Research Proposal Example: 5 Real Samples So You Can Write Your Own

A research proposal is a detailed plan that covers why what you want to study is worth looking into and how you’ll conduct the research. Most colleges and universities ask for this before they let you move forward with a project or thesis. 

Each research proposal sample in this article will show you what strong writing must look like. And if you still need a hand with your work after this, you can always count on EssayHub’s professionals. We’ll help you create a research proposal that will tell the funding committee exactly what you’re aiming for.

Research Proposal Examples

It’s tough to write a proposal when all you’ve seen are half-baked templates. The best way to figure out what works is to look at a real research proposal example: something finished and specific. The five samples below will give you exactly that. Notice how the pieces come together and let them help you build your own research proposal.

Example 1: Airborne Microplastics: Measuring Inhalation Risk in Urban Environments

Microplastics have gained attention for contaminating oceans and food chains, but their presence in the air remains less understood. Recent studies have detected plastic particles suspended in both indoor and outdoor air. These particles can be inhaled, posing unknown risks to human health. This research proposal aims to investigate airborne microplastics in urban environments, focusing on how they spread, the concentration levels across different areas, and the potential inhalation risks for residents.

A research proposal serves as a roadmap that explains the purpose of a study and how the work will be carried out. The goal here is to determine the sources and patterns of airborne microplastic pollution within a city. Data will be collected through air sampling in high-traffic streets, residential neighborhoods, industrial zones, and public parks. Samples will then be analyzed in a lab to identify and quantify microplastic particles.

Objectives

The primary objective is to measure the concentration of airborne microplastics across different urban zones. Another goal is to identify the types of plastic polymers present in the samples. A third objective is to assess how these particles may affect respiratory health based on exposure levels. These findings will help create a clearer understanding of how much plastic pollution is present in the air people breathe daily.

Research Questions

• What are the average concentrations of airborne microplastics in different parts of the city?
• Which polymer types are most commonly found in urban air?
• What are the potential risks of inhaling these particles over extended periods?

Methodology

Air samples will be collected over a three-month period using specialized filters capable of capturing particles as small as 10 micrometers. Sampling stations will be set up at multiple sites to gather a wide range of data. After collection, the samples will undergo analysis using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to detect and categorize plastic particles. Concentration levels will be calculated based on particle counts and air volume. A review of existing medical literature will be conducted to connect findings with known respiratory issues linked to particulate matter.

Expected Outcomes

The study expects to identify measurable levels of microplastics in urban air. Results may reveal higher concentrations in areas with heavy traffic and industrial activity. Data will also provide insights into common polymer types present in the environment. These findings will inform public health discussions and environmental policies aimed at reducing airborne plastic pollution.

Significance of the Study

Understanding airborne microplastics is crucial because inhalation may represent a significant pathway for human exposure. By mapping concentrations across different city zones, this research can highlight the areas most at risk and support the development of mitigation strategies. The findings will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and health professionals seeking to address this emerging issue.

This proposal lays the groundwork for a study that combines environmental science and public health, focusing on a growing concern that impacts daily life in urban settings.

Analysis

This proposal taps into a relatively new issue: plastic in the air we breathe. The idea of linking the results from different urban zones make the problem even more urgent. This kind of research could lead to bigger conversations about air pollution and city planning, too. 

That being said, there’s room in this research proposal to improve. It mentions that the data might push policy changes but doesn’t really say how. The writer could add a short section discussing what should actually change. It also doesn’t include a projected timeline or budget overview. A simple breakdown of the costs would add clarity. 

Example 2: CRISPR Gene Editing and Off-Target Effects: A Study of Precision in Human Cell Lines

CRISPR-Cas9 has changed how scientists approach gene editing. It’s fast, adaptable, and often accurate, but not perfect. Off-target effects remain a major concern, especially in human cell research. These unexpected changes can interfere with cellular behavior and complicate clinical applications. This study will examine how often these effects occur, where they happen, and how precision can be improved through guide RNA design and Cas9 variants.

This project will focus on human cell lines edited at well-studied genomic sites. Each edit will be followed by whole-genome sequencing to detect unintended mutations. Different guide RNAs and Cas9 versions will be tested to see which combinations produce the fewest off-target effects.

Objectives

• Measure off-target mutation rates in edited human cells
• Identify common genomic regions prone to unintentional edits
• Compare precision across guide RNA designs and enzyme types

Methods

The study will use cultured human cells edited with CRISPR-Cas9. After editing, DNA will be isolated and sequenced. Off-target effects will be analyzed using bioinformatics tools. Results will be compared across conditions to assess which combinations yield the most accurate outcomes.

Timeline

• Month 1: Cell line preparation and reagent setup
• Month 2: CRISPR editing and initial sequencing
• Month 3: Data processing and bioinformatics analysis
• Month 4: Replication of key trials and final dataset review
• Month 5: Writing, peer feedback, and revisions

Budget Overview

• Reagents and cell culture supplies: $3,500
• Cas9 variants and custom guide RNAs: $2,200
• Sequencing services (two runs per condition): $4,800
• Data storage and software tools: $800
• Contingency and replication costs: $1,200
  Total Estimated Cost: $12,500

Expected Outcomes

Some guide RNAs are likely to show greater precision than others. Cas9 variants with high fidelity may reduce off-target events. Certain genomic regions may consistently appear in off-target results, helping flag risk zones in future experiments.

Significance

This project contributes to safer, more reliable gene editing in medical research. By identifying patterns in off-target behavior, the study can support better design strategies for labs and clinics working with CRISPR. Findings will also help set benchmarks for future therapeutic development.

Analysis

This proposal takes on a topic that’s becoming more important as gene editing gets closer to clinical use: off-target effects in CRISPR. What’s missing, though, is a stronger link between the research and how it might be used in reality. It talks about improving precision but doesn’t go into what that could actually lead to. A quick mention of how the findings might shape clinical trials or help set new industry guidelines would give the proposal a more practical edge.

Example 3: Gut-Brain Axis Communication: The Role of Probiotic Strains in Regulating Stress Response

The gut and brain are constantly in conversation, forming a complex system known as the gut-brain axis. Recent findings suggest that microbial activity in the digestive tract plays a role in how humans respond to stress. Some probiotic strains may influence this process through neurochemical signaling, immune system modulation, and hormone regulation. This research will examine how selected probiotic bacteria impact stress-related biomarkers in healthy adults.

Understanding the connection between specific probiotics and emotional regulation may lead to new approaches in mental health support. This study will focus on three well-studied bacterial strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus helveticus. Each strain has been linked to mood-related outcomes in previous studies. This proposal outlines a plan to test their effects in a short-term trial using self-reported stress levels and biological markers, including cortisol and heart rate variability.

Objectives

• Investigate how daily probiotic supplementation affects perceived stress
• Measure changes in cortisol levels across participants using saliva samples
• Analyze shifts in heart rate variability as a physiological stress indicator
• Compare responses across different probiotic groups and a placebo

Research Questions

• Do specific probiotic strains reduce self-reported stress in adults?
• How do stress hormone levels respond during supplementation?
• What physiological changes occur with consistent probiotic intake?

Methodology

The study will enroll 60 healthy adults aged 18–40, divided equally into four groups. Each group will receive either a placebo or one of the three probiotic strains in capsule form. Participants will take one capsule daily for four weeks. Baseline measurements will include salivary cortisol, heart rate variability, and a validated stress scale. These assessments will be repeated at week two and week four.

All data will be analyzed using mixed-model statistical methods to account for within-subject and between-group differences. Compliance will be tracked through capsule counts and participant check-ins. No dietary changes will be required, though major lifestyle shifts during the study period will be noted.

Timeline

• Week 1: Recruitment, screening, and consent
• Week 2: Baseline data collection and initial supplementation
• Week 3–4: Midpoint check-ins and ongoing monitoring
• Week 5: Final measurements and participant debriefing
• Week 6: Data analysis and summary reporting

Budget Overview

• Probiotic and placebo capsules: $1,500
• Laboratory testing supplies: $2,800
• Participant compensation: $2,400
• Software and analysis tools: $900
• Miscellaneous expenses: $900
  Estimated Total: $8,500

Expected Outcomes

Some participants may show lower stress levels, both self-reported and physiological. The study may also identify which strains produce stronger effects. Results could offer insight into how daily supplementation influences mind-body balance.

Significance

This proposal brings attention to a growing area in neuroscience and nutrition. By testing the effects of specific strains, the study could lay groundwork for larger clinical research in stress regulation. While it provides a clear structure, future versions should explore long-term effects and include a broader participant base.

Analysis

This proposal will likely draw interest because it taps into the growing connection between gut health and mental health. The focus on specific probiotic strains and measurable stress indicators gives the project a clear scientific direction with actual relevance. 

One area that could be improved is the sample size because it’s relatively small for a topic with high outcome variability. An extended follow-up period or broader demographics would also strengthen the study. 

Example 4: Neuroplasticity in Adolescents: How Screen Time Alters Brain Connectivity Over Time

Adolescence is a critical stage of brain development marked by rapid changes in structure and function. During this period, neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself, plays a key role in learning, emotional regulation, and decision-making. As screen use becomes a central part of daily life, concerns have grown regarding its impact on neural pathways. This study will investigate how extended screen exposure influences brain connectivity patterns in teenagers over a six-month period.

While many studies focus on screen time and behavior, fewer examine long-term effects on the adolescent brain’s wiring. This research will combine brain imaging with digital behavior tracking to assess changes in functional and structural connectivity. The aim is to understand how usage patterns shape neural development across time.

Objectives

• Map changes in brain connectivity in relation to screen habits
• Measure functional shifts using fMRI scans at two time points
• Track screen activity through non-invasive digital logging tools
• Correlate imaging data with attention and memory performance

Research Questions

• What connectivity patterns appear in high screen users compared to lower-use peers?
• How does screen exposure relate to changes in attention and short-term memory?
• Which brain regions show the most notable shifts during the observation period?

Methodology

A group of 40 adolescents aged 13–16 will participate in this study. Participants will be recruited through schools and screened for neurological conditions or ongoing medication use. Once selected, each participant will undergo a baseline fMRI scan and complete cognitive tests focused on attention span and working memory. At the same time, a digital tracking application will be installed on personal devices to log screen duration and usage categories (e.g., social media, video streaming, gaming). No restrictions will be placed on behavior during the study period.

After six months, participants will return for a second scan and repeat the cognitive assessments. The imaging data will be processed using connectivity analysis software to examine structural and functional changes. Results will be compared against usage patterns and test performance to identify possible correlations.

Timeline

• Month 1: Participant recruitment and onboarding
• Month 2: Baseline imaging, cognitive testing, and tracker setup
• Months 3–7: Monitoring period and periodic check-ins
• Month 8: Final imaging and assessments
• Month 9: Data cleaning and analysis
• Month 10: Drafting of findings and report submission

Budget Overview

• MRI scan sessions (2 per participant): $16,000
• Digital tracking software and licenses: $1,200
• Participant incentives and outreach: $2,000
• Cognitive testing materials: $800
• Analysis software and technical support: $1,500
  Total Estimated Budget: $21,500

Expected Outcomes

Some patterns may suggest a link between increased screen engagement and altered brain connectivity, especially in regions tied to attention control and memory formation. The study might also highlight usage trends connected to specific cognitive outcomes.

Significance

Findings could help shape digital guidelines during adolescence, offering insights for parents, educators, and healthcare providers. Expanding the sample size and including a longer follow-up period would strengthen future versions of this project.

Analysis

This proposal explores a concern close to home: how constant screen use might change young minds. The idea of tracking real screen habits alongside brain scans gives the project a practical feel. The tools are well chosen and the focus on attention and memory keeps everything tied to everyday life. That said, the sample size feels a bit limited for a topic with so much variability. Adding a larger group or extending the study beyond six months could bring out patterns that are easier to trust.

Example 5: Why Students Cheat: A Behavioral Look at Academic Integrity in Online Learning

The rise of online education has created new challenges in upholding academic integrity. With remote formats becoming more common, reports of dishonesty during assessments have increased. This research will explore the behavioral factors that lead students to cheat in virtual learning environments. Rather than focusing only on policy violations, the study will investigate patterns in motivation, opportunity, and perceived pressure.

Understanding the psychology behind dishonest behavior may help educators design systems that support integrity more effectively. This study will focus on high school and college students enrolled in remote courses. By combining anonymous surveys with behavioral scenario analysis, the research aims to uncover what conditions increase the likelihood of cheating during online exams or assignments.

Objectives

• Identify common motivations behind academic dishonesty in virtual settings
• Examine the role of stress, time pressure, and perceived surveillance
• Evaluate how platform design affects student choices during assessments
• Develop a behavioral model that maps risk factors for cheating

Research Questions

• What internal and external pressures contribute to dishonest decisions?
• How does the design of online platforms shape behavior during assessments?
• Which patterns predict higher rates of academic dishonesty in remote formats?

Methodology

The study will involve 100 participants across multiple schools and universities, each enrolled in at least one online course. Participants will complete an anonymous questionnaire measuring factors such as stress levels, time management habits, perceived fairness, and attitudes toward rules. The survey will also include hypothetical scenarios to capture decision-making processes in ethically ambiguous situations.

Responses will be analyzed using behavioral coding and basic statistical modeling. Specific variables will be examined to determine which conditions tend to correlate with dishonest behavior. Open-ended responses will be reviewed to capture patterns in how students rationalize their actions.

No personal data will be collected. Participation will be voluntary, and informed consent will be obtained before any data gathering begins.

Timeline

• Week 1: Institutional approval and survey finalization
• Week 2: Participant recruitment and onboarding
• Week 3–4: Survey distribution and data collection
• Week 5: Initial coding and thematic grouping
• Week 6: Data analysis and report drafting

Budget Overview

• Survey platform license: $600
• Participant incentives: $1,200
• Data processing software: $500
• Research assistant stipend: $1,000
• Miscellaneous expenses: $300
  Total Estimated Budget: $3,600
  
  

Expected Outcomes

Survey data may reveal consistent links between stress, lack of oversight, and academic dishonesty. Certain platform features (such as timed tests or unproctored environments) could be linked to higher rates of cheating. The behavioral model created may help schools anticipate and prevent dishonest practices in remote courses.

Significance

By looking beyond punishment and rules, this research seeks to understand what drives students to make unethical choices online. The insights may guide future platform design and academic policy. Future versions of this study should include observation-based data or interviews to strengthen behavioral depth.

Analysis

This proposal is likely to catch interest because it focuses on something educators deal with all the time: how students cheat instead of just why they do it. Instead of sticking to policies and punishments, it looks at what students think and feel when making those choices. The behavioral scenarios give it a real-world angle that feels more honest than a standard survey. One area that could be stronger is the methodology. Adding qualitative interviews or real-world platform data would give the findings more weight. Still, the topic is timely, and the approach feels grounded in actual student experience.

Final Thoughts

Getting your research proposal right is important because it’s what lets the funding committees decide whether your project is worth an investment. Each sample in this article shows how to turn a question into a clear plan and map out where your research will go. 

If you ever need an extra hand with your research paper once your proposal is approved, EssayHub can help bring everything together. Our professional writers will step in so you don’t have to handle everything alone.