A descriptive research proposal is a narrative that describes the general problem or issue to be researched, pertinent related questions, research plans, and a tentative thesis. At least five different sources should be referenced within the proposal and listed on the References Cited.

Description of the Problem or Controversial Issue.

In your own words, simply describe the nature of your topic. The description will, of course, include some specific details, examples, and/or statistics, which you have found in your sources. For example, if you are concerned about the amount of testing required of public school students, you would discus the numbers and kinds of tests required of all students at certain grade levels, time required for testing, and the impact and/or consequences of those tests.  You would document the sources that provide the specific details, such as statistics, etc.

These questions will guide your research and will likely lead to major points to be considered and/or argued. For example, key questions related to the issue of required tests for public school students include:

        (1)          How does mandated testing impact the curriculum?
        (2)          Do the test results reflect what students should have learned at each stage?
        (3)          How are test results used?
        (4)          What are the consequences of such high stakes tests as TAAS? 
        (5)          How do the tests affect student success, dropout rates, and graduation rates?
        (6)         Are the tests fair and unbiased?

Description of Research Plans

Tell how you plan to conduct your research and what types of research you plan to use. In other words, what specific primary and secondary sources do you plan to use? Do you plan to conduct any field research? The strongest research includes a variety of research strategies and sources.  For example, if you plan to examine actual tests that have been administered and released for public review, you are using a primary source, but you would name the specific source.  However, if you plan to review only what
other sources have said about the test but not even look at the test, you're using only secondary sources, but you would name the specific sources.  If you plan to interview school counselors or teachers, conduct opinion surveys, etc., you will be conducting your own field research.  However, if you review the results of such surveys, or read what counselors or teachers say, that is using the secondary sources.

State a tentative thesis based on what you already think or expect to find. A tentative thesis is essentially an hypothesis. Even though you may certainly change your position after your research is completed, a tentative thesis provides focus for the research. Remember that the final essay must be persuasive regarding the controversial aspects of your topic or a proposed solution to the problem.

Sample tentative thesis: Although some mandated testing may be necessary to maintain high standards for all students, instruction--not testing--should be the focus of public education.

Format of Research Proposal

The proposal should be about two to three double-spaced, typed pages in addition to the title page and References Cited. After a short introduction, use the four headings provided here: 

     Description of the Problem
      Pertinent Questions Related to the Problem
     Research Plans
   Tentative Thesis Statement

A tentative outline will be prepared in class on the day the proposal is due.