Structure of the Research Paper 1. Title/Cover Page 2. Abstract 3. ✓ Solved

1. Title/Cover Page

2. Abstract

3. Introduction

  • a. Identify the Problem/Problem Statement

  • b. Research Question

  • c. Hypothesis

  • d. Thesis Statement: purpose of the research

4. Literature Review

5. Method

6. Results

7. Discussion

8. Limitations & Implications

9. Conclusion

10. References

11. Proofread before submitting!!!

Conclusion for the Research Paper:

  • Short and general; length: 5-7% of the paper

  • Broad statement that sums up the most important insights/findings of the research

  • Do not introduce new data/interpretation

  • Answer your Research Question

  • Synthesize Results into a one, final takeaway

  • Summarize & reflect on the research

  • Why you took that specific approach

  • What you expected to find

  • How well the Results matched expectations

  • Provide recommendations for future research

  • Do not undermine your own work

  • Emphasize your contributions:

    • Problem Statement: how your research helps solve the problem

    • Literature Review: how you addressed a gap in knowledge

    Paper For Above Instructions

    The structure of a research paper is essential for presenting and communicating the findings of a study in an organized and coherent manner. This paper outlines the critical components that constitute a well-structured research paper, providing a detailed guide for researchers, academicians, and students. By adhering to this structured format, researchers can convey their insights effectively and contribute to the academic community.

    1. Title/Cover Page

    The title or cover page serves as the first impression of the research paper. It should include the title of the paper, the author's name, affiliation, and the date. The title needs to be concise, informative, and reflective of the study's depth and scope, giving readers a clear indication of the paper's focus area.

    2. Abstract

    The abstract is a brief summary of the research paper, typically between 150 to 250 words. It encapsulates the study's purpose, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. The abstract allows readers to quickly grasp the essence of the research and decide if they should read the entire paper. A well-crafted abstract is crucial for enhancing the visibility of the paper in academic databases.

    3. Introduction

    The introduction sets the stage for the research. It should start with a background of the topic, leading to the identification of the problem statement. The introduction must clearly articulate the research question, which guides the study. Furthermore, the hypothesis and thesis statement should be presented, outlining the purpose of the research and its contribution to the existing body of knowledge.

    a. Identify the Problem/Problem Statement

    The problem statement is the foundational element of the research paper. It highlights the specific issue that the research aims to address. A well-defined problem statement provides clarity and direction for the study, ensuring that the research question is relevant and significant.

    b. Research Question

    The research question narrows the focus from the general problem statement to a specific inquiry that the research will investigate. It should be clear, focused, and researchable, guiding the entire research process and informing the methodology.

    c. Hypothesis

    The hypothesis is a tentative explanation that predicts the outcome of the research based on existing theories and knowledge. It serves as a basis for the investigation and is tested through the research methods employed in the study.

    d. Thesis Statement

    The thesis statement succinctly presents the main argument or claim of the paper. It communicates the purpose of the research and the specific angle from which the topic will be approached, providing a roadmap for the readers.

    4. Literature Review

    The literature review examines existing research related to the topic. It identifies gaps in the current knowledge, justifying the necessity of the new research. By summarizing relevant studies, the literature review establishes a theoretical framework for the research, guiding the methodology and providing context for the findings.

    5. Method

    The Method section outlines the research design, including the methodology, participants, data collection procedures, and analysis techniques. It should be detailed enough to allow other researchers to replicate the study. Transparency in the method enhances the credibility of the research.

    6. Results

    This section presents the findings of the research. It should include quantitative data, qualitative insights, or both, depending on the research approach used. The results should be clearly presented using tables, figures, and descriptive statistics, providing a comprehensive overview of the outcomes.

    7. Discussion

    The Discussion interprets the results, linking them back to the research question and thesis statement. It addresses the implications of the findings, relates them to the existing body of literature, and discusses their significance. This section is crucial for contextualizing the research within the broader academic discourse.

    8. Limitations & Implications

    In the Limitations section, researchers acknowledge any weaknesses or constraints that may have affected the study's outcomes. This transparency adds to the credibility of the research. The Implications section explores the broader significance of the research findings for future research, policy, or practice.

    9. Conclusion

    The conclusion is a brief yet comprehensive summary of the research. It should encapsulate the main insights and findings, reaffirming the research question and the contributions of the study. Recommendations for future research may also be included, emphasizing areas that require further investigation.

    10. References

    All sources cited throughout the paper should be listed in the References section. This not only gives credit to the original authors but also allows readers to trace the information back to its source. Proper citation adheres to the appropriate academic style, enhancing the paper's professionalism.

    11. Proofreading Before Submitting

    Before submitting the research paper, it is crucial to proofread the entire document. This ensures that grammatical errors, typos, and formatting issues are corrected, enhancing the paper's clarity and readability.

    References

    • 1. American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).

    • 2. Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

    • 3. Kraemer, H. C., & Thiemann, S. (1987). How Many Subjects? Statistical Power Analysis in Research. Sage Publications.

    • 4. Hart, C. (2018). Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Research Imagination. Sage Publications.

    • 5. Booth, A., Sutton, A., & Papaioannou, D. (2016). Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review. Sage Publications.

    • 6. Rothstein, H. R., Sutton, A. J., & Borenstein, M. (2005). Publication Bias in Meta-Analysis: Prevention, Assessment and Adjustments. Wiley.

    • 7. Trochim, W. M. K. (2006). The Research Methods Knowledge Base. Atomic Dog Publishing.

    • 8. Becker, H. S. (1998). Tricks of the Trade: How to Think About Your Research While You're Doing It. University of Chicago Press.

    • 9. Rocco, T. S., & Plakhotnik, M. S. (2009). Literature Review in Qualitative Research: An Agonizing Journey to Structuring and Understanding the Paper. Educational Researcher.

    • 10. Bishop, L., & Walker, G. (2015). Research Methods for Social Work. Cengage Learning.