Title Statement of the problem Review of related literature Significance and need of the problem

44 follow. A research proposal is a systematic plan which brings to focus the preliminary planning that will be needed to accomplish the purpose of the proposed study. It shall contain the following information:

1. Title

The title of the research proposal should be so worded that it suggests the theme of the study. It should not be too lengthy or too involved and should be specific to the area of the study. The language in the title should be professional in nature.

2. Statement of the problem

It is not exactly the same as the title of the study. Statement of the problem is the explanation of the title in terms of the scope of the study and operational definition of the variables involved in the title.

3. Review of related literature

A summary of the writings of the authorities and of previous research provides evidence that the researcher is familiar with what is already known and what is still unknown. Both conceptual and research literature are to be revised for this purpose. A brief resume of related studies found in journals, magazines, abstracts and reports should be made. A review and analysis of previous research eliminates the risk of duplication of what has been done and provides basis for selecting a problem for research.

4. Significance and need of the problem

A research proposal should indicate clearly how the results and findings of the study can influence educational theory and improve practices. The need and urgency for undertaking a study can be shown in several ways. First, a need for a research study is to show the time gap between the earlier study and the present one, and therefore the new knowledge, techniques, or conditions justify the need to replicate the study. Second, there is need for a study to relate it to the existing social issues and priority areas in the context of nationalinternational educational developments. Third, the need for a study is to show the lack of information about a problem by presenting the supporting statements of other research studies. Fourth, the need is to show that there are gaps in the knowledge provided by previous researches and to show how the present study will help to fill in these gaps and add to the existing knowledge. 45

5. Definitions, assumptions, limitation and delimitations i