How to write an APA Research Paper Outline
How to write an APA Research Paper Outline
Writing research papers or essays is a common task for students, though it can be challenging, especially for newcomers. It can be time-consuming and mentally taxing, particularly if you haven’t settled on a topic yet.
Different institutions or instructors may require different writing formats, such as Chicago style, MLA, or APA. This can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the approved format. Let’s delve into how to create an outline for an APA research paper.
Starting Your APA Research Paper Outline
Before we dive into the details, let’s understand what APA format is. APA stands for the American Psychological Association, and it’s a method for citing sources. This format is commonly used in social science papers and is an approved citation style for research papers.
The APA research paper outline consists of three major parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. Let’s take a closer look at these elements.
The Three Elements of APA
1. The Title Page
The title page is the introduction of your paper and includes details like your name, institution, and publication date.
2. The Body
This is the main content of your paper, containing all the details that support your thesis statement.
3. The Conclusion
In this section, you’ll reinforce your thesis statement using the findings from the body of the paper.
After these three elements, an APA research paper is further divided into four major sections. Let’s explore these sections in more detail.
The Four Major Sections of an APA Paper
1. The Title Page
Part one provides essential background information. It includes the author’s name, the research or dissertation title, and the institution’s name. The title page format should adhere to the following guidelines:
– Use double spacing
– Utilize Times New Roman font, size 12
– Center-align the content
– Title should be in title case and bolded
– Maintain a 1-inch margin
The title page should also include:
– A running head
– Institution name
– For students, course code and administration number
– Page number and project date
– Instructor’s name
2. The Abstract
The abstract is a summary of your entire research topic. It provides a concise overview of your topic, research methods, data collection, analysis, and conclusion. The abstract should be no longer than 250 words. Follow these guidelines for your abstract:
– Center-align the word “Abstract” without bolding, italics, or punctuation
– Begin key points with a capital letter for emphasis
– Do not use indentation
– Keep it as a single paragraph
– Use double spacing and 12-point Times New Roman font
3. The Body
The body contains the main content of your research, including the introduction, main research, and conclusion. Let’s delve into the subsections of the body:
– The Introduction: Introduce your thesis statement, express your views, and explain your research’s purpose.
– The Main Body: Present your research methods, data collection, analysis, and evidence that supports your thesis.
– The Conclusion: Summarize your findings and reinforce your thesis. Suggest areas for future research.
Adhere to these guidelines for the body section:
– Use double spacing
– Utilize 12-point font size
– Maintain a 1-inch margin
– Underline the thesis statement
– Separate each element onto its own line
4. References
References provide authenticity to your work by showing the sources of your content. They list the author’s name, publication date, article title, and other relevant details. Follow these formatting rules for your reference list:
– Start on a new page
– Center-align the heading “References”
– List authors’ names in alphabetical order
– If multiple authors share the same publication year, use alphabetical order of their names
– Maintain double spacing
In-Text Referencing in APA Format
In-text citations authenticate the sources of your content. These citations can be paraphrased or directly quoted within your text. In-text references should match the references listed in your reference section. Include the author’s surname and the publication date. For instance:
– Dorothy (2023) states… or (Dorothy, 2023).
For multiple authors, format the names as follows:
– Two authors: Rollo and Corey (2023) state… or (Rollo & Corey, 2023).
– More than three authors: Corey, Dorothy, Chrystal, and Hepburn (2023) state… or (Corey, Dorothy, Chrystal & Hepburn, 2023). For more than three authors, use “et al.” after the first author’s name.
In Summary
APA format is commonly used in scientific research. While there are various writing formats, many students and researchers opt for APA, MLA, or Chicago style. When crafting an APA research paper outline, remember these general rules:
– Double-spacing is a must
– Use a 1-inch margin
– Opt for 12-point font size (Times New Roman or Arial 11)
– Page numbers go in the top right corner
With these insights into crafting an APA research paper outline, you’re better equipped to embark on your research paper journey. Although you might still feel uncertain, remember that practice and guidance will help you improve over time.
