apa thesis introduction

How to write a fantastic thesis introduction (+15 examples)

The thesis introduction, usually chapter 1, is one of the most important chapters of a thesis. It sets the scene. It previews key arguments and findings. And it helps the reader to understand the structure of the thesis. In short, a lot is riding on this first chapter. With the following tips, you can write a powerful thesis introduction.

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Elements of a fantastic thesis introduction

Open with a (personal) story, begin with a problem, define a clear research gap, describe the scientific relevance of the thesis, describe the societal relevance of the thesis, write down the thesis’ core claim in 1-2 sentences, support your argument with sufficient evidence, consider possible objections, address the empirical research context, give a taste of the thesis’ empirical analysis, hint at the practical implications of the research, provide a reading guide, briefly summarise all chapters to come, design a figure illustrating the thesis structure.

An introductory chapter plays an integral part in every thesis. The first chapter has to include quite a lot of information to contextualise the research. At the same time, a good thesis introduction is not too long, but clear and to the point.

A powerful thesis introduction does the following:

• It captures the reader’s attention.
• It presents a clear research gap and emphasises the thesis’ relevance.
• It provides a compelling argument.
• It previews the research findings.
• It explains the structure of the thesis.

In addition, a powerful thesis introduction is well-written, logically structured, and free of grammar and spelling errors. Reputable thesis editors can elevate the quality of your introduction to the next level. If you are in search of a trustworthy thesis or dissertation editor who upholds high-quality standards and offers efficient turnaround times, I recommend the professional thesis and dissertation editing service provided by Editage . 

This list can feel quite overwhelming. However, with some easy tips and tricks, you can accomplish all these goals in your thesis introduction. (And if you struggle with finding the right wording, have a look at academic key phrases for introductions .)

Ways to capture the reader’s attention

A powerful thesis introduction should spark the reader’s interest on the first pages. A reader should be enticed to continue reading! There are three common ways to capture the reader’s attention.

An established way to capture the reader’s attention in a thesis introduction is by starting with a story. Regardless of how abstract and ‘scientific’ the actual thesis content is, it can be useful to ease the reader into the topic with a short story.

This story can be, for instance, based on one of your study participants. It can also be a very personal account of one of your own experiences, which drew you to study the thesis topic in the first place.

Start by providing data or statistics

Data and statistics are another established way to immediately draw in your reader. Especially surprising or shocking numbers can highlight the importance of a thesis topic in the first few sentences!

So if your thesis topic lends itself to being kick-started with data or statistics, you are in for a quick and easy way to write a memorable thesis introduction.

The third established way to capture the reader’s attention is by starting with the problem that underlies your thesis. It is advisable to keep the problem simple. A few sentences at the start of the chapter should suffice.

Usually, at a later stage in the introductory chapter, it is common to go more in-depth, describing the research problem (and its scientific and societal relevance) in more detail.

You may also like: Minimalist writing for a better thesis

Emphasising the thesis’ relevance

A good thesis is a relevant thesis. No one wants to read about a concept that has already been explored hundreds of times, or that no one cares about.

Of course, a thesis heavily relies on the work of other scholars. However, each thesis is – and should be – unique. If you want to write a fantastic thesis introduction, your job is to point out this uniqueness!

In academic research, a research gap signifies a research area or research question that has not been explored yet, that has been insufficiently explored, or whose insights and findings are outdated.

Every thesis needs a crystal-clear research gap. Spell it out instead of letting your reader figure out why your thesis is relevant.

* This example has been taken from an actual academic paper on toxic behaviour in online games: Liu, J. and Agur, C. (2022). “After All, They Don’t Know Me” Exploring the Psychological Mechanisms of Toxic Behavior in Online Games. Games and Culture 1–24, DOI: 10.1177/15554120221115397

The scientific relevance of a thesis highlights the importance of your work in terms of advancing theoretical insights on a topic. You can think of this part as your contribution to the (international) academic literature.

Scientific relevance comes in different forms. For instance, you can critically assess a prominent theory explaining a specific phenomenon. Maybe something is missing? Or you can develop a novel framework that combines different frameworks used by other scholars. Or you can draw attention to the context-specific nature of a phenomenon that is discussed in the international literature.

The societal relevance of a thesis highlights the importance of your research in more practical terms. You can think of this part as your contribution beyond theoretical insights and academic publications.

Why are your insights useful? Who can benefit from your insights? How can your insights improve existing practices?

Formulating a compelling argument

Arguments are sets of reasons supporting an idea, which – in academia – often integrate theoretical and empirical insights. Think of an argument as an umbrella statement, or core claim. It should be no longer than one or two sentences.

Including an argument in the introduction of your thesis may seem counterintuitive. After all, the reader will be introduced to your core claim before reading all the chapters of your thesis that led you to this claim in the first place.

But rest assured: A clear argument at the start of your thesis introduction is a sign of a good thesis. It works like a movie teaser to generate interest. And it helps the reader to follow your subsequent line of argumentation.

The core claim of your thesis should be accompanied by sufficient evidence. This does not mean that you have to write 10 pages about your results at this point.

However, you do need to show the reader that your claim is credible and legitimate because of the work you have done.

A good argument already anticipates possible objections. Not everyone will agree with your core claim. Therefore, it is smart to think ahead. What criticism can you expect?

Think about reasons or opposing positions that people can come up with to disagree with your claim. Then, try to address them head-on.

Providing a captivating preview of findings

Similar to presenting a compelling argument, a fantastic thesis introduction also previews some of the findings. When reading an introduction, the reader wants to learn a bit more about the research context. Furthermore, a reader should get a taste of the type of analysis that will be conducted. And lastly, a hint at the practical implications of the findings encourages the reader to read until the end.

If you focus on a specific empirical context, make sure to provide some information about it. The empirical context could be, for instance, a country, an island, a school or city. Make sure the reader understands why you chose this context for your research, and why it fits to your research objective.

If you did all your research in a lab, this section is obviously irrelevant. However, in that case you should explain the setup of your experiment, etcetera.

The empirical part of your thesis centers around the collection and analysis of information. What information, and what evidence, did you generate? And what are some of the key findings?

For instance, you can provide a short summary of the different research methods that you used to collect data. Followed by a short overview of how you analysed this data, and some of the key findings. The reader needs to understand why your empirical analysis is worth reading.

You already highlighted the practical relevance of your thesis in the introductory chapter. However, you should also provide a preview of some of the practical implications that you will develop in your thesis based on your findings.

Presenting a crystal clear thesis structure

A fantastic thesis introduction helps the reader to understand the structure and logic of your whole thesis. This is probably the easiest part to write in a thesis introduction. However, this part can be best written at the very end, once everything else is ready.

A reading guide is an essential part in a thesis introduction! Usually, the reading guide can be found toward the end of the introductory chapter.

The reading guide basically tells the reader what to expect in the chapters to come.

In a longer thesis, such as a PhD thesis, it can be smart to provide a summary of each chapter to come. Think of a paragraph for each chapter, almost in the form of an abstract.

For shorter theses, which also have a shorter introduction, this step is not necessary.

Especially for longer theses, it tends to be a good idea to design a simple figure that illustrates the structure of your thesis. It helps the reader to better grasp the logic of your thesis.

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How to Write an APA Research Paper

Psychology/neuroscience 201, v iew in pdf format.

An APA-style paper includes the following sections: title page, abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, and references. Your paper may also include one or more tables and/or figures. Different types of information about your study are addressed in each of the sections, as described below.

General formatting rules are as follows:

Do not put page breaks in between the introduction, method, results, and discussion sections.

The title page, abstract, references, table(s), and figure(s) should be on their own pages. The entire paper should be written in the past tense, in a 12-point font, double-spaced, and with one-inch margins all around.

(see sample on p. 41 of APA manual)

• Title should be between 10-12 words and should reflect content of paper (e.g., IV and DV).
• Title, your name, and Hamilton College are all double-spaced (no extra spaces)
• Create a page header using the “View header” function in MS Word. On the title page, the header should include the following: Flush left: Running head: THE RUNNING HEAD SHOULD BE IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. The running head is a short title that appears at the top of pages of published articles. It should not exceed 50 characters, including punctuation and spacing. (Note: on the title page, you actually write the words “Running head,” but these words do not appear on subsequent pages; just the actual running head does. If you make a section break between the title page and the rest of the paper you can make the header different for those two parts of the manuscript). Flush right, on same line: page number. Use the toolbox to insert a page number, so it will automatically number each page.

Abstract (labeled, centered, not bold)

No more than 120 words, one paragraph, block format (i.e., don’t indent), double-spaced.

• State topic, preferably in one sentence. Provide overview of method, results, and discussion.

Introduction

(Do not label as “Introduction.” Title of paper goes at the top of the page—not bold)

The introduction of an APA-style paper is the most difficult to write. A good introduction will summarize, integrate, and critically evaluate the empirical knowledge in the relevant area(s) in a way that sets the stage for your study and why you conducted it. The introduction starts out broad (but not too broad!) and gets more focused toward the end. Here are some guidelines for constructing a good introduction:

• Don’t put your readers to sleep by beginning your paper with the time-worn sentence, “Past research has shown (blah blah blah)” They’ll be snoring within a paragraph!  Try to draw your reader in by saying something interesting or thought-provoking right off the bat.  Take a look at articles you’ve read. Which ones captured your attention right away? How did the authors accomplish this task? Which ones didn’t?  Why not?  See if you can use articles you liked as a model. One way to begin (but not the only way) is to provide an example or anecdote illustrative of your topic area.
• Although you won’t go into the details of your study and hypotheses until the end of the intro, you should foreshadow your study a bit at the end of the first paragraph by stating your purpose briefly, to give your reader a schema for all the information you will present next.
• Your intro should be a logical flow of ideas that leads up to your hypothesis. Try to organize it in terms of the ideas rather than who did what when. In other words, your intro shouldn’t read like a story of “Schmirdley did such-and-such in 1991. Then Gurglehoff did something-or-other in 1993.  Then....(etc.)” First, brainstorm all of the ideas you think are necessary to include in your paper. Next, decide which ideas make sense to present first, second, third, and so forth, and think about how you want to transition between ideas. When an idea is complex, don’t be afraid to use a real-life example to clarify it for your reader. The introduction will end with a brief overview of your study and, finally, your specific hypotheses. The hypotheses should flow logically out of everything that’s been presented, so that the reader has the sense of, “Of course. This hypothesis makes complete sense, given all the other research that was presented.”
• When incorporating references into your intro, you do not necessarily need to describe every single study in complete detail, particularly if different studies use similar methodologies. Certainly you want to summarize briefly key articles, though, and point out differences in methods or findings of relevant studies when necessary. Don’t make one mistake typical of a novice APA-paper writer by stating overtly why you’re including a particular article (e.g., “This article is relevant to my study because…”). It should be obvious to the reader why you’re including a reference without your explicitly saying so.  DO NOT quote from the articles, instead paraphrase by putting the information in your own words.
• Be careful about citing your sources (see APA manual). Make sure there is a one-to-one correspondence between the articles you’ve cited in your intro and the articles listed in your reference section.
• Remember that your audience is the broader scientific community, not the other students in your class or your professor.  Therefore, you should assume they have a basic understanding of psychology, but you need to provide them with the complete information necessary for them to understand the research you are presenting.

Method (labeled, centered, bold)

The Method section of an APA-style paper is the most straightforward to write, but requires precision. Your goal is to describe the details of your study in such a way that another researcher could duplicate your methods exactly.

The Method section typically includes Participants, Materials and/or Apparatus, and Procedure sections. If the design is particularly complicated (multiple IVs in a factorial experiment, for example), you might also include a separate Design subsection or have a “Design and Procedure” section.

Note that in some studies (e.g., questionnaire studies in which there are many measures to describe but the procedure is brief), it may be more useful to present the Procedure section prior to the Materials section rather than after it.

Participants (labeled, flush left, bold)

Total number of participants (# women, # men), age range, mean and SD for age, racial/ethnic composition (if applicable), population type (e.g., college students). Remember to write numbers out when they begin a sentence.

• How were the participants recruited? (Don’t say “randomly” if it wasn’t random!) Were they compensated for their time in any way? (e.g., money, extra credit points)
• Write for a broad audience. Thus, do not write, “Students in Psych. 280...” Rather, write (for instance), “Students in a psychological statistics and research methods course at a small liberal arts college….”
• Try to avoid short, choppy sentences. Combine information into a longer sentence when possible.

Materials (labeled, flush left, bold)

Carefully describe any stimuli, questionnaires, and so forth. It is unnecessary to mention things such as the paper and pencil used to record the responses, the data recording sheet, the computer that ran the data analysis, the color of the computer, and so forth.

• If you included a questionnaire, you should describe it in detail. For instance, note how many items were on the questionnaire, what the response format was (e.g., a 5-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree)), how many items were reverse-scored, whether the measure had subscales, and so forth. Provide a sample item or two for your reader.
• If you have created a new instrument, you should attach it as an Appendix.
• If you presented participants with various word lists to remember or stimuli to judge, you should describe those in detail here. Use subheadings to separate different types of stimuli if needed.  If you are only describing questionnaires, you may call this section “Measures.”

Apparatus (labeled, flush left, bold)

Include an apparatus section if you used specialized equipment for your study (e.g., the eye tracking machine) and need to describe it in detail.

Procedure (labeled, flush left, bold)

What did participants do, and in what order? When you list a control variable (e.g., “Participants all sat two feet from the experimenter.”), explain WHY you did what you did.  In other words, what nuisance variable were you controlling for? Your procedure should be as brief and concise as possible. Read through it. Did you repeat yourself anywhere? If so, how can you rearrange things to avoid redundancy? You may either write the instructions to the participants verbatim or paraphrase, whichever you deem more appropriate. Don’t forget to include brief statements about informed consent and debriefing.

Results (labeled, centered, bold)

In this section, describe how you analyzed the data and what you found. If your data analyses were complex, feel free to break this section down into labeled subsections, perhaps one section for each hypothesis.

• Include a section for descriptive statistics
• List what type of analysis or test you conducted to test each hypothesis.
• Refer to your Statistics textbook for the proper way to report results in APA style. A t-test, for example, is reported in the following format: t (18) = 3.57, p < .001, where 18 is the number of degrees of freedom (N – 2 for an independent-groups t test). For a correlation: r (32) = -.52, p < .001, where 32 is the number of degrees of freedom (N – 2 for a correlation). For a one-way ANOVA: F (2, 18) = 7.00, p < .001, where 2 represents the between and 18 represents df within Remember that if a finding has a p value greater than .05, it is “nonsignificant,” not “insignificant.” For nonsignificant findings, still provide the exact p values. For correlations, be sure to report the r 2 value as an assessment of the strength of the finding, to show what proportion of variability is shared by the two variables you’re correlating. For t- tests and ANOVAs, report eta 2 .
• Report exact p values to two or three decimal places (e.g., p = .042; see p. 114 of APA manual).  However, for p-values less than .001, simply put p < .001.
• Following the presentation of all the statistics and numbers, be sure to state the nature of your finding(s) in words and whether or not they support your hypothesis (e.g., “As predicted …”). This information can typically be presented in a sentence or two following the numbers (within the same paragraph). Also, be sure to include the relevant means and SDs.
• It may be useful to include a table or figure to represent your results visually. Be sure to refer to these in your paper (e.g., “As illustrated in Figure 1…”). Remember that you may present a set of findings either as a table or as a figure, but not as both. Make sure that your text is not redundant with your tables/figures. For instance, if you present a table of means and standard deviations, you do not need to also report these in the text. However, if you use a figure to represent your results, you may wish to report means and standard deviations in the text, as these may not always be precisely ascertained by examining the figure. Do describe the trends shown in the figure.
• Do not spend any time interpreting or explaining the results; save that for the Discussion section.

Discussion (labeled, centered, bold)

The goal of the discussion section is to interpret your findings and place them in the broader context of the literature in the area. A discussion section is like the reverse of the introduction, in that you begin with the specifics and work toward the more general (funnel out). Some points to consider:

• Begin with a brief restatement of your main findings (using words, not numbers). Did they support the hypothesis or not? If not, why not, do you think? Were there any surprising or interesting findings? How do your findings tie into the existing literature on the topic, or extend previous research? What do the results say about the broader behavior under investigation? Bring back some of the literature you discussed in the Introduction, and show how your results fit in (or don’t fit in, as the case may be). If you have surprising findings, you might discuss other theories that can help to explain the findings. Begin with the assumption that your results are valid, and explain why they might differ from others in the literature.
• What are the limitations of the study? If your findings differ from those of other researchers, or if you did not get statistically significant results, don’t spend pages and pages detailing what might have gone wrong with your study, but do provide one or two suggestions. Perhaps these could be incorporated into the future research section, below.
• What additional questions were generated from this study? What further research should be conducted on the topic? What gaps are there in the current body of research? Whenever you present an idea for a future research study, be sure to explain why you think that particular study should be conducted. What new knowledge would be gained from it?  Don’t just say, “I think it would be interesting to re-run the study on a different college campus” or “It would be better to run the study again with more participants.” Really put some thought into what extensions of the research might be interesting/informative, and why.
• What are the theoretical and/or practical implications of your findings? How do these results relate to larger issues of human thoughts, feelings, and behavior? Give your readers “the big picture.” Try to answer the question, “So what?

Final paragraph: Be sure to sum up your paper with a final concluding statement. Don’t just trail off with an idea for a future study. End on a positive note by reminding your reader why your study was important and what it added to the literature.

References (labeled, centered, not bold)

Provide an alphabetical listing of the references (alphabetize by last name of first author). Double-space all, with no extra spaces between references. The second line of each reference should be indented (this is called a hanging indent and is easily accomplished using the ruler in Microsoft Word). See the APA manual for how to format references correctly.

Examples of references to journal articles start on p. 198 of the manual, and examples of references to books and book chapters start on pp. 202. Digital object identifiers (DOIs) are now included for electronic sources (see pp. 187-192 of APA manual to learn more).

Journal article example: [Note that only the first letter of the first word of the article title is capitalized; the journal name and volume are italicized. If the journal name had multiple words, each of the major words would be capitalized.] 

Ebner-Priemer, U. W., & Trull, T. J. (2009). Ecological momentary assessment of mood disorders and mood dysregulation. Psychological Assessment, 21, 463-475. doi:10.1037/a0017075

Book chapter example: [Note that only the first letter of the first word of both the chapter title and book title are capitalized.]

Stephan, W. G. (1985). Intergroup relations. In G. Lindzey & E. Aronson (Eds.), The handbook of social psychology (3 rd ed., Vol. 2, pp. 599-658). New York: Random House.

Book example: Gray, P. (2010). Psychology (6 th ed.). New York: Worth

Table There are various formats for tables, depending upon the information you wish to include. See the APA manual. Be sure to provide a table number and table title (the latter is italicized). Tables can be single or double-spaced.

Figure If you have more than one figure, each one gets its own page. Use a sans serif font, such as Helvetica, for any text within your figure. Be sure to label your x- and y-axes clearly, and make sure you’ve noted the units of measurement of the DV. Underneath the figure provide a label and brief caption (e.g., “Figure 1. Mean evaluation of job applicant qualifications as a function of applicant attractiveness level”). The figure caption typically includes the IVs/predictor variables and the DV. Include error bars in your bar graphs, and note what the bars represent in the figure caption: Error bars represent one standard error above and below the mean.

In-Text Citations: (see pp. 174-179 of APA manual) When citing sources in your paper, you need to include the authors’ names and publication date.

You should use the following formats:

• When including the citation as part of the sentence, use AND: “According to Jones and Smith (2003), the…”
• When the citation appears in parentheses, use “&”: “Studies have shown that priming can affect actual motor behavior (Jones & Smith, 2003; Klein, Bailey, & Hammer, 1999).” The studies appearing in parentheses should be ordered alphabetically by the first author’s last name, and should be separated by semicolons.
• If you are quoting directly (which you should avoid), you also need to include the page number.
• For sources with three or more authors, once you have listed all the authors’ names, you may write “et al.” on subsequent mentions. For example: “Klein et al. (1999) found that….” For sources with two authors, both authors must be included every time the source is cited. When a source has six or more authors, the first author’s last name and “et al.” are used every time the source is cited (including the first time). 

Secondary Sources

“Secondary source” is the term used to describe material that is cited in another source. If in his article entitled “Behavioral Study of Obedience” (1963), Stanley Milgram makes reference to the ideas of Snow (presented above), Snow (1961) is the primary source, and Milgram (1963) is the secondary source.

Try to avoid using secondary sources in your papers; in other words, try to find the primary source and read it before citing it in your own work. If you must use a secondary source, however, you should cite it in the following way:

Snow (as cited in Milgram, 1963) argued that, historically, the cause of most criminal acts... The reference for the Milgram article (but not the Snow reference) should then appear in the reference list at the end of your paper.

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How to write a good thesis introduction

1. Identify your readership

2. hook the reader and grab their attention, 3. provide relevant background, 4. give the reader a sense of what the paper is about, 5. preview key points and lead into your thesis statement, frequently asked questions about writing a good thesis introduction, related articles.

Many people struggle to write a thesis introduction. Much of your research prep should be done and you should be ready to start your introduction. But often, it’s not clear what needs to be included in a thesis introduction. If you feel stuck at this point not knowing how to start, this guide can help.

Tip: If you’re really struggling to write your thesis intro, consider putting in a placeholder until you write more of the body of your thesis. Then, come back to your intro once you have a stronger sense of the overall content of your thesis.

A good introduction draws readers in while providing the setup for the entire project. There is no single way to write an introduction that will always work for every topic , but the points below can act as a guide. These points can help you write a good thesis introduction.

Before even starting with your first sentence, consider who your readers are. Most likely, your readers will be the professors who are advising you on your thesis.

You should also consider readers of your thesis who are not specialists in your field. Writing with them in your mind will help you to be as clear as possible; this will make your thesis more understandable and enjoyable overall.

Tip: Always strive to be clear, correct, concrete, and concise in your writing.

The first sentence of the thesis is crucial. Looking back at your own research, think about how other writers may have hooked you.

It is common to start with a question or quotation, but these types of hooks are often overused. The best way to start your introduction is with a sentence that is broad and interesting and that seamlessly transitions into your argument.

Once again, consider your audience and how much background information they need to understand your approach. You can start by making a list of what is interesting about your topic:

• Are there any current events or controversies associated with your topic that might be interesting for your introduction?
• What kinds of background information might be useful for a reader to understand right away?
• Are there historical anecdotes or other situations that uniquely illustrate an important aspect of your argument?

A good introduction also needs to contain enough background information to allow the reader to understand the thesis statement and arguments. The amount of background information required will depend on the topic .

There should be enough background information so you don't have to spend too much time with it in the body of the thesis, but not so much that it becomes uninteresting.

Tip: Strike a balance between background information that is too broad or too specific.

Let the reader know what the purpose of the study is. Make sure to include the following points:

• Briefly describe the motivation behind your research.
• Describe the topic and scope of your research.
• Explain the practical relevance of your research.
• Explain the scholarly consensus related to your topic: briefly explain the most important articles and how they are related to your research.

At the end of your introduction, you should lead into your thesis statement by briefly bringing up a few of your main supporting details and by previewing what will be covered in the main part of the thesis. You’ll want to highlight the overall structure of your thesis so that readers will have a sense of what they will encounter as they read.

A good introduction draws readers in while providing the setup for the entire project. There is no single way to write an introduction that will always work for every topic, but these tips will help you write a great introduction:

• Identify your readership.
• Grab the reader's attention.
• Provide relevant background.
• Preview key points and lead into the thesis statement.

A good introduction needs to contain enough background information, and let the reader know what the purpose of the study is. Make sure to include the following points:

• Briefly describe the motivation for your research.

The length of the introduction will depend on the length of the whole thesis. Usually, an introduction makes up roughly 10 per cent of the total word count.

The best way to start your introduction is with a sentence that is broad and interesting and that seamlessly transitions into your argument. Consider the audience, then think of something that would grab their attention.

In Open Access: Theses and Dissertations you can find thousands of recent works. Take a look at any of the theses or dissertations for real-life examples of introductions that were already approved.

APA Style 7th Edition: Citing Your Sources

• Basics of APA Formatting
• In Text Quick View
• Block Quotes
• Books & eBooks
• Thesis/Dissertation

Standard Format

Formatting rules, various examples.

• Audiovisual
• Conference Presentations
• Social Media
• Legal References
• Reports and Gray Literature
• Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
• Additional Resources
• Reference Page

Adapted from American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed).  https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000

Formatting:

• Italicize the title
• Identify whether source is doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis in parentheses after the title

See Ch. 10 pp. 313-352 of APA Manual for more examples and formatting rules

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APA Style Resources

Here are some general APA Style resources. Scroll down further to see more details about citations and paper formatting. 

• APA Style Website The APA Style Website is the official website for APA 7th edition, and includes formatting guidelines for formatting your overall paper including title page setup, tables and figures, as well as guidelines for formatting reference citations. Sample papers are included.
• Excelsior Online Writing Lab: APA Style The Excelsior OWL is an excellent resource for how to write and cite your academic work in APA Style. This is a recommended starting point if you're not sure how to use APA style in your work, and includes helpful multimedia elements.

Several print copies of the APA 7th edition Publication Manual are available for checkout at the Mardigian Library.

(Sorry, APA does not provide an eBook version of this for libraries at the present time.)

APA Style 7th edition Citations (References and In-Text Citations)

If you're new to citation, this brief video will cover an introduction to in-text citations and reference lists in APA 7th edition. Scroll down for more recommended resources about citations. 

More information including examples and sample papers can be found at the recommended websites below: 

• APA Style Website: Reference Examples Guidelines about references from the official APA Style website.
• APA Style Website: In-text Citations Guidelines for in-text citations from the official APA Style website.
• APA 7th edition quick reference handout This quick reference guide to APA 7th edition citations is handy and includes many commonly cited source types and corresponding in-text citations.
• APA In-text Citation Checklist APA's official In-text citation checklist for the 7th edition.

APA Style 7th edition Formatting for Professional Papers (including Dissertations)

• APA Style Website: Sample Annotated Professional Paper This is the official sample professional paper from the APA Style website, and includes annotations illustrating the usage of each element.
• APA Style Website: Paper Format The APA Style website's paper format page includes all of the elements of paper format that you need to follow, including information about the title page, margins and spacing, fonts and headings. Sample papers are included.

CEHHS Formatting Requirements for Ed.D. Dissertations

CEHHS uses the current version of the APA Publication Manual (7th edition) for all matters of format with the exception of some particular requirements for the Title page, pagination (especially of front matter) and top margins. Unless otherwise stated in the CEHHS Ed.D. Dissertation Guide below, defer to APA 7th edition. 

Some formatting aspects to be sure you are following correctly include: 

• Tables and Figures, including labeling thereof
• CEHHS Ed.D. Dissertation Guide
• UM-Ann Arbor Scholarspace Microsoft for Dissertations Guide
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APA Thesis Statement

Crafting a compelling thesis statement is at the heart of any impactful research. When adhering to APA guidelines, striking the right balance between clarity, precision, and engagement becomes paramount. Delve into a curated collection of APA thesis statement examples, gain insights from a structured guide on how to write them, and arm yourself with practical tips to refine your craft. Embark on this academic journey, and elevate the essence of your research.

What is the APA Thesis Statement? – Definition

The APA thesis statement refers to a clear, concise sentence or two in an academic paper that presents the main point or argument of the paper. Though the American Psychological Association (APA) provides guidelines for the entire paper, it doesn’t specify a unique format for the concise thesis statement . However, the thesis in an APA-style paper should follow standard conventions: be specific, assertive, and positioned at the end of the introduction section.

What is an Example of an APA Thesis Statement?

“In examining the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance, this study demonstrates that reduced hours of sleep lead to significant declines in attention span and memory recall among college students.”

This example follows APA conventions in its clarity and specificity, positioning the reader for the detailed research that follows.

100 APA Thesis Statement Examples

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An APA thesis statement succinctly encapsulates the main idea or argument in a research paper. Following APA guidelines, it is typically located at the end of the introductory section and should be clear, concise, and specific. To help you understand the diverse ways a specific thesis statement can be presented, here are 100 unique examples, categorized by their respective research topics.

• Mental Health : “The study aims to explore the correlation between social media usage and increased levels of anxiety among teenagers.”
• Climate Change : “This research investigates the direct impact of carbon emissions on global warming trends over the last two decades.”
• Child Development : “Attachment styles in early childhood have significant long-term impacts on social and emotional well-being.”
• Technology in Education : “The incorporation of digital tools in classrooms enhances interactive learning but also poses distractions.”
• Corporate Social Responsibility : “Companies with robust CSR programs witness higher employee satisfaction and increased brand loyalty.”
• Healthcare Policy : “Universal healthcare, while costly, is essential for creating a more equitable society.”
• Artificial Intelligence : “The growing integration of AI in healthcare promises efficiency but also raises ethical concerns.”
• Nutrition : “Plant-based diets contribute to higher energy levels and lower rates of chronic disease.”
• Online Privacy : “The erosion of online privacy is directly correlated with the rise in identity theft cases.”
• Immigration : “The economic contributions of immigrants outweigh the initial costs of their integration into American society.”
• Cybersecurity : “Small businesses are disproportionately affected by cyberattacks due to a lack of robust security measures.”
• Gun Control : “Stricter gun control laws have a direct impact on reducing instances of mass shootings.”
• Telemedicine : “The rise of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has improved healthcare accessibility but exposed digital divide issues.”
• Animal Rights : “Animal testing for cosmetics is both ethically and scientifically outdated.”
• Literature and Gender : “The portrayal of women in 19th-century literature reflects the societal norms of their time, not their actual potential.”
• Urban Planning : “Green spaces in urban settings contribute to improved mental health among residents.”
• Political Polarization : “Social media algorithms contribute to the deepening of political polarization in America.”
• Renewable Energy : “Investment in renewable energy sources is more cost-effective in the long run than continuing to rely on fossil fuels.”
• Obesity : “The rise in childhood obesity is strongly linked with the decline in physical activity in schools.”
• Feminism : “Third-wave feminism has broadened the scope of feminist discourse but also led to internal divisions.
• Virtual Reality : “The adoption of virtual reality in education increases engagement, but questions of equitable access remain.”
• Space Exploration : “The quest for Mars colonization reveals more about humanity’s survival instincts than our desire for discovery.”
• Gig Economy : “While the gig economy offers flexibility, it often sacrifices workers’ rights and benefits.”
• Bioethics : “CRISPR gene editing, while revolutionary, raises profound ethical issues about human evolution.”
• Cultural Appropriation : “Borrowing elements from cultures, without understanding or respect, contributes to societal division.”
• Ancient Civilizations : “The fall of the Roman Empire can be attributed as much to internal corruption as to external invasion.”
• Modern Architecture : “Sustainable architectural practices are not just environmentally responsible but also cost-efficient in the long run.”
• Euthanasia : “The right to die, with dignity, should be considered a fundamental human right, albeit with strong safeguards.”
• Organic Farming : “Organic farming, while more labor-intensive, yields healthier produce and sustains soil health.”
• Financial Literacy : “Introducing financial literacy in school curricula can significantly reduce future personal debt crises.”
• Quantum Computing : “The advent of quantum computing promises to revolutionize industries but also threatens current cryptographic methods.”
• Colonial Histories : “The lasting impacts of British colonialism are evident in modern-day economic and cultural disparities across former colonies.”
• Meditation and Health : “Regular meditation not only reduces stress but can significantly improve cognitive abilities.”
• Consumer Behavior : “Brands promoting sustainable practices witness a rise in millennial and Gen Z patronage.”
• Performance Arts : “Modern theatre, in its digital adaptations, maintains its essence but risks losing intimate audience connection.”
• Language Evolution : “The growth of internet slang accelerates the evolution of languages, but at the cost of linguistic purity.”
• Antibiotic Resistance : “Overprescription of antibiotics in healthcare has accelerated the emergence of resistant bacterial strains.”
• Holocaust Studies : “Denial of the Holocaust not only distorts history but also fuels hate ideologies.”
• Dystopian Literature : “Dystopian novels of the 21st century reflect growing societal concerns about technology overpowering humanity.”
• Ocean Pollution : “Plastic pollution in the oceans is not only a marine life hazard but also enters the human food chain through seafood.”
• Digital Currencies : “Cryptocurrencies, while volatile, represent a significant shift in financial systems and decentralization.”
• Aging Population : “An aging global population presents challenges in healthcare provision but also offers economic opportunities.”
• Youth Activism : “Modern youth activism, amplified by social media, has reshaped political discourse but also confronts online polarization.”
• E-learning : “E-learning offers accessibility and customization in education, but the lack of social interaction is a significant drawback.”
• Museum Studies : “Digital exhibits in museums enhance reach but challenge traditional conceptions of artifact authenticity.”
• Terrorism : “The root causes of global terrorism are as much socio-economic as they are religious or political.”
• Wearable Tech : “Wearable health tech promises better patient monitoring but also raises concerns about data privacy.”
• Human Rights : “The global rise in authoritarian regimes challenges the universality of human rights principles.”
• Robotics : “The integration of robotics in industries increases efficiency but also exacerbates unemployment concerns.”
• Fashion Industry : “The fashion industry’s shift towards sustainability is driven by consumer demand more than environmental concerns.”
• Tourism : “Ecotourism, while beneficial for local economies, requires strict regulation to prevent ecosystem damage.”
• Public Transportation : “Investments in public transportation not only reduce urban congestion but also contribute to a decline in carbon emissions.”
• Alternative Medicine : “Alternative medicine practices, when integrated with conventional treatment, can lead to holistic patient care.”
• Biodiversity : “The loss of biodiversity due to human activities threatens not just ecosystems but also global food security.”
• Blockchain : “The blockchain, beyond cryptocurrencies, has the potential to revolutionize supply chains and voting systems.”
• Mental Wellness : “Workplace environments that prioritize mental wellness report higher productivity and lower attrition rates.”
• Video Gaming : “Video gaming can enhance cognitive abilities but can also lead to addictive behaviors if unchecked.”
• Astronomy : “The study of exoplanets not only fuels interstellar travel ambitions but also broadens our understanding of life.”
• Public Health : “Vaccination, beyond preventing diseases, plays a crucial role in maintaining global health security.”
• Music Therapy : “Music therapy offers significant benefits in treating anxiety and depression without relying on medication.”
• Animal Behavior : “Observing animal behavior in the wild, as opposed to captivity, offers more authentic insights into species characteristics.”
• Nanotechnology : “The application of nanotechnology in medicine can revolutionize drug delivery and tissue repair.”
• Gender Studies : “Gender fluidity challenges traditional binaries and requires a rethinking of societal norms and structures.”
• Urban Farming : “Urban farming initiatives not only address food security but also enhance community bonding.”
• Space Tourism : “While space tourism promises a new frontier for the wealthy, it poses significant ethical and environmental challenges.”
• Child Psychology : “Exposure to screen time at early ages can affect cognitive development and attention spans in children.”
• Modern Sculpture : “Sculpture in the digital age challenges traditional materials and embraces transient, dynamic forms.”
• Neuroscience : “Neuroplasticity studies reveal the brain’s capacity for change and adaptation at any age.”
• Historiography : “Post-colonial historiography is essential in challenging and rectifying biased historical narratives.”
• Cyberbullying : “Cyberbullying has psychological impacts as severe as traditional bullying and requires comprehensive educational interventions.”
• Astrophysics : “Dark matter, while elusive, plays a pivotal role in the universe’s structure and expansion.”
• Sociolinguistics : “Regional dialects and accents play a significant role in shaping individual identities and cultural affiliations.”
• Clean Energy : “Transitioning to clean energy not only addresses climate change but also promises economic opportunities in green sectors.”
• Photojournalism : “Modern photojournalism, in the age of deep fakes, requires stringent verification processes to maintain credibility.”
• Marine Biology : “Coral reef degradation has cascading impacts on marine biodiversity and human livelihoods.”
• Financial Markets : “Global financial market stability is increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical events and requires multi-lateral safeguarding mechanisms.”
• Zoology : “Cross-species disease transmission, such as in the case of zoonotic diseases, emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation.”
• Social Media Trends : “Viral challenges on social media, while popular, often sideline concerns of safety and mental well-being.”
• Cosmology : “Understanding the Big Bang Theory is fundamental to exploring the universe’s origins and its eventual fate.”
• Criminal Psychology : “Profiling serial offenders relies heavily on understanding patterns and the psychological triggers of criminal behavior.”
• Classical Music : “The revival of classical music in modern culture is driven by digital access and evolving interpretations.”
• Forensic Science : “DNA evidence, while revolutionary, requires stringent collection and preservation protocols to prevent miscarriages of justice.”
• Sports Medicine : “Concussions in contact sports have long-term neurological impacts that require comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies.”
• Veterinary Medicine : “The rise of pet-specific therapies reflects the evolving understanding of animal emotions and needs.”
• Epidemiology : “Pandemic preparedness, beyond medical interventions, requires global cooperation and information transparency.”
• Dance Therapy : “Dance therapy offers unique pathways to physical and emotional healing by bridging movement and emotion.”
• Archaeology : “Recent underwater archaeological discoveries challenge traditional timelines of ancient civilizations.”
• Behavioral Economics : “Consumer decisions are influenced more by emotional factors than rational cost-benefit analyses.”
• Environmental Law : “Enforcing stringent environmental laws is imperative in the face of corporate pushback and lobbying.”
• Bioinformatics : “Bioinformatics tools have accelerated drug discovery processes, making personalized medicine a tangible reality.”
• Endangered Languages : “Preserving endangered languages is crucial for maintaining cultural diversity and global heritage.”
• Paleontology : “Recent dinosaur fossil discoveries challenge traditional classifications and evolutionary timelines.”
• Ornithology : “Urban bird species demonstrate remarkable adaptability and play a crucial role in local ecosystems.”
• Entomology : “The decline in global bee populations threatens food security and underscores the importance of insect conservation.”
• Data Privacy : “As smart home devices proliferate, concerns about data privacy and security become paramount.”
• Digital Marketing : “Consumer trust in brands is heavily influenced by transparent and ethical digital marketing practices.”
• Philanthropy : “Modern philanthropy is shifting towards sustainable community-building rather than mere monetary donations.”
• Ethnography : “Modern ethnographic studies emphasize participatory observation to gain authentic cultural insights.”
• Pharmacology : “The opioid crisis highlights the need for balanced pharmacological interventions and patient education.”
• Aerodynamics : “The shift towards electric aircraft demands innovations in aerodynamic designs to ensure energy efficiency.

APA Thesis Statement Examples for Annotated Bibliography

Annotated bibliographies offer a synthesis of sources, and the thesis statement helps anchor the main theme being explored. These examples encapsulate focused arguments for diverse annotated bibliographies.

• Evolution Theories : “This annotated bibliography delves into various theories of evolution, highlighting contrasting viewpoints and supporting evidence.”
• Modern Poetry : “The compilation reviews poets of the 21st century, exploring themes of identity, politics, and nature in their works.”
• Nuclear Energy : “This bibliography examines the pros and cons of nuclear energy, focusing on its environmental impacts and potential as an alternative fuel source.”
• Child Nutrition : “Exploring global perspectives on child nutrition, this bibliography evaluates the influence of cultural, economic, and social factors.”
• Elderly Care Models : “This collection provides insights into various elderly care models, highlighting their effectiveness and areas of improvement.”
• Quantum Physics Discoveries : “The bibliography collates groundbreaking studies in quantum physics, detailing their implications on our understanding of the universe.”
• Postmodern Literature : “This annotated list delves into the characteristics and major works of postmodern literature, exploring its departure from traditional narratives.”
• Human-AI Interaction : “The bibliography evaluates the rapidly evolving dynamics of human-AI interactions, focusing on ethical, practical, and psychological aspects.”
• Sustainable Farming : “This collection assesses sustainable farming techniques worldwide, emphasizing their environmental and economic impacts.”
• Space Exploration Milestones : “The bibliography chronicles major milestones in space exploration, shedding light on achievements, challenges, and future prospects.”

APA Thesis Statement Examples for Research Paper

These necessitate a clear and focused thesis statement for research paper to guide the direction of study. These examples showcase distinct arguments suited for comprehensive exploration.

• VR in Healthcare : “Virtual reality’s integration in healthcare settings has revolutionized patient therapy and medical training.”
• Microplastics Impact : “Microplastics in our oceans pose a substantial threat to marine life and subsequently human health.”
• Teacher Burnout : “The increasing rates of teacher burnout demand systemic educational reforms and enhanced institutional support.”
• Economic Inequality : “Rising economic inequality in developed nations has roots in policy decisions, technological shifts, and globalization.”
• Solar Power Advancements : “Recent advancements in solar power technology position it as a front-runner in sustainable energy solutions.”
• Genetic Memory : “Exploring the concept of genetic memory challenges traditional understandings of inheritance and human experience.”
• Telecommuting Trends : “The rise of telecommuting reshapes urban planning needs, corporate structures, and work-life balances.”
• Bilingualism Benefits : “Bilingualism, beyond linguistic advantages, offers cognitive, social, and cultural benefits.”
• Artificial Meat : “The development of lab-grown meat could revolutionize the food industry, offering environmental and ethical solutions.”
• Psychedelic Therapy : “The controlled use of psychedelics holds promising potential for treating various mental health disorders.”

APA Style Thesis Statement Examples

APA style thesis statements emphasize clarity, precision, and a formal tone. These examples embody these principles while presenting a clear argument.

• Mental Health Apps : “Mobile applications dedicated to mental health offer potential benefits but raise concerns regarding data privacy and efficacy.”
• Urban Green Spaces : “Urban green spaces are not mere aesthetic additions; they significantly contribute to community well-being and environmental health.”
• E-sports Popularity : “The exponential growth of e-sports hinges on technological advancements, cultural shifts, and its commercial viability.”
• Language Acquisition : “The critical period hypothesis in language acquisition highlights the innate human capacity for linguistic adaptability.”
• Antibiotic Resistance : “The global health threat of antibiotic resistance mandates urgent research into alternative treatment modalities.”
• Blockchain in Banking : “The integration of blockchain in banking could redefine transparency, security, and transaction efficiency.”
• Cognitive Load Theory : “Cognitive Load Theory offers vital insights for educational strategies, emphasizing the optimization of working memory.”
• Exoplanet Exploration : “The search for exoplanets illuminates possibilities of extraterrestrial life and potential future human colonization.”
• Gender Representation in Media : “Media’s gender representation shapes societal norms, perpetuating stereotypes or driving progressive change.”
• Plant-Based Diets : “Adopting plant-based diets can significantly reduce carbon footprints and address pressing environmental concerns.”

APA Thesis Statement Examples for Assignment

Assignments, whether academic or professional, require concise and pointed thesis statements. These examples exemplify clarity and specificity for a range of topics.

• 5G Technology : “5G technology, while promising unprecedented connectivity speeds, brings forth challenges in infrastructure and health concerns.”
• Migration Patterns : “Modern global migration patterns are influenced by geopolitical conflicts, economic disparities, and environmental challenges.”
• Fintech Innovations : “Financial technology innovations are reshaping banking experiences, prioritizing user-centric design and real-time solutions.”
• Ocean Acidification : “Ocean acidification, a lesser-known consequence of climate change, poses grave threats to marine biodiversity.”
• Holistic Education : “Holistic education approaches prioritize the integration of emotional, social, and academic development.”
• Nano-robotics in Medicine : “The frontier of nano-robotics in medicine promises targeted drug delivery but raises bioethical concerns.”
• Urbanization Challenges : “Rapid urbanization in emerging economies necessitates sustainable infrastructure planning and social inclusivity.”
• Minimalist Lifestyle : “The minimalist lifestyle movement counters consumerism, advocating for simplicity and intentionality in choices.”
• Drones in Agriculture : “Drones are revolutionizing agriculture, enabling precision farming, and efficient resource management.”
• Ancient Mathematics : “Ancient civilizations’ mathematical systems lay the groundwork for contemporary mathematical thought and practice.

APA 7th Edition Style Thesis Statement Examples

The 7th edition of the APA style emphasizes clarity, conciseness, and inclusivity. Crafting thesis statements under this guideline necessitates precision in language and a keen awareness of updated citation protocols. Here are 10 distinct examples, each tailored to demonstrate the characteristics of the APA 7th edition style.

• Sustainable Fashion : “As the global fashion industry contributes significantly to environmental degradation, a shift towards sustainable practices becomes imperative for ecological preservation.”
• Digital Humanities : “Exploring digital humanities reveals how technology is reshaping the interpretation and presentation of cultural artifacts.”
• Geriatric Care : “The increasing global geriatric population necessitates reformed healthcare models that prioritize aging-related ailments and mental well-being.”
• Microfinance : “Microfinance initiatives, while aiming to empower marginalized communities economically, must address inherent interest rate challenges to ensure genuine upliftment.”
• Exoplanetary Science : “Research into exoplanetary atmospheres offers potential insights into the viability of extraterrestrial life.”
• Culinary Arts and Culture : “The evolution of culinary arts reflects deep-rooted cultural narratives, revealing historical migrations and societal amalgamations.”
• Quantum Teleportation : “Current advancements in quantum teleportation challenge traditional conceptions of information transfer, presenting revolutionary implications for secure communications.”
• Oceanic Acoustics : “The study of acoustics in oceanic environments provides crucial insights into marine life communication and the potential impacts of human-made noise pollution.”
• Intercultural Communication : “Effective intercultural communication in an increasingly globalized world requires comprehensive understanding and respect for diverse sociolinguistic cues.”
• Pedagogical Innovations : “In the digital age, pedagogical innovations that incorporate experiential learning promote higher student engagement and retention.

Does APA have a thesis statement?

Yes, the APA (American Psychological Association) format does include guidelines for writing a thesis statement. However, the APA guidelines are more concerned with citation and formatting rather than content specifics like the formation of a thesis statement. Nevertheless, thesis statements are fundamental components of any academic work, and papers following APA guidelines are no exception. Within the context of the APA style, a thesis statement should be clear, concise, and specific, aligning with the style’s emphasis on straightforwardness and precision.  Our MLA thesis statement is also worth a look at

What are the APA Guidelines for Writing a Thesis Statement?

While the APA (American Psychological Association) style primarily focuses on the formatting of documents and citations, it does provide some implicit guidance on crafting content, including thesis statements. The essence of the APA style revolves around clarity, precision, and a focus on evidence-based claims. Drawing from these general principles, here are some guidelines for writing a thesis statement in APA style:

• Clarity and Conciseness : APA style emphasizes clear and concise communication. Your thesis statement should, therefore, get straight to the point without being wrapped in excessive verbiage or complex sentence structures.
• Evidence-based Claims : APA style is rooted in empirical research. When making a claim in your thesis statement, it’s essential that the claim can be backed up with empirical evidence. If your statement alludes to specific research or data, be prepared to provide citations for that information in the body of your work.
• Maintain Objectivity : The tone of your thesis statement should be objective. Avoid subjective language or first-person pronouns like “I believe” or “In my opinion.” Instead, present the statement as a factual, research-backed claim.
• Specificity : A thesis statement should be specific, providing a clear direction for your paper. Avoid broad or overly general statements. Instead, hone in on a particular aspect of your topic that you plan to explore or argue.
• Positioning : While this isn’t a strict APA rule, traditionally, in many academic papers, the thesis statement is placed at the end of the introduction. This allows readers to grasp the context before being presented with the central claim.
• Refrain from Questions : A thesis statement should be declarative, not interrogative. Instead of posing a question, your statement should assert a stance or claim.
• Alignment with Research : Ensure that your thesis statement aligns with the research you present in your paper. There should be a clear thread connecting your statement to the evidence you provide in the body of your work.
• Revision : Writing is a process. After crafting your thesis statement, be prepared to return to it after completing your paper to ensure that it still aligns with the content and provides a clear and concise summary of your research.

How do you write a thesis statement in APA format? – Step by Step Guide

• Identify Your Research Topic : Before drafting your thesis statement, be clear about the main topic of your research. Understand the scope and relevance of your subject.
• Formulate a Preliminary Question : Start by forming a question related to your topic. This helps to narrow down the focus and set the stage for your statement. For instance, if you’re researching sustainable fashion, a question might be, “How does sustainable fashion impact the environment?”
• Write a Clear and Concise Statement : Convert your question into a clear and concise statement. Example: “Sustainable fashion significantly reduces environmental degradation.”
• Position Your Statement : In APA papers, especially longer essays or dissertations, the thesis statement typically appears at the end of the introduction section. However, for shorter papers, it can directly follow the introduction sentence.
• Ensure Specificity : An APA thesis statement should be specific. Avoid vague or overly broad statements. Instead of saying, “Food is crucial for health,” specify the type of food and its health benefits.
• Revise and Refine : Once your statement is written, revisit it to ensure clarity, precision, and alignment with your research data. It’s common for a thesis statement to undergo several revisions before the final draft.
• Cite Supporting Research : If your thesis statement is based on specific research or data, ensure you properly cite these sources in APA format. This adds credibility to your statement and adheres to the integrity standards of APA.

Tips for Crafting an APA Thesis Statement

• Avoid Assumptions : Ensure your statement doesn’t assume information that isn’t yet established in the paper. Introduce and then assert.
• Limit Ambiguity : Choose words that have precise meanings relevant to your topic. Avoid words that might have multiple interpretations.
• Maintain Parallel Structure : This helps in readability and clarity. If you’re listing multiple ideas or claims, use a consistent grammatical form.
• Stay Relevant to the Audience : Remember the intended readership of your paper. Frame your thesis in terms they would find clear and relevant.
• Iterative Approach : As you dive deeper into your research, your understanding of the topic might evolve. Don’t hesitate to tweak the thesis to better encapsulate your findings.
• Seek Peer Reviews : Sometimes, an outside perspective can help identify areas of improvement or clarity in your thesis statement.
• Avoid Absolutes : Words like “always” or “never” can be hard to prove and may weaken your statement. Instead, opt for terms that suggest strong evidence without asserting absolute truths, unless you’re certain.
• Use Action Words : Making your thesis statement dynamic can help draw the reader in. Use verbs that convey a sense of movement or transformation related to your research.
• Limit Length : Even for complex topics, try to keep your thesis statement to one or two sentences. This ensures it remains punchy and easy to understand.
• Stay Updated on APA Changes : While your main focus is content, it’s still essential to keep an eye on any updates or changes to the APA style guidelines to ensure your work remains compliant.

By incorporating these tips, you can enhance the effectiveness and clarity of your thesis statement, ensuring it aligns well with both your research and APA guidelines.

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

• An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
• An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
• An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

• Explain the analysis of the college admission process
• Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

• Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

• Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

How to Write an Introduction & Conclusion for an APA Style Paper

How to Write a Dissertation Summary

Determining what kind of writing style to use may be confusing with acronyms like MLA, AP and APA. Which one should you use? If you are writing a paper in the social sciences, the writing style developed by the American Psychological Association (APA) is the most accepted option. APA style puts an strong emphasis on being concise and clear and discourages overly-poetic language and metaphor. It is intended to give professional colleagues a common format within which to communicate ideas and findings. Writing an engaging introduction and an elegant conclusion are important parts of the process.

Format Your Introduction

The introduction is the first paragraph of the main body of your paper. If your instructor requires you to write an abstract, your paper will begin on the page after the abstract; otherwise, begin on the page following the title page. Use a serif typeface, such as Times New Roman, and set your word processing program to double space the lines. Center your title on the page; don't use boldface type or underlining with the title. On the next line, indent an inch using the tab key and begin your introduction paragraph.

Begin Your Introduction

A good introduction makes an intriguing assertion that your paper will then address. Introduce your topic briefly. For example, you could write an opening introduction that reads like this:

Psychologists have recently found previously-undiscovered effects of classical music on the brain of a child under three. Less attention has been paid to the direct connections to language development.

Referencing Study Results

When referencing a study's results in your writing, give a quick summary of relevant background in APA style formatting. Some examples relating to the classical music effect on children introduction might be:

"Smith (1978) studied toddlers raised backstage at rock concerts and concluded that their language development was accelerated six months beyond that of his control group. "

"Jones (1997) studied toddlers in households where music was not allowed and found that their language development was significantly delayed. This suggests a positive correlation between exposure to music and early language learning."

Your Thesis Statement

In one or two sentences of your introduction, state your thesis: "Comparing the studies of Smith and Jones results in an attempt to isolate the connection between music and language development in the early years and suggests related questions in need of further study." Your thesis encapsulates your entire paper into a single sentence; the ideas you summarize in the earlier part of your introduction should flow logically to this statement of the purpose of your work.

Your Conclusion

The conclusion of an APA paper is the final paragraph where you restate your thesis and tie together supporting ideas you have referenced, spelled out and argued for in earlier paragraphs. Don't just restate the information. Instead put it into logical order in the body of your paper like a series of steps the reader can climb, illustrating the connections between each piece that reinforce your thesis. End with a suggestion to your reader that encourages further study or action.

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Anne Pyburn Craig has written for a range of regional and local publications ranging from in-depth local investigative journalism to parenting, business, real estate and green building publications. She frequently writes tourism and lifestyle articles for chamber of commerce publications and is a respected book reviewer.

How to Write an Introduction in APA Format

Kristine tucker, 25 jun 2018.

You may know have written in AP style but do you know APA format? If APA format is specified, knowing that the acronym APA refers to the American Psychological Association (APA) is important information in determining the assigned writing style. APA format is a specific writing style that is used to cite references within the social sciences fields. High school and college students, as well as career professionals, often use APA format when writing research papers or literature reviews. APA style specifically refers only to the formatting of content and not the content itself. Guidelines on writing an introduction are helpful in getting started on the introduction for a paper written in APA style.

Explore this article

Start your introduction with an explanation of the problem you plan to explore within the paper and also state the paper's purpose. The APA format requires that you clearly and concisely let your readers know what they can expect from your report or paper.

In the introduction, explain the significance of the study within the paper. Include any relevant background information to support your claims and discuss the rationale behind your research.

For example, if your paper is about the effects media violence may have on children, start your introduction by explaining how studies have shown that violence on TV can lead to aggression or addictive behavior in children.

Next, create a thesis statement that identifies your major point, claim or argument. Clearly articulate your side or stance on the argument so that there's no question in the reader's mind where you stand on the topic. Using the previous example, you might develop a thesis, such as, "Children who spend several hours a day watching violent acts on TV, such as fighting or killing, become desensitized to aggressive behavior and think it's an acceptable way to resolve conflicts." Place this thesis statement near the end of your introduction so it directly leads into the body of your paper.

Write your APA paper in the past tense, unless you're referring to common knowledge or established proven facts. Your paper's abstract should stand alone on the page directly after the title page.

If you include an abstract with your paper, begin the rest of the paper on a new page after the abstract with the body of your paper following the introduction on that page. Remove any information from your introduction that doesn't help readers follow your argument or better understand your point of view. Use leading statements, such as, "The evidence suggests ..." or "The study indicates ..." rather than the words "proof" or "proves," according to Purdue University.

• 1 Purdue University Online Writing Lab: APA Stylistics -- Basics
• 2 Purdue University Online Writing Lab: Types of APA Papers
• 3 University of North Alabama -- Center for Writing Excellence: Introduction to APA Style
• 4 Rice University: Experimental Biosciences -- Writing a Research Paper; David Caprette

About the Author

As curriculum developer and educator, Kristine Tucker has enjoyed the plethora of English assignments she's read (and graded!) over the years. Her experiences as vice-president of an energy consulting firm have given her the opportunity to explore business writing and HR. Tucker has a BA and holds Ohio teaching credentials.

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