What constitutes a "research proposal"?

A research proposal is fundamentally a detailed research study plan that outlines the objectives, methodology, and significance of the research project being proposed. It serves to communicate to reviewers the key elements of the study, including the research question, the approach to be taken, the feasibility of the project, and how the results will contribute to the field of study. This allows stakeholders, such as funding agencies or academic institutions, to assess the project's value and the researcher's preparedness to undertake the investigation.

In contrast, a summary of previous research findings generally provides context but does not outline a new research initiative. A social media campaign is irrelevant in this context as it involves marketing efforts rather than scholarly research planning. A list of potential funding sources may be useful for securing support but does not describe the actual research process or plans. Thus, the detailed nature of a research study plan makes it the correct choice for defining a research proposal.