Hints for writing research proposals:

• Make sure that your research idea, question or problem is very clearly stated, persuasive and addresses a demonstrable gap in the existing literature. Put time into formulating the questions- in the early stages of a project, they can be as important as the projected results.
• Make sure that you have researched the departments to which you are applying to ensure that there are staff interested in your subject area and available to supervise your project. As mentioned above it is strongly advised that you contact potential supervisors in advance, and provide them with a polished version of your proposal for comment.
• Make sure that your proposal is well structured. Poorly formed or rambling proposals indicate that the proposed project may suffer the same fate.
• Ensure that the scope of your project is reasonable, and remember that there are significant limits to the size and complexity of a project that can be completed and written up in three years. We will be assessing proposals not only for their intellectual ambition and significance, but also for the likelihood that the candidate can complete this project.
• Make sure that your passion for the subject matter shines through in the structure and arguments presented within your proposal. Remember that we may not be experts in your field – it is up to you to make your project and subject matter engaging to your readers!

The following books are widely available from bookshops and libraries and may help in preparing your research proposal (as well as in doing your research degree):

• Bell, J. (1999): Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researchers in Education & Social Science, (Oxford University Press, Oxford).
• Baxter, L, Hughes, C. and Tight, M. (2001): How to Research, (Open University Press, Milton Keynes).
• Cryer, P. (2000): The Research Student's Guide to Success, (Open University, Milton Keynes).
• Delamont, S., Atkinson, P. and Parry, O. (1997): Supervising the PhD, (Open University Press, Milton Keynes).
• Philips, E. and Pugh, D. (2005): How to get a PhD: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors, (Open University Press, Milton Keynes).

Source:

https://www.findaphd.com/advice/finding/writing-phd-research-proposal.aspx

Hints for writing research proposals:

• Make sure that your research idea, question or problem is very clearly stated, persuasive and addresses a demonstrable gap in the existing literature. Put time into formulating the questions- in the early stages of a project, they can be as important as the projected results.
• Make sure that you have researched the departments to which you are applying to ensure that there are staff interested in your subject area and available to supervise your project. As mentioned above it is strongly advised that you contact potential supervisors in advance, and provide them with a polished version of your proposal for comment.
• Make sure that your proposal is well structured. Poorly formed or rambling proposals indicate that the proposed project may suffer the same fate.
• Ensure that the scope of your project is reasonable, and remember that there are significant limits to the size and complexity of a project that can be completed and written up in three years. We will be assessing proposals not only for their intellectual ambition and significance, but also for the likelihood that the candidate can complete this project.
• Make sure that your passion for the subject matter shines through in the structure and arguments presented within your proposal. Remember that we may not be experts in your field – it is up to you to make your project and subject matter engaging to your readers!

The following books are widely available from bookshops and libraries and may help in preparing your research proposal (as well as in doing your research degree):

• Bell, J. (1999): Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researchers in Education & Social Science, (Oxford University Press, Oxford).
• Baxter, L, Hughes, C. and Tight, M. (2001): How to Research, (Open University Press, Milton Keynes).
• Cryer, P. (2000): The Research Student's Guide to Success, (Open University, Milton Keynes).
• Delamont, S., Atkinson, P. and Parry, O. (1997): Supervising the PhD, (Open University Press, Milton Keynes).
• Philips, E. and Pugh, D. (2005): How to get a PhD: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors, (Open University Press, Milton Keynes).

Source:

https://www.findaphd.com/advice/finding/writing-phd-research-proposal.aspx

Some aspects or characteristics of an effective scientific research proposal and other related information can be read in the following link:

http://www.editage.com/insights/writing-an-effective-research-grant-proposal

All very useful information. Just to add one aspect and that is 'communication'. Many a time, the panel to whom you present the proposal are not fully aware of your thought process and have diverse opinions on the subject. Therefore it is critical to communicate with the panel members openly and transparently, acknowledging their point of view and appreciating their advice to adjust your proposal. After all, you have to work with them during the course of your work and would like to clinch on their support for successful delivery of your research. You may call it qualitative science.

First of all, be sure you have complete knowledge about the state of art of your field. This should be accomplished by searching literature of your subject. Also, I would strongly recommend to interview some experts of the field. Other important aspect is to continuosly asking for feedback. Obviously not everyone can give you specific feedback, but you will be surprised by what can you get from the less expected person. Hope this helps.

Hello Muhammad,

Your proposal must contain, but not limited to the following:

1. Background - a detailed introduction to the study being proposed

2. Brief but concise literature review

3. Research questions/Objectives being proposed 

4. Proposed methodology/ies

5. Rationale for the proposed study/Relevance or Impact

6. Conclusion

7. Possibly, a Timeline for the Research