APA-STYLE PAPERS

Abstract

● Should be a short, unindented paragraph between 100 and 120 words

● Should be factual, succinct, focused, and easy to understand

● Contains the five elements listed on page 86 of the class handout

Introduction

● Should provide a focused review of past research relevant to the question being examined

● Contains the five elements listed on page 88 of the class handout

● The opening paragraph should attract the readers’ interest, encouraging them to continue reading the paper

● Often, using one or more of the six strategies listed on page 90 of the class handout facilitates a strong opening for the Introduction

Method

● Provides a blueprint for readers who want to evaluate what was done in a study or to replicate it from start to finish

● Should provide information about the participants or subjects, apparatus or materials, and procedures used

● Should contain the first three of the five elements of writing a good Method section presented on page 96 of the class handout

● Refer to Chapter 2, section 2.06, of the current APA-Manual. The Method section should follow the guidelines presented.

Results

● Presents research findings based upon statistical analyses of the study’s data

● Should contain the first six of the eight elements of writing a good Results section presented on pages 98-99 of the class handout

● Refer to Chapter 2, section 2.07, of the current APA-Manual. The Results section should follow the guidelines presented

Discussion

● Tells the reader what the study’s findings mean and the implications for current and future research

● Should contain the four elements of writing a good Discussion section presented on pages 99-101 of the class handout

● Should contain the first four of the six elements of writing a good Discussion section presented on pages 101-102 of the class handout

● Refer to Chapter 2, section 2.08, of the current APA-Manual. The Discussion section should follow the guidelines presented

References

● For periodicals (i.e., journal articles, magazines, newspapers, and newsletters), reference Chapter 7, section 7.01, of the current APA-Manual. Provide (i.e., type from scratch, using appropriate italics, underling, etc.) the correct citation for the article which your group reviewed.