Section outline

◄Chapter 2: Written work
Chapter 4: Research►

  • The planning of every written work starts with the topic and problem definition, and/or a research question. A research proposal serves as a planning device, which summarizes the objectives of the work/paper/thesis.

    • Chapter 3.1 Topic, research question, thesis and hypothesis

      Every written work is based on a topic that is translated into a (research) question. The question defines the object of investigation and determines the direction of the work.

      Depending on the type of work, the question can transform into a research question, from which theses or hypotheses can be deduced. Theses formulate educated/reasoned assumptions or positions that are discussed argumentatively over the course of the work. Hypotheses formulate testable assumptions about relationships or differences and are tested within an empirical investigation.

    • Chapter 3.2 Research proposal

      A research proposal serves the planning and structuring of scientific work. The proposal describes the planned research project and establishes the basis for supervision and subject-specific feedback. As the same time, it helps to review if the topic, the research question, the defined objectives, and the chosen methodology are coherently aligned. Module descriptions or semester information provide information when a research proposal is needed.

      A research proposal contains the following contents:

      Table 1: Content research proposal
      Content Note
      Title page the required elements are listed in Chapter 5.1.1. The title page is presented as per the template found in appendix A. The title should bear the addition “Research Proposal”.
      Introduction

      with introduction to the topic and its relevance
      Research question see Chapter 3.1
      Methodical approach see also Chapter 8.3 for the informed use of AI systems
      State of research summary of the current state of knowledge on the chosen topic
      Structure/outline logical organization, common thread
      Timetable timeline of the project, defined milestones
      Reference list see Chapter 5.1.3 and Chapter 7;. for the proposal the reference list is to be separated in 1. literature used and 2. further reading
      List of aids see Chapter 5.1.3 and 8.2
      Research protocol see Chapter 5.1.3 and 8.2
      Declaration of own work see Chapter 5.1.3

      The length of a research proposal is 4-6 pages (excluding the title page, lists such as table of contents, reference list, or list of aids, and the declaration of own work). The requirements for citation, referencing, formal formatting, language, and layout are identical to those of full written works.

◄Chapter 2: Written work
Chapter 4: Research►