How to Write an APA Research Paper Outline
Writing research papers or essays is a common task for students, but it can be challenging, especially for beginners. The process can be time-consuming and mentally taxing, particularly when selecting a topic. Depending on the institution or instructor, there are various writing formats to consider, such as Chicago style, MLA format, and APA format. Dealing with these formats can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the approved format. Let’s delve into how to create an APA research paper outline.
Getting Started with an APA Research Paper Outline
When beginning the process, you might wonder about the APA format for research. APA stands for the American Psychological Association, and it’s a format used for citing sources, especially in social science papers. This format is widely accepted for research paper citations. An APA research paper outline has a specific structure that sets it apart from other formats.
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The APA format outline consists of three main parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion. Let’s explore these components in detail. So, what are the three elements of APA?
The Three Elements of APA
Here are the three major parts:
1. Title Page
The title page is the introductory section of the paper and includes details such as your name, the institution’s name, and the publication date.
2. Body
The body is the main content of the assignment. It should contain all the details that support your thesis statement.
3. Conclusion
The conclusion provides a summary of your findings and should align with your thesis statement.
Following these three major elements, an APA research paper consists of four major sections. You might wonder, what are the four major sections of an APA paper? The distinction lies in the details. The four major sections apply to a research paper, while the three elements provide a general overview of the APA outline for essays.
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The Four Major Sections of an APA Paper
1. Title Page
This section contains necessary background information. The title page includes the author’s name, the research or dissertation title, and the institution’s name. Here’s the format for a title page:
– Use double spacing.
– Use Times New Roman font, size 12.
– Center-align the content.
– The title should be in title case and bold.
– Maintain a 1-inch margin.
The title page must also include:
– A running head.
– Author’s name.
– Institution’s name.
– For students, the course code and administration number.
– Page number and project date.
– Instructor’s name.
2. Abstract
The abstract provides a concise summary of the entire research topic. It serves as a compass to guide the reader. It should summarize the research topic, methods used, data collection, analysis, and conclusion. Keep the abstract under 250 words, avoiding unnecessary words. Here’s the abstract layout:
– Center the word “Abstract” without bold, italics, or punctuation.
– Begin sentences with key points to capture the reader’s attention.
– No indenting.
– Keep it as a single paragraph.
– Follow the rule of double spacing.
– Use Times New Roman font, size 12.
3. Body
The body contains the main content of the research topic. It encompasses the introduction, the research content, and the drawn conclusions. Let’s delve into the subsections of the body:
– Introduction: Introduce the thesis statement. Express your views and explain your choice of statement. Highlight what you agree or disagree with in your research. Underline the thesis statement as it’s crucial for seeking validation or disapproval.
4. Writing an APA Research Paper Outline
After introducing the body, the main content of your research resides within it. This section encompasses data collection methods, analysis, and interpretation, all aligned with your thesis statement. Each paragraph should connect to the thesis and include ample evidence to support it.
To reinforce your thesis, the conclusion section succinctly presents your findings. Summarize your results in a clear manner. Ensure your thesis is validated. Additionally, you can suggest further research directions related to the thesis.
Here’s an organized outline for the body content of a research paper:
– Adhere to double spacing
– Use font size 12
– Maintain a 1-inch margin
– Underline the thesis statement
– Separate each element onto its own line
4. References
References are source documents that lend credibility to your research. They reveal the origins of your content and showcase your grasp of the research topic. References can be primary or secondary sources, and they should include the author’s name, publication date, article title, and relevant details. The reference list should:
– Begin on a new page
– Be centered
– Alphabetically list authors’ names
– Arrange multiple authors by alphabetical order if published in the same year
In-Text Referencing in APA Format
In-text citations validate sources quoted within the content. In-text citations can be paraphrased or direct quotes. They match the references in the final list. In-text references contain the author’s surname and publication date.
Example of an in-text citation: Dorothy (2023) states… or (Dorothy, 2023). The arrangement depends on whether it’s a direct quote or paraphrase.
Multiple Authors in In-Text Referencing
For two authors, conjoin surnames with ‘and’ or use an ampersand sign.
Example:
– Rollo and Corey (2023) state… or (Omolloh & Corey, 2023).
For more than three authors, list all names before the publication date, separated by commas. Alternatively, shorten the list followed by ‘et al.’
Example: Corey, Dorothy, Chrystal, and Hepburn (2023) state… or (Corey, Dorothy, Chrystal & Hepburn, 2023).
Summary
The American Psychological Association (APA) format is commonly used in scientific research. While various formats exist, students and researchers often opt for APA, MLA, or Chicago style. Writing an APA research paper outline adheres to general rules:
– Use double spacing
– Maintain a 1-inch margin
– Use font size 12 (Times New Roman or Arial 11)
– Place page numbers at the top right corner
Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently write your research paper using APA format. However, if you’re still uncertain, remember that there are established and essential guidelines within APA format. Here’s a standardized outline for all APA articles, applicable to students and professional researchers. Keep in mind that slight variations exist for newspapers, journals, audiovisuals, and books based on the type of writing.
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