Research Requirements

All papers:

Your Science Research Report will be an APA style research paper.

Components of the research paper will include:

  • Title Page
  • Abstract (150-250 words)
  • Introduction (2-3 pages)
  • Method (minimum 2 pages)
  • Results (1-2 pages)
  • Discussion (1-2 pages)
  • References(5 or more sources)
  • Appendix

In the sciences, you will be asked to design and conduct your own experimental research. If so, you will need to write up your paper using a structure that is more complex than that used for just a literature review.

This structure follows the scientific method, but it also makes your paper easier to follow by providing those familiar cues that help your reader efficiently scan your information for:

  • Why the topic is important (covered in your introduction)
  • What the problem is (also covered in your introduction)
  • What you did to try to solve the problem (covered in your methods section)
  • What you found (covered in your results section)
  • What you think your findings mean (covered in your discussion section)

After you have investigated your question and collected data, you will write your research paper. Students must use at least 5 peer -reviewed journals from a scholarly online database from the PVHS library, Google Scholar, certified scientist or public library. You will also include information from your lab notebook.

Students are required to upload their sceince research paper to turnitin.com on the assigned due date, as well as submit a spiral bound paper.

Turnitin.com

Faculty mentors reserve the right to utilize electronic means to help prevent plagiarism subject to submission for textual similarity review to turnitin.com.

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Title Page

Title should be descriptive. Include your name and the name of the course (PVHS Science Research).

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Abstract

(new page, center, not bold)

The abstract is a concise summary of the key points the paper. (Do not indent the first line). The abstract is between 150-250 words. This is a BRIEF summary of your report, including the nutshell of your results and conclusions. Make sure to include the dates and location of your project data collection. Write the abstract last, after all your results and analysis are finished.

Introduction

The introduction section is approximately 2-3 pages and includes the following:

(new page, title, center, bold)

The introduction provides an overview of your project. It sets the stage, establishes the overall area of concern, and communicates the information that follows: the question, your overall rationale for the project and general statements for why this project is being done. This section does not include technical detail but shows why the topic is important.

The purpose of this section is to provide a background about your topic. It sets the stage for the data you will be presenting and discussing in future sections. The background serves to underscore why you are engaging in this research. It presents the big picture, provides the context of previous studies, and relates it to your studies.

The Introduction takes the place of the Literature Review section of an APA paper because we are completing experimental research and collecting data. Use subheadings as appropriate. Students must use 5 peer-reviewed sources for this section. Relate your research to research that has already been done by reading case studies and information about your topic.

Method

The method section is approximately 2 pages long and includes the following:

(new page, title, center, bold)

Materials (title, left align, bold)

List what materials you used for your research and procedures. Provide enough information for the reader to understand the context of your research.

Methods (title, left align, bold)

Describe the materials and procedure used to gather your data. You will be using your lab notebook to guide you through this section. Give a good enough description of materials, sampling dates, locations and methods used so that a reader could duplicate your investigation. Include a simple diagram or photographs of the setup, properly labeled.

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Results

The results section is approximately 1-2 pages and includes the following:

(new page, title, center, bold)

This is a presentation of the results and collection of the data gathered. Data presentation should be factual with tables, charts, illustrations, and graphs utilized to illustrate information when appropriate. Use subheadings to organize the results. The results section is not just a data summarization or a collection of tables and figures; it should contain an explanation and description of the data, including qualitative and quantitative data you made during the study. Tell the reader exactly what you found, what patterns, trends or relationships were observed. Illustrations in the results section may consist of graphs, photographs or diagrams that visually depict your observational data and the behaviors you have seen.

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Discussion

The discussion section is approximately 1-2 pages and includes the following:

(new page, title, center, bold)

This section includes a discussion and overview of the major results. A good discussion refers the results back to the Introduction section of your paper. Data should be interpreted, critically evaluated and compared to other reports. Whereas the results section presents the “news,” the discussion section contains the “editorial.” In the discussion, examine the amount and possible sources of variability in your data, including experimental error. Examine your results for bias and evaluated its effect in data interpretation.

References

(new page, title, center, not bold)

Any references cited in the narrative must appear in the reference list and be formatted according to APA format. Refer to APA formatting handouts.

Appendix

(new page, title, center, not bold)

Your figures, pictures and charts will be placed it in this section.

Refer to APA Format of the Paper Guidelines for specifics on how to label, number, provide captions and sources for your appendix material.

American Psychological Association (APA)

Manuscript Format

The following guidelines are consistent with advice given in the Publication of the American Psychological Association, 6thed.

FORMAT OF THE PAPER

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Materials

Use only white 8 ½ x 11 paper.

Font

Use only Times New Roman, Size 12.

Margins

Leave one-inch margins at the top, bottom, right and left sides of the page.

Title Page

The APA manual does require a title page. The title should be typed in uppercase and lowercase letters, centered between the left and right margins and positioned in the upper half of the page. The recommended length for a title is no more than 12 words. Following the title, type your first name, middle initial, and last name. On the third line, type the name of the course.

Page Numbers and Running Head

The title page is numbered as page 1. In the upper right-hand corner of each page, type a short version of the title, followed by the page number. Number all pages, including the title page.

Line Spacing and Paragraph Indents

Double-space throughout the paper.

Indent the first line of each paragraph one-half inch (tab) from the left margin.

Long Quotations

When a quotation is longer than 40 words, offset the text by indenting one-half inch (or five spaces) from the left margin. Double-space the quotation. Remove quotation marks when a quotation is set off from the text.

Abstract

Include the abstract after the title page. Center the word Abstract (not bold) one inch from the top of the page; double-space the abstract the same as the body of the paper.

An abstract is 150-250 word paragraph that provides readers with a quick overview of the essay. It should express the main idea and the key points; it might also briefly suggest any implications or applications of research within the paper.

Visuals

APA classifies visuals as tables and figures

Figures include graphs, charts, maps, photographs and drawings (should be numbered Figure 1.1, 1.2 and so on. For each figure, place a label and a caption below, flush left, single spaced. They need not to appear on separate lines. Include source of information following the caption in italics. For example:

Figure 1.2. South Plaza Island. The brightly red-colored carpetweed, known as Sesuviumedmonstonei. Credit: Charles Darwin.

Tables (Table 1.1, Table 1.2 and so on) and provide a clear caption that identifies the subject. The label and caption should appear on separate lines above the table, flush left. Below the table, give its source in a citation. You are the source of your tables. If you use a data table you did not create then list the credit below the table in italics (see above in Figures)

FORMAT OF REFERENCES

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Begin the list of references on a new page at the end of the paper. Center the title References (not bold) one inch from the top of the page. Double-space throughout.

Alphabetizing the List

Alphabetize the list by the last name of the authors (or editors, scientist, naturalist); if the work has no author or editor, alphabetize by the first word of the title other than A, An, or The.

If a list includes two or more works by the same author, use the author’s name only for the first entry. For subsequent entries, use three hyphens followed by a period. List the titles in alphabetical order.

Indenting

Type the first line of an entry flush left and indent any additional lines one-half inch (tab) from the left margin.

Author’s Names

Invert all authors’ names and use initials instead of first names. With two or more authors, use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. Separate the names with commas. Include names for the first six authors; if there are additional authors; end the list with “et al.” (Latin for “and others”).

Title of Books and Articles

Italicize the titles and subtitles of books. Do not use quotation marks around titles of articles. Capitalize only the first word of the title and subtitle (and all proper nouns) of books and articles.

Abbreviations

Abbreviations for “page” and “pages” (“p.” and “pp.”). Abbreviations for “paragraph” (para).

Web Addresses

When a URL must be divided, break it after a slash or before a period. Do not insert a hyphen. Since most computer programs automatically highlight web addresses in hotlinks (by underlining and highlighting in blue), remove the hyperlink.

Organization as Author

American Psychological Association. (2003).

Unknown Author

Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary (10th ed.).(1993). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster

E-mail

E-mails are not included in the list of references, though you parenthetically cite them in your main text: (E. Robbins, personal communication, January 4, 2001

Interviews, Email, and Other Personal Communication

No personal communication is included in your reference list; instead, parenthetically cite the communicator's name, the phrase "personal communication," and the date of the communication in your main text only.

(E. Robbins, personal communication, January 4, 2001).

A. P. Smith also claimed that many of her students had difficulties with APA style (personal communication, November 3, 2002).

General APA Guidelines