Title

• Title is clearly and concisely stated
• Title is well-related to proposed research

Introduction and Problem

• Introduction is appropriate and clear
• Problem/purpose defined in broad text
• Focus and boundaries defined
• Assumptions, if relevant, are clear
• Important terms are explained
• Significance/need for the study is established
• Theoretical framework is established
• Stance of researcher (preliminary fieldwork)
• Questions to guide the research are presented
• Uniqueness of the study is described

Review of Literature

• Coverage of the literature is adequate
• Review of the literature is well organized
• Studies are examined critically and summarized
• Sources of important findings are noted
• Relationship of the problem to previous research is made clear
• Preliminary bibliography is adequate

Research Design

• Research design is described fully
• Research design is appropriate to study of the issue
• Rationale of the participant characteristics
• Recruitment of participants (sampling) is described

Data Collection and Analysis

• Data gathering methods and procedures are described thoroughly
• Trustworthiness and handling of data are explained
• Presentation of findings are described

Form, Style, Suitability

• Proposal is logically organized
• Writing is clear and follows scholarly form
• Proposal is suitable for degree

Qualifications of Candidate

• Candidate has requisite academic and work experience to carry out the proposed study