The project you propose can have one independent variable or two independent variables. If you design a project with one independent variable, you must have at least 4 levels of the IV (four groups). If your project has two IVs, one must be a "true" IV. The final proposal must contain at least two hypotheses.

This draft must include full literature review with a minimum of 4 references. All references must be relevant and must be discussed in your literature review. This draft must include:

1. An opening paragraph introducing the topic area and catching the reader's attention.

1. Several paragraphs that tell a coherent narrative about past research relevant to the topic. This is the body of your literature review; it should contain definitions where appropriate and it should present your line of reasoning for your topic.

1. A transition to the hypothesis paragraph. You must provide a rationale for your work. Why are you investigating your topic? What gap in the literature or what question are you answering?

1. A minimum of two hypotheses. These may change as the proposal progresses.

1. A reference list that includes all articles cited in the text.

All information should be presented in narrative form - there should be no lists, tables, figures, or direct quotes. Avoid the use of first person (I, we) and avoid using the informal "you". All information should be paraphrased and cited appropriately.

Organize each paragraph with a topic sentence, supportive sentences, and a summary sentence. Include a brief description of the methods and results for the cited articles.

Use transition phrases between your paragraphs. For example, a paragraph may end with a summary statement that will lead the reader to the next paragraph.

Your paragraphs should be organized to highlight either the chronological development of research on your topic, or to highlight the reasoning behind your approach to the topic. Each paragraph should relate to the previous paragraph and the paragraph that follows. DO NOT list a series of articles and their summaries.

As you approach the paragraph before the final hypothesis paragraph, include a big "so what" statement. This final summary paragraph is explicit about the gap in the literature that your project addresses and leads directly to the hypotheses.