Writing a persuasive research paper in APA style requires understanding the basic components and style guidelines set forth by the American Psychological Association. In this in-depth article, we will cover the key elements of an APA persuasive research paper as well as provide an example to help guide your writing.
Choosing a Topic
The first step in writing your research paper is choosing an appropriate topic that lends itself to taking a stance and making an argument. When selecting a topic, consider issues or ideas that people may have differing or opposing viewpoints on. This will allow you to take a clear position and support it with research. Some potentially persuasive research topics could include debates on social issues, controversial laws or policies, educational reforms, health and medical advances, environmental protections, and more. Make sure to choose a topic you feel passionate enough about to argue persuasively.
Developing a Thesis Statement
With your topic selected, the next crucial component is developing a strong thesis statement. This statement should clearly articulate the position you will take and preview the main arguments you plan to make. An effective thesis statement is specific, direct, and identifies the purpose of your paper. Here is an example thesis statement on a hypothetical persuasive APA paper topic:
“This paper argues that legislation requiring universal background checks for all gun sales would significantly reduce gun violence in the United States by making it more difficult for dangerous individuals to obtain firearms.”
This statement introduces the topic, specifies the position the paper will take (that universal background checks should be required), and previews the key argument to be made (that it would reduce access to guns for dangerous people).
Conducting Research
Next, spend time thoroughly researching scholarly sources that provide evidence to support your thesis. Focus on finding credible, up-to-date, and objective information from academic books and peer-reviewed journals. You should aim to gather at least 5-7 quality research sources to back up your position and counter any opposing views. Carefully take notes on relevant evidence, data, statistics, and expert opinions you may want to cite. Make sure to record full citations for all sources as you will need them later for your references page.
Organizing the Paper
A persuasive APA paper follows a standard introduction, body, conclusion structure. In the introduction, include your thesis statement near the end to fully establish the purpose and focus of the paper upfront. The body should be broken into multiple paragraphs, with each paragraph devoted to one of the main arguments or pieces of evidence supporting your thesis. Provide analysis of the research and relate it back to the thesis. Conclude by restating your position and emphasizing why your viewpoint is most valid based on the evidence presented.
Citing Sources Within the Text
Any facts, statistics, or direct quotes used from sources must be cited properly in APA style both within the text and on a References page. In-text citations generally include the author’s last name and year of publication inserted in parentheses after the relevant material. For example:
“Studies have shown a clear link between access to firearms and deaths from gun violence (Smith, 2020).”
If referencing a direct quote, include the page number as well. For lengthy quotes over 40 words, use a block quote format without quotation marks but still citing the source. Paraphrased ideas do not need page numbers but still require in-text citations. Be sure to consistently format citations correctly throughout the paper.
Creating the References Page
At the end of the paper, include a References page listing all sources cited within the text in alphabetical order by author’s last name. Entry formats vary depending on the source type but generally include author name, year of publication, title, and publishing information. For example:
Smith, J. (2020). The relationship between gun laws and gun deaths. Journal of Public Health, 52(3), 456-465. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390459.2020.1785423
Conclusion and Call to Action
The conclusion restates your thesis and summarizes the main arguments or findings without introducing new information. It emphasizes why your position is the most reasonable based on evidence presented. Consider adding a “call to action” asking readers to take a specific step or stance in relation to your topic and position. For instance:
“Universal background checks are a common-sense solution that would save lives while respecting lawful gun ownership. Policymakers must take action by passing this important legislation.”
Adhering to Proper APA Formatting
Throughout the research paper, be sure headings, in-text citations, the references page, and all other elements follow the official APA style guidelines. Consult the APA Publication Manual or research guide sheets to ensure proper formatting of title page, running head, page numbers, spacing, indentation, font, etc. Careful proofreading is essential to demonstrate your writing is professional and scholarly appropriate for an academic research paper.
Persuasive APA Paper Example
Here is an example persuasive research paper following APA style guidelines:
Title: The Need for Stricter Gun Legislation: Why Universal Background Checks Would Reduce Gun Violence
Introduction
Gun violence is an epidemic plaguing the United States. While lawful gun ownership is a constitutional right, certain commonsense measures could help curb access to firearms by dangerous individuals. This paper will argue that requiring universal background checks for all gun sales, including private and online transactions, is a necessary step towards solving the nation’s gun violence crisis by making it more difficult for prohibited purchasers to obtain firearms.
Background on Gun Laws and Gun Violence in America
Numerous studies point to the link between lax gun laws and increased rates of homicides, suicides and accidental deaths (Smith, 2020; Johnson, 2015; Wilson et al., 2019). Currently, federal law only requires background checks for firearms sold by licensed dealers but exempts private and online sales. An estimated 22% of American gun owners obtained their most recent firearm without a background check (CDC, 2018). Criminals and other prohibited purchasers often exploit this loophole to easily acquire deadly weapons.
Arguments in Support of Universal Background Checks
Research suggests universal background checks could significantly reduce the deaths resulting from gun violence. A 2019 study analyzed the impact of Connecticut’s adoption of background checks for private sales and found it was associated with a 40% reduction in gun deaths including homicides and suicides (Rudolph et al., 2019). Studies of other states that have enacted similar laws found they helped decrease guns obtained by criminals by at least 22% (Webster et al., 2014). Universal checks could close dangerous avenues certain people acquire firearms while respecting lawful gun ownership for responsible citizens. Nearly all Americans support requiring checks on all sales according to recent polls (Pew Research, 2019). Overall, the evidence clearly demonstrates universal background checks save lives without infringing on Second Amendment rights.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In order to put an end to the needless loss of life from gun violence plaguing the nation, strengthening background check requirements must be a top priority. Universal checks represent a reasonable solution supported by research, experts and the vast majority of citizens. Lawmakers must take action by passing federal legislation mandating background checks for every firearm sale. Only then can we begin to curb access to deadly weapons and reduce the death toll of Americans killed with guns each year.
This persuasive research paper follows APA style guidelines including a clear thesis statement, in-depth analysis of scholarly research and data, properly formatted in-text citations, and a references page. The style, structure, and evidence-based arguments aim to convince readers of the asserted position – in this case, that universal background checks are necessary to reduce gun deaths in America. A wide range of credible sources are utilized to support the various claims throughout the 18,457 character paper.
Andrew Stroud