Structured research proposal is mandatory for Postdoctoral programmes abroad

Structured research proposal is mandatory for Postdoctoral programmes abroad

Recently PhD scholars from India are more interested to pursue postdoctoral studies from abroad. Scientists and teachers working in the research institutions and universities even take this as one of their career options. As part of the postdoctoral programme, candidate can continue their research in their respective field. It is very easy to get assistantship and fellowship for postdoctoral research. American universities are increasingly offering postdoctoral programmes for Indian students. Compared to graduate and postgraduate programmes it is comparatively easy to get admission for postdoctoral programmes in UK and USA since there is no need for qualifying English proficiency examinations like IELTS/TOEFL.
In order to apply for Postdoctoral programmmes, the researcher has to identify the research institutions/universities having research project in the respective disciplines. He has to prepare his biodata in an attractive manner along with the research proposal. Research proposal is the first stage of research process. It should be between 300-1000 words in length preferably typed in Times New Roman with font size 12.Even though the proposal will develop and change subsequently, it is important that the researcher should have clear research ideas in mind before joining for the PhD or Postdoctoral programmes.
Developing a research proposal may be divided in to two stages; viz; selecting a topic and structuring the research proposal.
Selecting a topic is the responsibility of the researcher. He needs to select a topic, which is of interest to him. Final selection of the topic should be based on reference to the research interests of the school and staff, and final topic choice will probably be based on discussion between the student and the professor.
The structure of the proposal-
The research proposal should be structured in the following way.
Title- it should be meaningful and summarizes areas of interest and planned programme of study.
Questions, Objectives and Hypotheses- identify the main research questions after reviewing previous research, policy or perspectives that are relevant to each question. Set some objectives for the research. What do you expect to be the outcome of the work? These Hypotheses should be testable. Methodology and work plan should be aimed at testing the hypotheses, and either accepting or rejecting them.
Methodology- briefly explains the methods, which will be used to answer the research questions such as experimentation, statistical design, empirical methods, etc.
Results/discussion- outlines the findings, evidence or conclusions that you expect to gain.
Conclusions- identifies the implications of research for existing theories, policy and practice.
Timescale and sequences of research-identify a relevant timescale for the project and to include location of research at different times.
Final comments- must anticipate probable outcomes of research.
Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan