Proposing a research report is a problem$-$solving activity. The research proposal is not

meant to propose a final $$answer$$ to a problem. Instead, it is a $$promise$$ to someone that

you have a plan to perform useful research and writing about a problem and its potential

solutions.

$$Discovering$$ a problem to research can be a challenge, and it often requires collaboration

among instructors and students to get beyond $$tip$-$of the nose$$ problems. Problems

affecting Detroit and Wayne State are often a good place to start $($you can take look at the

board of governors$$ meeting minutes or the WSU strategic plan$),$ as well as problems

related to the use or development of a technology affecting our fields, our institution or

workplaces.

The research proposal is also a useful genre for your team as a guide intended to help you:

$(1)$ form as a team, $(2)$ learn how to discover and analyze projects as $$problems$,(3)$

articulate various research and writing strategies, and $(4)$ establish standards for your

work, which will be negotiated among team members and your instructor.

You can format your $3-6$ page research proposal using Markel$$s chapter $11$ as a guideline, as

this offers sound advice on types of research proposals $($internal and external$),$ meeting

readers$$ needs with a proposal, and the $$logistics$$ of planning, drafting, revising and editing

proposals. Markel suggests the following sections: