The research proposal is like a sales pitch in the academic world. It is the way to explain what it is you intend to do and to ask for funding to do it. If you don't have the backing of an institution, or the funds to get your research underway, your project will not be undertaken. It is important therefore, to write it correctly and to have it accepted. There are things that need to be included for it to be accepted and those which must be avoided.