Research Proposal is the medium through which a researcher can introduce the research problem and convey the need for research. It plays a significant role in the application process. It gives a snapshot of the questions that the researcher wants to answer, with the help of the research. Moreover, it also states the methodology which the researcher is going to use during the research process.
On the other hand, a research report is the culmination of the research endeavour. It is a great way to explain the research work and its outcome to a group of people. It is the outcome of the study conducted at the time of the research process.
This article will help you understand the difference between research proposal and research report.
Content: Research Proposal Vs Research Report
- Comparison Chart
- Definition
- Key Differences
- Conclusion
Comparison Chart
| Basis for Comparison | Research Proposal | Research Report |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Research proposal refers to a brief and cogent synopsis of the proposed research in a written form. | Research Report refers to a document that systematically, coherently and methodically presents the research work in a written form. |
| Written in | Future Tense | Past Tense |
| Preparation | At the beginning of the project | After the completion of the project |
| Length | Short | Comparatively long |
| Deals with | Problem or topic to be investigated. | Results of the completed research work. |
| Determines | What will be researched, why the research is important and how the researched will be conducted? | What is researched, what sources are used to collect data, how the data is collected, what are the findings, what are the recommendations for future research? |
| Chapters | Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology | Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Results, Interpretation and Analysis, Conclusion and Recommendation |
Definition of Research Proposal
Research Proposal can be defined as the document prepared by the researcher so as to give a description of the research program in detail. It is typically a request for research funding, for the subject under study. In other words, a research proposal is a summary of the research process, with which the reader can get quick information regarding the research project.
The research proposal seeks final approval, for which it is submitted to the relevant authority. After the research proposal is submitted, it is being evaluated, considering a number of factors like the cost involved, potential impact, soundness of the plan to undertake the project.
It aims at presenting and justifying the need and importance to carry out the study, as well as to present the practical ways, of conducting the research. And for this, persuasive evidence should be provided in the research proposal, to highlight the necessity of the research.
Further, it must discuss the main issues and questions, which the researcher will address in the study. Along with that, it must highlight the fundamental area of the research study.
A research proposal can be prepared in a number of formats, which differs on the basis of their length. It contains an introduction, problem hypothesis, objectives, assumptions, methodology, justification and implication of the research project.
Definition of Research Report
Research Report can be defined as the document in which the researched and analysed data is organized and presented by the researcher in a systematic manner. It is a publication, comprising of the purpose, scope, hypothesis, methodology, findings, limitations, recommendations and conclusion of the research project.
Simply put, a research report is the record of the research process. It is one of the most important segments of the research, as the research work is said to be incomplete if the report is not prepared.
A research report is a document containing collected and considered facts, taken to provide succinct and comprehensible information to people.
Once the research process is over, the entire work is produced in a written material, which is called a research report. It covers the description of the research activities, in an elaborated manner. It contains Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Discussion of Results and Findings, Bibliography and Appendices.
A research report acts as a method to record the research work and its outcome, for future reference.
Key Differences Between Research Proposal and Research Report
The difference between research proposal and research report is discussed as under:
- A research proposal signifies a theoretical framework within which the research is carried out. In finer terms, a research proposal is a sketch for the collection, measurement and analysis of data. A research report implies a scientific write-up on the research findings, which is prepared in a specific format.
- While the preparation of a research proposal is considered as the first step to research work, preparation of a research report is the final step to the research work.
- A research proposal is prepared at the beginning of the project. In contrast, the research report is prepared after the completion of the project
- A research proposal is written in the future tense, whereas the tense used in the research report is past tense, as well as it is written in the third person
- The length of a research proposal is about 4-10 pages. On the contrary, the length of the research report is about 100 to 300 pages.
- The research proposal is concerned with the problem or topic to be investigated. Conversely, the research report focuses on the results of the completed research work.
- The research proposal determines what will be researched, the relevance of the research and the ways to conduct the researched. As against, the research report determines what is researched, sources of data collection, ways of data collection (i.e. survey, interview, or questionnaire), result and findings, recommendations for future research, etc.
- Research Proposal includes three chapters i.e. Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology. Contrastingly, Research Report covers the following chapters – Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Results, Interpretation and Analysis, Conclusion and Recommendation.
Conclusion
Basically, a research proposal defines the planning stage of the research work, which is prepared in written format, to know its worth. On the other hand, the research report signifies the concluding stage of the research work.
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FAQs
What is the main difference between a report and a proposal? ›
Summary – Reports vs Proposal
The key difference between report and proposal is that report is a short, concise, and precise document with a specific purpose to be presented to an audience, whereas proposal is a plan or an idea, especially in written form, to be suggested for the consideration of others.
By "research design," t mean the process by which you think through a project before beginning the fieldwork and data analysis. By "research proposal," I mean a compre- hensive and detailed master plan for the research that you write in conjunction with designing the project but before writing a grant application.
What are the similarities and differences of proposal and research report? ›A research proposal is prepared at the beginning of the project. In contrast, the research report is prepared after the completion of the project. A research proposal is written in the future tense, whereas the tense used in the research report is past tense, as well as it is written in the third person.
How would you distinguish between a research report and a research proposal quizlet? ›A report includes the findings or results of a study. A proposal is a plan for conducting a study.
What is the purpose of reports and proposals? ›Reports and proposals are documents written for a specific purpose and audience. A report, generally, consists of an analysis of a situation or problem at hand and recommends solution for it. Proposals, in the similar manner, explain a need that is identified and offers a course of action in response to it.
What is the difference between report and reports? ›...
Differences between reports and essays.
| Reports | Essays |
|---|---|
| Reports usually include descriptions of the methods used. | Essays don't usually refer to the methods you used to arrive at your conclusions. |
A feasibility study report is research inclined while a business proposal is usually product or service-delivery inclined. Knowing the complete differences between both will have you well positioned to know what is right for you, while making you sound intelligent when talking to people about your goals.
What are the 3 main purposes of a report? ›Formal reports may be used to convey information, analyze an issue or problem, and provide a recommended course of action.