Due Date: Tuesday, 6/25, by 11:59 pm EST
Late Policy: Assignments will not be accepted via email under any circumstances. Late
assignments, even if 1 minute late, will not be accepted. Technology-related problems will not
be an acceptable excuse for failing to submit this assignment on time. Be sure you give yourself
plenty of time to resolve any computer issues or questions ahead of the deadline. You should be
working on this assignment individually (i.e., you should not be working with other students
and/or working with AI).
Instructions
You will write an original research paper in which you propose a novel hypothesis and describe
how to test your prediction experimentally. This paper will be in APA format and resemble a
psychological research article by including a title page, abstract, introduction, methods, expected
results, discussion, and references. We will not be collecting data (i.e., we will not run your
experiment); rather, it is a proposal of a research study you would conduct if you had unlimited
resources to do so.
More information will be provided in future weeks for more specifics about each section of the
paper. See below for general requirements and an overview of each section. Click here to see an
example of an APA-styled student paper.
Title Page. The title page identifies the title of the paper (12 words or less), your name,
affiliation, course title and course number, instructor’s name, and the due date. The page number
is in the top right-hand corner. Information is in Times New Roman font (including the page
number). Below is an example of what a title page would look like. Note that the black box is to
show you the boundaries of the Word document. You should not have a black box around your
information (this is just to show you how the information should look on a new page).
1
The Influence of Perspective-Taking on Discriminatory Related Stress
Abby Caselli
University Name
Course Name (PSY ###)
Dr. Caselli
Due Date here
Abstract. The abstract needs to provide a brief but comprehensive summary of the contents of
your paper. It provides an overview of the paper and helps readers decide whether to read the full
text. Abstracts need to be less than 250 words. Following the abstract, there should be a list of 3-
5 keywords. Refer to APA style to ensure you are formatting the abstract correctly. Click here
for a review of APA-styled abstracts.
Introduction. The introduction is the first main writing component of a research paper. The
introduction describes the topic and its importance while simultaneously reviewing previous
research on the topic. For your paper, you need to include a minimum of 15 empirical journal
articles (published within the last 10 years), which need to be accompanied by the correct
APA in-text citations and references at the end of the paper. Empirical journal articles are
research articles published in academic journals that present original research findings. Click
here to learn more about empirical journal articles and how to read them. I will provide you with
more details on collecting and citing empirical articles in two upcoming assignments (i.e., see
the course calendar for the Reference List and Bibliography Assignments).
Your goal is to provide an overview of the research that has been conducted on your topic, as
well as build a case for why your research is important and can add to the current set of
literature. Your introduction is not a summary of each empirical article. Rather, it is a well put
together description of the current research and illustrates the importance and implications of
your research question. I will provide you with more details on the introduction section of your
proposal in an upcoming assignment (i.e., see the course calendar for the Discussion Board:
Introduction Outline).
Click here for a review of APA style heading guidelines. This resource will be useful for your
whole paper but particularly relevant to your introduction.
Methods. The methods section describes the participants, study design (procedure), and the
materials that will be used to conduct this research. This section should begin immediately after
the introduction (i.e., do not start a new page). “Methods” should be bold and centered.
Next, “Procedure” should be left-aligned and bold. On the next line, indented, you should
describe the procedure. You should provide enough details so that someone will be able to
conduct your proposed procedure hypothetically. Keep in mind that although we are not going to
carry out these experiments, it is always important to include adequate details in scientific
writing for replication purposes. I will provide you with more details on the procedure section of
your proposal in an upcoming assignment (i.e., see the course calendar for the Procedure:
Considering Design & Control Assignment).
Then, “Participants” should be left-aligned and bold. On the next line, indented, you should
describe who would be your participants. Describe your target sample (i.e., what are the
requirements to participate in your study).
Finally, “Measures” should be left-aligned and bold. On the next line, indented, you should
describe how you will measure your predictor, moderator, and outcome variable. Each variable
should have their own heading (refer to APA formatting for the heading). I will provide you with
more details on the measures section of your proposal in an upcoming assignment (i.e., see the
course calendar for the Defining Variables Assignment).
Expected Results. The expected results section will restate your hypothesis and describe to the
readers what you expect to find if you were to conduct this study. For this paper, you will need to
include a graph/figure of your expected findings. This section should begin immediately after the
Measures section (i.e., do not start a new page). “Expected Results” should be bold and centered.
Discussion. The discussion will provide a summary of your expected results and how these
expected findings connect to the current literature. You should be connecting your expected
findings to some of the empirical journal articles you described in the introduction. The
discussion is where researchers describe the strengths and limitations of the work. This section
should begin immediately after the Expected Results section (i.e., do not start a new page).
“Discussion” should be bold and centered. Click here for a review of APA-styled discussions.
References. The last major component of your research paper is your references. The references
should be listed in alphabetical order and follow APA style. You should have a minimum of 15
empirical journal articles cited from your introduction in your reference list. Articles that you
cite in other areas of the paper (such as the methods) also need to be included in the reference
list.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
I realize the task of writing a research paper is a daunting one. However, take confidence in your
abilities! You will receive the resources and support throughout this course to help you succeed
and step up to the task. The course is designed to assist you with each section of the paper. That
is, we will be working on this paper throughout the entire semester. As an overview, review how
the topics of each week will help you work towards the completion of your final paper.
Week 1 • Brain storm research questions on the Introduce Yourself Discussion Board
• Learn to read empirical research articles about experiments
• Learn to find various empirical articles using Google Scholar and PsycInfo
Week 2 • Finalize research question and variables of interest
• Learn about ethical procedures in human subjects research
Week 3 • Create a hypothesis for your novel research question
• Demonstrate your ability to use APA style (references)
Week 4 • Demonstrate your ability to use APA style (in-text citations)
• Learn to write an introduction section of an empirical article
• Create an outline of your introduction section
Week 5 • Learn to write and draft the procedure section
• Learn to write and draft the measures section
• Learn to write an expected results section
• Learn to write a discussion section
Week 6 • Research Paper is due
Feedback. It is expected that you are editing and making changes to your paper, given the
numerous opportunities for feedback on each section of this paper. For example, in the
Discussion Board: Introduction Outline assessment you will submit an outline of your
introduction, including APA in-text citations. I will provide you with feedback. It is expected
that you continue editing and making changes to correct formatting/APA errors. Failure to
make changes and address feedback will severely impact your grade on the final research
paper.
Additional Resources
Please see the Resources Module on Kodiak for additional resources on APA style and writing in
psychology. As always, I am here to help as well! Feel free to stop by during my virtual office
hours or email me to schedule an appointment. Although I am here to help and support you,
know that I do not respond to last-minute emails. Ensure you are planning ahead and giving
yourself enough time to complete this paper successfully.
No Quotes
You should NOT be using quotes. You will lose 2 points per quote used (with no cap). For
example, if you use 10 quotes you will lose 20 points before I even grade your paper. Instead, all
information should be paraphrased and into your own words. Click here to review how to
paraphrase.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
All writing must be your original writing. You should not be copying or pasting from journal
articles, websites, or your friends. Violations of academic integrity can result in a zero on this
assignment. Please refer to the course policy regarding the use of open AI platforms (e.g.,
ChatGPT).
Grading
Section Possible
Points
Point Worth and Expectations
See the Checklist below to ensure you include all the required information!
Earned
Points
Title Page 4 • Title is fully explanatory of the study; identifies actual variables or theoretical
issues of study; all other components (your name, affiliation, course title,
course number, instructor’s name, and the date) are present and in correct APA
format
Abstract 4 • The abstract is appropriate in tone, structure, and length; fully descriptive of
the proposal; identifies the problem, proposed methods, expected results, and
implications
• The abstract is less than 250 words. Following the abstract, there should be a
list of 3-5 keywords.
Introduction 15 Paragraph #1 of the Introduction: Problem
• Clear statement of problem under investigation; introduces the reader to the
major construct(s) or conceptual variables of interest; clearly states goal(s) of
the study
Paragraph #2-4 of the Introduction: Literature Review
• Articles reviewed are relevant to the problem being investigated; coverage of
previous empirical studies is thorough; issues are clearly explained; issues
related to the problem are discussed in a logical progression (grouped by topic,
NOT one article at a time); the number of empirical journal articles cited is
fully sufficient for the task (at least 15 empirical journal articles published
within the last 10 years are included)
Paragraph #5 of the Introduction: Rationale for Hypothesis
• Transition from literature review to hypothesis is seamless.
• Hypothesis makes perfect sense in light of previous research. Theoretical
justification and/or reasons for hypothesis and direction of expected results are
established clearly.
• Clear statement of expectation(s) for outcome of study, relating variables as
identified in statement of problem
Methods: Procedure 6 • Contains concisely organized information that allows the experiment to be
replicated; identifies sources of all data to be collected; identifies sequential
information about data collection steps; does not contain unnecessary, wordy
descriptions of procedures.
• The procedure identifies and clearly describes the type of experimental
designed being proposed (i.e., within or between subjects design).
• The procedure also provides information regarding experimental control.
• The procedure considers ethics when conducting human subjects research (i.e.,
states the consent and debriefing process).
Methods: Participants 5 • Contains a clear and concise description of participants; relevant demographic
information is provided; subgroups are clearly distinguished; recruiting
methods are specified.
Methods: Measures 14 • Independent variable. The manipulation for the independent variable is fully
described (i.e., exact wording of your manipulation). A reference to previous
research that used the same manipulation or a similar manipulation is included.
• Dependent variable. A reference to previous research that used the same or
similar survey measure is included. The reliability and validity of the measure
is discussed. This section includes the total number of survey items, an
example item, and the scale used.
Expected Results 10 • Restate your hypothesis for the readers
• Describe your expected results with specifics (i.e., describe all conditions)
• Include a figure (i.e., bar graph) in APA formatting that illustrates what you
expect to find in your study. This figure should have your conditions on the x-
axis and the dependent variable on the y-axis. In addition, your y-axis should
be scaled according to your dependent variable measure (i.e., if you have a
scale that ranges from 1-7, then your y-axis should show 1-7). All of your axes
should be properly labeled. This figure needs to be created using a computer.
No hand-drawn graphs!
Discussion 15 Paragraph #1 of the Discussion: Overview of Expected Results
• Summarize your hypothesis by restating it and then describe what you would
expect to find. This summary and expected results should be connected to
previous research.
• Author addresses how expected results fit with existing research and
theoretical perspectives by referencing at least 3 empirical journal articles
described in your introduction.
Paragraph #2 of the Discussion: Strengths
• List at least two strengths of this proposed study
Paragraph #3 of the Discussion: Limitations
• Limitations of the proposal are discussed in terms of internal and external
validity.
• List at least two limitations to this proposed study (you cannot use sample
size)
Paragraph #4 of the Discussion: Future Research
• Future research directions/topics are suggested and go beyond simple
demographic variable additions
• Discuss at least one future direction of this research.
Paragraph #5 of the Discussion: Implications
• Implications of the study are discussed with real-world applications
addressed.
References and In-Text
Citations
4 -0 pt | No reference/citation errors
-1 pt | 1-2 reference/citation errors
-2 pts | 3 reference/citation errors
-3 pts | 4 reference/citation errors
-4 pts | 5+ reference/citation errors
APA Formatting 4 • Ensure you are using APA formatting throughout your paper
• Times New Roman, 12-point font size, double spaced, 1-inched margins
-0 pt | No APA formatting errors
-1 pt | 1-2 APA formatting errors
-2 pts | 3 APA formatting errors
-3 pts | 4 APA formatting errors
-4 pts | 5+ APA formatting errors
Spelling/Grammar/Writing
Quality
4 -0 pt | Uses consistent professional writing; free of spelling and grammar errors
-1 pts | Mostly uses professional writing; few spelling and grammar errors
-2 pts | Some use of professional writing; some spelling and grammar errors
-3 pts | Attempts to use professional writing; Frequent spelling and grammar errors
that are distracting
/85
Research Paper Checklist
Use the checklist below to help ensure you are including the core components of the paper in
each section. Also, ensure you are referring to APA style for formatting guidelines.
Title Page
_____ One-inch margins at the top, bottom, and sides
_____ Page number at the right margin in the header
_____ Title centered (and bold) includes key variables
_____ Student name and affiliation (school name) centered on lines that follow the title
_____ Instructor’s name and date follow the author’s name and affiliation
_____ Time New Roman, 12 pt font, double-spaced is used throughout the document
Abstract
_____ Starts on new page with heading centered
_____ First sentence is NOT indented
_____ Introduces topic of paper
_____ Briefly summarizes method (i.e., experimental design)
_____ States hypothesis
_____ Ends with implications of potential findings
_____ Includes 3-5 keywords that accurately describe your paper’s topic
Introduction
_____ Starts on a new page
_____ Paper title is repeated on the first line, centered and bold
Paragraph #1 of the Introduction: Problem
_____ Opening paragraph generally introduces topic and key variables
_____ The opening paragraph should grab the reader’s attention
Paragraph #2-4 of the Introduction: Literature Review
_____ Includes only articles relevant to topic studied
_____ Articles cover critical findings from existing studies
_____ Does NOT summarize one article at a time
_____ Separates similar/related findings from previous research into separate paragraphs
_____ Focuses on findings/results of previous studies
_____ 15 empirical journal articles are cited within the introduction
Paragraph #5 of the Introduction: Rationale for Hypothesis:
_____ New paragraph establishes the rationale for the hypothesis or hypotheses
_____ Rationale includes theoretical justification for hypothesis and direction of relationships
_____ Transition from literature review to rationale to hypothesis should be seamless
_____ Introduction ends with statement of the hypothesis or hypotheses
Methods
_____ Continues on the same page as Introduction (not on a new page) with heading
centered
Procedure
_____ Use subheading, left-justified, and begin the content on a new line with an indent
_____ Summarize steps in administering the study
_____ Steps should be succinct but complete enough to allow the reader to replicate the
study
_____ Consider ethics: You should state that participants will be given informed consent and
debriefed at the end of the study
_____ The procedure identifies and clearly described the type of experimental designed being
proposed (i.e., within or between subjects design).
_____ The procedure also provides information regarding experimental control.
Participants
_____ Use subheading, left-justified, and begin the content on a new line with an indent
_____ State expected number of participants
_____ Describe how participants will be recruited
_____ Summarize expected demographics (gender, age, race, year in school)
_____ Describe eligibility requirements
Measures/Materials
_____ Use subheading, left-justified, and begin the content on a new line with an indent
Independent variable (i.e., the variable you manipulate)
_____ Include clear descriptions of your manipulation
_____ Include the name and source of a similar manipulation
Dependent variable (i.e., the variable you measure):
_____ Include the name and source of the survey measure
_____ State number of items and response scale (number of possible responses and anchors)
_____ Provide reliability and validity information for each measure
_____ Provide a sample item
Expected Results
_____ Continues on the same page with the heading centered (Expected Results; NOT
Results)
_____ Repeat hypothesis
_____ Include a figure following APA style of your expected results
Discussion
_____ Continues on the same page with heading centered
Paragraph #1 of the Discussion: Overview of Expected Results
_____ Summarize your hypothesis and what you would expect to find
_____ Describe how expected results would be consistent/inconsistent with previous
research
_____ Connect expected results to at least 3 empirical articles described in the introduction
Paragraph #2 of the Discussion: Strengths
_____ Summarize 2 strengths of the study’s design
Paragraph #3 of the Discussion: Limitations
_____ Summarize 2 limitations of the study’s design (beyond simple sampling issues)
Paragraph #4 of the Discussion: Future Research
_____ Suggest one future research directions (beyond simple sampling/demographic extensions)
Paragraph #5 of the Discussion: Implications
_____ Discuss implications of study (practical, real-world applications)
References
_____ New page with heading centered
_____ All citations from the paper are included in the Reference list
_____ All citations from the Reference list are included in paper as in-text citations
_____ Citations are listed in alphabetical order based on the first author of each publication
