Introduction
Introduce the topic being researched and provide relevant background information to orient the reader. For example, if researching planetary formation, discuss our current understanding of how planets form based on existing scientific theories and research.
State the focused research question or problem being addressed. For example, “This paper will analyze observations of exoplanetary systems to better understand how gas giant planets form and migrate within their stellar systems.”
Discuss the significance and importance of addressing this question. Why does understanding this topic matter from a scientific perspective? What applications or implications could the findings have?
Provide an overview of the structure of the paper and main points that will be covered in each section.
Literature Review
Provide an in-depth review and synthesis of existing peer-reviewed literature relevant to the research topic and question.
Discuss the major findings, conclusions and inconsistencies or gaps found across multiple credible sources. For example, summarize the core theories for how gas giants form and what observations support each theory versus remain unclear.
Identify how the current paper will address gaps or inconsistencies identified in the existing body of research. For example, analyzing new data from exoplanet observations could provide insight to resolve debates among formation theories.
Methodology
Clearly describe the specific methods, tools, data sources and analysis approaches that will be used to address the research question.
Explain the logic or rationale for choosing these particular methods over others. How will they allow investigation of the topic in a credible way?
Acknowledge any limitations, restrictions or caveats of the chosen methods. How might these influence interpretation of results? What steps will be taken to address potential issues?
Analysis
Present and analyze any new observations, experiments, quantitative or qualitative data collected specifically for the research.
Use charts, graphs or visualizations as needed to effectively summarize quantitative findings.
Apply relevant theories or frameworks from the literature review to interpret the results and draw preliminary conclusions.
Discuss any unexpected, interesting or anomalous findings. Consider possible reasons for inconsistencies with existing theories or hypotheses.
Discussion
Summarize the key results and any conclusions that can be drawn based on the analysis.
Situate these conclusions within the context of the existing body of literature. How do they fit with or challenge established understandings?
Discuss the implications and significance of the findings for advancing scientific knowledge of the topic.
Identify any remaining open questions, limitations of the current study, or areas where further research is still needed.
Conclusion
Restate the research question and summarize concisely how the study addressed it.
Recap the major findings or conclusions supported by the analysis.
Consider the broader impacts and applications the work may have, both scientifically and beyond.
Leave the reader with a takeaway message about what has been illuminated or what remains to be discovered regarding the topic moving forward.
References
Include a comprehensive list of all works cited in APA format. Ensure all in-text citations match reference list entries.
Appendices (optional)
Include any supporting materials, such as raw data tables, statistical calculations, interview transcripts that reinforce but are not critical to understand the core paper.