Study
Research outline template in Markdown
Before you collect any data, get the plan onto paper. This outline takes you from a focused research question through background, working hypothesis, method, preliminary sources, limitations and timeline to the contribution you expect to make. It is short enough to discuss in one meeting.
Open this template in the editor- Category
- Study
- Default style
- Editorial
When to use it
Students use it for a thesis, dissertation or term project, and researchers use it to scope a study before a full proposal. The reader is a supervisor, a committee member or a collaborator who has to judge whether the question can be answered with the time, access and material you have.
What is inside
- Research question, background and significance, and a working hypothesis, under a header with fill-in fields.
- A method section split into approach, material or participants, collection and analysis.
- A preliminary sources table, then limitations, a four-stage timeline and the expected contribution.
Tips for a better document
- Narrow the question until the method section can answer it. If the analysis line stays vague, the question is still too broad.
- Describe the expected contribution without assuming your results. The template opens in the Editorial style, which gives an outline the look of an academic paper.
Template preview
Research outline: Project or topic
Researcher: Your name · Date: Date
Research question
Write one focused question that the project can realistically answer.
Background and significance
Summarize what is known and the gap this research addresses.
Working hypothesis
State the expected relationship or outcome, if applicable.
Method
- Approach: Qualitative, quantitative, or mixed
- Material / participants: Define the sample
- Collection: Explain how evidence will be gathered
- Analysis: Explain how the question will be answered
Preliminary sources
| Source | Relevance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Author, title, year | Contribution to the question | Link or citation |
Limitations
Identify bias, access constraints, and uncertainty.
Timeline
Literature review → data collection → analysis → writing.
Expected contribution
Explain what this study could add without assuming its findings.
Fill-in fields such as your name and the date are replaced when you open the template in the editor.