How do you prepare an excellent study plan?

How do you prepare an excellent study plan?

There is no unified study plan template, many universities require a study plan template that distinct it from other institutions. However, a study plan template is merely the way to present the components of the study plan. When writing a study plan, the researcher should consider the study plan template of his/her institution, since the institution require a certain study plan template. Failing to follow the study plan template will make the study plan subject of disapproval, and the researcher will not be successful in drafting excellent study plan.

At the start of writing an excellent study plan, the researcher should thoroughly read the specifications for an excellent study plan. As we mentioned earlier, an excellent study plan should abide to the specifications of the institution, however, all study plan templates are evolving around close concepts and components of a study plan as will be shown below. Noting that succeeding to follow these specifications, you will be able to draft an excellent study plan.

To write an excellent study plan, an excellent study plan must include the following points:

Study plan Title.
Study plan introduction.
Research problem/research questions/research gap
Research assumptions.
Research importance.
Research objective.
Research variables
Previous studies.
Research sample.
Research terminologies.
Research limitations.
Research methodology and tools.
Conclusions and recommendations.
Sources and references.

Here we will talk about each of the above components in details (noting that you should consider the study plan template of your institution), and we will identify how the researcher will include them in the study plan so as to give a clear image and a good impression of others or those who evaluate the research before entering into its conduct, and to eventually produce an excellent study plan.

1. Formulate a creative title:

When writing a study plan, the first thing that draws your attention when reading a boom or research is the title, which either makes you continue to browse or turn a blind eye to it, so choosing the title is of great importance the researcher.

The title of the study plan is of great importance, which why the researcher should pay close attention to selecting the title of the study plan.

2. Write the research introduction:

As part of the study plan template, the study plan should explain the problem in general, and then focus on the problem in question and the reason that led you to write, and include the following elements:

Write a search problem.
Writing the research question
List issues to be addressed.
Set proposed search limits.
Difficulties that may occur during the search.
The study plan introduction should be stated clearly
The introduction of the study plan should be realistic
introduction of the study plan should not be vague

3. Select your problem/research questions/research gap:

One of the most important components of a study plan is the study problem/research questions/research gap. Where the study problem/research questions/research gap shows the readers the rationale for the study. The study problem/research questions/research gap enable the readers to sense the problem identified by the researcher. The problem/research questions/research gap should be clearly stated and formulated in a way that convince the readers that an actual research problem or research gap exist. You should think twice before drafting your problem/research questions/research gap, since study problem/research questions/research gap can be considered as of the most vital parts of the study plan. And you also should consult your supervisor before drafting your study problem/research questions/research gap.

4. Determine the research hypothesis:

Research hypothesis: research hypothesis is also of the most essential parts of the study plan, where researcher should pay close attention to research hypothesis. Research hypothesis are the translation of study questions, where the researcher seeks to obtain data to judge the research hypothesis, and that research hypothesis should be formulated given the study questions and study objectives. Research hypothesis is important since the data collected will attempt to provide answers to it. Researchers should consult their supervisor when drafting research hypothesis, to ensure that the research hypothesis are appropriately stated.

5. Determine the importance and purpose of the research:

Another part of the study plan template is the research importance which means the scientific benefit that the research will achieve when achieving its predetermined goals.

6. Research variables:

Another important component of the study plan is the research variables, where research variables are derived from the title of the research. There are different specifications for research variables, where the research variables include indebtment and dependent variables. The number of research variables depend on the nature of the research. Where some researches may have two research variables, while other researches may have more than two research variables.

7. Previous studies:

It is preferable that the researcher begins with modern studies, as they include the findings of the older studies, and summaries of studies can also be used, and preferably the researcher to review the most important findings of previous studies.

8. Select the search sample:

It is an important part of the study plan and in order to get a suitable sample for research you need to do the following:

Determine the sample size.
Determine how the sample is selected.

9. Explain your search terms and concepts:

A research is not devoid of some of the terms and concepts mentioned by the researcher and deal with it in all parts of his research. It is necessary during the writing of a study plan to clarify all the concepts and terms contained in your search in specific terms and clarify to the reader so that the reader and the researcher on a unified agreement for these terms.

10. Set limitations:

By that we mean setting objective, temporal and spatial boundaries of the research.

11. Identify research methodology and tools:

You still have to determine the approach and the steps you will take in your research in terms of:

Determine the curriculum and the reason for your choice.
Clarify research tools, why they are selected, procedures for their preparation and validity.
Explain the statistical methods you will rely on in your research.

12. Make a list of sources and references:

All sources and references mentioned in a study plan are mentioned in this section.

Watch: How to make an effective study plan