research paper outline doc

APA Research Paper Outline: Examples and Template

Table of contents

• 1 Why Is Research Paper Format Necessary?
• 2.1 Purpose of research paper outline
• 2.2 APA outline example
• 3.1 APA paper outline example
• 3.2 Introduction:
• 3.4 Conclusion:
• 4 The Basic APA Outline Format
• 5 APA Style Outline Template Breakdown
• 6.1 APA Research Paper Outline Example
• 6.2 APA Paper Outline Format Example
• 7.1 First Paragraph: Hook and Thesis
• 7.2 Main Body
• 7.3 Conclusion
• 7.4 Decimal APA outline format example
• 7.5 Decimal APA outline format layout
• 8.1 A definite goal
• 8.2 Division
• 8.3 Parallelism
• 8.4 Coordination
• 8.5 Subordination
• 8.6 Avoid Redundancy
• 8.7 Wrap it up in a good way
• 8.8 Conclusion

Formatting your paper in APA can be daunting if this is your first time. The American Psychological Association (APA) offers a guide or rules to follow when conducting projects in the social sciences or writing papers. The standard APA fromat a research paper outline includes a proper layout from the title page to the final reference pages. There are formatting samples to create outlines before writing a paper. Amongst other strategies, creating an outline is the easiest way to APA format outline template.

Why Is Research Paper Format Necessary?

Consistency in the sequence, structure, and format when writing a research paper encourages readers to concentrate on the substance of a paper rather than how it is presented. The requirements for paper format apply to student assignments and papers submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed publication. APA paper outline template style may be used to create a website, conference poster, or PowerPoint presentation . If you plan to use the style for other types of work like a website, conference poster, or even PowerPoint presentation, you must format your work accordingly to adjust to requirements. For example, you may need different line spacing and font sizes. Follow the formatting rules provided by your institution or publication to ensure its formatting standards are followed as closely as possible. However, to logically structure your document, you need a research paper outline in APA format. You may ask: why is it necessary to create an outline for an APA research paper? Crafting a well-organized APA outline is crucial for any research paper. If you’re struggling with this process, consider seeking help from a professional research paper writer , who can guide you through each step.

Concept & Purposes of Research Paper Outline

A path, direction, or action plan! Writing short essays without a layout may seem easy, but not for 10,000 or more words. Yet, confusing a table of contents with an outline is a major issue. The table of contents is an orderly list of all the chapters’ front matter, primary, and back matter. It includes sections and, often, figures in your work, labeled by page number. On the other hand, a research APA-style paper outline is a proper structure to follow.

Purpose of research paper outline

An outline is a formalized essay in which you give your own argument to support your point of view. And when you write your apa outline template, you expand on what you already know about the topic. Academic writing papers examine an area of expertise to get the latest and most accurate information to work on that topic. It serves various purposes, including:

• APA paper outline discusses the study’s core concepts.
• The research paper outlines to define the link between your ideas and the thesis.
• It provides you with manageable portions that you can handle.
• The research paper’s APA outline enables the detection of structural faults or gaps.
• As shown in the example, it must clearly comprehend the subject at hand.

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APA outline example

This research paper outline example will guide you in formatting the layout for a clear direction to work on. It eliminates the inconsistency along with lacking proper substance in the paper.

Understanding the APA Outline Format

It would not be wrong to say there is no standard outline format. The official publishing handbook does not give precise guidelines for preparing an outline. But, it requires certain basic guidelines to follow regarding typeface, font size, structure, margins, etc.

APA paper outline example

Moreover, the final shape of your work relies on your instructor’s specifications and your particular preferences for APA citation format. Though, it would be better to follow some standards for formatting your outline, for instance:

Times New Roman is a widely accessible standard typeface for an APA essay format in 12-point font. However, serif and sans serif fonts like Arial and Georgia are acceptable in font size 11pt.

The text of your paper format should be double-spaced.

The primary headlines use Roman and Arabic numerals to write an outline.

Headings & Subheadings

While writing an APA essay, there are particular standards for utilizing headings in your outline: I – Main headings are numbered by Roman numerals like I, II, III, IV A  – Subheadings are numbered with Capital letters (A, B, C, D) 1  – The APA outline uses Arabic numerals (1-9 type numbers) within those subheadings. a  – Below Arabic number subheadings, lower-case letters are used (a, b, a). [1] – Headings below those subheadings use Arabic numbers enclosed in parenthesis.

APA format offers a standard layout for each paper, such as

• 1-inch margins on the top, bottom, left, and right.
• The page number on the upper right corner.

The structure of writing an outline consists of three major sections:

• Introduction

Introduction:

This section highlights crucial background information.

Explain the primary points that support your ideas.

Conclusion:

• Summarize your key arguments.
• Explain how these concepts support your ultimate stance, as shown in APA outline example below.

An outline in APA has three common formats that vary in the numeric sequence of all. To make it easier for you, we have compiled all three templates. You can format your document using these examples for added coherence and structure.

The Basic APA Outline Format

APA Style Outline Template Breakdown

Numbering the APA style format follows five levels of headings that use different alphabets and numbers. For instance, I – Headings use Roman numerals like I, II, and III. A – CAPITAL ALPHABETS”, such as A, B, C, etc. 1 – Headings and subheadings use Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3). a – If there are further headings (the fourth level), use lower-case alphabets. [1] – Headings below that (the fifth level) use Arabic numerals enclosed in parentheses, such as [1], [2], [3].

Full Sentence Outline Format

As the name specifies, the full-sentence style outline format requires every line to be a proper sentence. Full-sentence APA style outline is best recommended for essays and speeches. It gives your writing process an idea or a logical path to follow.

APA Research Paper Outline Example

If you are looking for how to write a research paper outline APA in Full Sentence Format, here is an example:

Full Sentence APA format heading utilizes Roman numerals I, II, and III. Every heading must be a full sentence. Here is an APA style paper outline template for the full-sentence format that will clear all your confusion on how to write an outline in full-sentence format.

APA Paper Outline Format Example

I. Introduction

III. Conclusion

Decimal Outline Format

The decimal outline format for APA research papers differs from other formats. The decimal APA style is simple and uses paragraphs for structure. It contains three main paragraphs, introduction, main body, and conclusion.

First Paragraph: Hook and Thesis

• The first paragraph is a sentence or two that introduces the central concept of your article.
• Introduce your topic or subject of study where your research is applicable as a context for further research.
• Explain why the mentioned issue is essential or relevant to the audience.
• A thesis statement is a claim that you make throughout your whole essay.
• The topic phrase is the first point in any writing to support a thesis statement.
• Give an explanation or provide evidence to support your point.
• Provide verifiable facts, figures, and/or citations from credible sources in your writing. It helps in the substantiating assertion.
• Include as many supporting statements and related evidence in your decimal outline.

Finally, when you write an outline, provide a concluding remark to support your claims.

Decimal APA outline format example

1.0 The main heading 1.1 Subheading under the main heading 1.2 Second digit is represented by subheadings under the main headings 1.2.1 Further division adds another digit in decimal format 1.2.2 You can number them as per the number of paragraphs or points, or lines An easy way to write in decimal APA outline format is to remember the structure, i.e.; 1.1.1 = Heading.Paragraph.Sentence/point under paragraph.”

Decimal APA outline format layout

1.0 Main heading 1.1 First paragraph for first heading. 1.2 Second paragraph for first heading. 1.2.1 First point or sentence for the second paragraph. 2.0 Second heading 2.1 Second heading, first paragraph. 2.2 Second heading, second paragraph. 2.2.1 Second, heading, second paragraph, first sentence, or point. 3.0 Decimal working 3.1 You must remember that each digit represents a segment. 3.2 It is easier to remember the placement of numbers. 3.2.1 First digit represents the heading 3.2.2 Second digit represents the paragraph under the main heading <3.2.3 The third digit represents any point or sentence under the paragraph.

Tips for Writing an Outline: Organize Your Ideas

You may feel it is easier to write without outlines, but once you start writing, organizing your ideas or thoughts becomes hard. Even if you have some fantastic ideas, producing an engaging story is practically hard. If you are not first creating an outline or conceptual guides while writing a research paper, you may lose track. A well-written outline is essential in completing your paper and maintaining quality. Establishing your point in paper writing is easy if you create an outline first. You can find an APA research paper outline template that best suits your requirement. Moreover, these tips can help you polish your writing. These tips and sample papers can help you write outstanding outlines without making any hassle.

A definite goal

For better expression, make a list of primary objectives on a title page in a single phrase or less. Your goal should be specific and measurable. If it is too broad or imprecise, you will not achieve anything. If you are working on a large paper format that covers a variety of themes or topics, you may have a more general purpose in mind. But, if you plan to write an essay, the aim should be as specific and clear as possible to be effective.

Breaking things up rather than allowing them to become verbose is known as the division rule. Make sure that each subsection in the document corresponds to its parent heading. If it doesn’t compare to the section, removing it or moving it to another location is better.

Parallelism

It is mainly related to the consistency and structure of the document. It keeps your paper’s layout tidy and also ensures relevancy. For instance, if you begin one heading with a verb, make sure all other headings and subheadings also start with a verb.

Coordination

Having headings aligned is critical to creating a well-organized outline. This rule also applies to subheadings, which is a good thing. If one title is less important than another, consider changing your layout by incorporating it into a subsection instead.

Subordination

Subordination deals with maintaining a connection between your paper’s headings and subheadings. It helps in the proper sequencing of headings and subheadings. Headings should be broad at the outset. At the same time, the subheadings become more particular as they go further into the document.

Avoid Redundancy

While writing a paper outline, look through it many times and cross out any items that aren’t necessary or have no significance. While outlining, make sure to be specific and concise. It will prevent you from adding information that does not supporting your final essay. Remove all the extra information and points while c that weighs you down while you write.

Wrap it up in a good way

Creating an outline does not only help in writing a coherent term paper, but it also helps in ending with precise understanding. Be considerate of your audience’s time and effort when you write an outline in APA, and ensure it serves its purpose. If you still have any doubts about formatting your paper outline, you can use this APA-style research paper outline template to write your document. We have provided Outline Format Example for every style.

People find it hard to write an outline in APA, but if you are aware of the requirements and structure, it’s no breeze. Sometimes, your instructor may alter your paper format by introducing or removing existing sections. As a result, if you come across any templates for an outline in APA, pay close attention to them. If you are looking for a quick answer to how to outline an APA paper, here’s a standard logical sequence of typical parts to include when writing an outline in APA:

• Thesis statement
• Techniques employed
• Body of paper
• Conclusions section
• List of references

A well-written outline is an excellent tool for presenting an outstanding paper. Including the key components while writing an outline for a research paper is necessary.

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How Can You Create a Well Planned Research Paper Outline

You are staring at the blank document, meaning to start writing your research paper . After months of experiments and procuring results, your PI asked you to write the paper to publish it in a reputed journal. You spoke to your peers and a few seniors and received a few tips on writing a research paper, but you still can’t plan on how to begin!

Writing a research paper is a very common issue among researchers and is often looked upon as a time consuming hurdle. Researchers usually look up to this task as an impending threat, avoiding and procrastinating until they cannot delay it anymore. Seeking advice from internet and seniors they manage to write a paper which goes in for quite a few revisions. Making researchers lose their sense of understanding with respect to their research work and findings. In this article, we would like to discuss how to create a structured research paper outline which will assist a researcher in writing their research paper effectively!

Publication is an important component of research studies in a university for academic promotion and in obtaining funding to support research. However, the primary reason is to provide the data and hypotheses to scientific community to advance the understanding in a specific domain. A scientific paper is a formal record of a research process. It documents research protocols, methods, results, conclusion, and discussion from a research hypothesis .

Table of Contents

What Is a Research Paper Outline?

A research paper outline is a basic format for writing an academic research paper. It follows the IMRAD format (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion). However, this format varies depending on the type of research manuscript. A research paper outline consists of following sections to simplify the paper for readers. These sections help researchers build an effective paper outline.

1. Title Page

The title page provides important information which helps the editors, reviewers, and readers identify the manuscript and the authors at a glance. It also provides an overview of the field of research the research paper belongs to. The title should strike a balance between precise and detailed. Other generic details include author’s given name, affiliation, keywords that will provide indexing, details of the corresponding author etc. are added to the title page.

2. Abstract

Abstract is the most important section of the manuscript and will help the researcher create a detailed research paper outline . To be more precise, an abstract is like an advertisement to the researcher’s work and it influences the editor in deciding whether to submit the manuscript to reviewers or not. Writing an abstract is a challenging task. Researchers can write an exemplary abstract by selecting the content carefully and being concise.

3. Introduction

An introduction is a background statement that provides the context and approach of the research. It describes the problem statement with the assistance of the literature study and elaborates the requirement to update the knowledge gap. It sets the research hypothesis and informs the readers about the big research question.

This section is usually named as “Materials and Methods”, “Experiments” or “Patients and Methods” depending upon the type of journal. This purpose provides complete information on methods used for the research. Researchers should mention clear description of materials and their use in the research work. If the methods used in research are already published, give a brief account and refer to the original publication. However, if the method used is modified from the original method, then researcher should mention the modifications done to the original protocol and validate its accuracy, precision, and repeatability.

It is best to report results as tables and figures wherever possible. Also, avoid duplication of text and ensure that the text summarizes the findings. Report the results with appropriate descriptive statistics. Furthermore, report any unexpected events that could affect the research results, and mention complete account of observations and explanations for missing data (if any).

6. Discussion

The discussion should set the research in context, strengthen its importance and support the research hypothesis. Summarize the main results of the study in one or two paragraphs and show how they logically fit in an overall scheme of studies. Compare the results with other investigations in the field of research and explain the differences.

7. Acknowledgments

Acknowledgements identify and thank the contributors to the study, who are not under the criteria of co-authors. It also includes the recognition of funding agency and universities that award scholarships or fellowships to researchers.

8. Declaration of Competing Interests

Finally, declaring the competing interests is essential to abide by ethical norms of unique research publishing. Competing interests arise when the author has more than one role that may lead to a situation where there is a conflict of interest.

Steps to Write a Research Paper Outline

• Write down all important ideas that occur to you concerning the research paper .
• Answer questions such as – what is the topic of my paper? Why is the topic important? How to formulate the hypothesis? What are the major findings?
• Add context and structure. Group all your ideas into sections – Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion/Conclusion.
• Add relevant questions to each section. It is important to note down the questions. This will help you align your thoughts.
• Expand the ideas based on the questions created in the paper outline.
• After creating a detailed outline, discuss it with your mentors and peers.
• Get enough feedback and decide on the journal you will submit to.
• The process of real writing begins.

Benefits of Creating a Research Paper Outline

As discussed, the research paper subheadings create an outline of what different aspects of research needs elaboration. This provides subtopics on which the researchers brainstorm and reach a conclusion to write. A research paper outline organizes the researcher’s thoughts and gives a clear picture of how to formulate the research protocols and results. It not only helps the researcher to understand the flow of information but also provides relation between the ideas.

A research paper outline helps researcher achieve a smooth transition between topics and ensures that no research point is forgotten. Furthermore, it allows the reader to easily navigate through the research paper and provides a better understanding of the research. The paper outline allows the readers to find relevant information and quotes from different part of the paper.

Research Paper Outline Template

A research paper outline template can help you understand the concept of creating a well planned research paper before beginning to write and walk through your journey of research publishing.

1. Research Title

A. Background i. Support with evidence ii. Support with existing literature studies

B. Thesis Statement i. Link literature with hypothesis ii. Support with evidence iii. Explain the knowledge gap and how this research will help build the gap 4. Body

A. Methods i. Mention materials and protocols used in research ii. Support with evidence

B. Results i. Support with tables and figures ii. Mention appropriate descriptive statistics

C. Discussion i. Support the research with context ii. Support the research hypothesis iii. Compare the results with other investigations in field of research

D. Conclusion i. Support the discussion and research investigation ii. Support with literature studies

E. Acknowledgements i. Identify and thank the contributors ii. Include the funding agency, if any

F. Declaration of Competing Interests

5. References

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Getting started with your research paper outline

Levels of organization for a research paper outline

First level of organization, second level of organization, third level of organization, fourth level of organization, tips for writing a research paper outline, research paper outline template, my research paper outline is complete: what are the next steps, frequently asked questions about a research paper outline, related articles.

The outline is the skeleton of your research paper. Simply start by writing down your thesis and the main ideas you wish to present. This will likely change as your research progresses; therefore, do not worry about being too specific in the early stages of writing your outline.

A research paper outline typically contains between two and four layers of organization. The first two layers are the most generalized. Each layer thereafter will contain the research you complete and presents more and more detailed information.

The levels are typically represented by a combination of Roman numerals, Arabic numerals, uppercase letters, lowercase letters but may include other symbols. Refer to the guidelines provided by your institution, as formatting is not universal and differs between universities, fields, and subjects. If you are writing the outline for yourself, you may choose any combination you prefer.

This is the most generalized level of information. Begin by numbering the introduction, each idea you will present, and the conclusion. The main ideas contain the bulk of your research paper 's information. Depending on your research, it may be chapters of a book for a literature review , a series of dates for a historical research paper, or the methods and results of a scientific paper.

I. Introduction

II. Main idea

III. Main idea

IV. Main idea

V. Conclusion

The second level consists of topics which support the introduction, main ideas, and the conclusion. Each main idea should have at least two supporting topics listed in the outline.

If your main idea does not have enough support, you should consider presenting another main idea in its place. This is where you should stop outlining if this is your first draft. Continue your research before adding to the next levels of organization.

• A. Background information
• B. Hypothesis or thesis
• A. Supporting topic
• B. Supporting topic

The third level of organization contains supporting information for the topics previously listed. By now, you should have completed enough research to add support for your ideas.

The Introduction and Main Ideas may contain information you discovered about the author, timeframe, or contents of a book for a literature review; the historical events leading up to the research topic for a historical research paper, or an explanation of the problem a scientific research paper intends to address.

• 1. Relevant history
• 2. Relevant history
• 1. The hypothesis or thesis clearly stated
• 1. A brief description of supporting information
• 2. A brief description of supporting information

The fourth level of organization contains the most detailed information such as quotes, references, observations, or specific data needed to support the main idea. It is not typical to have further levels of organization because the information contained here is the most specific.

• a) Quotes or references to another piece of literature
• b) Quotes or references to another piece of literature

Tip: The key to creating a useful outline is to be consistent in your headings, organization, and levels of specificity.

• Be Consistent : ensure every heading has a similar tone. State the topic or write short sentences for each heading but avoid doing both.
• Organize Information : Higher levels of organization are more generally stated and each supporting level becomes more specific. The introduction and conclusion will never be lower than the first level of organization.
• Build Support : Each main idea should have two or more supporting topics. If your research does not have enough information to support the main idea you are presenting, you should, in general, complete additional research or revise the outline.

By now, you should know the basic requirements to create an outline for your paper. With a content framework in place, you can now start writing your paper . To help you start right away, you can use one of our templates and adjust it to suit your needs.

After completing your outline, you should:

• Title your research paper . This is an iterative process and may change when you delve deeper into the topic.
• Begin writing your research paper draft . Continue researching to further build your outline and provide more information to support your hypothesis or thesis.
• Format your draft appropriately . MLA 8 and APA 7 formats have differences between their bibliography page, in-text citations, line spacing, and title.
• Finalize your citations and bibliography . Use a reference manager like Paperpile to organize and cite your research.
• Write the abstract, if required . An abstract will briefly state the information contained within the paper, results of the research, and the conclusion.

An outline is used to organize written ideas about a topic into a logical order. Outlines help us organize major topics, subtopics, and supporting details. Researchers benefit greatly from outlines while writing by addressing which topic to cover in what order.

The most basic outline format consists of: an introduction, a minimum of three topic paragraphs, and a conclusion.

You should make an outline before starting to write your research paper. This will help you organize the main ideas and arguments you want to present in your topic.

• Consistency: ensure every heading has a similar tone. State the topic or write short sentences for each heading but avoid doing both.
• Organization : Higher levels of organization are more generally stated and each supporting level becomes more specific. The introduction and conclusion will never be lower than the first level of organization.
• Support : Each main idea should have two or more supporting topics. If your research does not have enough information to support the main idea you are presenting, you should, in general, complete additional research or revise the outline.

Free Download

Research Paper Template

The fastest (and smartest) way to craft a research paper that showcases your project and earns you marks. 

Available in Google Doc, Word & PDF format 4.9 star rating, 5000 + downloads

Step-by-step instructions

Tried & tested academic format

Fill-in-the-blanks simplicity

Pro tips, tricks and resources

What It Covers

This template’s structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for academic research papers. Its structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your paper has a smooth, logical flow from chapter to chapter. Here’s what’s included:

• The title page/cover page
• Abstract (or executive summary)
• Section 1: Introduction 
• Section 2: Literature review 
• Section 3: Methodology
• Section 4: Findings /results
• Section 5: Discussion
• Section 6: Conclusion
• Reference list

Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover within each section. 

You can download a fully editable MS Word File (DOCX format), copy it to your Google Drive or paste the content to any other word processor.

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FAQs: Research Paper Template

What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The research paper template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

What types of research papers can this template be used for?

The template follows the standard best-practice structure for formal academic research papers, so it is suitable for the vast majority of degrees, particularly those within the sciences.

Some universities may have some additional requirements, but these are typically minor, with the core structure remaining the same. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Is this template for an undergrad, Masters or PhD-level research paper?

This template can be used for a research paper at any level of study. It may be slight overkill for an undergraduate-level study, but it certainly won’t be missing anything.

How long should my research paper be?

This depends entirely on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. We include generic word count ranges for each section within the template, but these are purely indicative. 

What about the research proposal?

If you’re still working on your research proposal, we’ve got a template for that here .

We’ve also got loads of proposal-related guides and videos over on the Grad Coach blog .

How do I write a literature review?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack how to write a literature review from scratch. You can check out the literature review section of the blog here.

How do I create a research methodology?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack research methodology, both qualitative and quantitative. You can check out the methodology section of the blog here.

Can I share this research paper template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template. If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.

Can Grad Coach help me with my research paper?

Within the template, you’ll find plain-language explanations of each section, which should give you a fair amount of guidance. However, you’re also welcome to consider our private coaching services .

Additional Resources

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Home » Research Paper Outline – Types, Example, Template

Research Paper Outline – Types, Example, Template

Table of Contents

By creating a well-structured research paper outline, writers can easily organize their thoughts and ideas and ensure that their final paper is clear, concise, and effective. In this article, we will explore the essential components of a research paper outline and provide some tips and tricks for creating a successful one.

Research Paper Outline

Research paper outline is a plan or a structural framework that organizes the main ideas , arguments, and supporting evidence in a logical sequence. It serves as a blueprint or a roadmap for the writer to follow while drafting the actual research paper .

Typically, an outline consists of the following elements:

• Introduction : This section presents the topic, research question , and thesis statement of the paper. It also provides a brief overview of the literature review and the methodology used.
• Literature Review: This section provides a comprehensive review of the relevant literature, theories, and concepts related to the research topic. It analyzes the existing research and identifies the research gaps and research questions.
• Methodology: This section explains the research design, data collection methods, data analysis, and ethical considerations of the study.
• Results: This section presents the findings of the study, using tables, graphs, and statistics to illustrate the data.
• Discussion : This section interprets the results of the study, and discusses their implications, significance, and limitations. It also suggests future research directions.
• Conclusion : This section summarizes the main findings of the study and restates the thesis statement.
• References: This section lists all the sources cited in the paper using the appropriate citation style.

Research Paper Outline Types

There are several types of outlines that can be used for research papers, including:

Alphanumeric Outline

This is a traditional outline format that uses Roman numerals, capital letters, Arabic numerals, and lowercase letters to organize the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It is commonly used for longer, more complex research papers.

I. Introduction

• A. Background information
• B. Thesis statement
• 1 1. Supporting detail
• 1 2. Supporting detail 2
• 2 1. Supporting detail

III. Conclusion

• A. Restate thesis
• B. Summarize main points

Decimal Outline

This outline format uses numbers to organize the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It is similar to the alphanumeric outline, but it uses only numbers and decimals to indicate the hierarchy of the ideas.

• 1.1 Background information
• 1.2 Thesis statement
• 1 2.1.1 Supporting detail
• 1 2.1.2 Supporting detail
• 2 2.2.1 Supporting detail
• 1 2.2.2 Supporting detail
• 3.1 Restate thesis
• 3.2 Summarize main points

Full Sentence Outline

This type of outline uses complete sentences to describe the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It is useful for those who prefer to see the entire paper outlined in complete sentences.

• Provide background information on the topic
• State the thesis statement
• Explain main idea 1 and provide supporting details
• Discuss main idea 2 and provide supporting details
• Restate the thesis statement
• Summarize the main points of the paper

Topic Outline

This type of outline uses short phrases or words to describe the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It is useful for those who prefer to see a more concise overview of the paper.

• Background information
• Thesis statement
• Supporting detail 1
• Supporting detail 2
• Restate thesis
• Summarize main points

Reverse Outline

This is an outline that is created after the paper has been written. It involves going back through the paper and summarizing each paragraph or section in one sentence. This can be useful for identifying gaps in the paper or areas that need further development.

• Introduction : Provides background information and states the thesis statement.
• Paragraph 1: Discusses main idea 1 and provides supporting details.
• Paragraph 2: Discusses main idea 2 and provides supporting details.
• Paragraph 3: Addresses potential counterarguments.
• Conclusion : Restates thesis and summarizes main points.

Mind Map Outline

This type of outline involves creating a visual representation of the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It can be useful for those who prefer a more creative and visual approach to outlining.

• Supporting detail 1: Lack of funding for public schools.
• Supporting detail 2: Decrease in government support for education.
• Supporting detail 1: Increase in income inequality.
• Supporting detail 2: Decrease in social mobility.

Research Paper Outline Example

Research Paper Outline Example on Cyber Security:

A. Overview of Cybersecurity

• B. Importance of Cybersecurity
• C. Purpose of the paper

II. Cyber Threats

A. Definition of Cyber Threats

• B. Types of Cyber Threats
• C. Examples of Cyber Threats

III. Cybersecurity Measures

A. Prevention measures

• Anti-virus software
• Encryption B. Detection measures
• Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
• Security Operations Center (SOC) C. Response measures
• Incident Response Plan
• Business Continuity Plan
• Disaster Recovery Plan

IV. Cybersecurity in the Business World

A. Overview of Cybersecurity in the Business World

B. Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

C. Best Practices for Cybersecurity in Business

V. Cybersecurity in Government Organizations

A. Overview of Cybersecurity in Government Organizations

C. Best Practices for Cybersecurity in Government Organizations

VI. Cybersecurity Ethics

A. Definition of Cybersecurity Ethics

B. Importance of Cybersecurity Ethics

C. Examples of Cybersecurity Ethics

VII. Future of Cybersecurity

A. Overview of the Future of Cybersecurity

B. Emerging Cybersecurity Threats

C. Advancements in Cybersecurity Technology

VIII. Conclusion

A. Summary of the paper

B. Recommendations for Cybersecurity

• C. Conclusion.

IX. References

A. List of sources cited in the paper

B. Bibliography of additional resources

Introduction

Cybersecurity refers to the protection of computer systems, networks, and sensitive data from unauthorized access, theft, damage, or any other form of cyber attack. B. Importance of Cybersecurity The increasing reliance on technology and the growing number of cyber threats make cybersecurity an essential aspect of modern society. Cybersecurity breaches can result in financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. C. Purpose of the paper This paper aims to provide an overview of cybersecurity, cyber threats, cybersecurity measures, cybersecurity in the business and government sectors, cybersecurity ethics, and the future of cybersecurity.

A cyber threat is any malicious act or event that attempts to compromise or disrupt computer systems, networks, or sensitive data. B. Types of Cyber Threats Common types of cyber threats include malware, phishing, social engineering, ransomware, DDoS attacks, and advanced persistent threats (APTs). C. Examples of Cyber Threats Recent cyber threats include the SolarWinds supply chain attack, the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, and the Microsoft Exchange Server hack.

Prevention measures aim to minimize the risk of cyber attacks by implementing security controls, such as firewalls, anti-virus software, and encryption.

• Firewalls Firewalls act as a barrier between a computer network and the internet, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent unauthorized access.
• Anti-virus software Anti-virus software detects, prevents, and removes malware from computer systems.
• Encryption Encryption involves the use of mathematical algorithms to transform sensitive data into a code that can only be accessed by authorized individuals. B. Detection measures Detection measures aim to identify and respond to cyber attacks as quickly as possible, such as intrusion detection systems (IDS), security information and event management (SIEM), and security operations centers (SOCs).
• Intrusion Detection System (IDS) IDS monitors network traffic for signs of unauthorized access, such as unusual patterns or anomalies.
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) SIEM combines security information management and security event management to provide real-time monitoring and analysis of security alerts.
• Security Operations Center (SOC) SOC is a dedicated team responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and responding to cyber threats. C. Response measures Response measures aim to mitigate the impact of a cyber attack and restore normal operations, such as incident response plans (IRPs), business continuity plans (BCPs), and disaster recovery plans (DRPs).
• Incident Response Plan IRPs outline the procedures and protocols to follow in the event of a cyber attack, including communication protocols, roles and responsibilities, and recovery processes.
• Business Continuity Plan BCPs ensure that critical business functions can continue in the event of a cyber attack or other disruption.
• Disaster Recovery Plan DRPs outline the procedures to recover from a catastrophic event, such as a natural disaster or cyber attack.

Cybersecurity is crucial for businesses of all sizes and industries, as they handle sensitive data, financial transactions, and intellectual property that are attractive targets for cyber criminals.

Risk assessment is a critical step in developing a cybersecurity strategy, which involves identifying potential threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences to determine the level of risk and prioritize security measures.

Best practices for cybersecurity in business include implementing strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, regularly updating software and hardware, training employees on cybersecurity awareness, and regularly backing up data.

Government organizations face unique cybersecurity challenges, as they handle sensitive information related to national security, defense, and critical infrastructure.

Risk assessment in government organizations involves identifying and assessing potential threats and vulnerabilities, conducting regular audits, and complying with relevant regulations and standards.

Best practices for cybersecurity in government organizations include implementing secure communication protocols, regularly updating and patching software, and conducting regular cybersecurity training and awareness programs for employees.

Cybersecurity ethics refers to the ethical considerations involved in cybersecurity, such as privacy, data protection, and the responsible use of technology.

Cybersecurity ethics are crucial for maintaining trust in technology, protecting privacy and data, and promoting responsible behavior in the digital world.

Examples of cybersecurity ethics include protecting the privacy of user data, ensuring data accuracy and integrity, and implementing fair and unbiased algorithms.

The future of cybersecurity will involve a shift towards more advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and quantum computing.

Emerging cybersecurity threats include AI-powered cyber attacks, the use of deepfakes and synthetic media, and the potential for quantum computing to break current encryption methods.

Advancements in cybersecurity technology include the development of AI and machine learning-based security tools, the use of blockchain for secure data storage and sharing, and the development of post-quantum encryption methods.

This paper has provided an overview of cybersecurity, cyber threats, cybersecurity measures, cybersecurity in the business and government sectors, cybersecurity ethics, and the future of cybersecurity.

To enhance cybersecurity, organizations should prioritize risk assessment and implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes prevention, detection, and response measures. Additionally, organizations should prioritize cybersecurity ethics to promote responsible behavior in the digital world.

C. Conclusion

Cybersecurity is an essential aspect of modern society, and organizations must prioritize cybersecurity to protect sensitive data and maintain trust in technology.

for further reading

X. Appendices

A. Glossary of key terms

B. Cybersecurity checklist for organizations

C. Sample cybersecurity policy for businesses

D. Sample cybersecurity incident response plan

E. Cybersecurity training and awareness resources

Note : The content and organization of the paper may vary depending on the specific requirements of the assignment or target audience. This outline serves as a general guide for writing a research paper on cybersecurity. Do not use this in your assingmets.

Research Paper Outline Template

• Background information and context of the research topic
• Research problem and questions
• Purpose and objectives of the research
• Scope and limitations

II. Literature Review

• Overview of existing research on the topic
• Key concepts and theories related to the research problem
• Identification of gaps in the literature
• Summary of relevant studies and their findings

III. Methodology

• Research design and approach
• Data collection methods and procedures
• Data analysis techniques
• Validity and reliability considerations
• Ethical considerations

IV. Results

• Presentation of research findings
• Analysis and interpretation of data
• Explanation of significant results
• Discussion of unexpected results

V. Discussion

• Comparison of research findings with existing literature
• Implications of results for theory and practice
• Limitations and future directions for research
• Conclusion and recommendations

VI. Conclusion

• Summary of research problem, purpose, and objectives
• Discussion of significant findings
• Contribution to the field of study
• Implications for practice
• Suggestions for future research

VII. References

• List of sources cited in the research paper using appropriate citation style.

Note : This is just an template, and depending on the requirements of your assignment or the specific research topic, you may need to modify or adjust the sections or headings accordingly.

Research Paper Outline Writing Guide

Here’s a guide to help you create an effective research paper outline:

• Choose a topic : Select a topic that is interesting, relevant, and meaningful to you.
• Conduct research: Gather information on the topic from a variety of sources, such as books, articles, journals, and websites.
• Organize your ideas: Organize your ideas and information into logical groups and subgroups. This will help you to create a clear and concise outline.
• Create an outline: Begin your outline with an introduction that includes your thesis statement. Then, organize your ideas into main points and subpoints. Each main point should be supported by evidence and examples.
• Introduction: The introduction of your research paper should include the thesis statement, background information, and the purpose of the research paper.
• Body : The body of your research paper should include the main points and subpoints. Each point should be supported by evidence and examples.
• Conclusion : The conclusion of your research paper should summarize the main points and restate the thesis statement.
• Reference List: Include a reference list at the end of your research paper. Make sure to properly cite all sources used in the paper.
• Proofreading : Proofread your research paper to ensure that it is free of errors and grammatical mistakes.
• Finalizing : Finalize your research paper by reviewing the outline and making any necessary changes.

When to Write Research Paper Outline

It’s a good idea to write a research paper outline before you begin drafting your paper. The outline will help you organize your thoughts and ideas, and it can serve as a roadmap for your writing process.

Here are a few situations when you might want to consider writing an outline:

• When you’re starting a new research project: If you’re beginning a new research project, an outline can help you get organized from the very beginning. You can use your outline to brainstorm ideas, map out your research goals, and identify potential sources of information.
• When you’re struggling to organize your thoughts: If you find yourself struggling to organize your thoughts or make sense of your research, an outline can be a helpful tool. It can help you see the big picture of your project and break it down into manageable parts.
• When you’re working with a tight deadline : If you have a deadline for your research paper, an outline can help you stay on track and ensure that you cover all the necessary points. By mapping out your paper in advance, you can work more efficiently and avoid getting stuck or overwhelmed.

Purpose of Research Paper Outline

The purpose of a research paper outline is to provide a structured and organized plan for the writer to follow while conducting research and writing the paper. An outline is essentially a roadmap that guides the writer through the entire research process, from the initial research and analysis of the topic to the final writing and editing of the paper.

A well-constructed outline can help the writer to:

• Organize their thoughts and ideas on the topic, and ensure that all relevant information is included.
• Identify any gaps in their research or argument, and address them before starting to write the paper.
• Ensure that the paper follows a logical and coherent structure, with clear transitions between different sections.
• Save time and effort by providing a clear plan for the writer to follow, rather than starting from scratch and having to revise the paper multiple times.

Advantages of Research Paper Outline

Some of the key advantages of a research paper outline include:

• Helps to organize thoughts and ideas : An outline helps to organize all the different ideas and information that you want to include in your paper. By creating an outline, you can ensure that all the points you want to make are covered and in a logical order.
• Saves time and effort : An outline saves time and effort because it helps you to focus on the key points of your paper. It also helps you to identify any gaps or areas where more research may be needed.
• Makes the writing process easier : With an outline, you have a clear roadmap of what you want to write, and this makes the writing process much easier. You can simply follow your outline and fill in the details as you go.
• Improves the quality of your paper : By having a clear outline, you can ensure that all the important points are covered and in a logical order. This makes your paper more coherent and easier to read, which ultimately improves its overall quality.
• Facilitates collaboration: If you are working on a research paper with others, an outline can help to facilitate collaboration. By sharing your outline, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Need editing and proofreading services, research paper outline: free templates & examples to guide you.

• Tags: Academic Research , Academic Writing , Research , Research Paper

Writing research papers is an extensive, time-consuming, and complicated task. Forming a research paper outline does, however, simplify this process. It helps organize your thoughts, create a logical flow, and give structure to otherwise haphazardly arranged information. 

As your academic editors and proofreaders , we have provided you with all the necessary resources such as an outline for a research paper template, plenty of research paper outline examples, and tips and tricks to construct your research paper outline. Our goal is to help you write a well-structured, clear, and succinct research paper outline.  

Ensure flawless formatting for your research paper. Get started

What is a paper outline?

A research paper outline is a skeleton or a guideline for your final paper. It is typically created after the thesis statement is formatted but before the first draft is written. In this process, you group information into appropriate headers, sub-headers, points, and sub-points.

It is easier to make changes during the outlining stage rather than streamlining the first draft. You can easily identify and remove redundant information and also incorporate essential information in the outline, which is helpful while writing your first draft.

Why create a research paper outline?

An outline is a helpful tool that acts as a roadmap for organizing your information and ideas. It serves as a visual representation of the flow and structure of your content. 

As a student, it can be hard to understand the flow that is expected out of your paper. A college research paper outline allows you to see how the information fits together and how you can arrange it while writing. By creating an outline, you can also get a clearer understanding of the relationships between different topics. 

How to write a research paper outline

When writing a research paper, the length and detail of the outline may vary depending on the guidelines set by the academic institution. However, the core structure of the outline remains the same and consists of three key parts: introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction: Introduces the topic of your research paper and provides background information to set the context for your study.

Body: Divides your research into manageable sections and provides detailed information and analysis on each section.

Conclusion: Summarizes your findings and presents conclusions based on the evidence you have presented in the body of the paper.

By following this basic structure, you can ensure that your research paper outline is comprehensive and organized. This way, it can serve as a useful guide while writing your paper.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when writing a research paper outline:    

1. Pick a topic of your interest. Make sure the scope of the topic is not too broad or too narrow.

2. Formulate a thesis statement.

3. Gather all relevant ideas that give support to your thesis statement.

4. Group related ideas into subsections.

5. Arrange the subsections into a structured format.   

6. Frame appropriate headings and subheadings for these subsections.

Types of formats for research paper outline

After doing your necessary research and forming your thesis statement, it is a good idea to start building your outline. The type of outline you use depends on the type of research article you write.

There are a number of formats you can use to build your outlines, but the alphanumeric, decimal and full-sentence formats are the most popular. Let’s take a closer look at these formats with the help of a few research paper outline examples.   

Alphanumeric outline 

The alphanumeric format is the most widely recognized of the three formats. The structure for this format is as follows:

• Headings: Roman numbers (I, II, III)
• Subheading: Capital letters (A, B, C)
• Points: Arabic numerals
• Sub-points: Lowercase letters

Information in this format is written in short blurbs rather than full sentences. This allows for a short and succinct outline. However, it is difficult to convey detailed information. Here’s an alphanumeric outline example for a research paper:

Do standardized tests improve teen education?

1. Introduction

A. Standardized tests history

B. Standardized tests types

1. Achievement tests

2. Aptitude tests

3. Diagnostic tests

C. Standardized tests uses

A. Student performance pre-standardized tests

B. Student performance post-standardized tests

3. Conclusion

A. Results restated

B. Provide evidence supporting or contradicting the topic of the research paper outline

The decimal format does away with the use of uppercase letters and Roman numerals and  uses Arabic numerals with increasing decimal points to categorize information. The structure for this format is as follows.

• Headings- Whole number (1.0, 2,0…)
• Subheadings- Single decimal  (1.1, 1.2…)
• Points- Double decimal (1.1.1, 1.1.2)
• Subpoints- Triple decimal/lowercase letters (1.1.1.1, 1.1.1.2)

Similar to the alphanumeric outline, the decimal outline uses short blurbs to categorize information. The decimal format is the most detailed and precise but can get complicated. It is recommended for detailed outlines with multiple headings and subheadings. Let’s understand this better with the help of a research paper outline example: 

The Matrix commentary on the perception of reality

1.1. Summary

2.1. Influences

2.1.1. The brain in a vat

2.1.2. Plato’s cave

2.1.3. The oracle of Delphi 

2.1.4. Jean Baudrillard’s Simulacra and Simulation

2.1.5. Marxist allegories

2.1.6. Meditations on First Philosophy by René Descartes

2.2. Reception and impact

Note : In the case of multiple subheadings, we recommend using lowercase letters instead of increasing decimal points.

Full-sentence

As the name suggests, the full sentence outline uses incomplete sentences instead of blurbs, for arranging information. Although it is more extensive and takes longer to write, it is also more specific and easy to understand. It can follow either the alphanumeric or the decimal method of organization. Here’s a full-sentence research outline example. 

Impact of the Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine on the eradication of polio

1. Introduction 

A. History of polio and its adverse effect on society.

B. The effectiveness of various initiatives implemented for the eradication of polio.

C. Thesis statement: The advent and distribution of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine led to the eradication of polio.

2. Risks associated with polio

A. Signs and symptoms.

B. Infection and mortality rates with statistics.

C. Methods of contamination.

3. Diagnosis and prevention

A. How polio is diagnosed.

B. What are preventative measures taken once diagnosed?

1. Diagnosis before the advent of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine.

2. Diagnosis after the advent of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine.

C. Effect of preventative measures along with statistics.

4. The advent of inactivated poliovirus vaccine

A. Creation and spread of vaccine.

B. Effects of the vaccine on the eradication of polio.

C. Statistics comparing the spread of polio and its adverse effect on people before and after the vaccine.

1. Statistics before the advent of the inactivated polio vaccine.

2. Statistics after the advent of the inactivated polio vaccine. 

Thesis statement restructured: From the above data we can conclude that the advent and distribution of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine has almost eradicated the disease.

Outline for a research paper template

In order to simplify your paper writing journey, our experts have drafted this research paper outline template to help you create your own research paper outline. 

It will help you categorize important ideas into smaller pieces of information. We have crafted this template taking inspiration from sources provided by several renowned universities and educational institutions. 

You will find the three main headings of introduction, body, and conclusion along with multiple subheadings, points, and sub-points. We’ve included an alphanumeric outline for a research paper template.

Google Docs | PDF  | Microsoft Word

If you need any help refining your paper, you can always consider working with a research paper editing service .

Here are some related articles that you might find interesting:

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• Dos & Don’ts of Academic Writing for Students & Researchers
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Frequently Asked Questions

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30 Editable Research Paper Templates (MLA Formats)

A research paper template is a document that contains research questions, variable interpolation, thesis, methodology, and results evaluation. To create an effective research paper, make sure that everything you present comes from reliable sources.

• 1 Research Paper Templates
• 2 What is a research paper?
• 3 Career Research Papers
• 4 What are the 5 parts of research paper?
• 5 College Research Papers
• 6 How do you write a research paper?

Research Paper Templates

What is a research paper.

In most cases, a research paper template is a piece of academic writing that contains analysis, argument, and interpretation based on independent comprehensive research. A research MLA format template is a lot like academic essays except that these are typically longer and have more details.

These assess your academic writing skills along with your scholarly research skills. To write this document, you need:

• To show a strong knowledge of the topic.
• The ability to use various resources.
• To make an original contribution through your writing.

Career Research Papers

What are the 5 parts of research paper.

One thing worth remembering about a student or career research paper is that you should base it on an hourglass structure. To do this, you need to include the important parts of this document:

• Introduction This is the first part where you set the direction of your paper by making an exact outline of what you want to achieve. Although for many, this is the initial step, others save writing the introduction for last because it serves as a quick summary of their document. Either approach is fine and is usually a matter of preference. As long as you plan a logical structure for the parts of the research paper, you can use either method.
• Method Many consider this as the easiest part of the document to write because it is simply a rundown of the methodology and design used to conduct your research. The exact methodology may vary depending on the exact kind of experiment or field of research.
• Results Depending on the results and objectives of your experiment, this is the most variable section of your paper. For quantitative research, you would present numerical data and results. For qualitative research, it involves a broader discussion without giving too many unnecessary details.
• Discussion All information in your discussions should be directly related to your thesis statement. Otherwise, you will risk creating cluttered findings. Just stick with the hourglass principle where you expand on your topic in the next section.
• Conclusion In this section, you build your discussion by trying to relate your findings to other studies and research or to the real world. In a shorter research paper, you may only have a conclusion of just 1 to 2 paragraphs or even just a couple of lines.

In addition, a complete research paper template should always have a reference list where you document all of the sources you used. Format this according to MLA, APA or some other academic format .

College Research Papers

How do you write a research paper.

You can use these steps as a guide when writing a college research paper or a scientific research paper template:

• Familiarize yourself with the assignment Allot ample time to go over your assignment. Consider every bit of information that your instructor has given. Carefully go through the assignment, grading rubric, prompts, and other related materials. To keep track of all the important notes in each of the sources, highlight them or take notes .
• Choose a topic After understanding what you have to write about in your research paper template, the next step is to decide the topic. This could be a challenging undertaking but it shouldn’t discourage you. Choose a topic you’re passionate about or interested in without having to worry about finding the “perfect topic.”
• Research You should always base your research on reliable resources. That way, you won’t run into any issues after you have submitted your completed research paper template for review.
• Organize your research What comes next once you have gathered all the information needed to write your paper? The next step is about getting things organized. Like any other research, various people have various preferences. It may also depend on your assignment. For instance, having some sort of bibliography can be very helpful when it comes to organizing your research.
• Form your thesis This is simply a short statement that you, as the researcher, would put forward for the readers of your paper as to what you’re trying to prove or explain.
• Come up with an outline As in a bibliography, how you will create an outline depending on your assignment. Even if an outline isn’t required, it can still be a very useful tool.
• Write the content After completing all of the previous steps, you are now ready to write your research paper. Some think that they should have begun to write the paper sooner and that all the preliminaries are not that necessary. This is a wrong assumption. Everything you have accomplished up to this point is essential as the preparations will help you come up with a clear, interesting, and strong research paper.
• Edit the content This means examining your paper’s organization, structure, length, and wording. If your paper is either too short or too long, you need to revise it by either building it up or cutting it down to a more acceptable length. Just be very careful when making these edits. If there is a need to add more content, don’t just add words randomly or repeat the information you have stated already. Identify areas where you can expand or what you can include that still fits in with the rest of the content. You can also choose to further the ideas you have presented or add valuable information to concepts you have explained.
• Check the grammar Another important part of the process is to check your grammar. This may seem difficult but there are resources and tools that you can use to perform this task. These tools offer editing for substance, editing for grammar, and so on. If you think you need to take a break before checking, take a break. This could refresh your mind and you might even come back feeling more focused. This is important so that you can catch and fix errors in your document.
• Proofread before submitting After checking your research paper, you can re-read it again just to make sure that your paper delivers everything your assignment asks for. When you have polished and improved it enough, it’s for you to submit.

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13+ Research Paper Templates

Preparing a thesis can be extremely stressful for a student. They have to collect the relevant data, prepare the questionnaire, run the relevant tests to find the results for their hypothesis, and finally put everything in an appropriate format. When it comes to writing down all the information on paper, it can be extremely tough for some students since they would not be aware of the correct layout, however, a research paper template can be of great assistance and would help the students to write the perfect research paper.

Here are some research paper samples and templates to help you.

Research Outline Paper

A research paper template MLA format would guide a researcher to write the research paper according to the MLA guidelines. They have to provide the relevant citations and it would be a lot easier to keep the template in front. With the assistance of a certain template, it becomes a lot easier to follow the MLA format, which otherwise can be a little difficult.

Research Paper Report

How to Write Research Paper PDF

Research Paper Template PDF

Action Research Paper

Apa Research Paper

Research Paper Sample

A research paper template for word would enable a user to find the relevant style and layout in the word file, which is usually .doc. With the assistance of a template in word format, it becomes a lot easier to follow the specific guidelines. Most universities or colleges would require submitting the research papers in a specific style and it is wise to go through the relevant templates for finding all the information, which is necessary for the completion of the research paper.

Research Paper Template

Research Paper Outline to Print

A research paper outline template would guide a researcher about the outline of the research paper. When writing a research paper, it is important to follow the correct guidelines and sometimes it becomes very difficult if there is no sample or template available to follow. With the help of a template, an individual would know about the outline of the research paper and thus would be able to write the research paper perfectly.

Research Paper Outline PDF

A research paper template APA format as the name implies give information on how to write a research paper based on the APA style of formatting. A researcher would know how to give the relevant citations and what to include and exclude from their research paper.

Research Paper Template for Kids

Essay Research Outline Template

Research Paper Outline Example

A research paper template example would guide a researcher to follow the pattern in a perfect manner. For example, they need to include a table of contents, abstract, introduction, literature review, research and methodology, analysis of the results, and a conclusion. For example, an individual would also get information on how to manage the content in a systematic manner. They would also know what writing style to follow for the research.

Research Paper Outline Sample

A research paper template for PDF would be available in a PDF format thus assisting an individual to go through all the specific requirements. Going through the entire document in the PDF format would be necessary to write the perfect research paper, which captures the attention of the readers as well.

Writing a research paper means a person is qualified enough to present their ideas in a certain way, which tells the reader about the acceptance or rejection of their hypothesis. It is wise to follow a certain template or a research paper sample in order to write it according to the guidelines whether they are based on MLA, APA, Chicago, or Harvard style of referencing.

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14 Best Research Paper Outline Examples

A Research Paper Outline is a tool used by most writers to arrange ideas and information about a particular research paper or essay topic into a logical order.

It helps to provide the structure of the information that will be included in an essay or research paper. Whether it is a long or short paper, the best way for students to ease their writing process is by preparing a research paper outline.

Since a research paper outline acts as the skeleton of the main paper, students should learn how to write it. This can be achieved by writing down the topic and then highlighting the thesis and main ideas of the paper. As the student continues writing, an outline will help them gather new ideas and expand on the ones they already have.

Purpose of Research Paper Outline

A student who prepares a research paper outline before starting their writing process will benefit in different ways.

Here is a list of the purposes of having a research paper outline:

• A research paper outline provides all the key ideas that will be written in each paragraph. That means that a student using an outline is more likely to have sufficient information for their paper than a student who is not using an outline.
• A research paper outline helps students visualize how all the components of their paper will link together and form a coherent paper.
• An outline will guide and ease the work of a student who is writing a long essay or paper that does not follow the five-paragraph length standard.
• A research paper outline also offers a platform for students to organize their arguments that relate to the choice of a topic without forgetting or missing out on any.

Research Paper Outline Structure

There are different types of research paper types that different research paper outlines can be used for by students. The student should first establish the type of research paper they will write and then choose one of the research outline structures or types that fit their type of paper.

Some of these types include research outlines for descriptive essays, argumentative essays, and comparative essays.

The most common structure for a research paper outline usually consists of the main ideas of each of the paragraphs, a thesis, quotes, citations, topic sentences, and finally, the supporting sentences.

The structure usually sticks with the five-paragraph variation since most students’ essays are usually about the same length. A five-paragraph variation is usually made up of an introduction paragraph, at least 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph.

A student usually prepares a research paper outline before tackling their essays if they have been requested by their institution. Most institutions also have their own research outline formats that the students must observe regardless of the given type of research paper or essay. Also, a student could have to follow the outline format as per their field and subject.

Note: At times, students are not asked to write a research paper outline by any form of authority. In such a situation, they can choose a format they like and suits their paper.

Style and Format of Research Paper Outlines

Students should learn and understand the language and format styles of their research paper outline.  That way, they can know what is expected of them when they prepare their outline. Research paper outlines differ based on the format and language used.

The following are the details of the language and format of a research paper outline:

There are three types of formats and writing styles that a student can use when creating their research paper outline.

Alphanumeric

Alphanumeric is the most common format of research outlines. It utilizes alphabetical letters, capitalized and lower case letters, Roman numerals, and Arabic numerals. If a student uses this format, the text should be in the form of short notes instead of long sentences.

For example:

1. (Title/heading of body paragraph-I): I. COVID-19 A. (First topic of the paragraph): Symptoms of COVID-19 1. (Sub-topic of the first topic): Tiredness a. (Sub-topic of sub-topic): Aches and Pains

Full-sentence

This format is similar to the alphanumeric format. The only difference is that the text in this format is long sentences instead of short notes.

1. (Main topic body paragraph of the research paper): Understanding the origin of marijuana can help its legalization process A. (First supporting fact/evidence to the main argument/topic): Marijuana was used in the past for medicinal purposes 1. (Sub-factor to the supporting evidence factor): The drug was used as a patent medicine in the 19 th century a. (Concluding sub-factor to the argument of the first supporting fact): It is used today to relieve symptoms and treat certain diseases

For this format, the student should maintain the use of short notes instead of long sentences when writing their text. In most aspects, this format usually appears like the alphanumeric format, but the difference arises in the numbering system. The decimal format has a different numbering system to the alphanumeric system.

1. (Body paragraph of a topic): Symptoms of Pneumonia 1.1. (Supporting fact):  Loss of appetite 1.1.1. (Supporting fact of point 1.1.): Shortness of breath 1.1.2. (Supporting sub-factor of point 1.1.):  Treatments for Pneumonia

A student should not ignore the language used when writing a research paper outline since it is equally essential to the format. Language is essential to observe, especially if the essay or paper will be handed to their teacher for grading.

Parallelism

For parallelism, the student should be consistent in their grammatical form within sentences.

This means that if the point in their heading has a verb, then the subheading should also have a verb, and if it is a noun in the topic, then a noun should be used in the subtopic. This repetition within a sentence is what is referred to as parallelism. It helps a student to maintain a consistent tone across their outline.

A. Highlight all the issues that are affecting people during this Covid-19 pandemic 1. Emphasize the economic issues affecting people

Coordination

For this part of the language being used in an outline, a student should focus on each point and ensure that they all have weight and importance. The subtopics should coordinate with each other and have the same value in the outline.

A. Explain the causes of Air Pollution in China 1. Include all the major areas affected by air pollution B. Outline all the effects of Air Pollution in China 1. List and expound on what can be done to reverse these effects

Subordination

For this, the student should write their outline from a general angle to a specific one. That means that although the heading might be general, the student should build their subheadings and so on specific information.

V. MENTAL DISABILITY A. Types of mental disability 1. Causes of mental disability 2. Symptoms of mental disability

A student should ensure that each of their headings is divided into smaller sections. Although there is no limit to this kind of division, the student should have subheadings that match the number of paragraphs they intend to have in their essay or research paper.

The student should avoid having excess subsections as they will affect the flow of the paper during the writing process.

Guide to Writing a Research Paper Outline

Here is a step-by-step guide that a student can use to write a research paper outline before they dive into their writing process.

These steps are:

Determine the type of paper or essay 

The first step is to establish the types of essay or paper that a student is about to write. Most high school research essays are usually either descriptive or argumentative . This means they usually maintain the five-paragraph variation. Therefore, the format of the research paper outline will not be challenging to use when preparing to write an essay

Select the type of topic 

The next most important step is to choose the topic to be discussed in the final paper or essay. With a topic, the student can determine the headings and subheadings that they will need to address the topic and include all the information in the outline.

Professors usually select topics for their students. The best topics are arguable and interesting to the reader.

Research the topic 

The student should then research the topic based on the headings and subheadings that have been included in the outline. Finally, they should gather notes based on their research on the topic.

Students can carry out their research online from different sources like journals, newspapers, books, websites, and even articles. They can also access different books and research papers from the school or other libraries.

Collect references and resources

After researching, the student should gather all the references and resources they used to research the topic. Collecting references and resources will be essential if they wish to add any more information in the outline before writing begins.

Carry out any research or investigation required 

The student can also carry out more required investigations to ensure they have enough information for the topic and its subsections. This will also be the appropriate time to research and pick the proper research paper outline to write the essay.

 Select the right outline structure 

With the research paper outline selected, the student should now build the right structure. First, they should select the format and language to be used in the outline. For most essays, students are advised to the alphanumeric format and use parallelism when it comes to language.

The student should try and stick with the five-paragraph variation for their essay unless they are writing a very long research paper. That means the structure should have an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The body paragraphs should be structured in a way that they address the thesis.

Write introduction 

The introduction paragraph in the outline should have ideas that attract readers and generate interest. They should build up the expected thesis and form the foundation of the upcoming subsections.

The introduction should also include the hook in the form of a question, anecdote, quote, suspense, or story as it helps to attract readers and gain their interest. The hook will also lead the readers to read the thesis statement, which is the main focus of the whole essay. Therefore, the hook should be an example or specific idea that introduces the topic and connects the readers to the thesis statement.

Humans have become so heavily reliant on technology that it forces us to ask the question, has the technology become bad?

Highlight thesis

The students should clearly highlight and elaborate on their research paper’s main ideas or thesis in the outline. This way, they will be able to generate ideas for the body paragraphs. The thesis should be the last sentence of the introduction paragraph and should be arguable.

The thesis statement is usually the final sentence of the introduction paragraph and usually contains three points.

There is a need to understand the dangers of society’s over-dependence on technology, especially social media, the internet, and gadgets like laptops, phones, and robots, for people to adopt safer technology use.

Body paragraph 1 

The first body paragraph should highlight or build on the idea in the thesis. Then, it should have a topic sentence and other supporting sentences that help present a proper topic breakdown. Finally, the main point in the thesis should be well addressed in the paragraph.

For example :

People must understand that over-dependence on technology can result in health problems. Excessive use of the internet and devices like smartphones have been linked with mental health problems. Increased anxiety and depression cases have been associated with overdependence on technology. People become anxious when they cannot access the internet or find their gadgets. They fall into depression and lose interest when the activities they are involved in do not involve using technology. Such adverse effects result from over-dependence on technology and should encourage people to adopt better technology use.

Body paragraph 2 

The second paragraph is similar to the first one in the terms that it should also have a topic and supporting sentence. This is because it should help address the thesis further and focus on building the essay research paper with concrete and correct information. In addition, it should have strong supporting arguments that back up the thesis, just like in body paragraph one.

For example :  

Another danger of technology overdependence is a lack of skills. People need to reduce their technology use and adopt safer ways or risk unlearning and forgetting the necessary skills required in life, especially proper communication skills. With reference to social media, society has forgotten the essential communication skills and how to interact with each other without being behind a screen. People have become addicted to technology and lost touch with the people around them. Teenagers spend a lot of time on social media to the point that they lack the face-to-face communication skills necessary for things like an interview.

Body paragraph 3 

The third body paragraph should also focus on expounding the thesis with the topic sentence and other supporting sentences. Including examples in this section of the outline will also help to make the final paper even better.

If it is an argumentative essay and the student presented ideas supporting the topic in the first two paragraphs, then this third paragraph would be a rebuttal. The example shown below is a rebuttal for the topic being addressed by the two body paragraphs above.

Nevertheless, many believe that technology is the future, and there is no over-dependence since technology improves every aspect of life. Research suggests that technology has brought about many benefits, and its usage cannot be tamed. Technological advancements, like ‘robots in the future,’ are bound to occur since technology is not being over-depended upon, but it is the new norm for society. More innovations due to technology are not bad; however, over-reliance is an issue that should be addressed. Technology cannot be limited, but its use can be controlled to avoid health problems and loss of basic skills.

Conclusion 

The conclusion paragraph is the last section of the research paper outline. It should always begin by restating the thesis of the paper. The conclusion should tie the ideas together in the case of a descriptive essay.

For an argumentative essay, the conclusion should highlight where the student stands concerning the topic. Finally, the conclusion is where the student will have ideas about any suggestions that would be fit for future research.

Although there are many benefits of technology ranging from better health, education, and employment sectors, over-dependence will cause more harm than good to society. Trends in research show that people over-rely on technology for everything. Therefore, there is a need for change in the way people use technology. The adverse effects of over-reliance on technology will destroy the future instead of improving it as intended. With the knowledge of the dangers of over-dependence on technology, people can understand how important it is to embrace safe technology use. If these dangers of technology over-dependence are not taken seriously, society is bound to have a generation of lost persons.

Perfecting the Research Paper Outline

This information will help students create the best research paper outline, which will aid them effectively in completing a paper or essay.

To perfect a research paper outline, a student can use the following tips:

Organize your thoughts

As a student, using a research paper outline will only be successful if the information and thoughts are organized in levels. With proper levels, the student will be able to address the ideas meant for the essay or research paper.

Understand the flow and relation of information and ideas

The perfect research paper outline should also have a distinct correlation of ideas and how they flow. Main ideas should relate to the supporting ideas to ensure that the final paper also has a proper flow of information. It is also important that the student uses transition words to maintain the flow of the research paper.

Ensure nothing is forgotten

A research paper outline should include all the information needed in the research paper or essay being written. No information should be forgotten to ensure that the outline and the final paper make sense.

Be consistent

Every heading and subheading in the research paper outline should have a consistent tone. This means that the student should either indicate the topic or write a short sentence in the place of heading but not both.

Build support

A research paper outline should clearly discuss the main ideas in the actual paper or essay. However, an influential research paper should also build support by including all the supporting ideas. With enough information to support the main idea, the student has enough research for their essay.

Research Paper Outline Examples

Since having a research paper outline is an essential aspect of the writing process, students can use the examples to get a clear picture of what they need to prepare before handling their papers or essays. The research paper outline examples will also provide students with the correct breakdown of different research papers.

This is because the student can access research paper outline examples for different topics. As a student, the best way is to modify these examples to suit the paper to be written or choose to use the examples to prepare your own.

Students can access and download these research paper outline examples below. Find the outline example you need from our website today, download it, and create the best research paper outline for your papers and essays.

Following are some free downloadable research paper outline templates for you:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tips for writing a research paper outline.

There are three best tips that a student should observe when writing a research paper outline. A student should maintain a consistent tone across each heading, have a proper organization of paragraphs and support each topic with at least two supporting ideas.

Is the Research Paper Outline for a more extended essay the same as a shorter one?

A research paper outline for more extended essays tends to be a little bit different from shorter ones. While a shorter one observes the five-paragraph length, more extended essays may be different as they require the inclusion of more paragraphs in the outline. This means that a student will require an advanced organizer when dealing with more extended essays so as to fit all headings and subheadings.

For instance, when writing a thesis, a longer essay may require multiple paragraphs to explain its ideas, which makes it different from shorter ones that may require only one paragraph. Hence, these two types of essays will not have the same research paper outline.

What should be a research outline structure for compare and contrast essay?

A research paper outline for a compare and contrast essay is different as it includes an introduction, a paragraph with similarities, a paragraph with differences, and the conclusion.

What are the next steps after completing a research paper outline?

After completing a research paper outline, here are the next steps a student should follow. First, the student should keep a record of references which will help them avoid plagiarism in their work. Second, they should follow their learning institution’s guidelines when writing with references and footnotes or endnotes.

The student should also prepare their bibliography, which will be at the end of the research paper and on its own page. They should have a title for their essay. However, a student should keep in mind that the topic might change as they continue writing their paper.

The student should then start writing their research paper draft to further their research on the topic and subtopics in the outline. Their information should support their thesis or hypothesis.

The draft should be completed and formatted either using MLA 8 or APA 6th ed. format. The two formats are different when it comes to the bibliography page, in-text citations, line spacing, and title.

After that, the student should write their final paper. If they use APA, they should remember that this format requires a title page and an abstract. The abstract is used to briefly explain the information that has been written in the paper, the results of the research, and the conclusion.

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Writing a Research Paper Introduction | Step-by-Step Guide

Published on September 24, 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on March 27, 2023.

The introduction to a research paper is where you set up your topic and approach for the reader. It has several key goals:

• Present your topic and get the reader interested
• Provide background or summarize existing research
• Position your own approach
• Detail your specific research problem and problem statement
• Give an overview of the paper’s structure

The introduction looks slightly different depending on whether your paper presents the results of original empirical research or constructs an argument by engaging with a variety of sources.

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Table of contents

Step 1: introduce your topic, step 2: describe the background, step 3: establish your research problem, step 4: specify your objective(s), step 5: map out your paper, research paper introduction examples, frequently asked questions about the research paper introduction.

The first job of the introduction is to tell the reader what your topic is and why it’s interesting or important. This is generally accomplished with a strong opening hook.

The hook is a striking opening sentence that clearly conveys the relevance of your topic. Think of an interesting fact or statistic, a strong statement, a question, or a brief anecdote that will get the reader wondering about your topic.

For example, the following could be an effective hook for an argumentative paper about the environmental impact of cattle farming:

A more empirical paper investigating the relationship of Instagram use with body image issues in adolescent girls might use the following hook:

Don’t feel that your hook necessarily has to be deeply impressive or creative. Clarity and relevance are still more important than catchiness. The key thing is to guide the reader into your topic and situate your ideas.

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This part of the introduction differs depending on what approach your paper is taking.

In a more argumentative paper, you’ll explore some general background here. In a more empirical paper, this is the place to review previous research and establish how yours fits in.

Argumentative paper: Background information

After you’ve caught your reader’s attention, specify a bit more, providing context and narrowing down your topic.

Provide only the most relevant background information. The introduction isn’t the place to get too in-depth; if more background is essential to your paper, it can appear in the body .

Empirical paper: Describing previous research

For a paper describing original research, you’ll instead provide an overview of the most relevant research that has already been conducted. This is a sort of miniature literature review —a sketch of the current state of research into your topic, boiled down to a few sentences.

This should be informed by genuine engagement with the literature. Your search can be less extensive than in a full literature review, but a clear sense of the relevant research is crucial to inform your own work.

Begin by establishing the kinds of research that have been done, and end with limitations or gaps in the research that you intend to respond to.

The next step is to clarify how your own research fits in and what problem it addresses.

Argumentative paper: Emphasize importance

In an argumentative research paper, you can simply state the problem you intend to discuss, and what is original or important about your argument.

Empirical paper: Relate to the literature

In an empirical research paper, try to lead into the problem on the basis of your discussion of the literature. Think in terms of these questions:

• What research gap is your work intended to fill?
• What limitations in previous work does it address?
• What contribution to knowledge does it make?

You can make the connection between your problem and the existing research using phrases like the following.

Now you’ll get into the specifics of what you intend to find out or express in your research paper.

The way you frame your research objectives varies. An argumentative paper presents a thesis statement, while an empirical paper generally poses a research question (sometimes with a hypothesis as to the answer).

Argumentative paper: Thesis statement

The thesis statement expresses the position that the rest of the paper will present evidence and arguments for. It can be presented in one or two sentences, and should state your position clearly and directly, without providing specific arguments for it at this point.

Empirical paper: Research question and hypothesis

The research question is the question you want to answer in an empirical research paper.

Present your research question clearly and directly, with a minimum of discussion at this point. The rest of the paper will be taken up with discussing and investigating this question; here you just need to express it.

A research question can be framed either directly or indirectly.

• This study set out to answer the following question: What effects does daily use of Instagram have on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls?
• We investigated the effects of daily Instagram use on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls.

If your research involved testing hypotheses , these should be stated along with your research question. They are usually presented in the past tense, since the hypothesis will already have been tested by the time you are writing up your paper.

For example, the following hypothesis might respond to the research question above:

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The final part of the introduction is often dedicated to a brief overview of the rest of the paper.

In a paper structured using the standard scientific “introduction, methods, results, discussion” format, this isn’t always necessary. But if your paper is structured in a less predictable way, it’s important to describe the shape of it for the reader.

If included, the overview should be concise, direct, and written in the present tense.

• This paper will first discuss several examples of survey-based research into adolescent social media use, then will go on to …
• This paper first discusses several examples of survey-based research into adolescent social media use, then goes on to …

Full examples of research paper introductions are shown in the tabs below: one for an argumentative paper, the other for an empirical paper.

• Argumentative paper
• Empirical paper

Are cows responsible for climate change? A recent study (RIVM, 2019) shows that cattle farmers account for two thirds of agricultural nitrogen emissions in the Netherlands. These emissions result from nitrogen in manure, which can degrade into ammonia and enter the atmosphere. The study’s calculations show that agriculture is the main source of nitrogen pollution, accounting for 46% of the country’s total emissions. By comparison, road traffic and households are responsible for 6.1% each, the industrial sector for 1%. While efforts are being made to mitigate these emissions, policymakers are reluctant to reckon with the scale of the problem. The approach presented here is a radical one, but commensurate with the issue. This paper argues that the Dutch government must stimulate and subsidize livestock farmers, especially cattle farmers, to transition to sustainable vegetable farming. It first establishes the inadequacy of current mitigation measures, then discusses the various advantages of the results proposed, and finally addresses potential objections to the plan on economic grounds.

The rise of social media has been accompanied by a sharp increase in the prevalence of body image issues among women and girls. This correlation has received significant academic attention: Various empirical studies have been conducted into Facebook usage among adolescent girls (Tiggermann & Slater, 2013; Meier & Gray, 2014). These studies have consistently found that the visual and interactive aspects of the platform have the greatest influence on body image issues. Despite this, highly visual social media (HVSM) such as Instagram have yet to be robustly researched. This paper sets out to address this research gap. We investigated the effects of daily Instagram use on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls. It was hypothesized that daily Instagram use would be associated with an increase in body image concerns and a decrease in self-esteem ratings.

The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

• A hook to catch the reader’s interest
• Relevant background on the topic
• Details of your research problem

and your problem statement

• A thesis statement or research question
• Sometimes an overview of the paper

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

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