I am in the process of writing my research proposal for a PhD in Education. I'm looking at a specific way of teaching languages. I won't go into any more detail as it isn't really relevant. Basically, in order to really be sure what methodology to propose I really need to check out what is possible, in terms of accessing PGCE students etc, so really it depends on what my supervisor thinks is feasible. My problem is, if I ask this now it looks like I am asking for help writing the methodology, but if I don't it will inevitably be quite vague until I actually get going. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Or have any helpful thoughts? thanks in advance.

Hi there amk22,

I would ask your supervisor to and put your fears aside of it looking like you are asking for help writing the methodology as you are not- it sounds as though you want to ask for advice on your methodology.

I am also in the same field as you, and I recruited my participants with an approach in mind then slightly changed it a short while into the data collection. I would say its good to have a methodology sorted prior to recruitment, but if then you realise you need another approach then you may be able to tweak that approach later. However, I would not recommend this if it means completely overhauling and changing what the participants have agreed to do as this would not be ethical.

Is this a research proposal to apply for the PhD or a first year report proposal setting out the actual study you expect to do? There are differences. :-)