Research plan must contain the following items.

1. Research objective should be clearly stated in a line or two which tells exactly what it is

that the researcher expects to do.

2. The problem to be studied by researcher must be explicitly stated so that one may know

what information is to be obtained for solving the problem.

3. Each major concept which researcher wants to measure should be defined in operational

terms in context of the research project.

4. The plan should contain the method to be used in solving the problem. An overall description

of the approach to be adopted is usually given and assumptions, if any, of the concerning

method to be used are clearly mentioned in the research plan.

5. The plan must also state the details of the techniques to be adopted. For instance, if interview

method is to be used, an account of the nature of the contemplated interview procedure

should be given. Similarly, if tests are to be given, the conditions under which they are to be

administered should be specified along with the nature of instruments to be used. If public

records are to be consulted as sources of data, the fact should be recorded in the research

plan. Procedure for quantifying data should also be written out in all details.

6. A clear mention of the population to be studied should be made. If the study happens to be

sample based, the research plan should state the sampling plan i.e., how the sample is to be

identified. The method of identifying the sample should be such that generalisation from the

sample to the original population is feasible.

7. The plan must also contain the methods to be used in processing the data. Statistical and

other methods to be used must be indicated in the plan. Such methods should not be left

until the data have been collected. This part of the plan may be reviewed by experts in the

field, for they can often suggest changes that result in substantial saving of time and effort.

8. Results of pilot test, if any, should be reported. Time and cost budgets for the research

project should also be prepared and laid down in the plan itself.