections, including an introduction, literature review, and methodology, guiding students through a whole development of each part. Finally, these writing guidelines stress a real significance of a well-structured research design and a necessity of thorough planning to ensure a dissertation proposal’s effectiveness, ultimately helping to set up a successful project. In turn, principal takeaways to remember are:

Scholars should put in adequate time to write a dissertation proposal because a successful completion of an entire dissertation hinges on it.
Background, problem statement, and significance parts form a valid foundation for writing.
An organization of a research proposal does not imply that authors write individual chapters in that order.
An overall quality of a dissertation proposal depends on a level of detail in all sections.
A literature review is a source of content for writing all the sections of a dissertation proposal because it offers a link to a existing body of knowledge and defines a theoretical framework for a new study.
A standard writing structure of a proposition may undergo slight modifications depending on a nature of a research design.
A dissertation proposal is a meticulously detailed when compared to a standard research proposal.
Students must maintain a logical flow of a standard writing structure with no exceptions.

References

Cassuto, L., & Weisbuch, R. (2021). The new PhD: How to build a better graduate education. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Ghoston, M., Grimes, T., Graham, J., Grimes, J., & Field, T. A. (2020). Faculty perspectives on strategies for successful navigation of the dissertation process in counselor education. The Professional Counselor, 10(4), 615–631. https://doi.org/10.15241/mg.10.4.615

Rogers, R. (2020). Removing the mysteries of research proposals: A review of Steven. R. Terrell’s writing a proposal for your dissertation: Guidelines and examples. The Qualitative Report, 25(6), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2020.4720

Single, P. B., & Reis, R. M. (2023). Demystifying dissertation writing: A streamlined process from choice of topic to final text. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

Stadtlander, L. (2022). Editorial: Rewriting a social science dissertation into a journal article and getting it published. Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences, 16(1), 94–102. https://doi.org/10.5590/jsbhs.2022.16.1.07

Terrell, S. R. (2023). Writing a proposal for your dissertation: Guidelines and examples. Guilford Publications.

Dissertation Proposal: Student Guidelines & Examples