STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
What topic are you discussing?
What is the problem/issue?
Why are you discussing it? (So, What?)
Why should your audience listen? (Who Cares?)
Thesis Statement (the focal point of your paper) Underline and Bold
LITERATURE REVIEW
What scholars/experts have said about your subject?
What is the current thinking/findings of the problem?
Minimum of six scholarly references (Wikipedia is NOT considered scholarly).
Primary or secondary references only (No URL or HTTP references)
What conclusions or recommendations do the scholars offer?
Does your position agree/disagree with the scholars?
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Identify a theoretical paradigm or theory that best aligns with your topic and position.
Define the paradigm or theory.
Identify a theorist aligned with the paradigm or theory.
Why your selection best represents your assumptions?
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
Restate the thesis statement and major points.
Discuss insight into problem/topic.
What did you conclude?
Tie your conclusion back to the statement of the problem.
What issues remain unsolved.
What needs to be done to change/improve the problem.
What gaps remain.
What new questions should be asked?
Research Paper Requirements
APA format is required (Refer to the 7th edition of American Psychological Association Manual); 8-10 pgs. (not including title and reference pages). Times Roman or Arial 12 pt. font; double-spaced; grammar/spell checked; pages numbered.
REFERENCES
The reference list starts on a separate page.
References must be primary or secondary sources.
Primary sources are the original article or study, and firsthand reports.
Secondary sources are descriptions or summaries of another person’s work.
Textbooks are secondary sources.
References must be in alpha order by the author’s last name.
Example of a correct APA citation:
Rodriguez, N. (2005). Restorative justice, communities, and delinquency: Whom do we reintegrate? Criminology and Public Policy, 4,103-130. doi:10.1111/j.1745- 9133.2005.00010.x/full
Example of an incorrect APA citation:
- This is a formal paper. Do not write as if you are speaking.
- Do not provide a link to a reference document. Download the document and reference the primary or secondary source only.
- Do not copy large blocks of information from any source. Your professor is more interested in reading how YOU interpret what you have read.
- Use quotations sparingly (no more than 2-3 sentences). If using quotations, you must use “quotation marks” around the words copied.
- Cite the author, year, and page number for quoted in-text citations (e.g., Brown, 2019, p.363).
- Dates, statistics, facts, and/or direct quotes must be cited.
It is highly encouraged that students use CSU – Stanislaus Writing Center and similar resources prior to submitting the final paper. Experience shows most students earn less than full credit if they fail to use the writing center or other writing resources.