A research proposal and a synopsis are both important documents that outline a research project, but they serve different purposes and have different levels of detail. Here are the key differences between a research proposal and a synopsis:

1. Purpose: A research proposal is a comprehensive document that outlines the research project, including its objectives, research questions, methodology, and expected outcomes. The purpose of a research proposal is to persuade the audience that the research is important, feasible, and worthwhile. A synopsis, on the other hand, is a brief summary of the research project that provides an overview of the main points and key findings. The purpose of a synopsis is to give the reader a quick understanding of the research project.
2. Length: A research proposal is typically longer than a synopsis, ranging from several pages to several dozen pages, depending on the complexity of the project. A synopsis is usually shorter, usually no more than a few pages.
3. Detail: A research proposal is highly detailed, providing a comprehensive description of the research project, including the background, literature review, methodology, data analysis, and expected outcomes. A synopsis, on the other hand, is less detailed and provides a summary of the main points of the research project.
4. Format: A research proposal typically follows a specific format, which may vary depending on the institution or field of study. It typically includes an introduction, literature review, research questions or hypotheses, methodology, expected outcomes, and timeline. A synopsis is less formal and may not follow a specific format, but it should still provide a clear and concise summary of the research project.