Chapter 14. The Structure of an APA-Style Paper

Introduction

Chapter 4
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You must read each slide, and complete any questions on the slide, in sequence.

Communicating the Science of Psychology

In this activity, you will practice structuring an APA-style title page and organizing an APA-style research report as a whole.

Dr. Natalie J. Ciarocco, Monmouth University

Dr. David B. Strohmetz, Monmouth University

Dr. Gary W. Lewandowski, Jr., Monmouth University

Something to Think About...

Learning how to structure and format a report in APA style is not always easy. If you do not plan on becoming a researcher in psychology, you might be wondering why you should dedicate the time to getting it right. There are several reasons why learning APA style is beneficial.

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Something to Think About...

Familiarizing yourself with the structure of an APA-style report can help you focus your energy when you read and comprehend research articles in other classes. You will be able to quickly deduce which section of an article has the specific information you need.

Although, in the future, you may not need to use APA style in particular, you will likely have to do some form of formal or technical writing in your career. Learning APA style will help you practice attending to the formatting details that many styles of writing require. This skill will help you stand out from your coworkers.

Instructions

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Let’s start developing your attention to detail with the following activity, which will help you practice formatting an APA-style title page. If you need help, you can refer to the appendix in your textbook that covers communicating research results and the science of psychology.

Your task is to arrange the various pieces of an APA-style title page in the proper order.

Activity 1: Title Page Formatting

chapter_14_multiple_choice
Running head: MEDIA AND COLLEGE PERCEPTIONS
1
The Influence of New Media on Perceptions of College Selection
Taylor Conners
Mantua University
Running head: MEDIA AND COLLEGE PERCEPTIONS
1
The Influence of New Media on Perceptions of College Selection
Taylor Conners
Mantua University
This placement is correct. While the content of the running head (in this case, “MEDIA AND COLLEGE PERCEPTIONS”) appears on every page of the report, the words “Running head:” only appear on the title page. Your running head cannot be longer than 50 characters and should be in ALL CAPS.
This placement is correct. The title page is page 1 of the research report, and a page number will continue to appear in this placement on each page of the report.
This placement is correct. The report title should summarize the main idea of your research report in 10−12 words.
This placement is correct. Your name should appear centered on the page, under the title. If you are collaborating on this research report with others, list the names in order of contribution to the article.
This placement is correct. Under each author’s name, provide the person’s institutional affiliation. There is no need to add the department name or any other affiliation information.
This is not the correct place for this piece of information. Try again.

Instructions

Jacek Dudzinski/Shutterstock

The next activity will help you practice the formatting of an APA-style research report. If you need help, you can refer to the appendix in your textbook that covers communicating research results and the science of psychology.

Your task is to arrange the various pieces of an APA-style paper in the proper order.

Activity 2: Research Report Formatting

chapter_14_multiple_choice_2
Title Page

Abstract

Introduction

Method

Results

Discussion

References

Tables

Figures
Title Page
Abstract
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
References
Tables
Figures
Title Page: This placement is correct. The title page is the first page of every research report.
Abstract: This placement is correct. The abstract is a brief (150–250-word) summary of your research report.
Introduction: This placement is correct. This section of the report introduces the problem under investigation, presents the importance of the problem, and reviews relevant research on the topic.
Method: This placement is correct. This section describes in detail how the study was conducted, including participant characteristics, materials used, design, and procedure.
Results: This placement is correct. This section summarizes the data collected and the results of the statistical analyses performed.
Discussion: This placement is correct. This section includes the interpretation of statistical findings, as well as acknowledgment of the strengths and limitations of the research, suggestions for future directions of the research topic, and justification of the importance of the findings.
References: This placement is correct. This section features acknowledgment of the work of previous scholars. Every study cited in the report must also be credited in this section.
Tables: This placement is correct. Any tables included in this section should be easy to read and understandable, and should augment what has already been discussed in the report.
Figures: This placement is correct. Any figures included in this section should help describe the results and be located after any tables.
This is not the correct place for this piece of information. Try again.

Instructions

Jacek Dudzinski/Shutterstock

This last activity will help you practice identifying which sections of an APA-style research report begin on a new page. If you need help, you can refer to the appendix in your textbook that covers communicating research results and the science of psychology.

Your task is to indicate which sections of an APA-style research report start on a new page.

Activity 3: Research Report Formatting

chapter_14_multiple_choice_3
Title Page
Abstract
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
References
Tables
Figures
Starts on a
New Page
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✘
✔
✔
✔
Does Not Start
on a New Page
✘
✘
✘
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✘

Take Home Message

Although you may not have been aware of it, completing this activity and familiarizing yourself with APA style has helped you build marketable skills. You have attended to formatting details, and being detail-oriented is a valuable skill to add to your resume. You have also practiced organizing your thoughts in a technical way, which will help you write the formal e-mails, memos, and reports required of many positions.

On a larger scale, APA style is beneficial to research and all fields of science. Consistency in the presentation of information helps guarantee that important information is not missing. It also helps readers like you to know where to find the specific information you need in a research article. The more familiar you are with the structure of APA-style papers, the easier it will be for you to write, read, and understand them and other written works.

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Congratulations! You have successfully completed this activity.

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