apa outline example for research paper

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APA Sample Paper

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Note:  This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style  can be found here .

Media Files: APA Sample Student Paper  ,  APA Sample Professional Paper

This resource is enhanced by Acrobat PDF files. Download the free Acrobat Reader

Note: The APA Publication Manual, 7 th Edition specifies different formatting conventions for student  and  professional  papers (i.e., papers written for credit in a course and papers intended for scholarly publication). These differences mostly extend to the title page and running head. Crucially, citation practices do not differ between the two styles of paper.

However, for your convenience, we have provided two versions of our APA 7 sample paper below: one in  student style and one in  professional  style.

Note: For accessibility purposes, we have used "Track Changes" to make comments along the margins of these samples. Those authored by [AF] denote explanations of formatting and [AWC] denote directions for writing and citing in APA 7. 

APA 7 Student Paper:

Apa 7 professional paper:.

APA Outline

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If you’re a beginner in writing a research paper  or an essay and your instructor asked you to use the APA format, you may not have the faintest idea what APA means, let alone use the format. If your instructor gives you the APA guidelines then good for you. If they haven’t, don’t panic. You’re going through the perfect article that will help you get acquainted and familiarize the APA format outline. You may also see essay outline .

Most college students or teachers who are majoring in social sciences, such as Psychology, Sociology, History, Linguistics, use the American Psychological Association or APA guidelines for writing research papers and assignments in this field of study. Other fields of study also use the APA format but not limited to Business, Economics, Nursing, and Criminology. The APA covers the initial title page to bibliography citation page. APA basically provides the basic layout style and outline to correctly write your paper in the APA format. Of course, other formats are also used by researchers, students, and teachers such as MLA, Harvard, etc. You may also see free outline .

What is an APA Outline?

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Apa Outline Format

An APA outline format is a structured way to organize ideas and main points in a research paper according to the American Psychological Association (APA) style. This format helps writers create a clear hierarchy, making it easier to present ideas logically. Here’s how to structure an APA outline:

General Structure

Each level is indented to indicate its place in the hierarchy.

Example of an APA Outline

Here is a sample structure: I. Introduction A. Background information B. Purpose of the paper C. Thesis statement II. Literature Review A. Previous research on the topic B. Gaps in the current research C. Theoretical framework III. Methodology A. Research design B. Data collection methods C. Analysis approach IV. Results A. Key findings B. Data presentation C. Summary of results V. Discussion A. Interpretation of findings B. Implications for future research C. Limitations of the study VI. Conclusion A. Recap of major points B. Final thoughts C. Recommendations

Additional Formatting Tips

Double-space the outline, following APA guidelines. Align text consistently , with each level indented further than the one above. Use parallel structure by keeping similar headings grammatically consistent (e.g., all verb phrases or all noun phrases). The APA outline format is an effective way to organize and structure ideas, ensuring a logical flow that supports the development of a well-organized paper.

The APA outline format typically uses the following order for headings: Roman numerals (I, II, III) for main topics Capital letters (A, B, C) for primary subtopics Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) for secondary subtopics Lowercase letters (a, b, c) for supporting details

APA Outline Style

The APA outline style is used to organize and structure the content of a research paper according to the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines. This style ensures clarity, coherence, and a logical flow of information. Here’s a guide to using APA outline style effectively:

Structure of an APA Outline

The outline format uses a specific hierarchical system with the following order:

• Roman Numerals (I, II, III) : Main headings or major sections of the paper.
• Capital Letters (A, B, C) : First-level subheadings under each main heading.
• Arabic Numerals (1, 2, 3) : Second-level subheadings that further break down the information.
• Lowercase Letters (a, b, c) : Third-level subheadings or supporting details.

Each level should be indented to show the hierarchy and relation between topics and subtopics.

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Full-Sentence Outlines

Basic full-sentence outline.

Though there are only a few differences between an alphanumeric outline and a full-sentence outline, you might still need a sample to illustrate these variations. See this simple full-sentence outline sample to learn more.

Full-Sentence Outline Example

What is an APA Outline Format?

APA stands for American Psychological Association, and an APA outline format is a standardized format for outlining papers and other documents. An APA outline format is typically used for research papers, dissertations, and theses. It is a way to organize your ideas and thoughts in a clear and concise manner before writing your paper.

How to write an APA Outline Format

Using an APA format as your outline might be confusing at first but once you have familiarize yourself with the format, then it is easier for you to organize your topics and sub-topics you want to discuss in your essay or research paper. You may also see  book outline .

Having a good outline has more chances of you presenting a well-written research paper or essay. Making an APA outline is the first thing to do in creating a structure on what will be written in the paper and how it is written. There is a grammatical format that you have to follow while writing your paper to make it sound credible. Having a sloppy grammar makes your paper less impressive. Here are some tips:

1. Observe the use of parallelism.

Parallelism means the use of consecutive verbal constructions in a sentence that corresponds to the grammatical structure. In this format, this refers to the structure between the headings and sub-headings. Once you’ve established your structure, it must be consistent with all your headings and subheadings. If you start your headings with a verb, then your subheadings should start with a verb. If you use a noun, then all your headings and sub-headings must use nouns. You may also see  write a speech outline .

2. The use of coordination is vital between your headings.

All your headings must be equal in significance or importance of each other. The rule applies to sub-headings as well, but their information may be less significant than the headings. You may also see a  speech outline .

3. Make use of subordination.

Subordination is the relationship between the headings and the sub-headings. The headings usually have general information while the information contained in the sub-headings are more specific, and so on to more sub-headings. The subordination is created using Arabic numerals. You may also see the  program outline .

4. To organize your outline you should use division.

Each heading must have at least two or three divisions. However, if you have too many divisions, you need to use another heading or sub-heading. You may also see a  biography outline .

5. Your headings should always use Roman Numerals (I, II, III, etc.) when you list them.

For example, if you are writing research for The Foundation of Mugs, your heading must look like this:

I. The Foundation of Mugs

Don’t forget to always use Roman Numerals while writing your main headings. Your heading is the first and basic step in formatting your APA outline. You may also see the  chapter outline .

6. Next is the subheading.

The subheading follows the main heading. When listing them use a capital letter of the English alphabet. In the example above, your heading was “The Foundation of Mugs”. Suppose your subheading is “History of Mugs” then it should be listed using the English alphabet. Start with the capital letter A. You may also see the  presentation outline .

7. Add more than one subheading to your main heading

If you like to add more than one subheading to your main heading, just by adding the next English alphabet in capital letters in the next subheading. Example: If you like to add a second subheading to your main heading, “Foundation of Mugs”, you may write this:

B. Designs and Functions of Mugs to the Society

Your heading and subheading will look like this:

I. Foundation of Mugs A. History of Mugs B. Designs and Functions of Mugs to the Society

Use Arab numerals (1,2,3 and so on). If you want to add another subheading “Decoration” under heading B, you may write it like this:

1.  Decoration

Your outline would now look something like this:

I. Foundation of Mugs A.History of Mugs B. Designs and Functions of Mugs to the Society 1. Decoration

Finally, if there are still more subheadings you want to add under your last subheadings, use lowercase letters. If there are still subheadings you want to add under the last subheading, use Arab numerals in parenthesis. You may also see the  course outline .

How do I create an APA outline format?

To create an APA outline format, start by identifying the main points you want to make in your paper. Then, organize those points into sections and subsections using headings and subheadings. Finally, add supporting details and evidence to each section to create a complete and well-organized outline.

In conclusion, an APA outline format is a helpful tool for organizing your ideas and thoughts before you start writing your paper. Whether you are working on a thesis outline, script outline, research paper outline, or book outline, using an APA outline format can help you to create a clear and organized document that is easy to read and follow. By following the guidelines and structure provided by APA outline format, you can ensure that your paper is well-organized, logical, and easy to understand.

FAQ’s

How do i format an apa outline.

An APA outline uses a specific order for headings: Roman numerals (I, II, III) for main topics, capital letters (A, B, C) for primary subtopics, Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) for secondary subtopics, and lowercase letters (a, b, c) for further details. Each level should be indented to show the structure clearly.

Is an APA outline required for all APA-style papers?

No, an APA outline is not required for all APA-style papers. However, many instructors or institutions may recommend or require an outline to help organize ideas. Outlines are especially useful for lengthy or complex papers, as they help ensure a logical flow of information.

Should I use full sentences or bullet points in an APA outline?

APA does not specify whether to use full sentences or bullet points in outlines. You can use either, depending on your preference or instructor’s guidelines. Full sentences provide more detail, while bullet points can make the outline concise and easy to read.

Do I need to include the outline in the final version of my APA paper?

Generally, the outline is not included in the final version of an APA paper unless explicitly required by an instructor. It serves as a planning tool to organize your content and ensure that all relevant points are covered systematically before you start writing the full paper.

Can I modify the structure of an APA outline to suit my paper’s needs?

Yes, you can modify the structure of an APA outline to fit the specific needs of your paper. While the basic hierarchy (Roman numerals, capital letters, Arabic numerals, lowercase letters) should be maintained, you can add or remove levels, as needed. Adjust the outline to ensure it effectively organizes your content and reflects the flow of your paper.

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APA Research Paper Outline

Why It’s Essential to Follow a Research Paper Structure?

Research paper outline purpose, apa outline format specifics, how to deal with headings in the apa style outline template, full sentence outline format, decimal outline format.

APA Paper Outline Example

An APA (American Psychological Association) outline for a scholarly paper is a structured framework that organizes the content of the paper in a standardized format. APA typically includes sections such as an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Each section is further divided into subsections with specific formatting guidelines, such as using Roman numerals, capital letters, Arabic numerals, and lowercase letters to denote the information hierarchy.

The APA outline for research paper serves as a roadmap for researchers, helping them organize their thoughts, present a logical flow of ideas, and adhere to the citation and formatting rules specified by the APA style guide, ensuring a clear and coherent presentation of the study. You can also request our paper writing help to wrap up the assignment faster.

A paper format is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it enhances the overall clarity and organization of the content, allowing readers to navigate through the document seamlessly. A standardized outline format, such as APA or MLA, provides a structural framework that ensures consistency in presentation, making it easier for both authors and readers to comprehend complex information.

Additionally, a specific outline format serves as a means of communication within the academic community, facilitating the uniform exchange of ideas and research findings. Adherence to a prescribed format promotes scholarly integrity by enforcing citation and referencing guidelines, preventing plagiarism, and acknowledging the contributions of previous studies. Every expert APA paper writer knows that a well-defined paper format not only contributes to the aesthetics of the document but also plays a fundamental role in conveying information effectively, fostering academic communication, and upholding the principles of scholarly writing.

The purpose of an APA research paper outline template is multifaceted, serving as a crucial tool in the pre-writing and organization stages of the topic investigation process. Firstly, an APA outline provides a structured framework for learners to organize their thoughts and ideas, helping them conceptualize the logical flow and sequence of information within the paper. It serves as a roadmap, guiding the student through the various sections and subsections, ensuring a coherent and systematic presentation of the study.

Additionally, an APA outline aids in identifying gaps in the potential areas for further exploration. Furthermore, it facilitates collaboration among educators and allows for the efficient allocation of tasks in group projects. Beyond these organizational benefits, an outline helps learners adhere to specific formatting and citation styles, ensuring the paper meets the standards of academic integrity. Here’s a list of five key purposes of an APA outline in a paper:

• Provide a clear and organized framework to guide the logical flow and sequence of information in the paper.
• Ensure a coherent presentation of ideas and findings, helping college students to articulate their thoughts systematically.
• Help writers identify any gaps in the existing knowledge or areas that may require further exploration, contributing to a more comprehensive study.
• Facilitate collaboration in group projects by offering a shared plan that aids in task allocation and coordination among team members.
• Help scholars adhere to specific formatting and citation styles, ensuring the paper meets the standards of academic integrity and professionalism.

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While there is no universally prescribed outline format, the official publishing handbook lacks specific guidelines for preparing one, necessitating adherence to basic principles concerning typeface, font size, structure, and margins. The final configuration of the outline depends on the instructor’s specifications and individual preferences for APA citation format.

It is advisable to follow certain outline standards for formatting, including the use of Times New Roman as a common typeface in 12-point font or acceptable alternatives like Arial and Georgia in 11-point font.

The text should be double-spaced, and headlines and subheadings should adhere to specific formatting rules, such as Roman numerals for main headings (I, II, III) and capital letters for subheadings (A, B, C), followed by Arabic numerals (1-9) and lowercase letters (a, b) within subheadings.

Margins should be set at 1 inch on all sides, with the page number positioned in the upper right corner. The outline structure generally comprises three main sections: Introduction, Main Body, and Conclusion.

The APA style format employs a hierarchical numbering system with five levels of headings utilizing different alphabets and numbers. Specifically, main headings are numbered with Roman numerals (I, II, III), subheadings use CAPITAL ALPHABETS (A, B, C), further divisions employ Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3), and if additional subheadings are needed (fourth level), lower-case alphabets are introduced. For even more detailed subdivisions (fifth level), Arabic numerals enclosed in parentheses are utilized, like [1], [2], [3]. This structured numbering system ensures a clear and organized presentation of information in APA-formatted documents. If you’re wondering, ‘Can I pay someone to do my research paper today?’ the answer would be affirmative – our experts are available for new student assignments.

A full-sentence outline format is a detailed and comprehensive organizational structure for a paper or presentation, where each point in the outline is expressed as a complete sentence. This format typically includes complete sentences for each main idea, supporting details, and subpoints, providing a thorough overview of the content that will be covered in the final document. The sentences are often written in parallel structure to maintain consistency and clarity. This outline approach is beneficial for writers as it helps articulate thoughts more fully, ensuring a clear understanding of the paper's structure and content. By the way, have you already got a great idea to write about? We’ve prepared some of the best topics to write a research paper on for you for free, so check them out!

APA Research Paper Outline Example

If you're seeking guidance on crafting a research paper outline APA in a full-sentence format, consider the following example:

A. Subheadings are designated with capital letters, such as A, B, C.

B. Further subheadings should complement, guide, or connect to the main idea of the paper.

Headings beneath subheadings, like 1, 2, and 3, are expressed in Arabic numerals.

The structural framework for both basic APA outlines and full sentence outlines remains consistent.

However, headings in the decimal style are formulated as complete sentences.

a. Subsequent headings utilize lowercase or small letters.

[1] The fifth level employs Arabic numerals enclosed in parentheses.

In Full Sentence APA format headings, Roman numerals like I, II, and III are employed. Each heading must constitute a complete sentence. Presented below is an APA-style paper outline template in full-sentence format to dispel any confusion regarding the process of outlining in this manner.

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The decimal format for APA research papers deviates from other formats, presenting a straightforward approach utilizing paragraphs for organization. This structure comprises three primary sections: introduction, main body, and conclusion.

Decimal APA Outline Format Example

1.0 Main heading.

1.1 Under the main heading – subheading.

1.2 The digit number two is represented by subheadings under the main headings.

1.2.1 Additional subdivision introduces another digit within the decimal format.

1.2.2 Numbering can correspond to paragraphs, points, or lines.

An efficient way to compose in decimal APA outline format is to adhere to the structure, i.e., 1.1.1 = Heading.Paragraph.Sentence/point under the paragraph.

APA Research Research Paper Outline Example

Introduction

1. Background

• Overview of the topic.
• Significance of the study.

2. Research Problem

• Identification of the problem.
• Statement of the question.

3. Objectives

• Specific objectives.
• Hypotheses or expectations.

Literature Review

1. Theoretical Framework

• Introduction to the theoretical basis.
• Key concepts and definitions.

2. Previous Research

• Review of relevant studies.
• Gaps in existing literature.

3. Methodological Approaches

• Discussion of research methods used in previous studies.
• Critique and identification of methodological gaps.

Methodology

1. Research Design

• Description of the overall design.
• Rationale for choosing the design.

2. Participants

• Characteristics of the study participants.
• Sampling procedure.

3. Data Collection

• Description of data collection methods.
• Instruments used for data collection.

4. Data Analysis

• Explanation of the statistical or qualitative analysis.
• Justification for the chosen analysis methods.

1. Presentation of Data

• Display of key findings using tables or figures.
• Description of the results.

2. Statistical Analysis

• Detailed statistical analysis.
• Interpretation of statistical findings.

1. Interpretation of Results

• Discussion of the implications of the findings.
• Comparison with previous studies.

2. Limitations

• Identification of study limitations.
• Suggestions for future research.

3. Conclusion

• Summary of key findings.
• Concluding remarks.

1. List of all sources cited in the paper following APA format.

1. Additional materials, such as questionnaires or supplementary data.

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