Begin your proposal with a clear statement of your topic and the "context" of its significance--such as the environmental crisis, poverty, homelessness, race or gender inequality, crime, urban planning and community development, access to health care, etc. In other words, begin by specifying your topic and the larger concern to which your research relates. In a good proposal, such an introduction lays down a solid foundation for the study's conceptual framework. See Marshall and Rossman (1995:7) for help on this--they argue that:

In examining a specific setting or set of individuals, the writer should show how she is studying a case of a larger phenomenon. By linking the specific research questions to larger theoretical constructs or to national policy issues, the writer shows that the particulars of the study serve to illuminate larger issues and, therefore, are of significance.

2. How is the research you propose to do related to other previous and ongoing research? Is anyone else doing what you propose to do?

Here you show that you know the important work that has been done in the field and what is currently being undertaken. If you know of other people doing research which sounds very similar to your own, explain the crucial differences, and the additional advantages of being able to compare the findings of the studies.

3. What are your specific objectives? How do you expect your research to provide insight into the general topic or problem?

Here you show how the research you propose fits into the context you outlined in sections 1 and 2 above.

4. How will you do the research? What strategy will you use? What methods?

Here you explain your research methods and explain that they are appropriate for your purpose.

5. Are you competent to do the research?

Here you explain your qualifications, and show that you will be able to get access to the people and data you need.

6. What contribution will the research make to the development of theory in its field and to the development of policy?

Here you discuss the theoretical as well as policy or planning context of your research.

7. What will the outcome of the research be? Who is the intended audience?

Here you mention the report and/or article you intend to produce (e.g., I will deliver my report to X and Y government agency/ organization. I plan to publish an article about the research in an academic journal).

8. What is your timetable for the research? What will it cost to complete?

Give a timetable, with approximate dates, of how long you expect each stage of the research to take. Make sure to allot yourself as much time for analyzing and writing-up the results, as you do for gathering data. As far as cost is concerned, it isn't necessary to give a detailed budget breakdown. But do give us a general idea. Keep in mind that there are funds for which you can apply. There are funds available for undergraduate research at UCSD. There are other funds available from private foundations--check out UCSD's contracts and grants, in addition the COS database mentioned above.