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Content:
At a minimum, your document should include:
Executive summary: A concise, non-technical summary of the entire document that captures the motivation, proposed approach(es), and deliverables. This section should not include any information that is not covered in the body of the report. I suggest you write this summary last, after the body is finished. This section is limited to 300 words. This should be a separate, stand-alone section in your report (i.e., on a separate page).
Hypotheses and Specific Aims: What will be accomplished scientifically by your project?
Background and Significance: Summarize the previous work by others and discuss the impact your project will have on the area.
Preliminary Studies: If you have preliminary data (or if someone else has published data which strongly supports your project) include it here. This section can also lend credibility to your project.
Research Plan: Describe the methods you will use to achieve the specific aims. You will probably want to organize these by specific aim. You might not have all of the details yet, but based on the literature and your knowledge of the subject area, convince the reader that this project can be successfully completed. You can include figures, diagrams, tables, etc. to show your method. Be sure your methods will achieve your specific aims. If you need special equipment, expertise, etc., you should describe here how you will get these resources. Will you be able to complete this task with the time and financial resources you have available?
Legal and Regulatory Issues: Are there special legal or regulatory considerations associated with your project? Do you need IRB or IACUC approval? Are there ethical or societal issues that might impact a decision to proceed with this project?
Timeline and Milestones: Exactly what will you produce during the project? Describe your Milestones and estimate when you can deliver them. The best Milestones are quantitative. Set specific dates (e.g., 'Month 2') when you will achieve your goals.
Summary: Close with a persuasive argument that convinces the reader that this is an important problem, it is technically and financially feasible, and your team can accomplish the project.
References: List references from the text here in APA style.