FSS – Proposal Design and Writing

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).