What is the primary purpose of a research proposal?

The primary purpose of a research proposal is indeed to outline the plan for conducting a study. A research proposal serves as a detailed plan that delineates how the research will be conducted, including the research questions, methodology, data collection methods, and the analysis approach. It acts as a roadmap for the researcher and provides clarity on the objectives and practical steps of the research process.

By providing this outline, the proposal helps ensure that the research is feasible, relevant, and methodologically sound. It also allows for the identification of potential challenges and the establishment of a timeline for the project. Additionally, a well-structured research proposal is often necessary for securing funding or approval from institutional review boards, as it demonstrates the viability and value of the proposed study.

In contrast, presenting final findings is more suited to research reports or presentations that come after the research is completed, while critiquing previous research or summarizing literature are activities that may take place during the literature review phase, rather than constituting the main focus of a proposal.