1. Introduction
a. Provides a blueprint for the entire research paper. It is meant to acquaint the reader with the
rationale behind the study, with the intention of defending it.
b. State your purpose and focus of the paper.
c. State the problem or express it so that the question is implied.
d. Significance of the study. Why is it worth doing in the first place?
e. The introduction is usually written in present tense.
2. Literature Review
a. What has been written on this topic in the past? Convey to the reader what knowledge and ideas
have been established on a topic and what are the strengths and weaknesses.
b. How your study contributes to the existing literature.
c. Definition of appropriate terms.
3. Hypotheses
a. What question(s) are you trying to answer and why?
b. State the hypothesis precisely.
c. Present background information only as needed in order to support a position. The reader does
not want to read everything you know about a subject
4. Data Collection and Method of Analysis
a. How are you going to answer the research questions?
i. Data collection process
ii. Instrument (e.g., which programming language, software & hardware details)
iii. Procedure / algorithm
b. Assumptions
c. Scope and limitations
d. This section is usually written in past tense.
5. Results
a. Present and illustrate your findings. Make this section a completely objective report of the results
and save all interpretation for the discussion.
b. You should use tables, charts, and graphs only when you are sure they will enlighten your readers.
c. The rule for presenting a graphic is first to introduce it by name, show it, and then interpret it.
d. Do not confuse figures with tables – there is a difference.
e. Either place figures and tables within the text here or include them in the back of the report.
f. Each figure and table must be sufficiently complete that it can stand on its own.
g. The results section is usually written in past tense.
6. Discussion
a. Provide an interpretation of your results and support for all of your conclusions.
b. The distinction between the results section and the discussion section is not always so clear-cut.
Some evaluation and commentary on your data may be appropriate and even necessary.
c. The significance of findings should be clearly described.
d. Decide if each hypothesis is supported, rejected, or if you cannot make a decision with confidence.
Do not simply dismiss a study or part of a study as “inconclusive.”
e. Try to offer alternative explanations if reasonable alternatives exist.
7. Conclusion
a. Summary (of what you did and found)
b. Discussion (explanation of findings – why do you think you found what you did?)
c. Recommendations (based on your findings)
d. The conclusions and recommendations section are usually written in present tense.
8. References
a. Properly document sources of all your information. APA or MLA style is fine.
