Research Paper Guidelines
For writing a research paper, follow the guidelines below: –
Title page:
Abstract (Do not indent)
Summary Synthesis of results from multiple studies to determine the average impact of a similar intervention across the studies of your research Paper. (150 to 250 words). Include key words.
Chapter 1: Introduction
This section describes what the researcher will investigate, including the research questions, hypotheses, and basic research design. The introduction develops the significance of the study by describing how the study is new or different from other studies, how it addresses something that is not already known or has not been studied before, or how it extends prior research on the topic in some way. This section should also briefly describe the basic nature of the study and provide an overview of the contents of Chapter 1. Background of the Topic/Study The background section of Chapter 1 describes the recent history of the problem under study. Problem Statement Problem statements are socially constructed, meaning that a problem may not be considered one until society recognizes it as a problem. For example, spousal abuse was recognized as a problem after women earned more rights. Research problems are not determined only by how much one knows about it, but by the need to investigate phenomena that affect people in order to improve their lives (Krysik & Flynn, 2013). The Problem Statement section begins with a declarative statement of the problem under study, such as It is not known if and to what degree/extent… or It is not known how/ why. Research Question/Hypothesis This section narrows the focus of the study and specifies the research questions to address the problem statement. Based on the research questions, it describes the variables or groups and their hypothesized relationship for a quantitative study or the phenomena under investigation for a qualitative study. The research questions and hypotheses should be derived from, and are directly aligned with, the problem statement and theoretical foundation (theory(s) or model(s). Purpose of the Study The Purpose of the Study section of Chapter 1 provides a reflection of the problem statement and identifies how the study will be accomplished. It explains how the proposed study will contribute to the
field. The section begins with a declarative statement, The purpose of this study is. Included in this statement are also the research design, target population, variables (quantitative) or phenomena (qualitative) to be studied, and the geographic location.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
A literature review is a synthesis of what has been published on a topic by accredited scholars and researchers. It is not an expanded annotated bibliography, or a summary of research articles related to thru topic. Define and explain the problem
Summarize previous investigations to inform readers of the current state of knowledge about this problem Identify gaps in the literature:
contradictions inconsistencies relationships, etc. Highlight main issues and controversies Suggest next steps in solving the problem
Refer to minimum five (5) references published within the last 3-5 years
Chapter 3: Research Methodology 1. Show the step by step process taken to complete the research. 2. Present all tools used in the research 3. Explain how information was handled 4. Use past tense to refer to the already completed research
This section describes the research methodology for the study (quantitative, qualitative, experimental, or meta-analysis etc.) and explains the rationale for selecting this methodology. It also describes why this methodology was selected as opposed to the alternative methodologies. This section should elaborate on the Methodology section (from Chapter 1) providing the rationale for the selected research method (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed). This section may bring in additional arguments based on the empirical studies used in the Methodology section in Chapter 2. This section justifies why the selected methodology is better than the alternative methodologies. Arguments are supported by citations from articles and books on research methodology and/or design.
Types of Research Methods
Descriptive-Qualitative: Detailed description of specific situations, using interviews, observations, document reviews, etc. Descriptive-Quantitative: Numerical Descriptions Correlational/ Regression Analysis: Quantitative analysis of the strength of the relationship between 2 or more variables Quasi-Experimental: Compare a group that gets a particular intervention with a similar group that did not receive the intervention; no random assignment. Experimental: Use random assignment to assign participants to an experimental or treatment group and a control or comparison group (e.g., one receives the intervention and one does not) Meta-Analysis: Synthesis of results from multiple studies to determine the average impact of a similar intervention across the studies
Chapter 4: Findings/ Results
The result should be presented objectively to collect the data or finding Do not interpret, nor analyze data Tables, figures, graphs can be used to summarize data Inform reader whether or not evidence supports research hypothesis.
Discussion
Connects results to research question interpret, analyze, and discuss results relate results to hypothesis and previous research explain the relevance of the findings describe any ethical considerations relevant to the research discuss possible explanation of results
Limitations and Implications
First, specify limitations of the study and how they influenced the results. Then, indicate impact of funding over obtained results. Finally, provide implications for the field of study.
Chapter 5: Conclusion
Restate the topic and why you chose it. Provide a brief summary of key points. Revise the thesis statement.
Topics for future research Call reader to take action (optional)
