Identify the problem your research will address and describe why this problem is important. This is your opportunity to make the case that your proposed research is a worthwhile investment of time and resources.
State your hypothesis, or the idea or premise you'll be testing with your research. Specify the questions your research will seek to answer.
Summarize the existing literature on your topic, including your own research and unpublished manuscripts to which you have access, in a brief review or environmental scan. Discuss current findings and gaps, and how these relate to your research questions and hypothesis.
Describe your research design. What methodology will you use throughout your project? How will you identify your research sample? How will you collect and analyze data?
Provide a preliminary list of references, including the sources you cited in your brief literature review, to demonstrate your awareness of the topic and the field.