Transcript APA Style Papers - Oklahoma State University–Stillwater

APA Style Papers
All of the papers for this
class are expected to be
written in this manner
Parts of the Paper
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Title
Abstract
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
References
Title Page
• The title of your paper should give
the reader a complete idea about
your study
• The title should be 10-12 words
• The byline should reflect the
institution where the work was
conducted
• The running head should be on the
title page as well as in the top right
corner of every page
Abstract
• The abstract should be no more
than 120 words
• This should give the reader a
synopsis of the study –
background, method, results,
etc
• Tip: Write this part LAST!!
Introduction
• Why are you doing this study??
• Why is this problem important?
• Must cite previous research to
answer this question
How do the hypothesis and the
experimental design relate to the
problem?
• Are you replicating a study or
expanding on a previous finding?
• Hypotheses should be clearly
stated… “the present study…”
Method
• Describes in detail how the
research was conducted
• Should have subheadings
– Participants or Subjects
– Apparatus or Materials
– Procedure
• All of the information needed in case
someone tries to replicate
• Very specific steps
Results
• Summarizes the data collected
• Mention all results, even those that
counter the hypothesis
• Include Tables and Figures
– Refer to all of these in the text
– Make sure these are accurately labeled
• Statistical Presentation
– You can report statistical significance,
but do not discuss the implications of
the results
• Should report statistical significance,
statistical power, effect size, and confidence
Discussion
• Defend your choice of problem
– Why was this problem important to
investigate?
Levels of analysis:
How can the findings be linked to
phenomena at more complex levels?
Application and Synthesis:
Are the findings valid and replicable?
What real-life psychological phenomena
may be explained by the results?
References
• All citations in the text should
be listed in the reference list
• All citations on the reference
list should be cited in the text