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Research Paper Format – Types, Examples and Templates

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Research paper format is an essential aspect of academic writing that plays a crucial role in the communication of research findings . The format of a research paper depends on various factors such as the discipline, style guide, and purpose of the research. It includes guidelines for the structure, citation style, referencing , and other elements of the paper that contribute to its overall presentation and coherence. Adhering to the appropriate research paper format is vital for ensuring that the research is accurately and effectively communicated to the intended audience. In this era of information, it is essential to understand the different research paper formats and their guidelines to communicate research effectively, accurately, and with the required level of detail. This post aims to provide an overview of some of the common research paper formats used in academic writing.

Research Paper Formats

Research Paper Formats are as follows:

• APA (American Psychological Association) format
• MLA (Modern Language Association) format
• Chicago/Turabian style
• IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) format
• AMA (American Medical Association) style
• Harvard style
• Vancouver style
• ACS (American Chemical Society) style
• ASA (American Sociological Association) style
• APSA (American Political Science Association) style

APA (American Psychological Association) Format

Here is a general APA format for a research paper:

• Title Page: The title page should include the title of your paper, your name, and your institutional affiliation. It should also include a running head, which is a shortened version of the title, and a page number in the upper right-hand corner.
• Abstract : The abstract is a brief summary of your paper, typically 150-250 words. It should include the purpose of your research, the main findings, and any implications or conclusions that can be drawn.
• Introduction: The introduction should provide background information on your topic, state the purpose of your research, and present your research question or hypothesis. It should also include a brief literature review that discusses previous research on your topic.
• Methods: The methods section should describe the procedures you used to collect and analyze your data. It should include information on the participants, the materials and instruments used, and the statistical analyses performed.
• Results: The results section should present the findings of your research in a clear and concise manner. Use tables and figures to help illustrate your results.
• Discussion : The discussion section should interpret your results and relate them back to your research question or hypothesis. It should also discuss the implications of your findings and any limitations of your study.
• References : The references section should include a list of all sources cited in your paper. Follow APA formatting guidelines for your citations and references.

Some additional tips for formatting your APA research paper:

• Use 12-point Times New Roman font throughout the paper.
• Double-space all text, including the references.
• Use 1-inch margins on all sides of the page.
• Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches.
• Use a hanging indent for the references (the first line should be flush with the left margin, and all subsequent lines should be indented).
• Number all pages, including the title page and references page, in the upper right-hand corner.

APA Research Paper Format Template

APA Research Paper Format Template is as follows:

Title Page:

• Title of the paper
• Author’s name
• Institutional affiliation
• A brief summary of the main points of the paper, including the research question, methods, findings, and conclusions. The abstract should be no more than 250 words.

Introduction:

• Background information on the topic of the research paper
• Research question or hypothesis
• Significance of the study
• Overview of the research methods and design
• Brief summary of the main findings
• Participants: description of the sample population, including the number of participants and their characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, etc.)
• Materials: description of any materials used in the study (e.g., survey questions, experimental apparatus)
• Procedure: detailed description of the steps taken to conduct the study
• Presentation of the findings of the study, including statistical analyses if applicable
• Tables and figures may be included to illustrate the results

Discussion:

• Interpretation of the results in light of the research question and hypothesis
• Implications of the study for the field
• Limitations of the study
• Suggestions for future research

References:

• A list of all sources cited in the paper, in APA format

Formatting guidelines:

• Double-spaced
• 12-point font (Times New Roman or Arial)
• 1-inch margins on all sides
• Page numbers in the top right corner
• Headings and subheadings should be used to organize the paper
• The first line of each paragraph should be indented
• Quotations of 40 or more words should be set off in a block quote with no quotation marks
• In-text citations should include the author’s last name and year of publication (e.g., Smith, 2019)

APA Research Paper Format Example

APA Research Paper Format Example is as follows:

The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health

University of XYZ

This study examines the relationship between social media use and mental health among college students. Data was collected through a survey of 500 students at the University of XYZ. Results suggest that social media use is significantly related to symptoms of depression and anxiety, and that the negative effects of social media are greater among frequent users.

Social media has become an increasingly important aspect of modern life, especially among young adults. While social media can have many positive effects, such as connecting people across distances and sharing information, there is growing concern about its impact on mental health. This study aims to examine the relationship between social media use and mental health among college students.

Participants: Participants were 500 college students at the University of XYZ, recruited through online advertisements and flyers posted on campus. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 25, with a mean age of 20.5 years. The sample was 60% female, 40% male, and 5% identified as non-binary or gender non-conforming.

Data was collected through an online survey administered through Qualtrics. The survey consisted of several measures, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression symptoms, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) for anxiety symptoms, and questions about social media use.

Procedure :

Participants were asked to complete the online survey at their convenience. The survey took approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and multiple regression analysis.

Results indicated that social media use was significantly related to symptoms of depression (r = .32, p < .001) and anxiety (r = .29, p < .001). Regression analysis indicated that frequency of social media use was a significant predictor of both depression symptoms (β = .24, p < .001) and anxiety symptoms (β = .20, p < .001), even when controlling for age, gender, and other relevant factors.

The results of this study suggest that social media use is associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety among college students. The negative effects of social media are greater among frequent users. These findings have important implications for mental health professionals and educators, who should consider addressing the potential negative effects of social media use in their work with young adults.

References :

References should be listed in alphabetical order according to the author’s last name. For example:

• Chou, H. T. G., & Edge, N. (2012). “They are happier and having better lives than I am”: The impact of using Facebook on perceptions of others’ lives. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 15(2), 117-121.
• Twenge, J. M., Joiner, T. E., Rogers, M. L., & Martin, G. N. (2018). Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates among U.S. adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new media screen time. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), 3-17.

Note: This is just a sample Example do not use this in your assignment.

MLA (Modern Language Association) Format

MLA (Modern Language Association) Format is as follows:

• Page Layout : Use 8.5 x 11-inch white paper, with 1-inch margins on all sides. The font should be 12-point Times New Roman or a similar serif font.
• Heading and Title : The first page of your research paper should include a heading and a title. The heading should include your name, your instructor’s name, the course title, and the date. The title should be centered and in title case (capitalizing the first letter of each important word).
• In-Text Citations : Use parenthetical citations to indicate the source of your information. The citation should include the author’s last name and the page number(s) of the source. For example: (Smith 23).
• Works Cited Page : At the end of your paper, include a Works Cited page that lists all the sources you used in your research. Each entry should include the author’s name, the title of the work, the publication information, and the medium of publication.
• Formatting Quotations : Use double quotation marks for short quotations and block quotations for longer quotations. Indent the entire quotation five spaces from the left margin.
• Formatting the Body : Use a clear and readable font and double-space your text throughout. The first line of each paragraph should be indented one-half inch from the left margin.

MLA Research Paper Template

MLA Research Paper Format Template is as follows:

• Use 8.5 x 11 inch white paper.
• Use a 12-point font, such as Times New Roman.
• Use double-spacing throughout the entire paper, including the title page and works cited page.
• Set the margins to 1 inch on all sides.
• Use page numbers in the upper right corner, beginning with the first page of text.
• Include a centered title for the research paper, using title case (capitalizing the first letter of each important word).
• Include your name, instructor’s name, course name, and date in the upper left corner, double-spaced.

In-Text Citations

• When quoting or paraphrasing information from sources, include an in-text citation within the text of your paper.
• Use the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses at the end of the sentence, before the punctuation mark.
• If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence, only include the page number in parentheses.

Works Cited Page

• List all sources cited in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.
• Each entry should include the author’s name, title of the work, publication information, and medium of publication.
• Use italics for book and journal titles, and quotation marks for article and chapter titles.
• For online sources, include the date of access and the URL.

Here is an example of how the first page of a research paper in MLA format should look:

Headings and Subheadings

• Use headings and subheadings to organize your paper and make it easier to read.
• Use numerals to number your headings and subheadings (e.g. 1, 2, 3), and capitalize the first letter of each word.
• The main heading should be centered and in boldface type, while subheadings should be left-aligned and in italics.
• Use only one space after each period or punctuation mark.
• Use quotation marks to indicate direct quotes from a source.
• If the quote is more than four lines, format it as a block quote, indented one inch from the left margin and without quotation marks.
• Use ellipses (…) to indicate omitted words from a quote, and brackets ([…]) to indicate added words.

Works Cited Examples

• Book: Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Year.
• Journal Article: Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, volume number, issue number, publication date, page numbers.
• Website: Last Name, First Name. “Title of Webpage.” Title of Website, publication date, URL. Accessed date.

Here is an example of how a works cited entry for a book should look:

Smith, John. The Art of Writing Research Papers. Penguin, 2021.

MLA Research Paper Example

MLA Research Paper Format Example is as follows:

Your Professor’s Name

Course Name and Number

Date (in Day Month Year format)

Word Count (not including title page or Works Cited)

Title: The Impact of Video Games on Aggression Levels

Video games have become a popular form of entertainment among people of all ages. However, the impact of video games on aggression levels has been a subject of debate among scholars and researchers. While some argue that video games promote aggression and violent behavior, others argue that there is no clear link between video games and aggression levels. This research paper aims to explore the impact of video games on aggression levels among young adults.

Background:

The debate on the impact of video games on aggression levels has been ongoing for several years. According to the American Psychological Association, exposure to violent media, including video games, can increase aggression levels in children and adolescents. However, some researchers argue that there is no clear evidence to support this claim. Several studies have been conducted to examine the impact of video games on aggression levels, but the results have been mixed.

Methodology:

This research paper used a quantitative research approach to examine the impact of video games on aggression levels among young adults. A sample of 100 young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 was selected for the study. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that measured their aggression levels and their video game habits.

The results of the study showed that there was a significant correlation between video game habits and aggression levels among young adults. The participants who reported playing violent video games for more than 5 hours per week had higher aggression levels than those who played less than 5 hours per week. The study also found that male participants were more likely to play violent video games and had higher aggression levels than female participants.

The findings of this study support the claim that video games can increase aggression levels among young adults. However, it is important to note that the study only examined the impact of video games on aggression levels and did not take into account other factors that may contribute to aggressive behavior. It is also important to note that not all video games promote violence and aggression, and some games may have a positive impact on cognitive and social skills.

Conclusion :

In conclusion, this research paper provides evidence to support the claim that video games can increase aggression levels among young adults. However, it is important to conduct further research to examine the impact of video games on other aspects of behavior and to explore the potential benefits of video games. Parents and educators should be aware of the potential impact of video games on aggression levels and should encourage young adults to engage in a variety of activities that promote cognitive and social skills.

Works Cited:

• American Psychological Association. (2017). Violent Video Games: Myths, Facts, and Unanswered Questions. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2017/08/violent-video-games
• Ferguson, C. J. (2015). Do Angry Birds make for angry children? A meta-analysis of video game influences on children’s and adolescents’ aggression, mental health, prosocial behavior, and academic performance. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(5), 646-666.
• Gentile, D. A., Swing, E. L., Lim, C. G., & Khoo, A. (2012). Video game playing, attention problems, and impulsiveness: Evidence of bidirectional causality. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 1(1), 62-70.
• Greitemeyer, T. (2014). Effects of prosocial video games on prosocial behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 106(4), 530-548.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chicago/Turabian Formate is as follows:

• Margins : Use 1-inch margins on all sides of the paper.
• Font : Use a readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial, and use a 12-point font size.
• Page numbering : Number all pages in the upper right-hand corner, beginning with the first page of text. Use Arabic numerals.
• Title page: Include a title page with the title of the paper, your name, course title and number, instructor’s name, and the date. The title should be centered on the page and in title case (capitalize the first letter of each word).
• Headings: Use headings to organize your paper. The first level of headings should be centered and in boldface or italics. The second level of headings should be left-aligned and in boldface or italics. Use as many levels of headings as necessary to organize your paper.
• In-text citations : Use footnotes or endnotes to cite sources within the text of your paper. The first citation for each source should be a full citation, and subsequent citations can be shortened. Use superscript numbers to indicate footnotes or endnotes.
• Bibliography : Include a bibliography at the end of your paper, listing all sources cited in your paper. The bibliography should be in alphabetical order by the author’s last name, and each entry should include the author’s name, title of the work, publication information, and date of publication.
• Formatting of quotations: Use block quotations for quotations that are longer than four lines. Indent the entire quotation one inch from the left margin, and do not use quotation marks. Single-space the quotation, and double-space between paragraphs.
• Tables and figures: Use tables and figures to present data and illustrations. Number each table and figure sequentially, and provide a brief title for each. Place tables and figures as close as possible to the text that refers to them.
• Spelling and grammar : Use correct spelling and grammar throughout your paper. Proofread carefully for errors.

Chicago/Turabian Research Paper Template

Chicago/Turabian Research Paper Template is as folows:

Title of Paper

Name of Student

Professor’s Name

I. Introduction

A. Background Information

B. Research Question

C. Thesis Statement

II. Literature Review

A. Overview of Existing Literature

B. Analysis of Key Literature

C. Identification of Gaps in Literature

III. Methodology

A. Research Design

B. Data Collection

C. Data Analysis

IV. Results

A. Presentation of Findings

B. Analysis of Findings

C. Discussion of Implications

V. Conclusion

A. Summary of Findings

B. Implications for Future Research

C. Conclusion

VI. References

A. Bibliography

B. In-Text Citations

VII. Appendices (if necessary)

A. Data Tables

C. Additional Supporting Materials

Chicago/Turabian Research Paper Example

Title: The Impact of Social Media on Political Engagement

Name: John Smith

Class: POLS 101

Professor: Dr. Jane Doe

Date: April 8, 2023

I. Introduction:

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. People use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with friends and family, share their opinions, and stay informed about current events. With the rise of social media, there has been a growing interest in understanding its impact on various aspects of society, including political engagement. In this paper, I will examine the relationship between social media use and political engagement, specifically focusing on how social media influences political participation and political attitudes.

II. Literature Review:

There is a growing body of literature on the impact of social media on political engagement. Some scholars argue that social media has a positive effect on political participation by providing new channels for political communication and mobilization (Delli Carpini & Keeter, 1996; Putnam, 2000). Others, however, suggest that social media can have a negative impact on political engagement by creating filter bubbles that reinforce existing beliefs and discourage political dialogue (Pariser, 2011; Sunstein, 2001).

III. Methodology:

To examine the relationship between social media use and political engagement, I conducted a survey of 500 college students. The survey included questions about social media use, political participation, and political attitudes. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis.

Iv. Results:

The results of the survey indicate that social media use is positively associated with political participation. Specifically, respondents who reported using social media to discuss politics were more likely to have participated in a political campaign, attended a political rally, or contacted a political representative. Additionally, social media use was found to be associated with more positive attitudes towards political engagement, such as increased trust in government and belief in the effectiveness of political action.

V. Conclusion:

The findings of this study suggest that social media has a positive impact on political engagement, by providing new opportunities for political communication and mobilization. However, there is also a need for caution, as social media can also create filter bubbles that reinforce existing beliefs and discourage political dialogue. Future research should continue to explore the complex relationship between social media and political engagement, and develop strategies to harness the potential benefits of social media while mitigating its potential negative effects.

Vii. References:

• Delli Carpini, M. X., & Keeter, S. (1996). What Americans know about politics and why it matters. Yale University Press.
• Pariser, E. (2011). The filter bubble: What the Internet is hiding from you. Penguin.
• Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. Simon & Schuster.
• Sunstein, C. R. (2001). Republic.com. Princeton University Press.

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Format

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Research Paper Format is as follows:

• Title : A concise and informative title that accurately reflects the content of the paper.
• Abstract : A brief summary of the paper, typically no more than 250 words, that includes the purpose of the study, the methods used, the key findings, and the main conclusions.
• Introduction : An overview of the background, context, and motivation for the research, including a clear statement of the problem being addressed and the objectives of the study.
• Literature review: A critical analysis of the relevant research and scholarship on the topic, including a discussion of any gaps or limitations in the existing literature.
• Methodology : A detailed description of the methods used to collect and analyze data, including any experiments or simulations, data collection instruments or procedures, and statistical analyses.
• Results : A clear and concise presentation of the findings, including any relevant tables, graphs, or figures.
• Discussion : A detailed interpretation of the results, including a comparison of the findings with previous research, a discussion of the implications of the results, and any recommendations for future research.
• Conclusion : A summary of the key findings and main conclusions of the study.
• References : A list of all sources cited in the paper, formatted according to IEEE guidelines.

In addition to these elements, an IEEE research paper should also follow certain formatting guidelines, including using 12-point font, double-spaced text, and numbered headings and subheadings. Additionally, any tables, figures, or equations should be clearly labeled and referenced in the text.

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

AMA (American Medical Association) Style Research Paper Format:

• Title Page: This page includes the title of the paper, the author’s name, institutional affiliation, and any acknowledgments or disclaimers.
• Abstract: The abstract is a brief summary of the paper that outlines the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions of the study. It is typically limited to 250 words or less.
• Introduction: The introduction provides a background of the research problem, defines the research question, and outlines the objectives and hypotheses of the study.
• Methods: The methods section describes the research design, participants, procedures, and instruments used to collect and analyze data.
• Results: The results section presents the findings of the study in a clear and concise manner, using graphs, tables, and charts where appropriate.
• Discussion: The discussion section interprets the results, explains their significance, and relates them to previous research in the field.
• Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points of the paper, discusses the implications of the findings, and suggests future research directions.
• References: The reference list includes all sources cited in the paper, listed in alphabetical order by author’s last name.

In addition to these sections, the AMA format requires that authors follow specific guidelines for citing sources in the text and formatting their references. The AMA style uses a superscript number system for in-text citations and provides specific formats for different types of sources, such as books, journal articles, and websites.

Harvard Style

Harvard Style Research Paper format is as follows:

• Title page: This should include the title of your paper, your name, the name of your institution, and the date of submission.
• Abstract : This is a brief summary of your paper, usually no more than 250 words. It should outline the main points of your research and highlight your findings.
• Introduction : This section should introduce your research topic, provide background information, and outline your research question or thesis statement.
• Literature review: This section should review the relevant literature on your topic, including previous research studies, academic articles, and other sources.
• Methodology : This section should describe the methods you used to conduct your research, including any data collection methods, research instruments, and sampling techniques.
• Results : This section should present your findings in a clear and concise manner, using tables, graphs, and other visual aids if necessary.
• Discussion : This section should interpret your findings and relate them to the broader research question or thesis statement. You should also discuss the implications of your research and suggest areas for future study.
• Conclusion : This section should summarize your main findings and provide a final statement on the significance of your research.
• References : This is a list of all the sources you cited in your paper, presented in alphabetical order by author name. Each citation should include the author’s name, the title of the source, the publication date, and other relevant information.

In addition to these sections, a Harvard Style research paper may also include a table of contents, appendices, and other supplementary materials as needed. It is important to follow the specific formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or academic institution when preparing your research paper in Harvard Style.

Vancouver Style

Vancouver Style Research Paper format is as follows:

The Vancouver citation style is commonly used in the biomedical sciences and is known for its use of numbered references. Here is a basic format for a research paper using the Vancouver citation style:

• Title page: Include the title of your paper, your name, the name of your institution, and the date.
• Abstract : This is a brief summary of your research paper, usually no more than 250 words.
• Introduction : Provide some background information on your topic and state the purpose of your research.
• Methods : Describe the methods you used to conduct your research, including the study design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Results : Present your findings in a clear and concise manner, using tables and figures as needed.
• Discussion : Interpret your results and explain their significance. Also, discuss any limitations of your study and suggest directions for future research.
• References : List all of the sources you cited in your paper in numerical order. Each reference should include the author’s name, the title of the article or book, the name of the journal or publisher, the year of publication, and the page numbers.

ACS (American Chemical Society) Style

ACS (American Chemical Society) Style Research Paper format is as follows:

The American Chemical Society (ACS) Style is a citation style commonly used in chemistry and related fields. When formatting a research paper in ACS Style, here are some guidelines to follow:

• Paper Size and Margins : Use standard 8.5″ x 11″ paper with 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Font: Use a 12-point serif font (such as Times New Roman) for the main text. The title should be in bold and a larger font size.
• Title Page : The title page should include the title of the paper, the authors’ names and affiliations, and the date of submission. The title should be centered on the page and written in bold font. The authors’ names should be centered below the title, followed by their affiliations and the date.
• Abstract : The abstract should be a brief summary of the paper, no more than 250 words. It should be on a separate page and include the title of the paper, the authors’ names and affiliations, and the text of the abstract.
• Main Text : The main text should be organized into sections with headings that clearly indicate the content of each section. The introduction should provide background information and state the research question or hypothesis. The methods section should describe the procedures used in the study. The results section should present the findings of the study, and the discussion section should interpret the results and provide conclusions.
• References: Use the ACS Style guide to format the references cited in the paper. In-text citations should be numbered sequentially throughout the text and listed in numerical order at the end of the paper.
• Figures and Tables: Figures and tables should be numbered sequentially and referenced in the text. Each should have a descriptive caption that explains its content. Figures should be submitted in a high-quality electronic format.
• Supporting Information: Additional information such as data, graphs, and videos may be included as supporting information. This should be included in a separate file and referenced in the main text.
• Acknowledgments : Acknowledge any funding sources or individuals who contributed to the research.

ASA (American Sociological Association) Style

ASA (American Sociological Association) Style Research Paper format is as follows:

• Title Page: The title page of an ASA style research paper should include the title of the paper, the author’s name, and the institutional affiliation. The title should be centered and should be in title case (the first letter of each major word should be capitalized).
• Abstract: An abstract is a brief summary of the paper that should appear on a separate page immediately following the title page. The abstract should be no more than 200 words in length and should summarize the main points of the paper.
• Main Body: The main body of the paper should begin on a new page following the abstract page. The paper should be double-spaced, with 1-inch margins on all sides, and should be written in 12-point Times New Roman font. The main body of the paper should include an introduction, a literature review, a methodology section, results, and a discussion.
• References : The reference section should appear on a separate page at the end of the paper. All sources cited in the paper should be listed in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. Each reference should include the author’s name, the title of the work, the publication information, and the date of publication.
• Appendices : Appendices are optional and should only be included if they contain information that is relevant to the study but too lengthy to be included in the main body of the paper. If you include appendices, each one should be labeled with a letter (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.) and should be referenced in the main body of the paper.

APSA (American Political Science Association) Style

APSA (American Political Science Association) Style Research Paper format is as follows:

• Title Page: The title page should include the title of the paper, the author’s name, the name of the course or instructor, and the date.
• Abstract : An abstract is typically not required in APSA style papers, but if one is included, it should be brief and summarize the main points of the paper.
• Introduction : The introduction should provide an overview of the research topic, the research question, and the main argument or thesis of the paper.
• Literature Review : The literature review should summarize the existing research on the topic and provide a context for the research question.
• Methods : The methods section should describe the research methods used in the paper, including data collection and analysis.
• Results : The results section should present the findings of the research.
• Discussion : The discussion section should interpret the results and connect them back to the research question and argument.
• Conclusion : The conclusion should summarize the main findings and implications of the research.
• References : The reference list should include all sources cited in the paper, formatted according to APSA style guidelines.

In-text citations in APSA style use parenthetical citation, which includes the author’s last name, publication year, and page number(s) if applicable. For example, (Smith 2010, 25).

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• Research Paper Format | APA, MLA, & Chicago Templates

Research Paper Format | APA, MLA, & Chicago Templates

Published on November 19, 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on January 20, 2023.

The formatting of a research paper is different depending on which style guide you’re following. In addition to citations , APA, MLA, and Chicago provide format guidelines for things like font choices, page layout, format of headings and the format of the reference page.

Scribbr offers free Microsoft Word templates for the most common formats. Simply download and get started on your paper.

APA |  MLA | Chicago author-date | Chicago notes & bibliography

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Table of contents

Formatting an apa paper, formatting an mla paper, formatting a chicago paper, frequently asked questions about research paper formatting.

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in APA Style are as follows:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman or 11 pt Arial.
• Set 1 inch page margins.
• Apply double line spacing.
• If submitting for publication, insert a APA running head on every page.
• Indent every new paragraph ½ inch.

Watch the video below for a quick guide to setting up the format in Google Docs.

The image below shows how to format an APA Style title page for a student paper.

Running head

If you are submitting a paper for publication, APA requires you to include a running head on each page. The image below shows you how this should be formatted.

For student papers, no running head is required unless you have been instructed to include one.

APA provides guidelines for formatting up to five levels of heading within your paper. Level 1 headings are the most general, level 5 the most specific.

Reference page

APA Style citation requires (author-date) APA in-text citations throughout the text and an APA Style reference page at the end. The image below shows how the reference page should be formatted.

Note that the format of reference entries is different depending on the source type. You can easily create your citations and reference list using the free APA Citation Generator.

Generate APA citations for free

Scribbr Citation Checker New

The AI-powered Citation Checker helps you avoid common mistakes such as:

• Missing commas and periods
• Incorrect usage of “et al.”
• Ampersands (&) in narrative citations
• Missing reference entries

The main guidelines for writing an MLA style paper are as follows:

• Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman.
• Use title case capitalization for headings .

Check out the video below to see how to set up the format in Google Docs.

On the first page of an MLA paper, a heading appears above your title, featuring some key information:

• Your full name
• Your instructor’s or supervisor’s name
• The course name or number
• The due date of the assignment

Page header

A header appears at the top of each page in your paper, including your surname and the page number.

Works Cited page

MLA in-text citations appear wherever you refer to a source in your text. The MLA Works Cited page appears at the end of your text, listing all the sources used. It is formatted as shown below.

You can easily create your MLA citations and save your Works Cited list with the free MLA Citation Generator.

Generate MLA citations for free

The main guidelines for writing a paper in Chicago style (also known as Turabian style) are:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman.
• Use 1 inch margins or larger.
• Place page numbers in the top right or bottom center.

Chicago doesn’t require a title page , but if you want to include one, Turabian (based on Chicago) presents some guidelines. Lay out the title page as shown below.

Bibliography or reference list

Chicago offers two citation styles : author-date citations plus a reference list, or footnote citations plus a bibliography. Choose one style or the other and use it consistently.

The reference list or bibliography appears at the end of the paper. Both styles present this page similarly in terms of formatting, as shown below.

To format a paper in APA Style , follow these guidelines:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman or 11 pt Arial
• Set 1 inch page margins
• Apply double line spacing
• Include a title page
• If submitting for publication, insert a running head on every page
• Indent every new paragraph ½ inch
• Apply APA heading styles
• Cite your sources with APA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a reference page at the end

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style are as follows:

• Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Include a four-line MLA heading on the first page
• Center the paper’s title
• Use title case capitalization for headings
• Cite your sources with MLA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a Works Cited page at the end

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in Chicago style are to:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Use 1 inch margins or larger
• Place page numbers in the top right or bottom center
• Cite your sources with author-date citations or Chicago footnotes
• Include a bibliography or reference list

To automatically generate accurate Chicago references, you can use Scribbr’s free Chicago reference generator .

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, January 20). Research Paper Format | APA, MLA, & Chicago Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved April 15, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-paper/research-paper-format/

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Research Grant Proposal Writing Course for Students in Higher Institutions

Genevieve dable-tupas.

1 Research Center, College of Medicine, Davao Medical School Foundation Inc., Davao, The Philippines.

Victoria Toralba-Lupase

2 Graduate School, Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc., Davao City, Philippines.

Juan C. Puyana

3 MD, FRCSC, FACS, FACCP. School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Professor of Surgery, Critical Care Medicine, and Clinical Translational Science, Director for Global Health-Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States. Editorial Board Member, IJMS.

Mihnea-Alexandru Găman

4 Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Department of Hematology, Center of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute. Alumnus, Society of Students in Medicine of Bucharest (SSMB), Bucharest, Romania. Scientific Editor, IJMS.

Research grant proposals have become part of the everyday life of every scientist working in the field of life sciences. Although most early career researchers begin working on research grant proposals during their doctorate, laying the foundation of this complicated task should occur during their undergraduate training. This editorial serves as an introduction into research grant proposal writing for students enrolled in higher education and tackles subjects such as choosing a research topic and writing a successful grant application, as well as possible challenges and funding opportunities that we considered appropriate for students and early career researchers.

Introduction

Writing a research proposal is already a big challenge in itself. How much more if you write a research proposal to seek funding? Can we do it? How? The answers to these questions are provided in this editorial. While it is true that writing a research proposal is indeed a challenging task, it does not mean that it is impossible. It does take time and a lot of effort, but once you have done it, getting someone to fund it, is not much of a problem anymore. A lot of funding agencies, local, national and international are willing to fund research projects that are sound, innovative and have the potential to help improve the way we do things, the environment and the community.

So where do we start? We begin by conceptualizing a research question that seeks to answer or clarify a certain need or problem. The research question can come from daily experiences and challenges. It can be a local, national or global issue or problem that needs to be clarified, improved or addressed. An example of a global problem that needs solutions would be climate change. In developing and tropical countries like the Philippines, research on Dengue Fever can be considered relevant. Most recently is the emergence of a new infectious viral disease, the novel Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Ideas that would seek to address these problems are good research topics to work on. Since these problems pose great impact for society, naturally, many agencies would support research innovations that offer potential solutions to such. This is where we start.

Choosing a Research Topic

In everyday life, we are confronted with so many problems. So how do we choose? You can approach this issue in several ways. Firstly, you may consider thinking about your potential beneficiaries. Who do you want to help? What subset of the population do you want to benefit from your project? For example, if you want to help the earthquake victims, then think of disaster related activities that can help improve the way we deal with natural calamities or disaster preparedness. Such ideas may address problems that have occurred before, during or after the disaster. In particular, you can think of ways on how to streamline the approach of distributing relief goods for the affected community so that these goods reach the victims in the earliest time possible while minimizing expenses. Secondly, you may opt to look for funding opportunities first that are in line with your expertise, then think of a particular problem you want to address. For example, you may just search the World Wide Web: look for legitimate websites like for the Philippines, Department of Health (DOH) or Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and scroll down on funding opportunities. 1 These websites usually give details on the research topics they prefer to fund. Choose a topic you are most interested in and that suits your expertise and write about it. These funding sites also have their own research proposal templates which you need to follow.

Writing the Research Proposal

Generally, the major components of a research proposal are the following: Introduction, Methodology, Results (Dummy tables), Timetable and Budget ( Figure 1 ). The following section presents the general contents of a research proposal as well as instructions on how to write each component. Normally, since we are still proposing something, we use the future tense especially in the Methodology section. There may be variations depending on the funding institution. Nevertheless, this section will just serve as a guide on how to develop your research proposal.

Major Components of a Research Proposal.

Preliminaries

Write the title of your research proposal. Some funding agencies may have specific formats for you to follow. There is no ideal number of words that should make up a research title although some sources advise to limit it to 10 to 15 words. 2 In our opinion, researchers should not limit themselves with a specific number of words but that the title should be as concise as possible, yet adequate enough to describe the contents and purpose of your research. Firstly, a good title predicts the content of the research paper. Secondly, a good title should be interesting to the reader. Thirdly, it should reflect the tone of the writing. Fourthly and finally, it should contain important keywords that will make it easier to be located during a keyword search. Avoid phrases like “A study on…” or “Analysis of…”; research titles are usually in the form of a phrase or less commonly a question. 2

Table of Contents

Arrange this section with main headings and subheadings with the following major parts, namely: Introduction, Methodology and Results. The Results section will only include dummy tables. Other important parts include the preliminaries, references, appendices, and curriculum vitae. 3

List of Tables

List the number and titles of tables as they appear in the body of the research proposal. The first table may start in the Methodology. 3

List of Figures

Make a list of figures and arrange in this section as they appear in the body of the research. The first figure may start in the Methodology. 3

Body of a Full-Blown Research Proposal

The full-blown proposal contains only three parts: Introduction, Methodology and Results (dummy tables only). 3

This part justifies the need to answer the main question you are designed to answer. It gives a clear idea about the seriousness of the problem. It sets the scene of the setting of the study that is to interest the reader. It starts with general ideas then moves down to specifics. This contains the background, review of related literature, theoretical framework, conceptual framework, objectives, hypothesis, and significance of the study. 3

Background of the Study

Writing the background of your study is like writing an interesting story that will engage your reader. Start with a brief provocative problem statement that is applicable to the theme of the study. This one statement should catch the attention of the reader. Include convincing arguments that will support the statement on the seriousness and urgency of the problem. Follow with facts/statistics that portray the problematic situation (global, national, regional, and local setting). Present a resume of events/programs/projects that have been done by various public and private sectors to address the problem. Indicate a firm stand on the need to bridge the gap between existing facts and the problematic situation. Indicate what should be done and what data are needed to address the problem. Present the rationale on the need to conduct the study. 4 – 5 The length of the write-up should not exceed three pages in double space setting. 3

Review of Related Literature

This section provides information on the background of the problem, theories that explain the existence of the problem and determinants, and previous studies done. Acquaint the reader with existing studies as to what has been found, who has done the work, when and where the latest studies have been conducted. Provide the reader with information on what research methods were utilized and provide information on what problems were met and how were they resolved. Use sub-headings and use past tense. 6 – 7 Establish the theoretical and conceptual framework for the research.

• Theoretical Framework - Make use of a theory or theories to explain why a phenomenon exists and how the different factors which brought about the phenomenon are interrelated. The purpose of the theoretical framework is to develop and present a unified explanation of related ideas and to provide the foundation on which the study will build and develop. 3 , 8
• Conceptual Framework - Make a diagram to present how different variables in the study are related to each other. It has the same function as the theoretical framework but instead of using theories, it uses constructs which are specific and well-defined. Explain how the different variables are related to each other. 3 , 8

These are statements of purpose for which the investigation is conducted. These serve as guides in the specification of variables, selection of research methods, determination of the data to be collected and planning of analysis of results.

For a quantitative study, state the General Objective by transforming the problem statement from an interrogative form to a declarative statement, usually introduced by the phrase “to determine”. State the specific objectives which are specific activities/questions that are desired to be done to answer the general objectives. These are statements of the specific outcomes expected in the study. 3 , 9

In a qualitative study, the objectives appear as a) “Grand Tour Question” as the main aim which is written in a declarative statement; and b) the sub-problems which are in the interrogative form. 3 , 10 Although the focus of this editorial is quantitative research, it is also good to note this distinction between quantitative and qualitative research in terms of objective formulation.

This section appears in the proposal only if the study determines relationship(s) or difference(s) between variables. This is an educated guess, an assertion or proposition about the interrelationship or about differences between two or more variables. If your study does not test causal relationships or differences between variables, do not use a hypothesis (e.g., in purely descriptive, diagnostic, or exploratory investigations). There are two types of hypotheses, the Null Hypothesis (statement of denial of an existence, attribute, relationship, difference, or an effect) and Alternative Hypothesis (statement of relationship, difference or an effect). Of these two, use the null hypothesis because errors in accepting or rejecting the hypothesis can be easily avoided. 3 , 11

Significance of the Study

State the value of the study or justification for making the study. Make a list of potential users and indicate the specific contribution of the results (findings, conclusions, recommendations) to these beneficiaries of the study. (Note: In the final research write-up, you have to integrate significance in the Discussion). 3

Methodology

This section provides a detailed description of the basic research plan or procedure on how the study will be done so that it will be reproduced by a competent colleague or that the procedures are needed to judge the validity of its answer. This may be a place to begin writing then return to introduction when a flow of words has already started. Include in this section the following parts: research design, setting, population, variables and measures (dependent and independent variables), sampling (design, randomization and estimation of sample size), data collection procedures and ethical considerations. 3 In the proposal, this chapter is written in future tense. In the final write-up, it is written in past tense.

Research Design

This refers to the plan of action, approach or strategy to be used in the study. Define the research design used, whether it is descriptive, cross-sectional, case-control, cohort or experimental, quasi-experimental, etc. Indicate who has the authority of such definition and cite the reference. 3

Describe the study area or the venue where the study will be conducted (e.g., hospital, university, research centre, etc.). Provide a justification for choosing the study area. A map may be shown when necessary. 3

Indicate the number and significant characteristics of the participants. Provide inclusion criteria (specific characteristics that make the participants qualified to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (specific characteristics that render a certain segment of the population to be ineligible to be included in the study). 3

Variables and Measures

Variables are characteristics that are measured numerically (e.g. blood pressure) or in terms of categories (e.g. presence or absence of a disease, smoker or non-smoker, etc.). If your study determines a relationship between variables, write the dependent variable first. A dependent variable “hangs on” to another variable or is a putative effect of one or more variables. Then write the independent variable(s). This/these characteristic(s) is/are the assumed cause(s) or reason(s) for any variation of a dependent variable which is usually the problem in the study. 3

Specify the categories or classes of the dependent and independent variables in terms of scales of measurement. These maybe written in a form of a nominal (two or more categories that are qualitatively different from each other (e.g. place of delivery such as hospital and home); ordinal (ranked categories, e.g. severity of a disease); interval (zero does not indicate absence of attribute and equal differences between any pair of numbers in the scale indicate equal differences but not in the amounts of the attribute such as temperature); and ratio (zero indicates absence of attribute and equal differences between any pair of numbers is the same as that between the amounts of attribute being measured (e.g. hemoglobin concentration or scores in the examination). 3

Explain the process of choosing the samples that will represent the entire population. Include in this section three issues about sampling: i.e., sampling design, randomization, and estimation of sample size if appropriate.

Sampling design:

Explain the entire procedure on how the participants will be chosen. Choose the appropriate sampling design. There are two basic types of sampling designs namely non-probability or non-random or judgmental sampling (e.g. accidental and purposive) and probability sampling (e.g. simple random, systematic, stratified random, stratified systematic, cluster, two-stage and multi-stage designs). State the sampling frame, whether a spot map or a list will be used. 3

Randomization:

Describe the randomization procedure if needed in the study. This refers to the procedure where each participant is assigned to a treatment group or control group by chance (e.g. by random numbers) to reduce the influence of extraneous factors. 3

Estimation of sample size:

Show how sample size is derived using some formula for estimation of sample size. This is used to consider the availability of human resources and logistics. 3

Data Collection Procedure

Explain in detail how pre-testing or pilot testing will be conducted including the number of participants, recruitment, setting, and instrument to be pre-tested, procedures to be used in pre-testing. 3

Explain in detail how the data will be gathered, whether through observation method using instruments (like tape measure or weighing scale); personal interview using a structured interview schedule, self-administered interview, key informant interview and/or focus group discussion. Describe the instrument in terms of number and content of questions to be used, type of scale, how these are organized, and the method of validation. Attach a copy of the instrument in the appendix. Also describe here when the study will start and when it will end. Describe the enumerators in terms of their educational attainment, employment status, experience as interviewers/observers, method and duration of training for the study. 3

Data Analysis

Indicate the type of statistical test(s), decision making criteria (alpha level) and computer software that will be used in the study. Refer to the specific objectives as a guide in the identification of appropriate statistical tools. (Note: In the final research write-up, integrate data analysis in the Results. 3

Limitations of the Study

The limitations of the study should provide information on certain conditions which are beyond the control of the investigator. (Note: In the final paper, integrate limitations of the study in the Discussion). 3

Ethical Considerations

Describe the ethical issues that will be observed to protect the rights, safety, privacy, and sensitivity of laboratory animals and/or human participants as well as the researchers themselves, the community and the environment. If the study deals with human participants, state clearly how informed consent is obtained. This means that the participants will give their consent (by signing in the informed consent form) after they have been informed of the nature of the study, their roles in the study, risks and inconveniences, benefits for participation, compensation, provision for illness/injury, whom to contact, voluntariness of participation, and confidentially that must be carried out to secure their anonymity and privacy. Guidelines for ethical considerations can be accessed from the manual of the Research Ethics Committee of the institution in accordance with internationally approved ethical standards in the conduct of human research. 12 If the study deals with animals, it should be stated that extreme care must be observed in every step from the time these are purchased to the time that they are disposed of. These guidelines should be available and well stipulated in the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Manual. 13 Take into consideration that any research project you conduct must also adhere to the local regulations, national law and the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2008. 14 Do not forget to disclose any possible conflicts of interest or competing interests: research funding, honoraria from pharmaceutical companies, personal fees, payments for partaking in advisory boards, etc.

The results section of a research proposal will only contain the Dummy tables and/or figures which should be left empty until data have been collected and analyzed. The dummy tables and/or figures will depend on the specific objectives of your research. Roughly, there should be at least one table and/or figure per specific objective. 3

For example, if one specific objective states: To determine and compare the demographic data of the participants in the treatment and control group. For this type of objective, a table summarizing the demographic data of your population would be most appropriate.

Timetables or Gantt charts provide a visual presentation of the specific tasks that will be undertaken in the research project and their relative timing or expected length of time from start to completion of each task. 15 This gives the reader an idea on the chronological activities to be undertaken from the beginning to the end of the research project ( Table 2 ).

Sample Timetable for a One-Year Research Project.

A budget plan is a crucial part of every research proposal. If a funding agency has already been identified, just check the website and you will surely find a budget template which will serve as your guide. Generally, the basic parts of a budget proposal consist of the following: Personnel Services, Maintenance and Operating Expenses, and Supplies or Capital Outlay but the format may vary according to the preferred budget format of the funder. Personnel Services include honoraria of the researchers and salaries of research assistants who will help conduct the study. Maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) includes repairs and maintenance of facilities and equipment, supplies and materials, travelling and communication expenses and all expenses pertaining to the data collection and completion of the research. 16

A good budget proposal is often a reflection of well-planned research activities. It provides information on how the requested funds will be spent. As much as possible, the amount reflected in the budget should be based on actual costs. Additionally, some funders may require budget justification or explanations aside from the costing. 16 Please find below ( Table 3 ) an example of a budget proposal of one of our funded research projects.

Actual Example of a Budget Proposal for Funding.

Legend: Budget in Romanian leu. 1 Romanian leu equals 0.2 USD.

Writing a research proposal for funding is a very challenging and demanding job. Even if you are convinced that the problem or issue you want to address is relevant and has a big potential to change or improve the way we do things, we can never say 100% that it will be funded. The decision whether our proposal will be funded or not remains in the hands of the funding agency. To increase our chance to be funded, we need to seek guidance from the funding agencies themselves. We need to determine what types of research they prefer and what their needs are. Priority issues or problems that need solutions are usually included in the research agenda of the funding agency which we can access from their websites. Once we have set our goals on what research proposal we are going to pursue, we work on it to the best of our abilities. If ever we fail to get the funding the first time we submit our proposal, it does not mean we give up right away. Usually, the funding agencies will give their comments and recommendations on how to improve our proposal. If their recommendations are doable, then we can work on them, improve our proposal, and submit again. Hard work and perseverance will usually get you somewhere. We can also opt to submit our proposal to another funding agency, but we have to submit to only one funding agency at a time. Do not make the mistake of sending your proposal to several funding agencies at one time. This is not a good research practice.

Funding Opportunities for Students

Although the opportunities to receive funding as a student are small, opportunities may arise at any time during an aspiring young researcher’s career. In many instances, students should take into consideration that the first research proposal and grant that they present to the scientific world is their graduation thesis. Most of the time, their investigation is financed by their university or by research grants obtained by their supervisors and (or) coordinators. However, there are still some opportunities to apply for financing from professional societies. Fortunately, most international societies offer free membership for students, and we encourage you to join as many societies as possible and benefit from free lectures, workshops, or participation in congresses, as well as apply for travel and (or) accommodation grants as to partake in scientific events.

For example, the Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE) offers several awards and grants for students interested in medical education. The Student Initiatives Grant consists of a funding opportunity of £2000 ( https://amee.org/awards-prizes/student-initiatives-grant ) for students who would like to coordinate a project in the field of medical education. Another AMEE change to receive an imbursement (£10000) is the Research Grant Awards for an educational research project. 17 – 18 In addition, the pharmaceutical company AMGEN finances an undergraduate summer research program in Science and Biotechnology ( AMGEN Scholars Program ) for undergraduates willing to partake in a short research internship in a top-notch university in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia or Asia, such as Harvard University, Yale University, Cambridge University, The Pasteur Institute, The Karolinska Institute, The University of Tokyo or The University of Melbourne. The AMGEN Foundation does not ask for previous experience in research for the students who want to apply. More details can be obtained at the following website: https://amgenscholars.com/ . 19

In addition, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) offers awards for Medical Students and Early-Career Investigators who are aspiring to conduct research in the field of Hematology or who want to pursue specialty training in Hematology. More information can be obtained at the following address: https://www.hematology.org/awards/medical-student . 20

In terms of courses and lectures, the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) organizes annual five-day courses for medical students who are interested in the field of Oncology. Some of the topics tackled during these scientific meetings are Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Lung Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Melanoma and other malignancies. Please access https://www.esmo.org/meetings/esmo-eso-courses-on-medical-oncology-for-medical-students to discover this opportunity. 21

Further Recommended Readings and Training Opportunities

Although there are less opportunities for students enrolled in higher education to submit grant applications and receive funding for their ideas, there are sufficient chances to receive free training in the field before starting to get involved in research projects. For example, Elsevier’s Researcher Academy ( https://researcheracademy.elsevier.com ) offers several free webinars and e-learning opportunities for researchers who want to improve their grasp of knowledge. The e-learning modules are focused on research preparation (funding, management of data, research collaborations), writing for research (manuscript preparation and book writing), the basics of the publication process, peer-review and methods to communicate your research findings. 22

Another opportunity for students to get involved in the process of manuscript and grant evaluation is The Web of Science Academy ( https://clarivate.com/webofsciencegroup/solutions/web-of-science-academy/ ) a peer-review training course available for free which enables researchers to become certified peer-reviewers. Applicants are mentored by experts in their field of research and the course is divided in 10 modules: introductory modules, an overview of peer-review and scientific journals, ethics, how to evaluate different sections of a paper (introduction, methodology, data and results, discussions, conclusions) and how to structure a review. 23

In summary, we have given you a guide on how to make a research proposal for funding from conceptualization to execution to facing the challenges and more. 24 Writing a research proposal for funding is hard work and very challenging. However, if you succeed, it is also very rewarding, not as much financially but more so on the potential of improving the lives of the people in the community and in contributing to the body of knowledge which can benefit humanity.

Sample Table of Contents. 3

Acknowledgments

M.-A.G. acknowledges the support of the Society of Students in Medicine of Bucharest (SSMB) - research grant competition for students, contract no. 231/29.03.2017.

Dr. Juan C. Puyana work is partially funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) of the United States with the grant 5UG3HL151595. The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.

Conflict of Interest Statement & Funding

The Authors have no financial relationships or conflicts of interest to disclose.

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Quick Start Workflow

Notes on style, writing a proposal, writing a budget, writing a timeline, research methodologies for designers, funding opportunities, external resources.

Define your project + Identify your needs.

• Develop a key research question. What is your methodology? What outcomes do you expect to see? 
• Establish realistic goals. What is your timeline? What other responsibilities do you have? What can you truly accomplish in the amount of time you have? 
• Assess your needs. Are you undertaking preliminary research and in search of seed funding? Or, do you have an ongoing project which has developed into a full-blown research agenda? Scale is important in writing a research agenda: large-scale, long-term projects are often only funded if you can demonstrate seed funding or matched funds.  
• Why is your research/project important? What is its significance? Will you be undertaking experimental research? Contextualize project relevance.
• Sketch a project budget and timeline.
• Define deliverables clearly.  

Identify potential funding sources.

• Determine your category: dissertation, archival, experimental, fieldwork, or manuscript? Funders will usually list these categories in the CFP. 
• Try to align your project goals with those of your funder’s. Make sure you’re “speaking the same language."
• Most importantly, apply early and often.    

Develop a proposal and budget  

• Follow the application guidelines exactly. 
•  Adjust your project to fit the CFP guidelines. Check that your methodology aligns to your project budget and timeline.  
• Be clear and concise. Use images, diagrams, drawings, and maps where applicable.   
• Use active, persuasive language. When describing outcomes, don’t use conditional/hedging words like might / may / maybe / would / could.  
• Seek feedback and write many drafts.  

Submit the proposal before the deadline.  

Carry out the project.  

File reports / send deliverables.

Writing for proposals is not the same as for academic work. It needs to be highly accessible with limited use of industry-specific terminology. Do not assume that the reviewer of your application has expertise in your field.

• Use short, clear sentences
• Employ an active voice (I or we)
• Remain future-focused
• Commit to strong, persuasive phrasing
• Convey enthusiasm and confidence

A grant proposal must always complete two tasks: 

• Clearly articulate the hypothesis of your research in its broadest strokes.  
• Demonstrate that your goals in the research endeavor and the goals of the funding institution are symbiotic.  

Introduction/Abstract 

As early in the proposal as possible, identify and explicitly state the question your research will answer. Avoid empty verbs like “shaped,” “influenced,” “sheds light,” “nuances,” and “complicates” that allude to the existence of an argument but do not state what that argument is. You might consider writing the abstract last even though it will be the first thing readers see in your proposal.

Though all grant CFPs (calls for proposals) vary, most call for a “grant narrative.” If they don’t ask for a separate abstract, incorporate the abstract into the first paragraph of your narrative. A successful abstract will accurately reflect the proposal and should quickly address your key question, research methodology, and relevance to the funding institution. Reviewers will have to sort through dozens or even hundreds of applications so state the who, what, why, where, when, how, how much, to what end(s) clearly and early. You can elaborate in the body of the grant narrative.   

In a grant, it is more important to demonstrate the urgency of your research and relevance to the funding institution than to frame the “gaps” in the literature (as you would in a research paper). Frame research in schools of thought without much detail about individual scholars. Offer avenues for reviewers from other fields (historians, ecologists, sociologists, etc) to enter your intellectual world by relating your research questions to broader issues. 

In the body, establish your general topic before you introduce your own argument about that topic. This framing will make your intervention’s relevance to the field evident. You can expand upon the historical or theoretical background to the project and explain how some of the research you’ve already done has led you to your key questions.

Research/Methodology

Be sure to give the fellowship committee some sense of your research process. You don’t need to re-invent the wheel when formulating a research strategy. In Writing Services, students often come to us with successful grant proposals, save for when they discuss methodologies. Research methodologies (aka research process) is either left out entirely, or students spend a good chunk of their word count trying to describe how they are going to conduct research. When writing a grant application, draw on extant methodologies to communicate to your reviewers how (and within what intellectual tradition) you’ll be conducting research. For a comprehensive list of methodologies in the design fields, see below.  

Institutional Goals

A successful project will address the goals of the funding institution. Sometimes these goals are clear (example: the grant is for dissertation research, and you need funding to travel to an archive to finish your dissertation). However, you will usually need to construct an argument relating your project to the aims of the CFP. Find the mission statement for the institution that offers the grant. Use this statement to identify how your research will advance the institution’s goals. Figure out the reason the funding exists and devote serious thought to how your project relates to that reason. Even if the relevance seems obvious to you, clearly state it; the grant review committee goes through a mountain of applications, so don’t trust that they will make these connections on their own. Also, articulate the specific reasons why you need this money. What will it allow you to do that you couldn’t do otherwise? And why are you the best person to do this project?

A grant budget is usually comprised of two things: a spreadsheet of how the grant will be used on expenses and a budget narrative (justification). A budget narrative is a paragraph which should explain the expenses. Even when proposal guidelines do not specifically mention a narrative, be sure to include one. This budget narrative can exist at the bottom of the table and should provide a brief overview of the budget. 

• Spell out project costs via a spreadsheet or table with the budget detailed as line items and include a budget narrative to explain and justify the table. 
• Make sure that all budget items meet the funding agency’s requirements.
• Factor in the estimated taxes applicable for your case. 

Certain grants will ask for a timeline in your budget proposal. This timeline should list all the activities you will need to carry out to meet each of your objectives. 

Your timeline may be written as a narrative, but it can also be put into a table. A visual representation of your timeline may be easier for reviewers to understand.

Divide your timeline by quarters or months, depending on how long the funding period is. Place each activity into a quarter or month as opposed to specifying specific dates. These activities might include preliminary research, fieldwork, visits to archives, installation, model-making, publication design, etc. Include all activities from the day funding is awarded to the last day of funding.

Include when deliverables will be finished (or when you will fulfill reporting deadlines) and when/how you will assess the project’s progress and address any inadequacies.  

If collaborating with other designers and researchers, be sure to address who is responsible for completing each task. 

Keep the timeline realistic.  

• Research Methods for Architecture by Rumiko Handa (Hollis online access)
• Architectural Research Methods by Linda Groat (Loeb Library stacks)
• Research Methods for the Architectura Profession by Ajla Aksamija (Loeb Library stacks)
• Research in Landscape Architecture: Methods and Methodology by Oxon Abingdon (Loeb Library stacks)
• The Little Book of Research Writing by Varanya Chaubey (Kennedy School Library)
• Operative Design: a Catalogue of Spatial Verbs by Anthoni Di Mari (Loeb Library stacks)
• Landscape Architectural Research: Inquiry, Strategy, Design by Elen Deming (HOLLIS online access)
• CARAT database of grants and fellowships
• Spin database of sponsored funding opportunities
• Graham Foundation
• Scholarships for International Students
• Travelling Fellowships at the GSD
• Architecture Fellowships, Prizes, and Travel Programs
• Fellowship Writing by the Yale Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning
• Grant Writing Tips from Harvard Catalyst
• Fellowships from the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
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How to Write a Concept Paper

How do you write a concept paper? Why is there a need to write one before writing a full-blown thesis proposal? How do you write a concept paper?

This article explains why a concept paper is important before writing a full-blown research paper. It also provides a step-by-step approach on how to write it.

I once browsed the internet to look for information on how to write a concept paper. It took me some time to find the information I wanted. I did find some, but I am not entirely satisfied with those explanations. The explanation and discussion are either too short or vaguely explain the concept paper.

Preparing a concept paper entails different approaches, but I somehow drew some principles from these readings. I wrote a concept paper in compliance with a request to come up with one. Nobody complained about the output that I prepared.

I remembered once again when a colleague asked me the other day to explain a concept paper and how to write it. He needs this information because students have been asking him how to write it.

To him and his students, I dedicate this article.

What is a Concept Paper and Why Do You Need It?

Before going into the details on how to write a concept paper, let me explain what a concept paper is and why you need it.

A concept paper serves as a prelude to writing a full-blown manuscript.

What do you consider a full-blown write-up? It could be a thesis, a program, a project, or anything that will require a longer time to prepare.

In essence, a concept paper embodies your ideas on a particular topic or item of interest. The concept paper saves time because your thesis or review panel may say that your concept is not worth pursuing.

A concept paper should consist only of 1 or 2 pages. Alternatively, if you want to deal with complex issues that require expounding on the ideas, it can go up to 5 pages.

For example, as a student, you will be asked to prepare your concept paper before writing your thesis proposal. This task means that you need to develop an idea and express it for others to understand. The central idea of that concept paper is your  thesis statement .

You may glean from either your experience or from your literature review. Of course, your topic should be within your respective area of specialization. It makes sense to be an expert in your field.

If you are a computer science student, you might want to study the behavior of wi-fi signals bounced to different kinds of material . Alternatively, maybe you wish to create a simple gadget to concentrate signals for a portable USB wi-fi connection to improve its performance.

Or perhaps you would like to find out the optimum cache size for the most exceptional browsing experience on the internet. The list could go on.

How Do You Write a Concept Paper?

As I mentioned a while ago, there is no hard and fast rule on how to write a concept paper. It is not desirable to have a format, as your ideas tend to be limited. You may miss some critical points.

The ultimate goal is for you to be able to express your intention. What do you want to do or achieve?

How should you write the concept paper as a prelude to a thesis? What should it contain?

A concept paper must have at least the following elements:

1. A Rationale

You explain here why you need to undertake that thesis proposal of yours. You can ask yourself the following questions:

What prompted you to prepare the concept paper? Why is the issue of such importance? What should you be able to produce out of your intended study?

2. A Conceptual Framework

A conceptual framework serves as your guide in working on your idea. It is like a map to follow to arrive at your destination.

An excellent way to develop one is to do a mind-mapping exercise. That brings up another thing, what is mind mapping anyhow?

A mind map is simply a list of keywords that you can connect to clarify an individual issue. It is our subconscious’ way of analyzing things. We tend to associate things with other things. This tendency relates to how we recall past experiences.

In the field of computers, we have the so-called “links” that connect commands in a computer module to make an application program work.

How does mind mapping work?

You have to come up with a word, for example, that will help you start. You can begin with an issue on computers and, from there, generate other ideas that connect with the previous one.

The following video explains how to build a mind map using XMind, my favorite mind mapping tool.

3. Your Hypothesis

Once the idea of the conceptual framework is quite clear to you, write your hypothesis. A hypothesis is just your expected output in conducting the study. It arises from the conceptual framework that you have prepared.

Once you have identified the specific variables you would like to study, ask yourself the following questions:

• How are the variables related?
• Does one variable affect another? Alternatively, are they related at all?

A quick review of relevant and updated literature will help you identify which variables matter.

Nowadays, it’s easy to find articles on your topic using the internet, that is, if you know how to do it. You can start by going to doaj.org , a directory of open access journals. And of course, Google Scholar is an indispensable source of scientific articles. Just find the best and relevant ones for your literature review.

Example of Hypotheses

Considering the issues raised a while ago, the following null hypotheses can serve as your hypotheses:

1. There is no significant difference in wi-fi signal behavior between wood and metal.

 2. There is no significant difference in browsing speed between a ten MB cache and a 100 MB cache storage setting using Mozilla Firefox.

At this point, you may already have a better idea of how to prepare a concept paper before working on a full-blown thesis proposal.

If you find this discussion worthwhile, or you would like to clarify further the discussion above, your feedback is welcome.

© 2012 October 31 P. A. Regoniel | Updated: 12/5/21

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About the author, patrick regoniel.

Dr. Regoniel, a faculty member of the graduate school, served as consultant to various environmental research and development projects covering issues and concerns on climate change, coral reef resources and management, economic valuation of environmental and natural resources, mining, and waste management and pollution. He has extensive experience on applied statistics, systems modelling and analysis, an avid practitioner of LaTeX, and a multidisciplinary web developer. He leverages pioneering AI-powered content creation tools to produce unique and comprehensive articles in this website.

69 Comments

very good clue about concept paper, Thank you too.

Your article has been of great help to me as I didn’t know how to get started implementing my ideas. Thank you so much God bless you.

thank you very much… i have an idea now what to do… still preparing a concept paper for my dissertation…

Thank u so much,it has been helpful

Dear Dr. Shase-et, your feedback is very much appreciated. I’m glad to be of help. Best regards. – PAR

Thanks a million. I was lost when my boss asked me to write a concept note on Cluster Poultry farming. Now I have an idea. God bless you sir.

good work.kudos

Thanks a lot for your article on how to write a concept paper……………….such a great help for me!

It’s an honor to be of help Hoyelah.

Thanks for the information. It has given me a good idea of to go about writing my research concept paper.

Welcome Raphael. It’s great to know you find this brief article useful in pursuing your degree.

Thanks alot. This really helped me as i had to write a concept note as part of the process of applying for a Masters Degree programme in my institution of choice.

Best Regards -Raphael

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DepEd launches KITE journal for education quality innovations, studies

September 24, 2021 – The Department of Education (DepEd) recently launched the K to 12 Issues and Trends Explored (K.I.T.E) Online Journal to provide an avenue for educational innovations and new insights sharing in curriculum and education policies.

K.I.T.E., the official online publication of the Curriculum and Instruction Strand of DepEd, is a quarterly publication that features peer-reviewed academic articles on issues and trends on K to 12 curriculum and DepEd policies essayed in technical reports, and research projects conducted in the regions, divisions, districts, and classrooms nationwide.

“These challenges and changes bring us insights, and learnings captured by the quadrants of the K.I.T.E. that represents Sulong Edukalidad: K to 12 curriculum review and update, improvement of learning environment, teachers’ upskilling and reskilling, and engagement of stakeholders for support and collaboration,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.

With the theme ‘Preparation and milestones for DepEd’s distance learning education for this year’s publication, the journal features academic papers and articles related to the curriculum and instruction in the last three years developed by bureaus and field offices.

“This will help teachers learn from the experiences of their colleagues through the sharing of solutions, technical expertise, and lifting each other on the transition to building forward. The first issue of the K.I.T.E. journal hopes to be a strong beginning, I encourage everyone to celebrate these innovations, learn from our colleagues, and find the implications of this for our profession,” Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado M. San Antonio said.

“May this be a challenge to fill the gaps, extend the evidence-based, and anchor the findings to the local context. It is our fervent hope that this will give you insights in finding ways to contribute, engage, and make your best practices more visible as we build powerful communities within the teaching profession and the Philippine education system in general,” Usec. San Antonio added.

During the virtual launch, the K.I.T.E. Online Journal contributors for the 1 st and 2 nd quarters of 2021 were conferred with certificates of recognition.

“In this journal, you will find the collective tears, sweat, and blood of many unsung heroes whose efforts led to the development of a safe space for our learners to study. As we continue to face the challenges brought about by the global health crisis, we hope that the lessons learned from the pandemic as well as the innovations that followed suit would continue to inspire us to keep pressing forward, developing more innovations, all in the name of providing quality education for every Filipino learner,” Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Instruction Alma Ruby C. Torio said.

The K.I.T.E. Online Journal welcomes the submission of classroom-based researches, case studies, and full-blown research which could be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods. Other submissions include theoretical articles or studies or papers presented to experts and education stakeholders for policy recommendations and technical reports.

Interested contributors can submit their articles to [email protected] or [email protected] , copy furnished [email protected] under the email subject: K.I.T.E. JOURNAL.

To read this content please select one of the options below:

Please note you do not have access to teaching notes, strategic turnaround: unraveling the impact of ceo power on firm performance during retrenchment.

International Journal of Law and Management

ISSN : 1754-243X

Article publication date: 16 April 2024

This paper aims to investigate the impact of retrenchment strategy on firm performance in the context of Pakistani firms while considering the moderating role of chief executive officer (CEO) power. By examining the influence of CEO duality and CEO share ownership on the relationship, this study contributes to strategic management and corporate governance knowledge within the Pakistani business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was used to analyze the relationship using data from annual financial statements. The sample consisted of 76 companies from the KSE-100 index from the year 2015 to 2020. Random effects regression models were used, along with hierarchical regression to explore the moderating effect of CEO power.

The findings demonstrate that the implementation of a retrenchment strategy positively impacts firm performance in Pakistani firms. The study also reveals that CEO power plays a crucial role in strengthening the relationship between retrenchment strategy and firm performance. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of considering the temporal sequence, size and age of firms when examining the impact of CEO power and retrenchment strategy on firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study enhances the understanding of the contingent nature of retrenchment strategies and the influence of CEO power in the Pakistani business context. Practically, the research contributes to strategic management and corporate governance dynamics, facilitating the development of strategies that enhance firm performance and sustainability in Pakistan.

Originality/value

This research provides original insights by specifically focusing on the Pakistani context and analyzing the interplay between retrenchment strategy, CEO power and firm performance. The study adds to the limited literature on the relationship between retrenchment and performance in the Pakistani business environment. Additionally, it highlights the significance of CEO power as a critical factor in determining the success of retrenchment.

• Retrenchment strategy
• Firm performance
• CEO duality
• CEO share ownership
• Strategic management
• Hierarchical regression analysis

Acknowledgements

Funding: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Declaration : This research paper affirms that no artificial intelligence tools were used throughout the study. The analysis and findings presented in this research solely rely on traditional research methodologies, data collection and analysis techniques.

Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Ijaz, M. , Sadiq, N. and Abbas, S.F. (2024), "Strategic turnaround: unraveling the impact of CEO power on firm performance during retrenchment", International Journal of Law and Management , Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLMA-01-2024-0010

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