Previous editions of this book have helped well over 100,000 students and professionals write effective proposals for dissertations and grants. Covering all aspects of the proposal process, from the most basic questions about form and style to the task of seeking funding, Proposals That Work offers clear advice backed up with excellent examples. In its fifth edition, the authors have integrated a discussion of the effects of new technologies and the Internet on the proposal process with URLs listed where appropriate. In addition, there are new sections covering alternative forms of proposals and dissertations and the role of academic rigor in research. As always, the authors have included a number of specimen proposals, two that are completely new to this edition, to help shed light on the important issues surrounding the writing of proposals. Clear, straightforward, and reader-friendly, Proposals That Work is a must-own for anyone considering writing a proposal for a thesis, a dissertation, or a grant.Key Features:Four example proposals ('specimens') from experimental, qualitative, quasi-experimental, and grant renewal research, each with accompanying commentary and constructive criticismUpdated and expanded information on software and alternative suggestions to cover the wide range of resources available and used. aaFull chapters devoted to ethics, common mistakes in proposal writing, funding, the qualitative research proposal, and much more.

Previous editions of this book have helped well over 100,000 students and professionals write effective proposals for dissertations and grants. Covering all aspects of the proposal process, from the most basic questions about form and style to the task of seeking funding, Locke/Spirduso/Silverman's Proposals That Work offers clear advice backed up with excellent examples. In the fifth edition, the authors have included a discussion of the effects of new technologies and the Internet on the proposal process, with URLs listed where appropriate. In addition, there are new sections covering alternative forms of proposals and dissertations and the role of academic rigor in research. As always, the authors have included a number of specimen proposals, two that are completely new to this edition, to help shed light on the important issues surrounding the writing of proposals. Clear, straightforward, and reader friendly, Proposals That Work is a must own for anyone considering writing a proposal for a thesis, a dissertation, or a grant.

Ideal for students, novice researchers, or professionals, this indispensable resource serves as a road map for readers who need to analyze and apply research findings. It helps them think critically about the credibility of what they are reading by showing them how to identify problems and develop constructive questions.

Key FeaturesAssumes no prior knowledge of research proceduresProvides readers with a step-by-step format for decoding the complex language and formats used in reports and reviewsIncludes the most common formats for both quantitative and qualitative inquiryOffers both illustrative examples and powerful training exercisesGives specific attention to strategies for critically appraising reported researchPresents completely updated references as well as an annotated bibliography

Intended Audience

This text is appropriate for both upper-level undergraduate and graduate students across the social sciences enrolled in introductory research courses as well as students in professional preparation programs.