Why examples matter
Reading about how to write a proposal is helpful, but seeing a real one is even better. Examples give you a tangible sense of how all the key elements come together in practice. You get to see how experienced researchers structure their ideas, justify their questions, and explain their methods. If you’re new to academic writing or just unsure where to start, a sample proposal can act as your north star.
Whether you're applying for a PhD, writing your thesis proposal, or planning a funded research project, these examples will give you a concrete sense of what works (and what to avoid). Think of it as getting a behind-the-scenes look at successful academic thinking.
What does a strong research proposal look like?
A solid research proposal includes a series of clearly defined components, each of which plays an important role in convincing reviewers of your project's value. It starts with a focused and compelling title, followed by an introduction that hooks the reader and outlines the research problem.
You’ll also need to provide a well-reasoned literature review to show you understand the field, as well as detailed methodology to prove your approach is sound. A good proposal finishes with a discussion of the expected contribution and a realistic timeline. Don’t forget proper referencing, which shows academic credibility.
👉 You can explore these steps in depth in our main guide:
How to Write a Research Proposal (Step-by-Step Guide)
Sample research proposal
Title:
Framing digital humans as team members: A role-based study of human–AI collaboration
Problem statement:
Despite the growing use of digital humans (DHs) in education, healthcare, and customer service, their design is still focused on fixed roles. This limits their potential in team-based, adaptive settings. There’s a gap in the literature around understanding DHs as flexible collaborators within human–AI teams.
Research questions:
- How are digital humans currently conceptualized and utilized in team settings across different domains?
- How can Belbin’s Team Roles framework inform the design of adaptive digital humans?
Methodology:
This mixed-method study begins with a systematic literature review (43 peer-reviewed studies), followed by qualitative interviews with DH designers and researchers. Data will be coded using Belbin’s behavioral team role framework. The combination of literature synthesis and primary data ensures both theoretical depth and practical relevance.
Expected contribution:
This research introduces a new role-based framework for designing flexible digital human agents and contributes to the field of Human-Agent Teaming (HAT). It aims to bridge the gap between technical design and team dynamics theory.
More research proposal examples
Scientific Research Proposal Example
Focuses on hypothesis testing, lab-based methods, and often includes variables, control groups, and detailed data analysis plans. Ideal for biology, chemistry, psychology, and engineering.
PhD Proposal Example
Includes a deeper literature review, a clear theoretical framework, and a multi-phase methodology. Often includes a section on expected outcomes and risks. Used during the PhD application or confirmation phase.
Grant Proposal Example
Emphasizes real-world impact, team qualifications, budgeting, and measurable deliverables. Tailored to funders' strategic interests, often requiring shorter, outcome-focused writing.
Tips for using research proposal examples
- Don’t copy, adapt. Use them to guide your structure and tone, but your content should be original.
- Focus on structure. Pay attention to how sections flow and how arguments build on each other.
- Study examples in your discipline. Each field has different expectations. Compare humanities vs STEM vs social science proposals.
- Use ResearchRabbit to explore real examples. You can uncover how ideas evolve across papers and identify gaps your research can fill.
How ResearchRabbit helps you write better proposals
Tired of reading through endless PDFs and still not finding the right sources? ResearchRabbit helps you:
- Explore citation networks and uncover hidden connections
- Discover related studies that match your research interest
- Save, organize, and visualize your reading list
- Summarize complex papers so you don’t waste time
Whether you’re refining your research question or building your literature review, ResearchRabbit keeps you focused, organized, and a step ahead.
Final Thoughts
Looking at real research proposal examples is one of the smartest ways to learn how to write your own. Use them to inspire structure, sharpen your argument, and avoid common pitfalls. Once you know what a successful proposal looks like, writing your own becomes far less intimidating.
🔗 Don’t forget to check out our full guide:
👉 How to Write a Research Proposal (Step-by-Step Guide)
And if you’re feeling stuck, ResearchRabbit is here to help you discover, explore, and organize everything you need—so you can focus on what really matters: building a brilliant research project.
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