Structuring A Scholarly Research Paper (Project B) – 726555

Structuring a Scholarly Research Paper (Project B) – GSC Program A Master’s Project B combines both primary and secondary research. Primary research means you are conducting your own study, experiment, or investigation. The information you are gaining is original with you. Secondary research means you are studying the works of others. The information comes from published books, articles, and other sources.

In Project B, your secondary research is your literature review, and your primary research is described in your methods and your results. PARTS OF A RESEARCH PAPER 1. Title Page 2. Abstract 3. Introduction 4. Literature Review 5. Methods 6. Results 7. Discussion 8. References 9. Appendices (if applicable)

1. Title Page (APA Style) Select an academic-style title that previews the content of the paper. The title page should contain the title of the paper, the author's name, and the institutional affiliation. The page header should be flush left with the page number flush right at the top of the page. Type your title in upper and lowercase letters centered in the upper half of the title page. All text should be double-spaced. Beneath the title, type the author's name: first name, middle initial(s), and last name. Beneath the author's name, type the institutional affiliation, indicating the location where the research was conducted. Refer to online samples of APA style title pages for guidance.

2. Abstract This is a brief (75-120 words) comprehensive summary of the paper, addressing the background, purpose of study (research questions or hypotheses), methods used, results, and conclusion. The abstract should be modeled after abstracts in peer-reviewed journal articles.

3. Introduction All papers must include an introduction to establish context, preview content, and frame the research's significance. Explain why the problem is important, what benefits could be gained from exploring the topic, and provide a blueprint for the entire paper.

4. Literature Review The literature review sketches the background on the research problem, providing context within the scholarly conversation. It discusses published information, combining summary and synthesis without opinions. Organize using themes, theories, or variables, and clearly state how the literature supports the research hypotheses or questions. End with a clear statement of hypotheses and/or research questions.

5. Methods The methods section details how the study was conducted, including participant selection, materials used (e.g., questionnaires, interview questions), and procedures for data collection and analysis. Describe sample characteristics, measures, and procedures clearly enough for replication. Write in past tense.

6. Results Present and report findings logically organized by research question or hypothesis. Use tables, charts, and graphs to present quantitative data, and descriptive prose or quotes for qualitative data. Refer to figures and tables explicitly, and avoid unnecessary repetition. Provide explanations for the data presented, focusing on clarity and comprehension.

7. Discussion Comment on what has been learned, relating findings directly to research questions and literature. Do not introduce new ideas but elaborate on the research’s significance. Include sections on limitations, recommendations, and implications. Conclude with a brief summary of key findings and overall contribution.

8. References List all cited sources in alphabetical order formatted per APA style. Proper citations are essential for academic integrity.

9. Appendices Include supplementary materials such as research instruments, consent forms, recruitment flyers, etc., if applicable.

Paper For Above instruction

The academic endeavor of conducting scholarly research necessitates a structured approach that ensures clarity, coherence, and academic rigor. The framework outlined in this guide offers a comprehensive pathway for master's students to craft research papers that effectively blend primary and secondary research methods. These methods allow researchers to generate original data through experimentation or investigation (primary research) while situating their findings within the existing scholarly discourse (secondary research). This integration enriches the research process and enhances validity.

The initial component—the title page—serves as the gateway to the research, encapsulating the essence of the study within a well-formatted APA style sheet. The title must be precise, informative, and free of unnecessary words, often incorporating the research question or main thesis. The author's name and institutional affiliation underscore the scholarly context, and the page header ensures consistent identification across pages.

The abstract functions as an executive summary, succinctly outlining the background, research objectives, methods, key findings, and implications. This brief overview aids readers in quickly assessing the relevance and scope of the work. It must be comprehensive yet concise, adhering to word limits typical in peer-reviewed publications.

The introduction contextualizes the research problem, outlining its significance and framing the study's direction. It informs the reader why the problem warrants exploration, what potential benefits the research offers, and how the paper will develop its arguments. A well-crafted introduction provides a roadmap, guiding readers through the subsequent sections.

The literature review consolidates previous research, synthesizing scholarly debates, theories, and findings pertinent to the research questions. By organizing themes, variables, or conceptual frameworks, the review situates the present study within ongoing academic conversations. It culminates in explicitly stating hypotheses or questions that direct the research, establishing a foundation for the methods.

The methods section is crucial for methodological transparency. It details participant demographics and selection criteria, measures employed, and procedures followed. Precise descriptions allow replication and lend credibility to findings. The section is structured into subsections—Participants, Measures, Procedures—and written in past tense to reflect completed activities.

Results present empirical findings aligned with research aims. Quantitative data are systematically displayed via tables, charts, or graphs, with accompanying explanations that assist interpretation. Qualitative data, including narratives or quotations, are integrated into prose. The reporting focuses on factual accuracy without influence from interpretations or judgments, which are reserved for the discussion.

The discussion interprets the findings, relating them back to the research questions and existing literature. It discusses implications, acknowledges limitations that may impact validity, and suggests future directions or applications. Personal opinions are confined to this section, which concludes with a brief summary emphasizing the research’s contribution to the field.

The references compile all cited works in strict APA format, demonstrating scholarly rigor and adherence to academic standards. Proper referencing enhances credibility and allows readers to locate sources for further exploration.

Finally, appendices contain supplementary materials that support the research, such as data collection instruments or consent forms. Including these ensures transparency and completeness, facilitating replication and verification of the research process.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
• Cheng, H., & Phillips, M. (2014). Secondary analysis of existing data: Opportunities and related considerations. Patient Education and Counseling, 97(1), 105-110.
• Hoffmann, T. C., Glasziou, P. P., Boutron, I., Milne, R., Perera, R., Moher, D., ... & Michie, S. (2014). Better reporting of interventions: Template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist and guide. BMJ, 348, g1687.
• Johnson, R. B., & Christensen, L. (2019). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches (7th ed.). Pearson.
• Neuman, W. L. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (7th ed.). Pearson.
• Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (10th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
• Salkind, N. J. (2017). Exploring research (9th ed.). Pearson.
• Shadish, W. R., Cook, T. D., & Campbell, D. T. (2002). Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for generalized causal inference. Houghton Mifflin.
• Silverman, D. (2016). Qualitative research (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
• Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods. Sage Publications.