Research method and statistics paper A) Title page B) Abstract page (format it properly but leave blank for now) C) Introduction page D) Reference page I will be grading this for APA formatting issues (abstract, introduction, references, in-text citations) and structure of the introduction. With that in mind , here are some helpful hints for starting the introduction. Avoid just summarizing the articles. If the reader wanted a summary they could read the abstract of the original article. The goal of the introduction is to take what you have and organize it. Find a common theme in the articles to connect them. Focus more on what we do know about the topic and less about what we do not know about the topic. Start off the introduction by discussing the topic very broadly . Use the first paragraph to discuss the purpose of the study. Why should we be concerned with your issue? Include relevant facts or statistics to highlight why the topic is important. Next begin with what we know about the issue so far. What does the literature suggest about your topic? Start with more general information first and save the specific studies for later. You will eventually want to develop a new argument or a present a new idea in the introduction. The literature discussed should help formulate that argument or idea. Use Psycarticles as main source if you cannot find any off of there use actual studies done by schools If a reference uses a reference do not follow down the chain. Go to the original paper. Only requires a Title page and Introduction nothing farther The Introduction Presents the problem and briefly describes research strategy Usually has the following information Introduction to the topic under study Why is the problem important? Brief review of research and theory related to the topic Summarizing earlier works: Report as if studies are facts. Report only essential details How does study relate to previous work? A statement of the purpose of the research A brief description of the research strategy A description of predictions and hypotheses Link summary of work to your hypothesis (Avoid “We were curious if. . .”) Brief theoretical and/or practical implications of the study
