Assignment task:
Significance is rationale for WHY it is important for you to study your research question(s). The rationale typically addresses the fact that there is a knowledge GAP in the field. This GAP is determined by reviewing the most current literature in the field and determining an important question that remains unanswered. For example, in the migration example below, a lot was already known about the mechanisms of the neuronal migration process, temporal characteristics of the migration process, cell-cell interactions during the neuronal migration process, but the stop signals for migration were unknown. Elucidating these stop signals was an import key to understanding brain development. The significance addresses how your research will further the knowledge base in your field of study. Importantly, the significance must also address how your research will benefit society. In the neuronal migration example, there are neurological disorders and diseases that are characterized by abnormal neuron position patterning. These might be reflective of disorders of neuronal migration. Understanding stop-signals for migration might lead to understanding the biological basis of these disorders/diseases, and ultimately potential treatments for them. In order to convince granting agencies to fund your research, you must be able to clearly articulate how your research is novel, innovative, and will benefit society.
Specific aims reflect the purpose of your study. For your grant proposal, you are required to state three specific aims that are related to the question(s) you are interested in studying. See instructions from the NIH website.
Topic: effects of sugar on the brain