APA Research Paper: The APA research paper must follow the guidelines set forth by the
American Psychological Association. Your course text book and the web
(http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/) contain model papers/examples that adhere
to APA standards and can be utilized as guides when writing this paper.
The research paper should focus on a current trend, event or issues occurring in your field of study.
The APA research paper will be graded pursuant to the guidelines set forth in the attached grading
matrix. Students are expected to understand these guidelines and ensure that their assignments
incorporate them.
The research paper involves three major activities:
Choosing a Topic: Choose a topic for your research paper that is focused and about which you can
ask a specific research question. Avoid encyclopedia-style reports on a general topic; such broad
topics can become overwhelming and do not allow for purposeful research. For example, choosing
for your topic a condition such as “diabetes” or “autism,” a setting such as “airports,” or an issue
such as “ethics” will likely make for a shallow paper. Instead, ask a focused question about your
topic. Then generate your thesis in answer to this question.
Outlining for APA Research Paper: You must submit a detailed outline of your research paper.
Outlines may be in one of several formats, as directed by your instructor, but all outlines must
include the following: (i) a separate outline point for each paragraph, (ii) a point for your
introduction that includes your thesis statement, (iii) at least three (3) body paragraph points, each
with at least two subpoints illustrating the paragraph’s topic, and (iv) a point for a concluding
paragraph. Your outline should be single spaced and no shorter than a full page. Your textbook
has several examples of outlines that follow these guidelines.
This syllabus is intended as a guide and is subject to change as needed. 11
Writing the APA Research Paper: The paper should be between five and seven pages in length
(not including cover page, abstract, references, exhibits, etc.) and incorporate a minimum of seven
(7) references. The paper must be written and presented in APA style (including, margins,
citations, headings, etc.)