Running head: A SAMPLE STUDENT RESEARCH PAPER WRITTEN IN APA STYLE
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A Sample Student Research Paper Written in APA Style
Title Page
The title page includes the title of the paper, names of authors, institutional affiliation, and an author’s note.
Center the title in the upper half of the page. The title should summarize the content of your paper while also catching the reader’s interest. Do not bold or underline the title. Use title case capitalization for the title.
The running head is a short version of the title in all capitals at the top left corner of every page. The running head should not exceed 50 characters including spaces and punctuation. On the title page, the running head is preceded by the words “Running head:”. On subsequent pages, just the running head appears.
Include your name, your instructor or supervisor’s name, and the name of the institution at the bottom of the page. Your instructor or supervisor can provide details about how to format the author note.
Abstract
The abstract is a brief, comprehensive summary of the contents of the paper—generally between 150 to 250 words. It allows readers to quickly review the main points and purpose of the paper and decide whether to read the paper in its entirety.
The abstract is located on page two of the paper. Center the word “Abstract” at the top of the page without any formatting (e.g., bold, italics, underlining). Begin writing the abstract on the line below “Abstract”. Do not indent the first line of the abstract paragraph. The abstract is written in block format, without indentation of subsequent paragraphs.
Include a brief statement of the problem or issues addressed in the paper, a synopsis of the research method used, and the major findings or conclusions of the research. Do not cite references or include undefined abbreviations in the abstract. Strive to communicate concisely and effectively the essence and scope of your paper.
Introduction
The introduction begins on the page following the abstract. Center the word “Introduction” at the top of the page without any additional formatting. Begin writing the introduction on the line below “Introduction”.
The introduction provides context and background to the research problem under study. First, clearly state the research problem and, if applicable, the research question(s) and hypotheses. The introduction should then discuss why the research problem is important and how it relates to previous research. Subsequent paragraphs may briefly discuss the scope and organization of the paper.
The last paragraph of the introduction should state your specific research purpose and/or research questions and hypotheses clearly. Do not include any information in the introduction that is not directly relevant to understanding and supporting your research purpose. Do not include citations or undefined abbreviations in the introduction.
Literature Review
The literature review begins on the page following the introduction. Center the words “Literature Review” at the top of the page. Begin writing the literature review on the line below “Literature Review”.
The purpose of the literature review is to demonstrate your knowledge about your research topic or problem. You summarize and synthesize previous scholarship and show how your research addresses or builds upon existing literature. Integrate quotations and paraphrases of other authors’ works smoothly into your writing using Signal Phrases. Analyze and critique the sources cited. Organize the literature review thematically or chronologically rather than just summarizing source by source.
Transition logically between paragraphs using clear linking words and phrases. Do not merely list information or cite sources without analysis. Draw clear connections between the existing literature and your topic, and identify gaps that your research aims to address. Include citations for any references to the works of others even if not directly quoting those works per APA style.
Method
The method section begins on a new page following the literature review. Center the word “Method” at the top of the page without additional formatting. Begin writing the method section on the line below “Method”.
The method section describes the overall research design and the procedures used in your study. Describe your research approach and the characteristics of participants or materials used. Provide detailed descriptions of procedures and activities such as experiments, measurements, questionnaires, interviews, or observations. You may organize method subsections by chronology, participant type, or categories of activities.
Include information needed to replicate your study. Use active rather than passive voice when appropriate. Do not discuss your hypotheses, results, or conclusions in the method section. Cite the source for any adapted research design or measures. Define any specialized terms or abbreviations used. Refer to Appendix sections as needed for supplementary materials.
Results
The results section begins on a new page following the method section. Center the word “Results” at the top of the page without additional formatting. Begin writing the results section on the line below “Results”.
In the results section, present the analysis of the collected data without interpretation. Report results as objectively and straightforwardly as possible using clearly labeled tables and figures to display statistical or numerical results. Refer readers to these visual elements as needed in paragraph text. Use the past tense when describing the research that has already taken place.
Organize the presentation of results logically and sequentially based on the study structure. Use headings and subheadings as needed to structure longer results sections. Reference any statistical tests or analytic procedures used in the results without discussing their development or validity. Report numerical results with appropriate precision and incorporate units of measurement where applicable.
Discussion
The discussion section begins on a new page following the results section. Center the word “Discussion” at the top of the page without additional formatting. Begin writing the discussion section on the line below “Discussion”.
In the discussion section, integrate and explain the significance and meaning of your results. Discuss results and explain how they relate to the hypotheses, research questions, or problem under study. Compare findings to previous research described in the literature review. Identify limitations and delimitations of the study design or methodology. Suggest practical applications and implications of the findings. Recommend areas for future research.
Express the discussion section in clear, direct language. Be concise yet thorough in analysis of results. Specify the degree to which your results support conclusions or hypotheses. Note exceptions to or qualifications of general findings. Consider unexpected findings and explain potential reasons. Refer to visual representations of results embedded in the discussion. Include citations for any references made to external works incorporated into analysis and discussion.
Conclusion
The conclusion begins on a new page following the discussion section. Center the word “Conclusion” at the top of the page without additional formatting. Begin writing the conclusion on the line below “Conclusion”.
The conclusion restates the research problem and summarizes the major findings or results. It may note important implications, applications, or significance of the study. Do not introduce new information or cite new references in the conclusion. Keep the conclusion brief and direct. State limitations of the study and make suggestions for future research. Express final conclusions, applications of findings, and the importance of the overall study. End with a concluding statement or closure.
References
The reference section begins on a new page following the conclusion. Center the word “References” at the top of the page without additional formatting. List all references cited in the text of the paper in alphabetical order on subsequent lines. Follow APA style publication manual formatting for references. Indent the second and subsequent lines of each reference by 0.5 inch to create a hanging indent. Alphabetize reference list entries by the last name of the first author or title if no author is present.
Appendices
Any supplementary materials may be included following the reference section in clearly labeled appendices. Organize the appendices by letter designation (Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.) and title each one. For example, include questionnaires, survey instruments, statistical data, lengthy tables or figures, transcripts of interviews, sample charts or diagrams. Number pages of appendices separately from the body of the paper. Each appendix should stand alone as a unit with sufficient explanation for the reader.
Andrew Stroud