Write about something you care about. The end result will be more interesting for you and your reader if your proposal relates to a subject you're passionate about. Your proposal should address the answer to a specific question.
Compile current literature. Use a variety of sources, including books, articles and online references. Select only the most relevant information. Make sure your sources are as current as possible; 10 years is a good general rule.
Use Post-it type notes to flag information in books and articles you want to find again.
Evaluate the literature to determine whether the research quality was acceptable, including how subjects were sampled, data collected and conclusions drawn. Quality work will be reproducible.
Check the credentials of the sources you intend to use. A university or organization whose reputation is on the line will publish only quality work by qualified professionals. The names of respected researchers will pop up over and over again in the literature.
Organize the literature using a notebook or note cards. Title each card with the source reference in either MLA or APA style, as required for your field of study.
Be brief, yet specific in your review, noting the importance of each work to the overall project proposal. Critically evaluate each source, as opposed to simply providing a summary.
Double check that all sources specifically address your particular research question.