Parts of an APA Paper (APA, 2010) 1.Cover Page 2.Abstract 3.Body a.Introduction/Rationale b.Literature review c.Methods d.Results e.Discussion f.Conclusion 4.Tables? 5.References 6.Appendix

1. Cover Page Make sure your cover page includes – Page header – Running head – Full title – Names – Institution OR (class & date)

Abstract

2. Introduction What is this study about? – Intro Problem – Rationale – Context-Application

3. Lit Review Past lit Hypothesis/RQ – Prediction? – Question?

We need to understand CONTEXT – Trends – Strong links Eval extant literature – Limits of exist. knowledge? – “Completeness” evident in citations: Highly relevant Plentiful Accurate Precise Up-to-date

Lit review What are main perspectives? What are main conclusions in previous research? What are key areas of debate? What are the key concepts in this area? What have been main research questions? In which subject areas topic been studied? Do parallel literatures exist? Which work is subject to challenge? Where is existing knowledge “thin”? How approached by others? Coherent synthesis of past & present research Where are gaps in literature?

Logic of argument The early work of X (X, date) on Y is fundamental to research in this field. Claims/conclusions The results of his experimental work carried out in the early 1940s are widely cited (for example, A, date; B, date, C, date). Justification of claim Indeed, up until 1970, a number of conferences were dedicated to further exploration of his theoretical work, such as the series entitled International perspectives on Y held in the US. Detailed evidence of claim In recent years, however, this work has been ignored, mainly due to developments in computing, and is now regarded as less important than once believed. Qualifications of claim Anticipate reader’s questions, do not leave your work open to questions such as: “What is your point here?” “What makes you think so?” “What is your evidence?” “So what?” Anticipate reader’s questions, do not leave your work open to questions such as: “What is your point here?” “What makes you think so?” “What is your evidence?” “So what?”

Do It Right! APA Standards – Formal, grammatical English – Appropriate vocabulary – Consistent use of tenses Your voice – Your interp – Your words! Not quotations (or paraphras. parag’s)

Take-Home Activity: Abstract