If there are many uncertainties in the research plan outlined in the proposal, it is important to acknowledge and address them. Here are some tips for dealing with uncertainties:

• Be upfront about potential limitations, barriers, or unknowns related to the methodology, data collection, analysis plans, etc.
• Explain how these uncertainties may impact the research and how you plan to mitigate them as much as possible.
• Provide alternative approaches or contingency plans to account for uncertainties. For example, discuss a backup method for data collection if initial sources become unavailable.
• Emphasize where flexibility is required and be open to adapting as new information emerges. Make it clear the research plan could evolve as uncertainties are addressed.
• Seek input from your supervisors, committee members, or other experts during proposal development to anticipate issues. Their experience can help identify uncertainties.
• Outline how emerging uncertainties will be monitored and managed throughout the research process through supervision meetings, progress tracking tools, etc.
• Use cautious language when discussing uncertain elements, avoiding absolute statements. Terms like “potentially,” “may,” and “possibly” can be helpful. The goal is to show you have critically assessed the viability of the research plan as proposed and are prepared to respond reasonably to uncertainties that arise after approval. Demonstrating this thoughtfulness can give evaluators more confidence to approve an “uncertain” proposal.