Research paper outline apa format examples

Note: This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style can be found here.

Media Files: APA Sample Student Paper , APA Sample Professional Paper

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Note: The APA Publication Manual, 7 Edition specifies different formatting conventions for student and professional papers (i.e., papers written for credit in a course and papers intended for scholarly publication). These differences mostly extend to the title page and running head. Crucially, citation practices do not differ between the two styles of paper.

However, for your convenience, we have provided two versions of our APA 7 sample paper below: one in student style and one in professional style.

Note: For accessibility purposes, we have used "Track Changes" to make comments along the margins of these samples. Those authored by [AF] denote explanations of formatting and [AWC] denote directions for writing and citing in APA 7. 

APA 7 Student Paper:

APA 7 Professional Paper:

Outlines

In this section, you'll find resources on creating Outlines. Because outlines are not published works, they do not ordinarily require APA formatting. However, assignment instructions can include APA as a grading criteria for your work, and in those instances, you should use APA standards for formatting (Title page) and use of sources (References). 

Creating an Outline

An outline is a drafting tool to help you plan your paper. An outline provides structure for the sections and/or paragraphs of your paper, depending on the scope of your project. Please note that APA style does not require any specific formatting for outlines because APA style is intended for published texts and academic essays.

An outline should illustrate the progression of your thesis statement. Since each paragraph should have a main idea supported by evidence, you can use support from your research to outline your paper, paragraph by paragraph

• A thesis statement is a short statement that introduces the argument of your paper as a whole.
• Every paragraph in your paper should begin with a claim/main idea, which will be a debatable assertion or position that requires support. Claims build off one another in order to develop an argument over the course of an essay.
• Every claim should be supported by evidence or support, the proof that validates your claim. Evidence and support usually come from other sources, like peer-reviewed journal articles. This can include facts, data, statistics, anecdotes, and more.

Keep the following tips in mind when creating an outline:

• Remember, outlines should be helpful for you when writing your paper. You should be able to look at your outline and write major sections or paragraphs using the information and ideas in your outline.
• Level 1 bullet points should outline the major topics and ideas of your paper.
• Level 2 bullet points should plan out sub-topics, supporting ideas, and organizational aspects of your essay.
• Level 3 bullet

Decimal Outline Format

The decimal format for APA research papers deviates from other formats, presenting a straightforward approach utilizing paragraphs for organization. This structure comprises three primary sections: introduction, main body, and conclusion.

Decimal APA Outline Format Example

1.0 Main heading.

1.1 Under the main heading – subheading.

1.2 The digit number two is represented by subheadings under the main headings.

1.2.1 Additional subdivision introduces another digit within the decimal format.

1.2.2 Numbering can correspond to paragraphs, points, or lines.

An efficient way to compose in decimal APA outline format is to adhere to the structure, i.e., 1.1.1 = Heading.Paragraph.Sentence/point under the paragraph.

APA Research Research Paper Outline Example

Introduction

1. Background

• Overview of the topic.
• Significance of the study.

2. Research Problem

• Identification of the problem.
• Statement of the question.

3. Objectives

• Specific objectives.
• Hypotheses or expectations.

Literature Review

1. Theoretical Framework

• Introduction to the theoretical basis.
• Key concepts and definitions.

2. Previous Research

• Review of relevant studies.
• Gaps in existing literature.

3. Methodological Approaches

• Discussion of research methods used in previous studies.
• Critique and identification of methodological gaps.

Methodology

1. Research Design

• Description of the overall design.
• Rationale for choosing the design.

2. Participants

• Characteristics of the study participants.
• Sampling procedure.

3. Data Collection

• Description of data collection methods.
• Instruments used for data collection.

4. Data Analysis

• Explanation of the statistical or qualitative analysis.
• Justification for the chosen analysis methods.

Results

1. Presentation of Data

• Display of key findings using tables or figures.
• Description of the results.

2. Statistical Analysis

• Detailed statistical analysis.

Formatting your paper in APA can be daunting if this is your first time. The American Psychological Association (APA) offers a guide or rules to follow when conducting projects in the social sciences or writing papers. The standard APA fromat a research paper outline includes a proper layout from the title page to the final reference pages. There are formatting samples to create outlines before writing a paper. Amongst other strategies, creating an outline is the easiest way to APA format outline template.

Why Is Research Paper Format Necessary?

Consistency in the sequence, structure, and format when writing a research paper encourages readers to concentrate on the substance of a paper rather than how it is presented. The requirements for paper format apply to student assignments and papers submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed publication. APA paper outline template style may be used to create a website, conference poster, or PowerPoint presentation. If you plan to use the style for other types of work like a website, conference poster, or even PowerPoint presentation, you must format your work accordingly to adjust to requirements. For example, you may need different line spacing and font sizes. Follow the formatting rules provided by your institution or publication to ensure its formatting standards are followed as closely as possible. However, to logically structure your document, you need a research paper outline in APA format. You may ask: why is it necessary to create an outline for an APA research paper?
Crafting a well-organized APA outline is crucial for any research paper. If you’re struggling with this process, consider seeking help from a professional research paper writer, who can guide you through each step.

Concept & Purposes of Research Paper Outline

A path, direction, or action plan! Writing short essays without a layout may seem easy, but not for 10,000 or more words. Yet, confusing a table of contents with an outline