Writing a research paper in APA style involves researching a topic, evaluating credible sources, organizing your ideas, and presenting the information in a clear and concise manner. While an APA research paper format entails specific guidelines for structure and organization, there are also general stylistic guidelines that must be followed. This article will discuss the key elements of APA style and provide a research paper example that demonstrates how to format and structure an APA research paper.
Getting Started with Your APA Research Paper
Choosing your topic is the first step in the process of writing a research paper. Be sure to select a topic that is narrow enough to be addressed within the scope of your paper but broad enough to yield sufficient credible sources. Once you have selected your topic, prepare for research by developing a strong working thesis statement that expresses the main argument or point you want to make.
Conducting research using peer-reviewed scholarly sources is essential. Visit your university library website and search online databases to locate books, journal articles, and other academic sources on your topic. Evaluate sources for credibility by checking the author’s credentials, publication date, and reputation of the journal or publisher. Take detailed notes of relevant quotes, paraphrases and summaries to support your thesis. Organize sources by developing a preliminary citation list.
Structuring Your APA Research Paper
The basic structure of an APA research paper includes four main sections: the title page, abstract, main body, and references.
Title Page: The title page should contain a running head (abbreviated title), full title, author name, and institutional affiliation. Page numbering begins with the title page as page 1, though the number is not written.
Abstract: The abstract is a single paragraph, no longer than 250 words, which summarizes the key aspects of the research paper. It includes the purpose, problem or issue being investigated, participants, methods, results, data analysis, and conclusions or recommendations.
Introduction: The introduction presents the topic, provides context and background, states the research problem and importance of the topic, and previews the structure of the paper. End with a clear thesis statement.
Method: Describe how the research was conducted including selection of sources, kinds of data or evidence collected, and types of analysis used. For a literature review, discuss the criteria used to evaluate sources.
Results: Present the key results and findings of the research in a clear and organized manner, typically in paragraphs or sections with headings. Summarize common themes or findings across sources. Do not just restate quotes; analyze and interpret results.
Discussion: Discuss the significance or meaning of the results. Relate the findings to the original research problem or question. Analyze how the findings either confirm existing knowledge or uncover new understandings on the topic.
Conclusion: Briefly restate the research problem and purpose. Concisely summarize the primary results or outcomes of the research. Do not merely repeats information but discuss the implications and significance of the findings. End with a recommendation for further research.
References: On a new page, provide full references for all in-text citations in alphabetical order, formatted in APA style. Only include references that are cited in the text.
APA Research Paper Format Example
Here is a sample APA research paper format model with highlights of key aspects:
Running head: IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Title: The Impact of Social Media Use on Adolescents’ Social Development
Abstract
This paper examines how increased social media use impacts adolescents’ social skills development and well-being. A review of current literature found that while social media allows for constant peer connection and interaction, excessive use can negatively impact the quality and depth of offline relationships and undermine psychological health. Recommendations include setting limits on social media use and promoting face-to-face interactions through community and school-based programs.
Introduction
Social media has radically changed the way adolescents interact and socialize with their peers. It has become the dominant platform for communication, connection, and sharing on a scale unimaginable just a decade ago. While social media provides many benefits, concerns have been raised about the potential downsides of excessive screen time and social comparison.
Method
A literature review was conducted focusing on research studies published between 2015-2020 examining associations between social media use and adolescents’ social skills and well-being. Database searches were performed using several key terms including “social media,” “adolescents,” “social development,” and “mental health.” Studies were included if they involved participants between ages 12-18. Twenty relevant sources met criteria for review.
Results
Several studies found higher social media use correlated with lower well-being and increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression (Burns et al., 2019; O’Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson, 2011; Rosen et al., 2013). Excessive social media use was associated with poorer quality face-to-face interactions and relationships (Best et al., 2014; Woods & Scott, 2016). Passive social media consumption was linked to higher well-being than active posting or commenting (Vannucci et al., 2017).
Discussion
While social media plays an important role in today’s digitally connected world, there are risks of overuse that can negatively impact adolescents’ social and emotional development. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle that incorporates both online and offline interactions is key. Schools and communities should provide opportunities to promote higher quality offline connections through extracurricular and community service programs.
Conclusion
Social media is deeply embedded in adolescents’ social lives but cannot replace the social benefits of real world interactions. Setting reasonable limits and discouraging social comparisons online may help support teenagers’ well-being. Further research should examine characteristics of healthy versus unhealthy social media use. Focusing on developing face-to-face relationships through community involvement may help balance screen time.
References
Best, P., Manktelow, R., & Taylor, B. (2014). Online communication, social media and adolescent wellbeing: A systematic narrative review. Children and Youth Services Review, 41, 27-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.03.001
Burns, R. A., Dittman, C. K., Nguyen, N. L., & Mitchel, J. C. (2019). Assessment of smartphone addiction: A componential model. Computers in Human Behavior, 93, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2018.11.031
O’Keeffe, G. S., & Clarke-Pearson, K. (2011). The impact of social media on children, adolescents, and families. Pediatrics, 127(4), 800-804. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2011-0054
Rosen, L. D., Carrier, L. M., & Cheever, N. A. (2013). Facebook and texting made me do it: Media-induced task-switching while studying. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(3), 948-958. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2012.12.001
Vannucci, A., Flannery, K. M., & Ohannessian, C. M. (2017). Social media use and anxiety in emerging adults. Journal of Affective Disorders, 207, 163-166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2016.08.040
Woods, H. C., & Scott, H. (2016). #Sleepyteens: Social media use in adolescence is associated with poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Journal of Adolescence, 51, 41-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.05.008
This example provides a template for the basic structure and key elements of an APA research paper, including a title page, abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, and references list. It outlines how to format and organize typical sections and provides an example of how to cite sources using APA style both in-text and in the references list. Following APA style guidelines ensures credibility and professionalism in academic writing.
Andrew Stroud