psychology master's thesis proposal example

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Psychology Research Proposal Example: A Step-by-Step Guide for Students

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• NeuroLaunch editorial team
• September 15, 2024
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Crafting a compelling psychology research proposal can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance and a well-structured example, you can navigate this essential step in your academic journey with confidence. As a budding psychologist, you’re about to embark on a thrilling adventure into the human mind. But before you can dive headfirst into your research, you need to convince others that your idea is worth pursuing. That’s where a killer research proposal comes in handy.

Let’s face it: writing a research proposal isn’t exactly a walk in the park. It’s more like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube while riding a unicycle – challenging, but not impossible. And hey, who said science can’t be fun? So, buckle up, future Freud, as we take you on a wild ride through the ins and outs of crafting a psychology research proposal that’ll knock the socks off your professors.

The Importance of Research Proposals in Psychology

Picture this: you’re at a fancy psychology conference, surrounded by the brightest minds in the field. You overhear someone say, “Did you see that groundbreaking study on the effects of cat videos on human productivity?” Intrigued, you ask how it all began. The answer? A well-crafted research proposal.

Research proposals are the unsung heroes of the psychology world. They’re like the movie trailers of academia – giving a sneak peek of the blockbuster study to come. These proposals serve as a roadmap for your research journey, helping you organize your thoughts and convince others that your idea is worth their time and resources.

But why are they so crucial? Well, for starters, they force you to think critically about your research question. Is it really worth investigating why people prefer smooth peanut butter over chunky? (Spoiler alert: it totally is.) Proposals also help you identify potential roadblocks and figure out how to overcome them before you’re knee-deep in data.

Key Components of a Strong Research Proposal

Now, let’s break down the anatomy of a killer research proposal. Think of it as a recipe for success, with each ingredient playing a vital role in creating a mouthwatering final product.

1. A catchy title that grabs attention faster than a cat video on social media. 2. An abstract that summarizes your entire study in the time it takes to microwave popcorn. 3. An introduction that sets the stage and makes your research question sound like the most important thing since sliced bread. 4. A literature review that shows you’ve done your homework and aren’t just making stuff up. 5. A methodology section that outlines your plan of attack, complete with participants, materials, and procedures. 6. An expected results section that predicts the outcome (without the help of a crystal ball). 7. A discussion that explores the potential impact of your findings and addresses any limitations. 8. Ethical considerations, because we’re not monsters, and we care about our participants’ well-being. 9. A timeline and budget, because time is money, and research ain’t cheap.

A Sneak Peek at Our Example Proposal

Throughout this article, we’ll be using a fictional research proposal as an example. Our imaginary researcher, Dr. Procrastination (yes, that’s their real name), is investigating the effects of deadline proximity on student productivity. Exciting stuff, right? We’ll walk you through each section of Dr. Procrastination’s proposal, offering tips and tricks along the way.

So, whether you’re a psychology student looking to impress your professors or a seasoned researcher in need of a refresher, this guide has got you covered. By the end of this article, you’ll be churning out research proposals faster than you can say “cognitive dissonance.”

Crafting an Engaging and Informative Title

Let’s kick things off with the title – the first impression your proposal will make. Think of it as the pick-up line of your research. It needs to be catchy, informative, and leave them wanting more. Dr. Procrastination’s title reads:

“The Eleventh-Hour Effect: Investigating the Impact of Deadline Proximity on Student Productivity and Well-being”

Now that’s a title that packs a punch! It’s specific, intriguing, and gives a clear idea of what the study is about. When crafting your own title, aim for something that’s both descriptive and attention-grabbing. Avoid jargon or overly complex language – you want to entice readers, not send them running for a dictionary.

Writing a Concise and Comprehensive Abstract

Next up is the abstract – the elevator pitch of your proposal. In just a few sentences, you need to summarize your entire study and make it sound like the most fascinating thing since the discovery of REM sleep. Dr. Procrastination’s abstract goes something like this:

“This study aims to investigate the relationship between deadline proximity and student productivity, as well as its impact on psychological well-being. Using a mixed-methods approach, we will track the work habits and stress levels of 200 university students over the course of a semester. We hypothesize that productivity will increase as deadlines approach, but at the cost of increased stress and decreased well-being. The findings of this study could have significant implications for academic policy and student support services.”

Short, sweet, and to the point. A good abstract should include your research question, methodology, expected results, and potential implications. Think of it as the movie trailer for your study – give them just enough to want to see the full feature.

Example of a Well-Written Title and Abstract for a Psychology Research Proposal

Let’s take a moment to appreciate Dr. Procrastination’s handiwork. The title is catchy and informative, using the phrase “Eleventh-Hour Effect” to grab attention while clearly stating the focus of the study. The abstract provides a concise overview of the research, touching on the methodology, sample size, and potential implications.

When crafting your own title and abstract, remember to keep it clear, concise, and compelling. You want to pique the reader’s interest and give them a reason to keep reading. After all, if you can’t hook them with your title and abstract, chances are they won’t make it to your groundbreaking methodology section.

Establishing the Research Context and Background

Now that we’ve got our readers hooked, it’s time to set the stage with a killer introduction and literature review. This is where you show off your knowledge and prove that you’re not just pulling research ideas out of thin air.

Dr. Procrastination begins their introduction with a relatable anecdote:

“It’s 2 AM, and the library is buzzing with the frantic energy of students racing against the clock to finish their assignments. This scene, familiar to anyone who’s ever pulled an all-nighter, raises an important question: Why do so many students wait until the last minute to complete their work, and what impact does this have on their productivity and well-being?”

This opening immediately draws the reader in and establishes the relevance of the research question. From here, Dr. Procrastination delves into the existing literature on procrastination, time management, and stress in academic settings.

Identifying Gaps in Existing Literature

As you review the existing literature, it’s crucial to identify gaps or areas where further research is needed. This is your chance to justify why your study is necessary and how it will contribute to the field. Dr. Procrastination notes:

“While numerous studies have examined the prevalence and causes of academic procrastination, few have investigated the dynamic relationship between deadline proximity and productivity. Furthermore, the impact of this relationship on student well-being remains largely unexplored.”

By pointing out these gaps, Dr. Procrastination is setting the stage for their research questions and hypotheses.

Formulating Research Questions and Hypotheses

With the context established and gaps identified, it’s time to clearly state your research questions and hypotheses. These should be specific, measurable, and directly related to the gaps you’ve identified in the literature. Dr. Procrastination’s research questions are:

1. How does deadline proximity affect student productivity? 2. What is the relationship between deadline-driven productivity and student well-being?

Their hypotheses follow:

H1: Student productivity will increase as deadlines approach, with the most significant increase occurring in the final week before the deadline.

H2: Increased productivity due to deadline proximity will be associated with higher levels of stress and lower overall well-being.

These Psychology Research Questions are clear, testable, and directly address the gaps identified in the literature review.

Example of an Effective Introduction and Literature Review

Dr. Procrastination’s introduction and literature review effectively set the stage for their research by:

1. Opening with a relatable anecdote to engage the reader 2. Providing a comprehensive overview of existing research on procrastination and academic productivity 3. Identifying specific gaps in the literature 4. Clearly stating research questions and hypotheses that address these gaps

When writing your own introduction and literature review, aim to create a narrative that leads logically from the existing research to your proposed study. Remember, you’re telling a story – the story of why your research matters.

Selecting Appropriate Research Design

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of how we’re going to answer our research questions. This is where the methodology section comes in – your chance to show off your research chops and prove that you’ve thought through every detail of your study.

Dr. Procrastination has opted for a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data collection with qualitative interviews. They explain:

“To capture both the quantitative trends in productivity and the qualitative experiences of students, we will employ a mixed-methods design. This approach will allow us to triangulate our findings and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between deadline proximity, productivity, and well-being.”

When selecting your research design, consider the nature of your research questions and the type of data you need to answer them. Don’t be afraid to get creative – just make sure your methods are appropriate and feasible.

Describing Participants and Sampling Methods

Next up, we need to talk about who’s going to be in our study and how we’re going to recruit them. Dr. Procrastination describes their sample as follows:

“Participants will be 200 undergraduate students (aged 18-25) from diverse academic disciplines at Procrastination University. We will use stratified random sampling to ensure representation across different years of study and academic programs.”

Remember to justify your sample size and selection methods. You want to show that your sample is appropriate for your research questions and that your findings will be generalizable (or at least meaningful for your target population).

Outlining Data Collection Procedures

Now for the fun part – how are we going to collect all this juicy data? Dr. Procrastination outlines their data collection procedures in detail:

“Participants will complete daily online surveys assessing their productivity levels, time spent on academic tasks, and perceived stress. Additionally, they will wear activity trackers to monitor sleep patterns and physical activity. At the end of the semester, we will conduct in-depth interviews with a subset of 20 participants to gain deeper insights into their experiences.”

Be sure to provide enough detail that someone could replicate your study, but don’t get bogged down in unnecessary minutiae. Think Goldilocks – not too much, not too little, but just right.

Explaining Data Analysis Techniques

Last but not least, we need to explain how we’re going to make sense of all this data. Dr. Procrastination outlines their analysis plan:

“Quantitative data will be analyzed using multilevel modeling to account for the nested structure of daily measurements within individuals. Qualitative interview data will be subjected to thematic analysis to identify common patterns and experiences across participants.”

When describing your analysis techniques, be sure to justify your choices and explain how they align with your research questions and hypotheses.

Example of a Well-Structured Methodology Section

Dr. Procrastination’s methodology section is a shining example of clarity and thoroughness. It covers all the essential elements:

1. Research design 2. Participant selection and sampling methods 3. Data collection procedures 4. Data analysis techniques

Each component is described in sufficient detail and justified in relation to the research questions. When writing your own methodology section, aim for this level of clarity and completeness. Remember, you’re not just describing what you’re going to do – you’re convincing the reader that your approach is the best way to answer your research questions.

Presenting Anticipated Findings

Now that we’ve got our methodology sorted, it’s time to gaze into our crystal ball and predict what we might find. This is where the expected results section comes in handy. It’s like a sneak peek of your future findings, minus the actual data collection and analysis. Exciting, right?

Dr. Procrastination, ever the optimist, presents their anticipated findings with a mix of confidence and caution:

“Based on our hypotheses and previous research, we anticipate observing a significant increase in student productivity as deadlines approach. Specifically, we expect to see a sharp uptick in time spent on academic tasks and self-reported productivity levels in the week leading up to major deadlines.

However, we also predict that this increased productivity will come at a cost. We anticipate finding higher levels of stress, reduced sleep quality, and lower overall well-being during periods of deadline-driven productivity. These effects may be particularly pronounced among students who consistently delay task initiation until close to deadlines.”

When presenting your own anticipated findings, be sure to tie them directly to your research questions and hypotheses. It’s okay to be specific, but don’t forget to acknowledge the possibility of unexpected results. After all, that’s what makes research exciting!

Discussing Potential Implications of the Research

Now, let’s talk about why your research matters. What impact could your findings have on the field of psychology, and more importantly, on real people’s lives? Dr. Procrastination dives into the potential implications of their study:

“If our hypotheses are supported, the findings could have significant implications for academic policy and student support services. Universities might consider implementing interventions to promote more consistent work habits throughout the semester, rather than relying on deadline pressure to motivate students. Additionally, mental health services could develop targeted support programs for students struggling with deadline-induced stress and its impact on well-being.

Furthermore, our research could contribute to the broader understanding of time management and productivity in various settings beyond academia. The insights gained from this study could inform workplace policies and productivity interventions in professional environments.”

When discussing the implications of your research, think big! Consider how your findings could impact theory, practice, and policy in your field and beyond.

Addressing Limitations and Future Directions

No study is perfect, and it’s important to acknowledge the limitations of your research. This shows that you’ve thought critically about your methodology and are aware of potential weaknesses. Dr. Procrastination humbly addresses their study’s limitations:

“While our study aims to provide valuable insights into the relationship between deadline proximity and productivity, it’s important to acknowledge certain limitations. First, our sample is limited to undergraduate students at a single university, which may limit the generalizability of our findings. Future research could expand to include graduate students, working professionals, or cross-cultural comparisons.

Additionally, our reliance on self-report measures for productivity and stress levels may introduce some bias. Future studies could incorporate more objective measures of productivity, such as completed assignments or grades, to complement self-report data.”

By addressing limitations and suggesting future directions, you demonstrate your ability to think critically about your research and contribute to the ongoing dialogue in your field.

Example of a Thoughtful Expected Results and Discussion Section

Dr. Procrastination’s expected results and discussion section effectively:

1. Presents anticipated findings tied directly to research questions and hypotheses 2. Discusses potential implications for theory, practice, and policy 3. Acknowledges limitations and suggests future research directions

When crafting your own expected results and discussion section, aim for this balance of optimism, critical thinking, and forward-looking perspective. Remember, you’re not just predicting outcomes – you’re setting the stage for a broader conversation about the significance of your research.

Addressing Ethical Concerns in Psychology Research

Now, let’s talk about something that’s near and dear to every psychologist’s heart: ethics. We’re not Dr. Frankenstein here – we can’t just go around experimenting on people willy-nilly. Dr. Procrastination takes their ethical responsibilities seriously and outlines their approach:

“Given the potentially sensitive nature of monitoring student productivity and well-being, we will take several steps to ensure ethical conduct throughout the study. All participants will provide informed consent and will be free to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty. To protect privacy, all data will be anonymized and stored securely.

We recognize that monitoring productivity and stress levels may cause some participants to experience increased anxiety. To mitigate this risk, we will provide all participants with resources for academic support and mental health services. Additionally, we will conduct regular check-ins with participants to ensure their continued well-being throughout the study.”

When addressing ethical concerns in your own proposal, be thorough and proactive. Show that you’ve considered potential risks and have plans in place to protect your participants.

Creating a Realistic Research Timeline

Time is money, and in research, it’s also the difference between a completed study and a half-baked idea. Dr. Procrastination (ironically) has created a detailed timeline for their study:

“Our research will span one academic year, broken down into the following phases:

1. Months 1-2: Finalize study design, obtain ethical approval, and recruit participants 2. Months 3-6: Conduct data collection during fall semester 3. Months 7-8: Analyze quantitative data and conduct qualitative interviews 4. Months 9-10: Complete data analysis and begin manuscript preparation 5. Months 11-12: Finalize manuscript and prepare for publication/presentation”

When creating your own timeline, be realistic about how long each phase will take. It’s better to overestimate and finish early than to underestimate and scramble to meet deadlines.

Budgeting and Resource Allocation

Last but not least, let’s talk money. Research isn’t free, and it’s important to show that you’ve thought about the resources you’ll need. Dr. Procrastination breaks down their budget:

“Our estimated budget for this study is $10,000, allocated as follows:

1. Participant compensation: $5,000 ($25 per participant) 2. Activity trackers: $3,000 (200 trackers at $15 each) 3. Software licenses for data analysis: $1,000 4. Transcription services for interviews: $500 5. Miscellaneous supplies and unexpected expenses: $500”

When creating your own budget, be comprehensive and justify each expense. Show that you’ve thought carefully about the resources needed to complete your study successfully.

Example of Ethical Considerations and Timeline Presentation

Dr. Procrastination’s ethical considerations and timeline presentation effectively:

1. Addresses potential ethical concerns and outlines steps to mitigate risks 2. Provides a detailed, realistic timeline for the study 3. Breaks down the budget and justifies each expense

When crafting your own ethical considerations and timeline, aim for this level of detail and thoughtfulness. Show that you’ve considered all aspects of conducting your research responsibly and efficiently.

Recap of Key Elements in the Psychology Research Proposal Example

Whew! We’ve covered a lot of ground, haven’t we? Let’s take a moment to recap the key elements of our psychology research proposal example:

1. A catchy title that grabs attention and clearly states the research focus 2. An informative abstract that summarizes the entire study 3. A comprehensive introduction and literature review that sets the context and identifies gaps 4. Clear research questions and hypotheses 5. A well-structured methodology section outlining research design, participants, and procedures 6. Anticipated results and a discussion of potential implications 7. Acknowledgment of limitations and suggestions for future research 8. Ethical considerations and plans to protect participants 9. A realistic timeline and budget

Tips for Writing a Successful Research Proposal

Now that we’ve dissected Dr. Procrastination’s proposal, let’s distill some key tips for crafting your own knockout research proposal:

1. Start with a bang: Grab your reader’s attention with an engaging title and opening paragraph. 2. Tell a story: Create a narrative that flows logically from the existing literature to your proposed study. 3. Be specific: Clearly state your research questions, hypotheses, and methodology. 4. Think critically: Acknowledge limitations and potential challenges in your study. 5. Show your impact: Discuss the potential implications of your research for theory, practice, and policy. 6. Be ethical: Demonstrate that you’ve considered the ethical implications of your study and have plans to protect your participants. 7. Be realistic: Create a feasible timeline and budget for your research. 8. Proofread, proofread, proofread: Nothing undermines a great idea faster than sloppy writing or typos.

Importance of Tailoring the Proposal to Specific Requirements

Last but not least, remember that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to research proposals. Different institutions, funding bodies, and journals may have specific requirements for proposal format and content. Always carefully review the guidelines for your particular submission and tailor your proposal accordingly.

For example, some funding bodies might place more emphasis on the potential real-world applications of your research, while others might be more interested in its theoretical contributions. Some might have strict word limits, while others might allow for more expansive proposals. By tailoring your proposal to these specific requirements, you’ll show that you’re attentive to detail and capable of following instructions – both valuable skills in the research world.

In conclusion, crafting a compelling psychology research proposal is indeed a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can also be an exciting opportunity to showcase your ideas and contribute to the field. By following the example we’ve discussed and keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a proposal that not only meets academic standards but also ignites curiosity and enthusiasm in your readers.

Remember, every great psychological discovery started with a well-crafted research proposal. Who knows? Your proposal might be the first step towards the next big breakthrough in understanding the human mind. So go forth, channel your inner Dr. Procrastination (but maybe not their time management skills), and start crafting that killer research proposal. The world of psychology is waiting for your contribution!

References:

1. American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

2. Bem, D. J. (2003). Writing the empirical journal article. In J. M. Darley, M. P. Zanna, & H. L. Roediger III (Eds.), The compleat academic: A career guide (2nd ed., pp. 185-219). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

3. Kazdin, A. E. (2003). Research design in clinical psychology (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

4. Locke, L. F., Spirduso, W. W., & Silverman, S. J. (2013). Proposals that work: A guide for planning dissertations and grant proposals (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

5. Sternberg, R. J., & Sternberg, K. (2010). The psychologist’s companion: A guide to writing scientific papers for students and researchers (5th ed.). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

6. Wilkinson, L., & APA Task Force on Statistical Inference. (1999). Statistical methods in psychology journals: Guidelines and explanations. American Psychologist, 54(8), 594-604.

7. Wolcott, H. F. (2009). Writing up qualitative research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

8. Yin, R. K. (2017). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

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Examples of research proposals

How to write your research proposal, with examples of good proposals.

Research proposals

Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It tells us about the question you want to answer through your research. It is a chance for you to show your knowledge of the subject area and tell us about the methods you want to use.

We use your research proposal to match you with a supervisor or team of supervisors.

In your proposal, please tell us if you have an interest in the work of a specific academic at York St John. You can get in touch with this academic to discuss your proposal. You can also speak to one of our Research Leads. There is a list of our Research Leads on the Apply page.

When you write your proposal you need to:

• Highlight how it is original or significant
• Explain how it will develop or challenge current knowledge of your subject
• Identify the importance of your research
• Show why you are the right person to do this research
• Research Proposal Example 1 (DOC, 49kB)
• Research Proposal Example 2 (DOC, 0.9MB)
• Research Proposal Example 3 (DOC, 55.5kB)
• Research Proposal Example 4 (DOC, 49.5kB)

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Home > CLA > PSYCH > PSYCH_THESES

Clinical Psychology Masters Theses Collection

This collection contains open access and campus access Masters theses, made possible through Graduate Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston. The full content of open access theses is available to all, although some files may have embargoes placed on them and will be made available as soon as possible. The full content of campus access theses is only available to those either on the UMass Boston campus or with a UMass Boston campus username and password. Click on the "Off-Campus UMass Boston Users" link on the record page to download Campus Access publications. Those not on campus and those without a UMass Boston campus username and password may gain access to this thesis through resources like Proquest Dissertations & Theses Global or through Interlibrary Loan.

Theses from 2024 2024

A Qualitative Meta-Analysis Examining the Functions and Meanings of Gender in Transgender Identity Development , Kelsey Kehoe

The Language Environmental Analysis (LENA) System in Toddlers with Early Indicators of Autism: Test-Retest Reliability and Construct Validity , Nicole Nadwodny

Emotional Social Support Among Asian Americans: Associations with Psychological Symptoms, Well-Being and Buffering Against Effects of Racism , Amelia Bijen Yang

Theses from 2023 2023

Taking Back the "Permission to Narrate": Examining a Grassroots Organization's Process of Supporting BIPOC Youth in Developing Counternarratives and Counterspaces as Decolonial Resistance , Michelle Gabriela Del Rio

Exploring Predictors of Healing from an Expressive Writing Intervention About Heterosexism and Why LGBTQ+ Clients Might Withhold from their Therapists , Ally B. Hand

Meta-Method Analysis on Therapists’ Experiences: An Inquiry into Qualitative Psychotherapy Research Methodology , Javier L. Rizo

We Resist, We Heal, We Transform: Exploring Youth of Color Journeys Towards Healing Justice in a Grassroots Organization in Urban Boston , Rhyann Leslie Robinson

A Re-Examination of the Role of Cognitive Reappraisal in Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder , Jenny Liang Wu

No Injustice So Peace: The Interaction Between Race-Related Stress, Colorblind Racial Attitudes, and Resistance and Empowerment Against Racism , Kaela A. Yamini

Theses from 2022 2022

Exploring the Association Between Mentoring Focus and Change in Mentee Depression Symptoms in Youth , Selen Amado

Associations Between the Content and Level of Parent Concerns Pre-Diagnosis and Timeliness of Autism Screening and Diagnostic Evaluation Among a Diverse Sample of Children in Part C Early Intervention , Kohrissa Joseph

"Until Society Evolves:" Access to Gender-Affirming Care in Historic Assessment Criteria and Current Models of Care , Elliot Marrow

Responders and Nonresponders Undergoing Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT) for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Trajectories of Symptom Change Across Treatment Stages as Potential Predictors of Outcome , Sriramya Potluri

Theses from 2021 2021

Acknowledgment of Culture and Stereotypes: Black Participants’ Perceptions of Specific Therapist Behaviors , Tsotso T. Ablorh

Religious Coping After Natural Disaster: Predicting Long-Term Mental and Physical Health in Survivors of Hurricane Katrina , Monica Arkin

Stigma and Prodromal Psychosis: Self-Disclosure of Symptoms and Diagnoses in At-Risk Youth , Caitlin Bryant

Excess Stress and Natural Mentors in the Lives of Sexual Minority Youth , Cherrelle Gipson

Addressing the White Problem Critically: An Exploratory Latent Profile Analysis of Racial Attitudes , Ryan Parigoris

Sex Differences in Symbolic Play of Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) , Looknoo Patcharapon Thammathorn

Developmental Profiles of 57,966 Children in Early Intervention: A Confirmatory Latent Profile Analysis , Mary E. Troxel

Theses from 2020 2020

Parent-Teacher Relationship Quality as a Predictor of Changes in Externalizing Behaviors at School for Children with ASD , Lana Andoni

Unique Syndemic-Related Clusters in a Sample of Sexual Minority Men , Christopher Chiu

Bilingual Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Language Abilities and Social Communication , Ingrid Hastedt

Examining the Interrelations Among Trajectories of Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Valued Actions in Acceptance-Based Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder , Stephanie Marando-Blanck

The Association Between Anger in Response to Racism and Depression Among Black Americans: Exploring Potential Moderating Effects of Active Coping and Collective Self-Esteem , Darrick Scott

Theses from 2019 2019

Appraisals of Trust Development within the Therapist-Client Relationship: Impacts on Client Retention in a Hypothetical First Session of Therapy , Lorraine U. Alire

Parent Negative and Positive Impacts: Reciprocal Associations Between Child Behaviors and Parenting Experiences in Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Alison E. Chavez

A Heavy Burden: Associations Between Sexual Minority Status, Mental Health, and BMI in Women , Alison E. A. Goldblatt

Working Memory and Mindfulness in an RCT of ABBT and AR , Anna M. Hall

Racial Microaggression Distress and Depression among Black Americans: Examining the Roles of Racial Identity Importance, Social Support, and Gender , Shannon M. Hughley

“It’s More Complicated Than That!”: The Influence of Multiple Presenting Problems on Youth Outcomes in Formal Mentoring Programs , Yui Sum Poon

Theses from 2018 2018

Healing from Heterosexism Through Expressive Writing , Kathleen M. Collins

Clients’ Critical Experiences in Psychotherapy: Initial Measure Development , Lauren M. Grabowski

Neuropsychology and Neurogenetics of Mental Health: Risk, Resilience & Wellbeing , Keira E. O'Donovan

Reciprocal Associations between Language Ability and Social Functioning Development over a Two-Year Period in Young Pre-Verbal Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Devon R. Oosting

Effects of Racism-Related Stress on Resistance against Racism in Black Americans , Noor N. Tahirkheli

Identifying Child Correlates of Parent-Reported Executive Functioning Impairments in Preschool-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Examination of both Early and Concurrent Child Characteristics , Deanna Toner

Theses from 2017 2017

Attentional and Emotional Consequences of Emotional Acceptance and Suppression in an Elevated Anxiety Sample , Natalie Arbid

The Interpersonal Effects of Mindfulness and Social Anxiety in Romantic Relationships , Bryan Balvaneda

It’s Not You, it’s My Schedule: An Exploratory Study of Early Termination in School-Based Mentoring Programs , Samantha Burton

The Role of Athletic Coach Mentors in Promoting Youth Academic Success: Evidence from a National Longitudinal Study , Kirsten M. Christensen

Ethnic Differences in Race-Related Stress Among Blacks in the US: Racial Colorblindness as a Potential Moderator , Samantha Duterville

Social Skills as a Predictor of Peer Relationship Quality for School-Age Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Melanie S. Feldman

Examining Attentional Control and Processing Speed Deficits as Underlying Mechanisms of Neuropsychological Impairment in Schizophrenia , Mayte Forte

Drinking Motives, Drinking Problems, and Mental Health Symptoms in Sexual Minority Men , Hamish A. Gunn

Psychosocial Profiles of Youth who Acquire a Natural Mentor During a School Year , Matthew A. Hagler

Whether or not 'It Gets Better'…Coping with Parental Heterosexist Rejection , Cara Herbitter

Language Subdomains among Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Associations with Social Skills , Sarah A. Levinson

Relations between Family Demographic Characteristics and Early Intervention Service Receipt after Children's Initial ASD Diagnosis , Thanh Phuong Thi Nguyen

Theses from 2016 2016

The Importance of Action: Understanding Characteristics of Social Action Campaigns and Their Impact on Youth's Motivation and Engagement , Jacqueline G. Hargrove

Patterns of Parent-Teacher Disagreement on Behavior Problems of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Juliana Neuspiel

Theses from 2015 2015

The Trajectory of the Co-Occurrence of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder , Amber L. Calloway

Developing Autism Screening Criteria for the Brief Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) , Ivy Giserman Kiss

Being and Becoming an Ally: The Lived Experience of Social Justice Action from Privileged Spaces , Alissa L. Gross

Social Cost Bias, Probability Bias, and Self-Efficacy to Achieve a Specific Goal or Outcome as Mechanisms of Behavioral Action in Social Anxiety , Carol S. Lee

Coping With Racism: Emotional Acceptance and Systemic Attribution of Racism as Buffers against Social Anxiety among People of Color , Jennifer H. Martinez

Theses from 2014 2014

A Model of Social Functioning in Schizophrenia: Symptomatology, Personality, and Brain Region Volumes , Victoria Choate

Reductions in Experiential Avoidance as a Mediator of Change in Symptom Outcome and Quality of Life in Acceptance-Based Behavior Therapy and Applied Relaxation for Generalized Anxiety Disorder , Elizabeth Hemenway Eustis

Promoting Maternal Well-Being and Child Behavioral Health: The Role of Positive Beliefs , Sara Kaplan-Levy

Validation of the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory: Relationships between Perceived Post-Traumatic Growth and Measured Pre- to Post-Disaster Changes in Analogous Constructs in a Sample of Low-Income Mothers who Survived Hurricane Katrina , Emily E. Manove

Reciprocal Influences amongst Early Childhood Externalizing Behavior, Maternal Distress, and Parenting Style: A Longitudinal Analysis , Shirley Marie Immacula Poyau

Psychopathy and Disadvantageous, Risky Decision-Making in a Sample of Ex-Offenders , Ashley-Ann C. Shirai

The Relation between Cultural Values and Unprotected Sex among Latino Gay Men , Francisco I. Surace

Cognitive Processes and Moderators of Willingness in Individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder and Non-Anxious Controls in Response to a Social Performance Task , Lauren P. Wadsworth

Predictors of Change in Body Mass Index in Young Mothers after Hurricane Katrina , Elyssa Briann Weber

Mentor Motivation as a Predictor of Relationship Approach , Max B. Wu

Adults Who "Get": Adolescents' Perceptions of Relational Engagement with Key Adults , Laura A. Yoviene

Theses from 2013 2013

Latino Youth Experiences of Immigrant Policy, Enforcement, and Exclusion: Exploring Risk and Resilience , Darcy Alcantara

A Person-Oriented Approach to Identifying Parenting Styles in Mothers of Early School Age Children , Amy E. Heberle

The Effects of Racism Related Stress on Asian Americans; Anxiety and Depression among Different Generational Statuses , Charles M. Liu

Predictors of Psychotropic Medication Use in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders , Melissa P. Maye

The Effects of Nesting Environment on Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury , Laura Grace Rollins

Pathways to Well-Being in the Lives of Recently Returning Veterans , Sarah Krill Williston

Theses from 2012 2012

Implications of Self-Other Overlap in Unsuccessful Romantic Relationships , Josephine A. Bell

Exposure to Potentially Traumatic Events, Emotional Adjustment, and Social Competence in Preschoolers Facing Economic Risk , Hillary Hurst

Adolescent Males in Formal Youth Mentoring Programs: The Influence of Same Versus Cross-Gender Matching , Stella S. Kanchewa

Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Responsiveness to Infant Distress: Contingency Analyses of Home Mother-Infant Interactions at 3 Months , Fernanda Lucchese

Parental Well-Being within the Marital Subsytem: A Study of Mother-Father Dyads Raising Young Children with Autism , Frances de Lourdes Martinez-Pedraza

The Relation of Racism-Related Stress to Racial Identity, Ethnic Identity and Racism-Related Empowerment in Asian Americans , Fanny Ng

Young Children's Perspectives on Parent-Child Relationship Quality as Measured by the Berkeley Puppet Interview: Associations with Behavioral Adjustment , Marisa Murphy O'Boyle

The Neuropsychological Functioning of Older Adults Pre- and Post-Cognitive Training with a Brain Plasticity-Based Computerized Training Program , Shannon M. Sorenson

Examining the Relation between Sensory Sensitivity and Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorders as Moderated by Language Acquisition , Timothy W. Soto

Theses from 2011 2011

Children and Spirituality: Understanding the Meaning of Spirituality of Former Street Children in Bolivia , Katia Margarita Canenguez

A Lonely Road: Loneliness, Death Anxiety, Childhood Punishment, and Attributions of Hostility in a University Population , Melody Joy Blass Fisher

The Effects of Trauma Exposure on Cognitive Functioning in Toddlers , Danielle Forbes

The Impact of Exposure to Family and Community Violence on Children's Adaptive Coping and Mental Health Symptoms among Ethnic Minority Families Living in Poverty , Esroruleh Tamim Mohammad

The Practice Effect: The Relationships among the Frequency of Early Formal Mindfulness Practice, Mindfulness Skills, Worry, and Quality of Life in an Acceptance-Based Behavior Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder , Lucas Paul Kawika Morgan

Dyadic Flexibility during the Face-To-Face Still-Face Paradigm: Analysis of Infant-Caregiver Interactions within a Dynamic Systems Framework Using the State Space Grid Analytic Technique , Akhila Venkatachalam Sravish

Black Women's Mental Health in Response to Unwanted Sexual Experiences and Spirituality as a Protective Factor , Speshal T. Walker

Theses from 2010 2010

Latino Immigrant Mothers' Experiences and Adapations to Promote Personal and Family Wellness in Response to Increased Anti-Immigrant Climate , Hercilia B. Corona-Ordoñez

The Relationship between Racist Experiences and Anxiety in a Black Sample: Moderating Effects of Church-Based Social Support , Jessica Rose Graham

Caregiver, Family System, and Environmental Predictors of Child Maltreatment: An Ecological Transactional Approach , Kelly Brooke Graling

Trajectories of Early Externalizing Behaviors: Their Relation to Second Grade Reading , Sarah Gray

What Do You See in this Picture?: Bias and Reflexivity in Physician Narratives of Disparities , Michelle Levine

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Research Proposal Example/Sample

Full Walkthrough + Free Proposal Template

In this video, we walk you through two successful (approved) research proposals , one for a Master’s-level project, and one for a PhD-level dissertation. We also start off by unpacking our free research proposal template and discussing the four core sections of a research proposal, so that you have a clear understanding of the basics before diving into the actual proposals.

• Research proposal example/sample – Master’s-level (PDF/Word)
• Research proposal example/sample – PhD-level (PDF/Word)
• Proposal template (Fully editable) 

If you’re working on a research proposal for a dissertation or thesis, you may also find the following useful:

• Research Proposal Bootcamp : Learn how to write a research proposal as efficiently and effectively as possible
• 1:1 Proposal Coaching : Get hands-on help with your research proposal

Research Proposal Example: Frequently Asked Questions

Are the sample proposals real.

Yes. The proposals are real and were approved by the respective universities.

Can I copy one of these proposals for my own research?

As we discuss in the video, every research proposal will be slightly different, depending on the university’s unique requirements, as well as the nature of the research itself. Therefore, you’ll need to tailor your research proposal to suit your specific context.

You can learn more about the basics of writing a research proposal here .

How do I get the research proposal template?

You can access our free proposal template here .

Is the proposal template really free?

Yes. There is no cost for the proposal template and you are free to use it as a foundation for your research proposal.

Where can I learn more about proposal writing?

For self-directed learners, our Research Proposal Bootcamp is a great starting point.

For students that want hands-on guidance, our private coaching service is recommended.

Ace Your Research Proposal

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5 Signs You Need A Dissertation Helper

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How To Choose A Research Topic: 5 Key Criteria

How To Choose A Research Topic Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples + Free Topic...

Writing A Research Proposal: 4 Hacks To Fast-Track The Process

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Research Proposal Essentials: 5 Critical Dos & Don’ts

Learn about 5 critically important things that you need to do (or avoid doing) when writing a research proposal for a dissertation or thesis.

📄 FREE TEMPLATES

Research Topic Ideation

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Literature Review

Methodology & Analysis

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14 Comments

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Advanced Psychology Research Guide

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Preparing your thesis proposal

For your Thesis Proposal, you will prepare a written document that includes an Introduction section and a Methods section. Read the   Faculty and Student Graduate Thesis Guide   to make sure you understand what the expectations for your thesis proposal are.

Introduction : includes the problem to be studied, theory that is guiding the research/review of current literature, relevance of the work, and specific study hypothesis. Your introduction should demonstrate the expertise you've developed in your research area, but also be more than just a summary of the articles you've read. Your introduction should be a compelling narrative about the research trails you followed, how they build up to your study hypothesis, and why your research study is original and important.

1. Follow the steps outlined under  Identify Research Gaps  to identify a research gap in the literature

2. Go to these pages to to find journal articles about your research area.

• Browse Journals  

3. Go to  Use Your Sources  to analyze and evaluate your sources and use them to build your hypothesis and arguments for your research study.

4.  Use your  Map of the Literature   (scroll down to Step 3 from the landing page)   to help structure your introduction and avoid unconscious plagiarism . 

Step 1: Get started by considering your central research question of your proposed thesis study

Step 2: Identify the information that you want to use from your sources

• What key information, issues, theories, approaches, evidence, and/or arguments will help you address and build your thesis study?

Step 3: Identify relationships, links, and common themes

• What relationships and links do you see between the information you want to use from each of your sources?
• What common themes and arguments can you build from the information and evidence in your sources?

Step 4: Arrange themes and arguments

• How can you arrange your themes and arguments hierarchically and sequentially so that they logically build towards a compelling evidence-based about your proposed thesis study?

Research Methods : includes proposed subject recruitment, measures to be used, procedures to be follow, and proposed data analysis plan

1. Follow the steps under Identify/Justify Methods & Populations to identify appropriate methodologies and populations for your research area and then find articles that justify the use of those methodologies and populations for your research design.

2. Follow the steps under Identify/Justify/Find Tests to identify appropriate test and measures for your research area, find articles that justify the use of those tests and measures for your research design, and then find those tests and measures for data collection.

3. Go to Find Datasets if you are using datasets as part of your research design

• << Previous: Find Datasets
• Next: What Do Thesis Projects Involve? >>
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Writing your research proposal

When applying to study for a PhD or MPhil in the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, you will typically need to send us an initial research proposal of 500-700 words in length (excluding references).

The content and structure of your research proposal will be influenced by the nature of the project you wish to pursue. The guidance and suggested headings provided here should help you to structure and present your ideas clearly.

Your initial research proposal

When writing your initial research proposal, you can either address it to the School generally, or to a specific supervisor if you have one in mind. 

Potential supervisors in the School will review your initial research proposal and get in touch with you to discuss it. Your proposal may change following this conversation. Depending on the supervisor and the outcome of this discussion, you may be asked to produce a longer research proposal.

Tips on writing a research proposal

Before you write your research proposal, we strongly recommend that you check our  research page  and  individual supervisor profiles  to view our areas of expertise.

• You should avoid the use of overly long sentences and technical jargon.
• It is important that the proposed research is realistic and feasible so that the outcomes can be achieved within the scale of a typical research degree programme. This is usually three years full-time for a PhD (or two years for an MPhil). 
• A strong research proposal can and should make a positive first impression about your potential to become a good researcher. It should demonstrate that your ideas are focused, interesting and realistic.

Although you should write your proposal yourself, it is best if you discuss its contents with your proposed supervisor before you submit it. If this is not possible, then try to get someone else (such as an academic at your current or previous institution) to read and comment on it to ensure that it is sufficiently clear.

Your proposal needs a clear working title that gives an indication of what you want to study. You are not committed to continuing with the same title once you begin your studies.

Research question

For many projects, you'll usually address one main question, which can sometimes be broken down into several sub-questions. However, it's OK to have two or three research questions where appropriate.

In your research proposal, you'll need to state your main research question(s), explain its significance, and locate it within the relevant literature, in order to set out the context into which your research will fit. You should only refer to research that is directly relevant to your proposal. 

Questions to address in your research proposal

You will need to address questions such as:

• What is the general area in which you will be working, and the specific aspect(s) of that area that will be your focus of inquiry?
• What is the problem, shortcoming, or gap in this area that you would like to address?
• What is the main research question or aim that you want to address?
• What are the specific objectives for the proposed research that follow from this?
• Why is the proposed research significant, why does it matter (either theoretically or practically), and why does it excite you?
• How does your work relate to other relevant research in the department?

Methodology

You will need to explain how you will go about answering your question (or achieving your aim), and why you will use your intended approach to address the question/aim. 

Questions you might need to address include:

• What steps will you take and what methods will you use to address your question? For instance, do you plan to use quantitative or qualitative methods?
• How will your proposed method provide a reliable answer to your question?
• What sources or data will you use?
• If your project involves an experimental approach, what specific hypothesis or hypotheses will you address?
• What specific techniques will you use to test the hypothesis? For example, laboratory procedures, interviews, questionnaires, modelling, simulation, text analysis, use of secondary data sources.
• What practical considerations are there? For example, what equipment, facilities, and other resources will be required?
• What relevant skills and experience do you have with the proposed methods?
• Will you need to collaborate with other researchers and organisations?
• Are there particular ethical issues that will need to be considered (for example, all projects using human participants require ethical approval)?
• Are there any potential problems or difficulties that you foresee (for example, delays in gaining access to special populations or materials) that might affect your rate of progress?

You will need to provide a rough timeline for the completion of your research to show that the project is achievable (given the facilities and resources required) in no more than three years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) for a PhD, and two years for an MPhil.

Expected outcomes

You need to say something about what the expected outcomes of your project would be.

How, for example, does it make a contribution to knowledge? How does it advance theoretical understanding? How might it contribute to policy or practice?

If you are aiming to study for a PhD, then you need to say how your proposed research will make an original contribution to knowledge. This is not essential if you are aiming to study for an MPhil, although you will still need to show originality in the application of knowledge.

List of references

You will need to provide a list of any key articles or texts that you have referred to in your proposal.

References should be listed in the appropriate style for your subject area (e.g. Harvard). You should only reference texts that you think are central to your proposed work, rather than a bibliography listing everything written on the subject. 

Format and proofreading

Make sure that your proposal is well structured and clearly written. It is important that you carefully check your proposal for typographical and spelling errors, consistency of style, and accuracy of references, before submitting it.

The proposal should be aesthetically well presented, and look professional (e.g. no font inconsistencies, headings clearly identifiable). If you include figures, then they should be accompanied by captions underneath).

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