A preliminary outline is an essential early step when writing a research paper. It helps identify the main points and structure of the paper before diving into writing the full draft. A thoughtful preliminary outline ensures the paper remains focused and flows cohesively from introduction to conclusion.
This sample preliminary outline covers a hypothetical 10-page research paper analyzing the impact of social media use on teen mental health. The outline is organized using Roman numerals and letters to structure the main points and subpoints that will be discussed in each section. While not including full sentences yet, it provides an overview of what will be addressed to receive feedback before fleshing out the paper.
I. Introduction
A. Background on the rise of social media use among teens in the past decade
B. Thesis: Excessive social media use has been linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness among teenagers due to frequent social comparisons and reduced quality of real-world social interactions.
II. Social comparisons fuel negative feelings
A. Teenagers heavily exposed to curated highlights of peers’ lives on Instagram and Snapchat
B. Constant exposure worsens body image issues and fuels depression in vulnerable youth
C. Studies link social comparison to decreased self-esteem and life satisfaction over time
III. Screen time displaces in-person social activities
A. Teenagers spending increasing time on screens instead of interacting face-to-face with friends
B. Less time spent in unstructured social play key for social-emotional development
C. Youth exposed to contagious negative effects such as cyberbullying and rumors face-to-face
IV. Platform design exacerbates negative effects
A. Likes, followers, instant gratification from notifications fuel social comparison
B. Algorithms select positive content to keep users engaged longer on platforms
C. Designers increasingly recognize negative impact and push for modifications
V. Mitigating negative mental health impacts
A. Education on unhealthy comparison and social app time management
B. Encouraging real-world social interaction and developing intrinsic self-worth
C. Regulations on platform features that impair adolescent well-being such as public like counts
VI. Conclusion
A. Summary of links between social media use and increasing teen mental health issues
B. Potential for regulation and digital literacy to curb worsening trends if action is taken
C. Call to action for parents, educators and tech companies to prioritize youth well-being online
This sample preliminary outline provides a strong foundational structure for a research paper analyzing the impacts of social media on teenage mental health. It identifies key points to flesh out in each body paragraph based on existing scholarly literature on the topic. The outline receives professor feedback to refine or modify any major elements before finalizing. With a thoughtful preliminary outline, the author can then develop full paragraphs, integrate research citations, and craft an effective intro/conclusion to deliver a comprehensive paper on this important issue.