The keyhole model: some advice on how to develop a research project (revised version 6)

Abstract

Students and applicants are often uncertain about how to structure their research project or proposal. There is no unique recipe, and different people or institutions may expect specific documents, provide forms, or offer suggestions that only resemble what I recommend below. This is even more so when dealing with multi-or interdisciplinary areas of research. However, personal experience and interactions with many colleagues in various departments and universities have taught me that the structure presented in this paper helps to meet the formal expectations of most committees evaluating a project. This short introduction provides a synthesis. I hope it is helpful. I shall try to keep it updated.

Keywords: Gantt, hypothesis, keyhole model, question, research proposal