Sorry! De informatie die je zoekt, is enkel beschikbaar in het Engels.
This programme is saved in My Study Choice.
Something went wrong with processing the request.
Something went wrong with processing the request.

FSS – Proposal Design and Writing

FSS – Proposal Design and Writing

This course is aimed to support the PhD candidates in writing their problem statement, formulating their research question, reviewing, and evaluating the literature, and determining appropriate methodology for their research project. During the course, the PhD candidates specify the research plan of their PhD project, and work on their go/no-go assignment. The course will teach them to position their research vis-à-vis an established body of literature, identifying gaps in the literature, and innovations in their own research.

dr. C. van Dullemen

dr. C. van Dullemen

Read more
Portrait of dr. Caroline van Dullemen

Dr. Mariken van der Velden (m.a.c.g.vander.velden@vu.nl)

Dr. Mariken van der Velden (m.a.c.g.vander.velden@vu.nl)

View the profile of Mariken van der Velden
Portrait of dr. Mariken van der Velden

Course Description

Course objectives

The course aims to facilitate a proper start of the project and complements the regular PhD supervision. By the end of this course, the participants (1) have reviewed the existing literature on their research problem; (2) have discussed alternative theoretical approaches; (3) have developed the best research approach for their dissertation research; (4) have explored alternative research approaches; (5) have identified potential problems and disadvantages with their methodology, and resolved them as much as possible; (6) have considered the ethical dilemmas that may arise during their research, and have elaborated on this in an ethics statement; (6) have written a research plan or research proposal for their PhD dissertation conforming to quality standards as required by VU-GSSS.

Course content

The participants in this course develop a research proposal over the course of four meetings: 

1. The participants develop a clear and concise problem statement, emphasizing its social-scientific relevance. Participants discuss the elements of a proposal and consider epistemological engagements. 

2. The participants formulate and sharpen their research question. In addition, the participants review and discuss the existing literature and theory, describing the key issues, identifying the gaps, adding to theory, and criticizing shortcomings of previous research. 

3. The participants develop the research approach and methodology. They consider the advantages and disadvantages of common research designs in the social sciences, as well as the validity and reliability of various methods. This meeting includes a discussion of ethical considerations, and how to effectively write about this in a proposal format.

4. The participants present their completed proposal and receive constructive comments in order to strengthen the proposal’s structure. This meeting includes a discussion of how reviewers will be assessing the proposals (proposal dos and don’ts).

Study Characteristics

  • Discipline: Social Sciences
  • Language: English
  • ECTS: 3
  • Type of education: in class
  • Academic skill: Proposal writing
  • Graduate school: Graduate School of Social Sciences
  • Start date: 15 November 2024
  • End date: 7 March 2025
  • Schedule

15 November, 09.00-12.00

13 December, 09.00-12.00

10 January, 09.00-12.00

7 February, 09.00-12.00

7 March, 09.00-12.00

  • Course Description & Study Characteristics

    Course Description

    Course objectives

    The course aims to facilitate a proper start of the project and complements the regular PhD supervision. By the end of this course, the participants (1) have reviewed the existing literature on their research problem; (2) have discussed alternative theoretical approaches; (3) have developed the best research approach for their dissertation research; (4) have explored alternative research approaches; (5) have identified potential problems and disadvantages with their methodology, and resolved them as much as possible; (6) have considered the ethical dilemmas that may arise during their research, and have elaborated on this in an ethics statement; (6) have written a research plan or research proposal for their PhD dissertation conforming to quality standards as required by VU-GSSS.

    Course content

    The participants in this course develop a research proposal over the course of four meetings: 

    1. The participants develop a clear and concise problem statement, emphasizing its social-scientific relevance. Participants discuss the elements of a proposal and consider epistemological engagements. 

    2. The participants formulate and sharpen their research question. In addition, the participants review and discuss the existing literature and theory, describing the key issues, identifying the gaps, adding to theory, and criticizing shortcomings of previous research. 

    3. The participants develop the research approach and methodology. They consider the advantages and disadvantages of common research designs in the social sciences, as well as the validity and reliability of various methods. This meeting includes a discussion of ethical considerations, and how to effectively write about this in a proposal format.

    4. The participants present their completed proposal and receive constructive comments in order to strengthen the proposal’s structure. This meeting includes a discussion of how reviewers will be assessing the proposals (proposal dos and don’ts).

    Study Characteristics

    • Discipline: Social Sciences
    • Language: English
    • ECTS: 3
    • Type of education: in class
    • Academic skill: Proposal writing
    • Graduate school: Graduate School of Social Sciences
    • Start date: 15 November 2024
    • End date: 7 March 2025
    • Schedule

    15 November, 09.00-12.00

    13 December, 09.00-12.00

    10 January, 09.00-12.00

    7 February, 09.00-12.00

    7 March, 09.00-12.00

Graduate School of Social Sciences

Quick links

Research Research and Impact Support Portal University Library VU Press Office

Study

Education Study guide Canvas Student Desk

Featured

VUfonds VU Magazine Ad Valvas

About VU

About us Contact us Working at VU Amsterdam Faculties Divisions
Privacy Disclaimer Safety at VU Amsterdam Colofon Cookies Web archive

Copyright © 2024 - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam