development of scientific knowledge
Below are summaries detailing what should be included in each section. Bolded text indicates very important information. However, you should review all guidelines here—they’re here for a reason! Also, remember this paper must be written in the APA Publication Manual style. Be sure to consult the manual, previous slides and the materials I’ve posted for you in Blackboard.
Introduction Section
Your introduction should be 5 pages long (12 pt. font, double-spaced) and have at least three references from peer-reviewed journals. You must cite your sources within the text. You may use the five references you found for your previous assignments and/or new ones.
In the introduction, you are providing background information on the topic. Your first paragraph should explain why the broad topic(s) is important and give the reader an idea of where you are going for the rest of your paper (i.e., what aspects of the topic you will be focusing on). In your first sentence, begin with a very broad statement to provide context for your research. Look to other papers we’ve reviewed in class for examples. By the end of your first paragraph, you should have named your variable(s) of interest. It must clearly state the topic and the research question and identify the variables you will use in your project.(unique_solution)
The middle section of your introduction should build the case for your hypothesis, citing important pieces of evidence (the literature you reviewed). In this section, connect what you cite with your overall question with hook sentences at the beginning and ends of paragraphs. The following sentence is an example of a hook sentence for this guide, in which the term “average reader” connects with the next paragraph. By the time we reach your final paragraph, the average reader should understand your variables of interest and have an understanding of how they have been researched and thought about by others previously.
You should always assume that your reader is not an expert on the topic; however, you can assume that your reader has basic, common knowledge of the topic. You should explain your ideas thoroughly and clearly. Avoid the use of jargon wherever possible. Write like a psychologist.
The introduction should be clearly organized and flow nicely. I recommend writing at least a rudimentary outline before starting. The outline can contain your headings and greatly facilitate the efficiency, organization and quality of your work.
Review of Overall Structure
First Paragraph An introduction usually opens with an explanation for why the overall topic is important or interesting. This is the “so what” paragraph. (What makes this issue relevant, important, or interesting?) I recommend you use a story, current event or other engaging approach to draw the reader in.
Middle Section After this there is usually a review of history of the scientific thought on this question, as you weave together a story that paints a background for and justifies your idea(s) and research study. You should try to communicate some or all of the following:
- the development of scientific knowledge and thought about your variables/topic
- perhaps describe a current theory that can be used as an explanation or framework for examining your topic
- different methods that have been used to study your variables/topic
- what hasn’t been accounted for or addressed in previous studies that you think should be
This middle section is a place for you to form the logical basis for your hypothesis(es). One of the main purposes of the introduction is to form an argument that the study you plan to do is the next sensible step in the development of the research.
You do not need to mention every study conducted on the topic, only the ones that are most important to what you want to say. You also do not need to provide a lot of detail about the procedures used in other studies. Most introductions only describe the main findings, relevant methodological issues, and/or major conclusions of other research. Methodological details are usually only described if you want to say that it is flawed or an inappropriate way to measure the phenomenon, or if you are using their methodology. (Broadly, the question of the middle section is: How does previous research in this area relate to your study?)
Final Paragraph and Hypothesis In light of your literature review, provide a reason/justification for your study. You should state a specific aim and hypothesis(es), which should formed as a specific prediction about the relationship(s) you plan to find.
References
Please consult your APA guide as well as online resources such as OWL Purdue for precise instructions on your References section.