school research paper example

How To Write A Research Paper

Research Paper Example

Research Paper Example - Examples for Different Formats

Published on: Jun 12, 2021

Last updated on: Feb 6, 2024

Research Paper Example for Different Formats

A research paper typically consists of several key parts, including an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and annotated bibliography .

When writing a research paper (whether quantitative research or qualitative research ), it is essential to know which format to use to structure your content. Depending on the requirements of the institution, there are mainly four format styles in which a writer drafts a research paper:

Letâs look into each format in detail to understand the fundamental differences and similarities.

Research Paper Example APA

If your instructor asks you to provide a research paper in an APA format, go through the example given below and understand the basic structure. Make sure to follow the format throughout the paper.

APA Research Paper Sample (PDF)

Research Paper Example MLA

Another widespread research paper format is MLA. A few institutes require this format style as well for your research paper. Look at the example provided of this format style to learn the basics.

MLA Research Paper Sample (PDF)

Research Paper Example Chicago

Unlike MLA and APA styles, Chicago is not very common. Very few institutions require this formatting style research paper, but it is essential to learn it. Look at the example given below to understand the formatting of the content and citations in the research paper.

Chicago Research Paper Sample (PDF)

Research Paper Example Harvard

Learn how a research paper through Harvard formatting style is written through this example. Carefully examine how the cover page and other pages are structured.

Harvard Research Paper Sample (PDF)

Examples for Different Research Paper Parts

A research paper is based on different parts. Each part plays a significant role in the overall success of the paper. So each chapter of the paper must be drafted correctly according to a format and structure.

Below are examples of how different sections of the research paper are drafted.

Research Proposal Example

A research proposal is a plan that describes what you will investigate, its significance, and how you will conduct the study.

Research Proposal Sample (PDF)

Abstract Research Paper Example

An abstract is an executive summary of the research paper that includes the purpose of the research, the design of the study, and significant research findings.

It is a small section that is based on a few paragraphs. Following is an example of the abstract to help you draft yours professionally.

Abstract Research Paper Sample (PDF)

Literature Review Research Paper Example

A literature review in a research paper is a comprehensive summary of the previous research on your topic. It studies sources like books, articles, journals, and papers on the relevant research problem to form the basis of the new research.

Writing this section of the research paper perfectly is as important as any part of it.

Literature Review in Research Sample (PDF)

Methods Section of Research Paper Example

The method section comes after the introduction of the research paper that presents the process of collecting data. Basically, in this section, a researcher presents the details of how your research was conducted.

Methods Section in Research Sample (PDF)

Research Paper Conclusion Example

The conclusion is the last part of your research paper that sums up the writerâs discussion for the audience and leaves an impression. This is how it should be drafted:

Research Paper Conclusion Sample (PDF)

Research Paper Examples for Different Fields

The research papers are not limited to a particular field. They can be written for any discipline or subject that needs a detailed study.

In the following section, various research paper examples are given to show how they are drafted for different subjects.

Science Research Paper Example

Are you a science student that has to conduct research? Here is an example for you to draft a compelling research paper for the field of science.

Science Research Paper Sample (PDF)

History Research Paper Example

Conducting research and drafting a paper is not only bound to science subjects. Other subjects like history and arts require a research paper to be written as well. Observe how research papers related to history are drafted.

History Research Paper Sample (PDF)

Psychology Research Paper Example

If you are a psychology student, look into the example provided in the research paper to help you draft yours professionally.

Psychology Research Paper Sample (PDF)

Research Paper Example for Different Levels

Writing a research paper is based on a list of elements. If the writer is not aware of the basic elements, the process of writing the paper will become daunting. Start writing your research paper taking the following steps:

Choose a topic
Form a strong thesis statement
Conduct research
Develop a research paper outline

Once you have a plan in your hand, the actual writing procedure will become a piece of cake for you.

No matter which level you are writing a research paper for, it has to be well structured and written to guarantee you better grades.

If you are a college or a high school student, the examples in the following section will be of great help.

Research Paper Outline (PDF)

Research Paper Example for College

Pay attention to the research paper example provided below. If you are a college student, this sample will help you understand how a winning paper is written.

College Research Paper Sample (PDF)

Research Paper Example for High School

Expert writers of CollegeEssay.org have provided an excellent example of a research paper for high school students. If you are struggling to draft an exceptional paper, go through the example provided.

High School Research Paper Sample (PDF)

Examples are essential when it comes to academic assignments. If you are a student and aim to achieve good grades in your assignments, it is suggested to get help from CollegeEssay.org .

We are the best writing company that delivers essay help for students by providing free samples and writing assistance.

Professional writers have your back, whether you are looking for guidance in writing a lab report, college essay, or research paper.

Simply hire a writer by placing your order at the most reasonable price. You can also take advantage of our essay writer to enhance your writing skills.

Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Legal & Policies

Privacy Policy
Cookies Policy
Terms of Use
Refunds & Cancellations
Our Writers
Success Stories
Our Guarantees
Affiliate Program
Referral Program
AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

How To Write A Research Paper

Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples + FREE Template

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | March 2024

For many students, crafting a strong research paper from scratch can feel like a daunting task – and rightly so! In this post, we’ll unpack what a research paper is, what it needs to do , and how to write one – in three easy steps. 🙂

Overview: Writing A Research Paper

What (exactly) is a research paper.

How to write a research paper
Stage 1 : Topic & literature search
Stage 2 : Structure & outline
Stage 3 : Iterative writing
Key takeaways

Let’s start by asking the most important question, “ What is a research paper? ”.

Simply put, a research paper is a scholarly written work where the writer (that’s you!) answers a specific question (this is called a research question ) through evidence-based arguments . Evidence-based is the keyword here. In other words, a research paper is different from an essay or other writing assignments that draw from the writer’s personal opinions or experiences. With a research paper, it’s all about building your arguments based on evidence (we’ll talk more about that evidence a little later).

Now, it’s worth noting that there are many different types of research papers , including analytical papers (the type I just described), argumentative papers, and interpretative papers. Here, we’ll focus on analytical papers , as these are some of the most common – but if you’re keen to learn about other types of research papers, be sure to check out the rest of the blog .

With that basic foundation laid, let’s get down to business and look at how to write a research paper .

Overview: The 3-Stage Process

While there are, of course, many potential approaches you can take to write a research paper, there are typically three stages to the writing process. So, in this tutorial, we’ll present a straightforward three-step process that we use when working with students at Grad Coach.

These three steps are:

Finding a research topic and reviewing the existing literature
Developing a provisional structure and outline for your paper, and
Writing up your initial draft and then refining it iteratively

Let’s dig into each of these.

Need a helping hand?

Step 1: Find a topic and review the literature

As we mentioned earlier, in a research paper, you, as the researcher, will try to answer a question . More specifically, that’s called a research question , and it sets the direction of your entire paper. What’s important to understand though is that you’ll need to answer that research question with the help of high-quality sources – for example, journal articles, government reports, case studies, and so on. We’ll circle back to this in a minute.

The first stage of the research process is deciding on what your research question will be and then reviewing the existing literature (in other words, past studies and papers) to see what they say about that specific research question. In some cases, your professor may provide you with a predetermined research question (or set of questions). However, in many cases, you’ll need to find your own research question within a certain topic area.

Finding a strong research question hinges on identifying a meaningful research gap – in other words, an area that’s lacking in existing research. There’s a lot to unpack here, so if you wanna learn more, check out the plain-language explainer video below.

Once you’ve figured out which question (or questions) you’ll attempt to answer in your research paper, you’ll need to do a deep dive into the existing literature – this is called a “ literature search ”. Again, there are many ways to go about this, but your most likely starting point will be Google Scholar .

If you’re new to Google Scholar, think of it as Google for the academic world. You can start by simply entering a few different keywords that are relevant to your research question and it will then present a host of articles for you to review. What you want to pay close attention to here is the number of citations for each paper – the more citations a paper has, the more credible it is (generally speaking – there are some exceptions, of course).

Ideally, what you’re looking for are well-cited papers that are highly relevant to your topic. That said, keep in mind that citations are a cumulative metric , so older papers will often have more citations than newer papers – just because they’ve been around for longer. So, don’t fixate on this metric in isolation – relevance and recency are also very important.

Beyond Google Scholar, you’ll also definitely want to check out academic databases and aggregators such as Science Direct, PubMed, JStor and so on. These will often overlap with the results that you find in Google Scholar, but they can also reveal some hidden gems – so, be sure to check them out.

Once you’ve worked your way through all the literature, you’ll want to catalogue all this information in some sort of spreadsheet so that you can easily recall who said what, when and within what context. If you’d like, we’ve got a free literature spreadsheet that helps you do exactly that.

Don’t fixate on an article’s citation count in isolation - relevance (to your research question) and recency are also very important.

Step 2: Develop a structure and outline

With your research question pinned down and your literature digested and catalogued, it’s time to move on to planning your actual research paper .

It might sound obvious, but it’s really important to have some sort of rough outline in place before you start writing your paper. So often, we see students eagerly rushing into the writing phase, only to land up with a disjointed research paper that rambles on in multiple

Now, the secret here is to not get caught up in the fine details . Realistically, all you need at this stage is a bullet-point list that describes (in broad strokes) what you’ll discuss and in what order. It’s also useful to remember that you’re not glued to this outline – in all likelihood, you’ll chop and change some sections once you start writing, and that’s perfectly okay. What’s important is that you have some sort of roadmap in place from the start.

You need to have a rough outline in place before you start writing your paper - or you’ll end up with a disjointed research paper that rambles on.

At this stage you might be wondering, “ But how should I structure my research paper? ”. Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution here, but in general, a research paper will consist of a few relatively standardised components:

Introduction
Literature review
Methodology

Let’s take a look at each of these.

First up is the introduction section . As the name suggests, the purpose of the introduction is to set the scene for your research paper. There are usually (at least) four ingredients that go into this section – these are the background to the topic, the research problem and resultant research question , and the justification or rationale. If you’re interested, the video below unpacks the introduction section in more detail.

The next section of your research paper will typically be your literature review . Remember all that literature you worked through earlier? Well, this is where you’ll present your interpretation of all that content . You’ll do this by writing about recent trends, developments, and arguments within the literature – but more specifically, those that are relevant to your research question . The literature review can oftentimes seem a little daunting, even to seasoned researchers, so be sure to check out our extensive collection of literature review content here .

With the introduction and lit review out of the way, the next section of your paper is the research methodology . In a nutshell, the methodology section should describe to your reader what you did (beyond just reviewing the existing literature) to answer your research question. For example, what data did you collect, how did you collect that data, how did you analyse that data and so on? For each choice, you’ll also need to justify why you chose to do it that way, and what the strengths and weaknesses of your approach were.

Now, it’s worth mentioning that for some research papers, this aspect of the project may be a lot simpler . For example, you may only need to draw on secondary sources (in other words, existing data sets). In some cases, you may just be asked to draw your conclusions from the literature search itself (in other words, there may be no data analysis at all). But, if you are required to collect and analyse data, you’ll need to pay a lot of attention to the methodology section. The video below provides an example of what the methodology section might look like.

By this stage of your paper, you will have explained what your research question is, what the existing literature has to say about that question, and how you analysed additional data to try to answer your question. So, the natural next step is to present your analysis of that data . This section is usually called the “results” or “analysis” section and this is where you’ll showcase your findings.

Depending on your school’s requirements, you may need to present and interpret the data in one section – or you might split the presentation and the interpretation into two sections. In the latter case, your “results” section will just describe the data, and the “discussion” is where you’ll interpret that data and explicitly link your analysis back to your research question. If you’re not sure which approach to take, check in with your professor or take a look at past papers to see what the norms are for your programme.

Alright – once you’ve presented and discussed your results, it’s time to wrap it up . This usually takes the form of the “ conclusion ” section. In the conclusion, you’ll need to highlight the key takeaways from your study and close the loop by explicitly answering your research question. Again, the exact requirements here will vary depending on your programme (and you may not even need a conclusion section at all) – so be sure to check with your professor if you’re unsure.

Step 3: Write and refine

Finally, it’s time to get writing. All too often though, students hit a brick wall right about here… So, how do you avoid this happening to you?

Well, there’s a lot to be said when it comes to writing a research paper (or any sort of academic piece), but we’ll share three practical tips to help you get started.

First and foremost , it’s essential to approach your writing as an iterative process. In other words, you need to start with a really messy first draft and then polish it over multiple rounds of editing. Don’t waste your time trying to write a perfect research paper in one go. Instead, take the pressure off yourself by adopting an iterative approach.

Secondly , it’s important to always lean towards critical writing , rather than descriptive writing. What does this mean? Well, at the simplest level, descriptive writing focuses on the “ what ”, while critical writing digs into the “ so what ” – in other words, the implications . If you’re not familiar with these two types of writing, don’t worry! You can find a plain-language explanation here.

Last but not least, you’ll need to get your referencing right. Specifically, you’ll need to provide credible, correctly formatted citations for the statements you make. We see students making referencing mistakes all the time and it costs them dearly. The good news is that you can easily avoid this by using a simple reference manager . If you don’t have one, check out our video about Mendeley, an easy (and free) reference management tool that you can start using today.

Recap: Key Takeaways

We’ve covered a lot of ground here. To recap, the three steps to writing a high-quality research paper are:

To choose a research question and review the literature
To plan your paper structure and draft an outline
To take an iterative approach to writing, focusing on critical writing and strong referencing

Remember, this is just a b ig-picture overview of the research paper development process and there’s a lot more nuance to unpack. So, be sure to grab a copy of our free research paper template to learn more about how to write a research paper.

You Might Also Like:

Can you help me with a full paper template for this Abstract:

Background: Energy and sports drinks have gained popularity among diverse demographic groups, including adolescents, athletes, workers, and college students. While often used interchangeably, these beverages serve distinct purposes, with energy drinks aiming to boost energy and cognitive performance, and sports drinks designed to prevent dehydration and replenish electrolytes and carbohydrates lost during physical exertion.

Objective: To assess the nutritional quality of energy and sports drinks in Egypt.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study assessed the nutrient contents, including energy, sugar, electrolytes, vitamins, and caffeine, of sports and energy drinks available in major supermarkets in Cairo, Alexandria, and Giza, Egypt. Data collection involved photographing all relevant product labels and recording nutritional information. Descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests were employed to analyze and compare the nutritional values of energy and sports drinks.

Results: The study analyzed 38 sports drinks and 42 energy drinks. Sports drinks were significantly more expensive than energy drinks, with higher net content and elevated magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C. Energy drinks contained higher concentrations of caffeine, sugars, and vitamins B2, B3, and B6.

Conclusion: Significant nutritional differences exist between sports and energy drinks, reflecting their intended uses. However, these beverages’ high sugar content and calorie loads raise health concerns. Proper labeling, public awareness, and responsible marketing are essential to guide safe consumption practices in Egypt.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Print Friendly

How to Write a Research Paper as a High School Student

By Carly Taylor

Senior at Stanford University

6 minute read

Read our guide to learn why you should write a research paper and how to do so, from choosing the right topic to outlining and structuring your argument.

What is a research paper?

A research paper poses an answer to a specific question and defends that answer using academic sources, data, and critical reasoning. Writing a research paper is an excellent way to hone your focus during a research project , synthesize what you’re learning, and explain why your work matters to a broader audience of scholars in your field.

The types of sources and evidence you’ll see used in a research paper can vary widely based on its field of study. A history research paper might examine primary sources like journals and newspaper articles to draw conclusions about the culture of a specific time and place, whereas a biology research paper might analyze data from different published experiments and use textbook explanations of cellular pathways to identify a potential marker for breast cancer.

However, researchers across disciplines must identify and analyze credible sources, formulate a specific research question, generate a clear thesis statement, and organize their ideas in a cohesive manner to support their argument. Read on to learn how this process works and how to get started writing your own research paper.

How do I choose my topic?

Tap into your passions.

A research paper is your chance to explore what genuinely interests you and combine ideas in novel ways. So don’t choose a subject that simply sounds impressive or blindly follow what someone else wants you to do – choose something you’re really passionate about! You should be able to enjoy reading for hours and hours about your topic and feel enthusiastic about synthesizing and sharing what you learn.

We've created these helpful resources to inspire you to think about your own passion project . Polygence also offers a passion exploration experience where you can dive deep into three potential areas of study with expert mentors from those fields.

Ask a difficult question

In the traditional classroom, top students are expected to always know the answers to the questions the teacher asks. But a research paper is YOUR chance to pose a big question that no one has answered yet, and figure out how to make a contribution to answering that question. So don’t be afraid if you have no idea how to answer your question at the start of the research process — this will help you maintain a motivational sense of discovery as you dive deeper into your research. If you need inspiration, explore our database of research project ideas .

Be as specific as possible

It’s essential to be reasonable about what you can accomplish in one paper and narrow your focus down to an issue you can thoroughly address. For example, if you’re interested in the effects of invasive species on ecosystems, it’s best to focus on one invasive species and one ecosystem, such as iguanas in South Florida , or one survival mechanism, such as supercolonies in invasive ant species . If you can, get hands on with your project.

You should approach your paper with the mindset of becoming an expert in this topic. Narrowing your focus will help you achieve this goal without getting lost in the weeds and overwhelming yourself.

Would you like to write your own research paper?

Polygence mentors can help you every step of the way in writing and showcasing your research paper

How do I prepare to write a research paper?

Conduct preliminary research.

Before you dive into writing your research paper, conduct a literature review to see what’s already known about your topic. This can help you find your niche within the existing body of research and formulate your question. For example, Polygence student Jasmita found that researchers had studied the effects of background music on student test performance, but they had not taken into account the effect of a student’s familiarity with the music being played, so she decided to pose this new question in her research paper.

Pro tip: It’s a good idea to skim articles in order to decide whether they’re relevant enough to your research interest before committing to reading them in full. This can help you spend as much time as possible with the sources you’ll actually cite in your paper.

Skimming articles will help you gain a broad-strokes view of the different pockets of existing knowledge in your field and identify the most potentially useful sources. Reading articles in full will allow you to accumulate specific evidence related to your research question and begin to formulate an answer to it.

Draft a thesis statement

Your thesis statement is your succinctly-stated answer to the question you’re posing, which you’ll make your case for in the body of the paper. For example, if you’re studying the effect of K-pop on eating disorders and body image in teenagers of different races, your thesis may be that Asian teenagers who are exposed to K-pop videos experience more negative effects on their body image than Caucasian teenagers.

Pro Tip: It’s okay to refine your thesis as you continue to learn more throughout your research and writing process! A preliminary thesis will help you come up with a structure for presenting your argument, but you should absolutely change your thesis if new information you uncover changes your perspective or adds nuance to it.

Create an outline

An outline is a tool for sketching out the structure of your paper by organizing your points broadly into subheadings and more finely into individual paragraphs. Try putting your thesis at the top of your outline, then brainstorm all the points you need to convey in order to support your thesis.

Pro Tip : Your outline is just a jumping-off point – it will evolve as you gain greater clarity on your argument through your writing and continued research. Sometimes, it takes several iterations of outlining, then writing, then re-outlining, then rewriting in order to find the best structure for your paper.

What are some key tips when writing?

Introduction.

Your introduction should move the reader from your broad area of interest into your specific area of focus for the paper. It generally takes the form of one to two paragraphs that build to your thesis statement and give the reader an idea of the broad argumentative structure of your paper. After reading your introduction, your reader should know what claim you’re going to present and what kinds of evidence you’ll analyze to support it.

Topic sentences

Writing crystal clear topic sentences is a crucial aspect of a successful research paper. A topic sentence is like the thesis statement of a particular paragraph – it should clearly state the point that the paragraph will make. Writing focused topic sentences will help you remain focused while writing your paragraphs and will ensure that the reader can clearly grasp the function of each paragraph in the paper’s overall structure.

Transitions

Sophisticated research papers move beyond tacking on simple transitional phrases such as “Secondly” or “Moreover” to the start of each new paragraph. Instead, each paragraph flows naturally into the next one, with the connection between each idea made very clear. Try using specifically-crafted transitional phrases rather than stock phrases to move from one point to the next that will make your paper as cohesive as possible.

In her research paper on Pakistani youth in the U.S. , Polygence student Iba used the following specifically-crafted transition to move between two paragraphs: “Although the struggles of digital ethnography limited some data collection, there are also many advantages of digital data collection.” This sentence provides the logical link between the discussion of the limitations of digital ethnography from the prior paragraph and the upcoming discussion of this techniques’ advantages in this paragraph.

What is a research paper conclusion?

Your conclusion can have several functions:

To drive home your thesis and summarize your argument

To emphasize the broader significance of your findings and answer the “so what” question

To point out some questions raised by your thesis and/or opportunities for further research

Your conclusion can take on all three of these tasks or just one, depending on what you feel your paper is still lacking up to this point.

How do I cite my sources?

Last but not least, giving credit to your sources is extremely important. There are many different citation formats such as MLA, APA, and Chicago style. Make sure you know which one is standard in your field of interest by researching online or consulting an expert.

You have several options for keeping track of your bibliography:

Use a notebook to record the relevant information from each of your sources: title, author, date of publication, journal name, page numbers, etc.

Create a folder on your computer where you can store your electronic sources

Use an online bibliography creator such as Zotero, Easybib, or Noodletools to track sources and generate citations

You can read research papers by Polygence students under our Projects tab. You can also explore other opportunities for high school research .

If you’re interested in finding an expert mentor to guide you through the process of writing your own independent research paper, consider applying to be a Polygence scholar today!

Your research paper help even you to earn college credit , get published in an academic journal , contribute to your application for college , improve your college admissions chances !

Feeling Inspired?

Interested in doing an exciting research project? Click below to get matched with one of our expert mentors!

Our Writers
How to Order
Assignment Writing Service
Report Writing Service
Buy Coursework
Dissertation Writing Service
Research Paper Writing Service
All Essay Services
Buy Research Paper
Buy Term Paper
Buy Dissertation
Buy Case study
Buy Presentation
Buy Personal statement

Research Paper Guide

Research Paper Example

Research Paper Examples - Free Sample Papers for Different Formats!

Research Paper Example for Different Formats

Following a specific formatting style is essential while writing a research paper . Knowing the conventions and guidelines for each format can help you in creating a perfect paper. Here we have gathered examples of research paper for most commonly applied citation styles :

Social Media and Social Media Marketing: A Literature Review

APA Research Paper Example

APA (American Psychological Association) style is commonly used in social sciences, psychology, and education. This format is recognized for its clear and concise writing, emphasis on proper citations, and orderly presentation of ideas.

Here are some research paper examples in APA style:

Research Paper Example APA 7th Edition

Research Paper Example MLA

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is frequently employed in humanities disciplines, including literature, languages, and cultural studies. An MLA research paper might explore literature analysis, linguistic studies, or historical research within the humanities.

Here is an example:

Found Voices: Carl Sagan

Research Paper Example Chicago

Chicago style is utilized in various fields like history, arts, and social sciences. Research papers in Chicago style could delve into historical events, artistic analyses, or social science inquiries.

Here is a research paper formatted in Chicago style:

Chicago Research Paper Sample

Research Paper Example Harvard

Harvard style is widely used in business, management, and some social sciences. Research papers in Harvard style might address business strategies, case studies, or social policies.

View this sample Harvard style paper here:

Harvard Research Paper Sample

Examples for Different Research Paper Parts

A research paper has different parts. Each part is important for the overall success of the paper. Chapters in a research paper must be written correctly, using a certain format and structure.

The following are examples of how different sections of the research paper can be written.

Research Proposal

The research proposal acts as a detailed plan or roadmap for your study, outlining the focus of your research and its significance. It's essential as it not only guides your research but also persuades others about the value of your study.

Example of Research Proposal

An abstract serves as a concise overview of your entire research paper. It provides a quick insight into the main elements of your study. It summarizes your research's purpose, methods, findings, and conclusions in a brief format.

Research Paper Example Abstract

Literature Review

A literature review summarizes the existing research on your study's topic, showcasing what has already been explored. This section adds credibility to your own research by analyzing and summarizing prior studies related to your topic.

Literature Review Research Paper Example

Methodology

The methodology section functions as a detailed explanation of how you conducted your research. This part covers the tools, techniques, and steps used to collect and analyze data for your study.

Methods Section of Research Paper Example

How to Write the Methods Section of a Research Paper

The conclusion summarizes your findings, their significance and the impact of your research. This section outlines the key takeaways and the broader implications of your study's results.

Research Paper Conclusion Example

Research Paper Examples for Different Fields

Research papers can be about any subject that needs a detailed study. The following examples show research papers for different subjects.

History Research Paper Sample

Preparing a history research paper involves investigating and presenting information about past events. This may include exploring perspectives, analyzing sources, and constructing a narrative that explains the significance of historical events.

View this history research paper sample:

Many Faces of Generalissimo Fransisco Franco

Sociology Research Paper Sample

In sociology research, statistics and data are harnessed to explore societal issues within a particular region or group. These findings are thoroughly analyzed to gain an understanding of the structure and dynamics present within these communities.

Here is a sample:

A Descriptive Statistical Analysis within the State of Virginia

Science Fair Research Paper Sample

A science research paper involves explaining a scientific experiment or project. It includes outlining the purpose, procedures, observations, and results of the experiment in a clear, logical manner.

Here are some examples:

Science Fair Paper Format

What Do I Need To Do For The Science Fair?

Psychology Research Paper Sample

Writing a psychology research paper involves studying human behavior and mental processes. This process includes conducting experiments, gathering data, and analyzing results to understand the human mind, emotions, and behavior.

Here is an example psychology paper:

The Effects of Food Deprivation on Concentration and Perseverance

Art History Research Paper Sample

Studying art history includes examining artworks, understanding their historical context, and learning about the artists. This helps analyze and interpret how art has evolved over various periods and regions.

Check out this sample paper analyzing European art and impacts:

European Art History: A Primer

Research Paper Example Outline

Before you plan on writing a well-researched paper, make a rough draft. An outline can be a great help when it comes to organizing vast amounts of research material for your paper.

Here is an outline of a research paper example:

A. Title of the Research Paper
B. Author's Name
C. Institutional Affiliation
D. Course Information
E. Date

A. Purpose of the Study
B. Research Questions/Objectives
C. Methodology
D. Key Findings
E. Conclusion

A. Background Information
B. Statement of the Problem
C. Significance of the Study
D. Research Objectives/Hypothesis
E. Structure of the Paper

A. Overview of Relevant Literature
B. Key Theories or Concepts
C. Discussion of Previous Studies
D. Gaps in the Existing Literature
E. Theoretical Framework

A. Research Design
B. Participants or Sample
C. Data Collection Methods
D. Data Analysis Techniques
E. Limitations

A. Presentation of Findings
B. Data Analysis
C. Tables, Graphs, or Figures (if applicable)
D. Interpretation of Results

A. Summary of Findings
B. Comparison with Literature
C. Implications of the Results
D. Limitations and Future Research
E. Conclusion

A. Summary of the Study
B. Contribution to the Field
C. Recommendations
D. Concluding Remarks

A. Citations in APA/MLA/Chicago style
B. Books, Articles, Journals, and Other Sources Cited

Here is a downloadable sample of a standard research paper outline:

Research Paper Outline

Want to create the perfect outline for your paper? Check out this in-depth guide on creating a research paper outline for a structured paper!

Good Research Paper Examples for Students

Here are some more samples of research paper for students to learn from:

Fiscal Research Center - Action Plan

Qualitative Research Paper Example

Research Paper Example Introduction

How to Write a Research Paper Example

Research Paper Example for High School

Now that you have explored the research paper examples, you can start working on your research project. Hopefully, these examples will help you understand the writing process for a research paper.

If you're facing challenges with your writing requirements, you can hire our essay writing help online.

Our team is experienced in delivering perfectly formatted, 100% original research papers. So, whether you need help with a part of research or an entire paper, our experts are here to deliver.

So, why miss out? Place your ‘ write my research paper ’ request today and get a top-quality research paper!

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Research Paper Guide

Research Paper Example

Last updated on: Nov 20, 2023

Research Paper Example: Samples to Write a Research Paper

By: Nathan D.

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Jun 11, 2019

Working on your research paper?

Want to learn the dos and don’ts of writing a research paper? Learn from examples!

We have compiled some examples to help you get started. If you are in need of a research paper example, take a look at these samples and choose one that is best suited for your research paper writing needs.

You can also use these as templates to create your own research papers. There are many different samples available here so please feel free to browse around and find the perfect one for yourself.

Stay with us to learn more.

On this Page

What is a Research Paper?

A research paper is different from a usual kind of essay and assignment. It requires more research and explanation than any other assignment and has a set structure for it. It is a complex type of academic paper. Usually, students studying science write them for their coursework and as a degree requirement.

It is generally simpler than high school term papers and a dissertation that students write in humanities and other academic groups. Research papers are common in the academic world, and students, regardless of the field of study, get them as part of their degree requirements.

The research writing skills are invaluable for everyone and not just for the students only. Young professionals and entrepreneurs benefit a lot from these skills. Writing a research paper properly means that you have to study, observe, and choose a topic. The step-by-step guide for writing a research paper will help you find answers to your research questions.

Get Quick AI Research Help!

College Research Paper Example

Examples work great when you are looking to learn something in less time and with more efficiency. Below, we have added some good research paper examples. With them, you could learn about a research paper format and structure.

Moreover, we will also be able to add relevant and credible sources in each section.

APA Style Research Paper

Below is an APA-style sample research paper guide. Each section is explained separately. By going through it, you will know how to format and write each section of your APA research paper successfully.

APA STYLE RESEARCH PAPER

MLA Style Research Paper

This MLA-style research paper explains all the sections and formatting of the paper in detail. This will help you in writing an MLA-style paper successfully.

MLA STYLE RESEARCH PAPER

Subject-Related Research Paper Example

Research papers are not limited to a specific field area. Instead, students need to write research papers for almost every subject. Check out the following research paper examples for several subjects.

Computer Science Research Paper

The research paper is about computer science and how science is a part of it. Scientific research papers are different from what the students do in other disciplines. They are more statistical in nature and often have graphs and visual representations of the data.

COMPUTER SCIENCE RESEARCH PAPER

Chemical Engineering Research Paper

Chemical engineering studies the engineering of different chemicals and how they work together. The following chemical engineering research paper is about the calcium looping cycle for carbon dioxide obtained from different manufacturing processes.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH PAPER

Nursing Research Paper

The research paper explores the benefits of participating in research. Medical sciences heavily rely on real-life research and results, and therefore, it uses medical professionals as subjects. The paper discusses how the experience contributes to their professional life and helps them work better.

NURSING RESEARCH PAPER

Psychology Research Paper

Psychology is the study of the mind. The paper examines the positive effects of psychology at school. It discusses how it will help in controlling the mental illnesses in adolescents and help in enhancing their health.

PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH PAPER

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Research Paper Outline Example

A research paper’s outline may consist of different formats and sections based on the research topic. Therefore, you must ask your instructor to go through the research content and guide you.

Before starting to write a research paper, you will need to write and submit a research proposal. A research proposal includes the details of your proposed research, the significance of the research, the impact your research will have on the area of research, and the methodology that you will use. For writing a research proposal , you need to discuss all of these factors.

A research paper follows a set pattern and structure. Just like an essay or any other assignment, it also has some sections that you have to include in it. However, before formatting, make sure that you follow the referencing style that your teacher has provided.

The main research paper outline is given below. Pay attention to the document to get a detailed idea of the writing process.

RESEARCH PAPER OUTLINE EXAMPLE

This outline includes the following sections:

An abstract is usually written after the entire paper. It explains the research question and the expected outcome of the research.

Here, we have added an abstract example to help you see how to write an engaging abstract in no time.

RESEARCH PAPER ABSTRACT EXAMPLE

Introduction

It is the first section of the research. It gives a background of the research, explains the main research topic briefly, and presents the hypothesis.

A strong introduction is essential for a strong research paper because no one will read the paper if the introduction is lousy and weak. Go through the attached example to learn how to write a good research paper example.

RESEARCH PAPER INTRODUCTION EXAMPLE

Thesis Statement

A thesis statement presents the main topic and aim of the research. It is brief and based on a few lines only.

The following downloadable PDF has some great thesis statement examples that are engaging and help to convey the message powerfully.

RESEARCH PAPER THESIS EXAMPLE

This is the meatiest part of the research paper. It includes all the chapters and sections of the research.

The main body of the paper discusses the entire paper in detail. All the main points and arguments of the paper are added in this section. Learn how to add and discuss everything by going through the following downloadable PDF.

EXAMPLE OF DISCUSSION IN RESEARCH PAPER

Literature Review

It is added in the main body section. It includes the study of previous relevant studies and research and discusses their outcome. You will discuss your main topic and draw parallels and contrasts with these existing studies.

EXAMPLE OF A LITERATURE REVIEW IN A RESEARCH PAPER

Research Methodology

Discuss the type of research that you are going to use for the research. Usually, scientific research is based on quantitative research and includes statistical analysis. Theoretical research uses qualitative method and includes studying of theory and other research.

EXAMPLE OF METHODOLOGY IN RESEARCH PAPER

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

This is the closing part of your research paper as you will conclude your research here. Mention your thesis statement and main research findings here and close it.

The conclusion does not mean that you have a chance to add some new ideas or points here; it would be a disaster. To know better, go through the following PDF.

RESEARCH PAPER CONCLUSION EXAMPLE

An appendix is an optional section in the research paper. It contains terms and topics that are too detailed to be added to the main text. It also states the topics and page number, which makes it easier to find relevant topics.

APPENDICES EXAMPLE IN RESEARCH PAPER

Now you must have explored different examples of a research paper. You can generate more examples according to your field of study by using our FREE AI powered paper typer .

However, if you are still wondering how to write it perfectly, consult the best write essay for me? service now.

5StarEssays.com offers high-quality and affordable research paper writing help. Place your order now to get your scientific research paper, or any other type of paper, written by experts.

Education, Literature

Nathan completed his Ph.D. in journalism and has been writing articles for well-respected publications for many years now. His work is carefully researched and insightful, showing a true passion for the written word. Nathan's clients appreciate his expertise, deep understanding of the process, and ability to communicate difficult concepts clearly.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

How to Write a Research Paper - Writing Guide & Examples

20+ Thesis Statement Examples for Research Papers

Learn How to Write an Abstract - Steps & Examples

How to Write a Literature Review: Steps and Outline

How to Start a Research Paper - 9 Simple Steps

Psychology Research Topics - 170+ Ideas for Your Paper

How to Write a Hypothesis - A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing a Research Proposal - Outline, Format, and Examples

Good Research Paper Topics & Ideas for Students

Good History Research Paper Topics For Your Help

How to Cite a Research Paper with the Help of Examples

How to Write a Research Methodology in 10 Simple Steps

Research Paper Outline - Basic Format & Sample

Great Sociology Research Topics & Ideas (2024)

APA Sample Paper

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

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:.

Education Research Paper

This sample education research paper features: 6900 words (approx. 23 pages), an outline, and a bibliography with 26 sources. Browse other research paper examples for more inspiration. If you need a thorough research paper written according to all the academic standards, you can always turn to our experienced writers for help. This is how your paper can get an A! Feel free to contact our writing service for professional assistance. We offer high-quality assignments for reasonable rates.

Introduction

The beginning of education studies, charles darwin.

Tao Xingzhi

Maria Montessori

Lev semenovich vygotsky, howard gardner.

Bibliography

More Education Research Papers:

Early Childhood Education Research Paper
Information Processing Research Paper
Multicultural Education Research Paper
Special Education Research Paper
Standardized Tests Research Paper

In the 1970s, education became an academic subfield of applied anthropology as it applies to different communities and cultures existing within education systems. From that perspective, students, parents, faculties, and school administrators represent different communities, and, by using anthropological theories, these groups can understand current conditions of education and conceive applications for the future. The importance of applied anthropology to education is spotlighted as we gain understanding of classroom dynamics with respect to increases in student diversity, in numbers of special needs students, and in the use of technology in the classroom. Concepts of race, gender, ethnicity, and nationality are especially relevant as students develop their sense of identity as members of groups. More than ever, these concepts are critical, as schools look to deal with conflict and promote positive intergroup relations.

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code.

As Charles Darwin cut across disciplinary boundaries and questioned conventional wisdom, teachers also cut across curricular boundaries to make cogent connections that enable students to achieve an understanding of and an appreciation for the human experience. One goal of today’s teacher is to both understand and influence individuals so that they may become whole, rational, and productive citizens. An overall goal of education is to assist learners to construct meaning. Negotiating meaning requires an understanding of the prevailing culture, whether the subject is literature, music, social studies, science, or religion.

Effective education is based upon positive social interaction among all those involved in the school community. Teachers who build their practice on anthropological understandings and methodologies will leverage knowledge to improve student attitude and achievement.

Using this perspective, education and anthropology will work together to alleviate behavioral difficulties, drop-out rates, violence, and other negative influences that have the potential to impact the school and, ultimately, the individual. With Darwin-like insight, teachers assist learners to recognize the “internal logic” of classroom society. They foster a cooperative environment where students’ similarities and differences are accepted and their interdependence is recognized. They encourage the sharing of ideas, experiences, theories, discoveries, and expertise. Teachers arm students with global information and thinking skills critical to following various career paths to success in 21st-century business, research, government, agriculture, advocacy, and public service.

While reflecting on the influence of Darwin on education, key skills that originated with Darwin are apparent. These include seeking multiple perspectives, rational speculation, observation, dialogue, analytical reading, data collection, comparing and contrasting information, testing hypotheses, drawing conclusions, and applying theories. Other pedagogies derived from Darwin include research methodology, logic and reasoning, detailed record keeping, clear thinking, and scientific inquiry.

The complexity of humanity directs anthropologists and educators to work in concert. Equipped with a satchel of scientific armaments initiated by Darwin, professionals are prepared to crack the smallest kernel of misinformation. Together, anthropologists and enlightened educators deploy such devices as scientific inquiry and logic to go about “solving” the problems that we face in our lives, studies, and classrooms. A huge mutual goal is to determine how we can consistently and successfully manipulate such tools, challenging America’s youth and changing how American youth process their inherent positions and perceptions. A typical U.S. public school classroom houses many nationalities. It is of utmost importance to educate all students to understand differences: cultural, socioeconomic, psychographic, and demographic. By expanding the horizons of our students, we are likely to invest in the notion that we are all similar despite being different in appearance, ability, or wealth.

Prejudice and ethnocentrism are the products of fear caused by a historic lack of both knowledge and understanding of differences. These conditions have shaped society. Throughout the ages, an attitude of “banish or perish” has launched attacks of humanity upon humanity. In the middle of the 20th century, the development of third world countries was seen as hopeful, a precursor to positive interethnic relations. Melting pot theorists predicted that as poor nations advanced in their development, ethnicity would become less important and peace would follow. This view was challenged by the conflictual modernization theory, and development was seen for a time as a cause of conflict. However, as the world approached the 21st century, development was more strongly considered to be a precondition for peace. To this day, bias, prejudice, bigotry, conflict, marginalization, and ethnocentrism continue to contaminate society, and these hazards trickle down into the schools.

The teaching of scientific inquiry, therefore, is significant when students learn to question circumstances and problems as they arise. Students need be taught to question and respond profoundly—beyond transactional or procedural questions or the typical short answers to teachers’ questions. It is suggested that a learner’s questions can identify whether the learner’s thinking is naive or whether it is complex, depending on whether the questions focus on conceptualizations or minutiae and detail. Helping children to question situations may help a student achieve, but bringing students to understand that different people think of different ways to question is the greater lesson. This lesson brings with it an appreciation that people of other ethnicities and cultures may bring drastically different questions to bear on a given situation. Situations of small or large consequence may be solved collaboratively and skillfully when teachers accept and appreciate the contributions of others.

Why is there so strong a resemblance between anthropological methodology and educational methodology? Was it coincidental that educational practice underwent a revolution after the publication of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species in 1859? Is it probable that Darwin’s evolutionary framework had an intense and powerful impact upon scholars throughout time—scholars who influenced their protégés who, in turn, influenced others?

It is possible to put forth the premise that Darwin was the originator, indeed, the true father of educational pedagogy and methodology throughout the world in the late 1800s and throughout the 1900s. Furthermore, one may contend that his effect upon education has been extended well into the 21st century. An evidentiary trail may be blazed from Darwin directly to John Dewey, and from Dewey to Tao Xingzhi from China, Maria Montessori from Italy, Lev Semenovich Vygotsky from Russia, and Howard Gardner, who is presently teaching at Harvard University in the United States. Each of these giants in the field of education and psychology has made his or her theories felt by others. For example, Vygotsky impressed the world-famous Jean Piaget, his contemporary from Switzerland, as well as Arthur Appleby, born in 1946 in the United States. Gardner brought his influence to bear on Spencer Kagan, who in turn influenced David Johnson and Roger Johnson (all from the United States, and all of whom we credit with extensive research into cooperative learning). The line does not, of course, ever end. All of these people have gone on to shape the thinking of scores of others worldwide who define education as a profession. Several will be discussed in this research paper, and it all began with Darwin!

To understand the impact of Darwin upon the global educational community, it is necessary to understand the man. Known today as England’s greatest naturalist, Darwin— geologist, biologist, anthropologist—had a unique and replicable approach to learning. His joy in discovery and attention to observation, notation, comparison, and evaluation underlie his greatest discoveries and serve as an overarching model for educational pedagogy and methodology. With Darwin in mind, the connections between anthropological and educational procedures become apparent, and the fields of anthropology and education reflect more in common than might be realized at first glance. Key skills and dispositions that were used and refined by Darwin have been integrated into what is termed educational best practice. Darwin himself was open to change; the analytical categories and processes that he employed are useful in understanding the culture of today’s school children, for example, how teachers teach and how students learn.

The application of anthropology to education dates back more than a century, to when Hewitt published his thoughts on education in the American Anthropologist. However, it is here theorized that the connection between education and anthropology preceded Hewitt, originated with Darwin, and moved in succession to Dewey, Vygotsky, and others down through the years. To some degree, historically, the education profession revised old programs and practices, renewed and renamed them, and implemented them in what was hoped to be a better way. A more Darwin-like approach to change is to study the old programs and practices in light of their relative success, break old molds, design innovations, and implement new and revolutionary practices, all based on research. Clearly, this approach indicates that it is the responsibility of the educator to teach social skills and to interact with cultural and ethnic groups other than their own. In turn, this allows students to study in collaborative situations leading to social acceptance, self-discovery, and the ability to take risks within the learning environment. Through the example of Darwin, education and anthropology aspire to similar goals and to utilize similar methods of research and discovery.

Charles Darwin (1809–1882) recalled his father once telling him, “You care for nothing but shooting dogs and rat-catching, and you will be a disgrace to yourself and all your family” (Barlow, 1958, p. 28). It was an inauspicious indictment of one of history’s greatest thinkers. Born in Shrewsbury, England, Darwin did poorly in traditional school settings and preferred to collect specimens of animals, plants, and minerals that he would experiment upon in his brother’s chemistry laboratory. He was, by today’s definition, a hands-on, tactile-kinesthetic learner. At age 16, with urging from his father, Darwin entered the School of Medicine at Edinburgh University, where he found lectures boring, cadaver dissections horrible, and surgeries, without the benefit of anesthesia, gruesome. After graduation, Darwin reluctantly enrolled in the University of Cambridge with the idea of becoming a clergyman. While at Cambridge, Darwin was inspired by the Personal Narrative of Alexander von Humboldt, the German naturalist, who wrote about his travels in South America and his discoveries in geology, geography, and mineralogy.

Having been invited to set sail on the HMS Beagle, a frigate designed for scientific research, Darwin embarked on a five-year expedition to chart the coastlines of South America. On board ship, he read intently and was influenced greatly by the geological ideas and perspectives presented by Charles Lyell. The Beagle reached Brazil in February 1832, and Darwin began to answer destiny’s call. He spent months observing and collecting plants, animals, minerals, and fossils and keeping careful and detailed records of his discoveries. He was astounded to find marine fossils high in the Andes Mountains and hypothesized that the land had once been covered by water. Darwin satisfied his belief that the earth’s topography is always changing when he lived through earthquakes in Chile.

Arriving in the Galapagos Islands, he discovered many life forms that were not found anywhere else in the world. Darwin was intrigued by the numerous species of birds found there and noticed how various species of finch had developed specialized beaks that aided them in gathering and consuming food. He further noted that organisms on the island seemed similar to, yet different from, those organisms on the mainland.

From his experiences on HMS Beagle, Darwin began to question the idea of creationism and the belief that a supreme god created immutable organisms to populate an unchanging world. He used the now-very-popular comparative method to challenge concepts and to introduce new facts and values. His constructivist methodology resulted in a most extraordinary evolutionary framework. To brief: All living things compete for space and sustenance while being constantly challenged by threats from their changing environment. Later, in On the Origin of Species (1859), Darwin explained his theory of natural selection as “grounded in the belief that each new variety, and ultimately each new species is produced and maintained by having some advantage over those with which it comes into competition; and the consequent extinction of the lessfavored forms almost inevitably follows” (p. 93). Essentially, he implied that all life on earth, including the human species, is the result of evolution over millions of years of adaptations to changing environments. Darwin concluded as follows:

Having been originally breathed by the Creator into a few forms or into one, and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed laws of gravity, from a simple beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being evolved. (1859, p. 114)

As Darwin looked with awe upon Creation, the convergence of his evolutionary framework pointed ominously to the precarious position of our species and the essential need for mutual respect, global understanding, and planetary interdependence. As a species, humans are constantly competing for space and support. Opposing forces such as insurrection, disease, poverty, ethnocentrism, and racism threaten us. Shifts in the environment, climatic changes, depletion of natural resources, and pollution challenge us. For these reasons, educators have been influenced profoundly by Darwin, his research, his methods, and his theory of evolution. Far from being the disgrace his father predicted, in the 200 years since his birth, Darwin has become a model of optimism, unification, and hope for the future. He saw the magnificence of all living things, including humankind, and his theory of evolution impels us to respect one another despite any or all differences. For these reasons, we must come together as one diversified but unified species, evolved from a common ancestor, and aware of the interconnectiveness of our global society. Darwin told us the following:

It is a world of wonderful similarity and change among all living things; where the tiniest flea is directly, organically related to the most massive elephant; where struggle and even death make for progressive evolution in which good useful characteristics develop to benefit every species. (1859, p. 115)

Thanks to Darwin, present-day educators respect both the similarities and differences among their students and view them as an “evolving species,” which will grow and develop into productive adults. Teachers also consider themselves to be an “evolving species,” capable of adapting teaching styles and strategies to meet the diverse needs and wants of their students. Through the intersection of education and anthropology, humanity has its greatest hope of survival as we advance scientifically, morally, philosophically, technologically, and academically.

Education is a social process; education is growth; education is not a preparation for life, but is life itself.

John Dewey (Boydston, 1972, p. 50)

In the same year that Darwin published his seminal work, On the Origin of Species (1859), John Dewey was born into a Burlington, Vermont, family. Son of a Civil War veteran and an evangelical Congregationalist mother, Dewey grew to become the most influential philosopher of modern times. His influence is most viable in political and educational forums. The founder and renowned “father of progressive education,” Dewey built his philosophy around his own life experiences as well as the emerging philosophy and scientific thought of the times.

Upon graduation from the University of Vermont in 1879, and unsure of his future, Dewey was tutored in philosophy for three years while he earned his living as a high school teacher. He then applied to and matriculated at Johns Hopkins University for graduate work. Studying under George Sylvester Morris, who followed Hegelian philosophy, Dewey wrote his dissertation on Hegelian idealism and earned his doctoral degree in 1884. In time, Dewey rejected absolute idealism, which suggested that fact and thought are connected in that facts develop from thoughts. However, he evolved a more naturalistic and pragmatic philosophy that was refined and supremely influenced by the works of Darwin. His theory of natural selection provided form for Dewey’s naturalistic approach to the theory of knowledge. On the Origin of Species (1859) introduced Dewey to a mode of thinking that would ultimately transform the logic of knowledge and hence his treatment of morals, politics, religion, and education. Rejecting supernatural explanations for the origin of species, Dewey adopted Darwin’s naturalistic account and then considered the development of knowledge as an adaptive response, that is, as the product of the interaction between humankind and its environment. Dewey saw knowledge as having a practical instrumentality in the dominion and administration of that interaction. He termed his new philosophical approach instrumentalism. Clearly stated, if problems are constantly changing, then the instruments for dealing with problems must change. It follows, then, that if truth is evolutionary in nature, it does not have an eternal reality. In a collection of essays by Dewey (1910), the longest essay is titled “The Influence of Darwin on Philosophy”; it is an in-depth discussion of the impact that Darwin had on modern thought.

The influence of Darwin on Dewey’s philosophy of education was immeasurable. In his own practice, Dewey taught at the University of Minnesota and then at the University of Michigan. He achieved greatness as chairman of the Department of Philosophy, Psychology, and Pedagogy at the University of Chicago. He became president of the American Psychological Association in 1889, and he was the president of the Philosophical Association at Columbia University from 1905 until his retirement in 1930.

Dewey’s Darwinian philosophy of education has had far-reaching effects on other philosophers, on teaching, and on learning. He maintained a pragmatist stance that schools should prepare individuals for participation in community life and overcome barriers between school and community in order to provide education that satisfies the needs of a truly participatory democracy. Dewey favored practice over theory, based on his belief that learning best occurs when students are free to generate their own experiments, experiences, questions, and creations. He believed that under the direction and guidance of a good teacher, children could learn ways to cope with situations and conditions that may occur in the unfathomable future. Dewey believed strongly that schools should take on societal responsibilities. He was convinced that the acculturation of immigrants was the responsibility of the schools. Therefore, like Darwin, Dewey showed respect for diversity and saw individuals as valuable contributors to society.

In 1896, Dewey established laboratory schools where he highlighted the scientific method for problem solving and where students, in workshop settings, took ownership of their own learning. The role of the teacher was that of a facilitator, not director or instructor. An advocate of “the child-centered school and the school that gave full emphasis to real interests and to learning through doing” (Dewey, 1956, p. viii), Dewey believed that teachers were the designers of educational experiences. His pedagogy contrasted sharply with traditional teacher-centered methods of isolation, study, and recitation.

Dewey’s theories became very popular. However, progressive education began to take on tangential forms. Dewey’s Laboratory School in Chicago and Manhattan’s The Lincoln School both closed, primarily because progressive education was misinterpreted and secondarily because the Cold War advanced conservatism and the rigorous and rote study of math and science. Today, applications of the progressive movement are flourishing in many American schools, as well as international schools, and action research, open classrooms, schools without walls, multiage groupings, looping, block scheduling, and cooperative learning are integrated forms of this movement. Emphases on multiculturalism, hands-on learning, and participation in authentic learning experiences with realworld audiences reflect the pedagogical contributions of Dewey. Notably, as Darwin inspired Dewey, so have Dewey’s contributions inspired other movements of import to education, for example, contextualism, empiricism, humanism, and naturalism. A study of Darwinian methodology is especially relevant in the postmodern age, as we come to terms with immigration, globalization, and extensive cultural diversity. Clearly, Dewey stands with Darwin as one of the greatest intellects of our time. It is not surprising, then, that they had direct and intense impact on Xingzhi, Montessori, Vygotsky, and Gardner.

Primary education is the base of a nation’s education, and so the quality of primary teachers can decide a nation’s future.

In 1914, at the age of 23, Tao Xingzhi, then known as Tao Wen Tsing, left the family farm in Anhui, China, to study political science at the University of Illinois. Upon earning his master’s degree, he enrolled in Teachers College, Columbia University. There, he studied under the auspices of William Kilpatrick and Paul Monroe. However, the professor with the greatest influence on the young scholar was none other than John Dewey, a strong proponent of Darwinian methodology and pedagogy.

Armed with a substantial Western education, Xingzhi returned to his homeland to reform and restructure the educational and social systems in China. Like Dewey, Xingzhi saw education as an agent of change. Having achieved a teaching position at the prestigious Nanjing Teachers College, he taught his students that school must be intrinsically connected to society in order to play a meaningful role in social reform. He encouraged students to be constructivists and activists, and he related his instruction to prior knowledge and hands-on, real-world experiences. Unfortunately, when Xingzhi applied his principles in the traditional Chinese university, he was limited by what little the school had to offer his students in terms of reinforcement. Disillusioned, Xingzhi alternatively rejected his Westernized perspective, resigned his post, and retreated to the countryside to live the simple life.

It is noteworthy that at the very time Dewey visited China in 1919 on his world lecture tour, Tao Xingzhi simultaneously became more acutely aware of the poverty and illiteracy that plagued China. Over 80% of the Chinese population was poor; 77% was illiterate. What followed for Xingzhi was a great deal of experimentation integrating Dewey’s theories with then-modern Chinese history, specifically issues of importance in the 1920s. After much thought, Xingzhi reversed Dewey’s notion of “school as society” to “society as school.” The thought of “education as life” became “life as education.” Xingzhi’s “unity of teaching, learning and reflective acting” was directly precipitated by Dewey’s theory about “learning by doing” (Dewey, 1956).

The outcome of this experimentation was the founding of the Morning Village Normal School. Basic elementary education was taught at the school, but the doors were open to adults as well as children. Rural teachers were trained in Xingzhi’s philosophies, and school became the hub for all social, political, economic, and educational activity within the community. Self-defense classes and health care services were provided. Educational opportunities were made available to the masses. At last, the school and the community were interconnected.

As successful as this first “experiment” was in improving education, economic production, and living standards, the school was forced to close by the Chinese Nationalist Army. Nonetheless, “the school had gained national recognition as a significant force in teacher education and rural education reform and this was a great beginning to China’s modern and contemporary history of education” (Anhui Provincial Society for the Study of Tao Xingzhi, 1993, p. 4). The Morning Village Normal School was reopened in 1949 upon the formation of the People’s Republic of China. Its founder did not live to celebrate the occasion. But the man originally named Tao Wen Tsing, meaning “the hopes and dreams of his parents,” renamed himself to reflect changes in his philosophy over time. Tao Wen Tsing became Tao Zhixing, “knowing by doing,” and finally, Tao Xingzhi, “doing, then knowing.” A true disciple of Dewey, Xingzhi will be remembered as the man who introduced both progressive, child-centered, experiential pedagogy and a democratic educational system into Chinese schools.

Scientific observation has established that education is not what the teacher gives; education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not only by listening to words but by experiences upon the environment. The task of the teacher becomes that of preparing a series of motives of cultural activity, spread over a specially prepared environment, and then refraining from obtrusive interference. Human teachers can only help the great work that is being done, as servants help the master. Doing so, they will be witness to the unfolding of the human soul and to the rising of a New Man who will not be a victim of events, but will have the clarity of vision to direct and shape the future of human society.

Maria Montessori (1946, pp. 3–4)

If John Dewey was the father of progressive education, Dottoressa Maria Montessori was the mother. Montessori was born on August 31, 1870, in Chiaravalle, Italy, to welleducated and prosperous parents. A precocious child, at age 13 she began a seven-year study of science and engineering at Regia Scuola Tecnica Michelangelo Buonarroti. Uninspired by the curriculum or the instruction there, Montessori determined to study medicine at the University of Rome. Initially she was denied entrance because she was a woman, but eventually she was allowed to enroll, and finally, in 1896, she received her degree and became the first female physician in Italy. After postdoctoral study of psychology and philosophy, Montessori went on to become a professor of anthropology at the University of Rome in 1904.

In 1906, Montessori began to study and teach mentally and emotionally retarded students in Rome. Her interest in what we now term special education lured her from higher education. She said, “I felt that mental deficiency presented chiefly a pedagogical problem rather than a medical one” (1946, p. 4). As director of the state-run Scuola Ortofrenica (School of the Disabled), Montessori’s effectiveness with special needs children was termed the “Montessori Miracle.” Montessori soon founded Casa de Bambini (Children’s House) in Rome, where the Montessori method developed (Shepard, 1996). Simplified, the method is progressive: The teacher pays attention to the child, not the child to the teacher; imaginative and authentic teaching materials and student-sized furniture are used; activities are generated to develop children’s social skills, emotional growth, physical coordination, and cognitive acuity; and baric, chromatic, motor, and other sensory exercises promote the “self-creating” process. Moreover, the child proceeds at his own pace in this controlled environment, and materials are self-correcting, so that students check and revise their own work.

Montessori’s popularity brought her to the Netherlands, where she founded the AMI—Association Montessori Internationale in Amsterdam, and to England, where she met Mahatma Gandhi, who asked her to “Indianize” her method of “controlled chaos!” It is interesting that Montessori was invited to share her methods with over 1,000 teachers in Madras, Ahmedabad, Karachi, and Bombay, all in India, during World War II. Montessori Schools multiplied, and Montessori’s lecture tours found her in Europe, South America, and Africa. Early on, she brought her vision to the United States, where she was awarded celebrity status. Montessori lectured twice at Carnegie Hall in New York City. None other than John Dewey made the introductions to standing-room-only audiences.

Montessori was a disciple of Dewey. They both believed that learning is best achieved by doing, and growth is achieved through purposeful interaction with the environment. Montessori wrote, “We especially need imagination in science. It is not all mathematics, nor all logic, but is somewhat beauty and poetry” (Mitchell, 1896, p. 205). In the same vein, Dewey wrote, “Every great advance in science has issued from a new audacity of Imagination” (Dewey, 1929, p. 310).

Yet, despite their similarities, Dewey and Montessori had differences that put a cloud over her theories. He criticized her methods as being too rigorous and urged that children not be taught to read before age eight. He was concerned that homework was not regularly assigned in Montessori Schools and that, if it were given, it would be hard to design, as students’ homes might not have the apparatuses available at their schools. Arguments on either side may be drawn, but today Montessori Schools exist all over the world. She retired to Noordwijk Aan Zee in Holland and died in her garden, at age 82, from a vascular incident. It is ironic that Montessori and Dewey both died in 1952.

Learning awakens a variety of internal developmental processes that are able to operate only when the child is interacting with people in his environment and in cooperation with his peers.

Lev Semenovich Vygotsky (1978, p. 90)

In 1896, when Dewey was opening the laboratory schools where group work was fostered as a meaningful way to learn, another teacher was born in present-day Belarus, a place that would later become part of the USSR. A Russian educational psychologist, Lev Semenovich Vygotsky was recognized early on to be a brilliant and original thinker, and his novel ideas about teaching and learning were respected by the intelligentsia within the Soviet Union. At that time, progressive educators were attempting to reform education in prerevolutionary Russia. School and Society, Dewey’s masterpiece, had been translated into Russian and was widely read by progressives, who drew on him for inspiration. This, in itself, provides a foundation for a Dewey-Vygotsky connection. Further, in 1928, Dewey visited Second Moscow University, where Vygotsky was a highly respected young psychologist. Prawatt (2004) made a strong circumstantial case that both Vygotsky and his compatriot, Blonsky, actually met with Dewey at the university. To strengthen the connection, we may take into consideration that Dewey posited that humans are only human through their social interconnectedness, and Vygotsky and Dewey concur that the human condition is based in social interactions. Moreover, their combined major works are Darwinian in research methodology and pedagogy.

Vygotsky spent his short life in Marxist Russia, but his theories did not conform to the Communist ideology. The Soviet government banned the publication of Vygotsky’s work after his untimely death from tuberculosis in 1934. Unfortunately, Vygotsky’s work remained in obscurity until his books were discovered at Harvard University and printed in the West during the 1960s.

Vygotsky’s views on teaching and learning are founded on the Darwinian premise that human intelligence is not a fixed characteristic but, instead, a dynamic entity that can be enhanced by social interaction and collaborative work. Central to Vygotsky’s views on learning is the belief that knowledge is not directly transferable from teacher to learner. Rather, through social interaction, the learner constructs his own meaning. This constitutes the theoretical basis for cooperative learning, a method that has now found favor throughout the United States, Canada, and many other countries around the world.

To comprehend Vygotsky’s views as they relate to cooperative learning, it is necessary to understand his concept of the zone of proximal development (ZPD) (Lee & Smagorinsky, 2000). The ZPD may be described as the dynamic range of intelligence that characterizes any individual. If we were to envision two concentric circles, or double rings, then the large space in the center of the inner ring would represent an individual’s current developmental ability to solve a problem while working alone. This area or zone may be likened to what would be measured by an intelligence test. The space between the first and second rings represents where an individual solves a problem when being guided or coached by a more capable peer or a teacher. This, according to Vygotsky, represents the ZPD. As individuals solve problems with assistance, this zone is expanded, and another ring encircles and defines a new ZPD. What did lie within the original ZPD has been subsumed into the center, and now the expanded, current developmental level of abilities (the widened center of the circle) is encircled by a new and enlarged ZPD. Naturally, there are problems that cannot be solved despite the best help from others, and some tasks lie outside of the individual’s current zone of development. However, those tasks remain proximal and may or may not be completed with more assistance.

My mind was really opened when I went to Harvard College and had the opportunity to study under individuals . . . who were creating knowledge about human beings.

Howard Gardner (Schaerer, 1999, p. 6)

A prominent leader in the field of education and brain research, Howard Gardner has investigated extensively and documented cross-cultural studies on human intelligence. Gardner employs anthropological methods, and his research reflects a respect for scientific inquiry, the value of experience, and an acceptance of change that was intrinsic in the work of Darwin and Dewey. Considered to be a “new” progressive, Gardner has revealed, “My universe was framed by Dewey” (1991, p. 314). Currently a psychologist and professor at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, Gardner developed the theory of multiple intelligences. In Frames of Mind, published in 1983, Gardner theorized that there were seven equally important components of intelligence. In 1999, an additional component of intelligence was introduced, and recently Gardner revealed a ninth intelligence.

Traditionally, intelligence has been seen as cognitive capacity, established at birth, fixed and uniform across a lifetime. Like Darwin, Dewey, Vygotsky, and others, Gardner disputes that intelligence is fixed, and his research illustrates that individuals exhibit unique variations of intelligence. If we were asked who is most intelligent— William Shakespeare, Albert Einstein, Salvador Dali, Barack Obama, Jesse Owens, Igor Stravinsky, or H. James Birx—we would be prone to name Shakespeare or Einstein. Our own thinking, however, tells us that all of the individuals listed are gifted in their respective fields, and they exhibit superior mental abilities in the areas of language, mathematics, art, leadership, athletics, music, and philosophical anthropology. Inappropriately, intelligence was and continues to be measured in terms of verbal-linguistic and logical-mathematical concepts. Most schools test students’ competencies through the administration of shortanswer standardized tests. Often, students qualify or fail to qualify for gifted programs on the basis of these largely verbal and mathematical scores. However, Gardner suggests that educators broaden their traditional and narrow conception of giftedness.

Gardner conducted his research through intensive interviews and in-depth analyses of the brain function of hundreds of subjects, including stroke victims, prodigies, autistic individuals, and individuals who are classified under the heading of “autistic savant.” While involved in Harvard University’s Project Zero, Gardner studied the cognitive development of average, gifted, and braindamaged children. As a result, Gardner views intelligence as consisting of three specific components: (1) ability to invent a useful product or offer a service that is valued within a culture, (2) skill to solve real-life problems, and (3) potential to find or postulate new problems for consideration in the light of new knowledge.

Gardner delineates his theory of pluralistic intelligence into ways of knowing. Criteria for identifying the existence of intelligence are grounded in neuroanatomy, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, anthropology, and education. An intelligence, therefore, has a developmental pattern and a base in the physiology of the brain; it is ignited by stimuli native to the particular intelligence, and it depicts ideas in a universally symbolic manner, as with music, words, or formulas. To date, Gardner has revealed nine intelligences, of which two, intrapersonal intelligence and interpersonal intelligence, are personrelated. Four others—mathematical-logical, visual-spatial, naturalist, and bodily-kinesthetic intelligences—are object-related in that they are activated by objects in the environment. Three others, verbal-linguistic, musicalrhythmic, and existentialist intelligences are not connected to objects or persons.

Gardner hypothesized that individuals are born with and possess a unique compilation of all nine intelligences that may be enhanced through experience and effort. Realistically, students learn more readily when instruction is geared to their strongest intelligences. Gardner’s understandings have had an immediate and dramatic effect on how curriculum is designed and delivered. Educators are internalizing a more flexible and progressive perception of intellectual development, and they are striving to incorporate some of the intelligences into each of their lessons as entry points to facilitate learning. Teachers who construct brain-compatible classrooms anticipate making future contributions resulting from the research of Gardner, who theorized that intelligence is definitely not fixed at birth.

According to Gardner (1983) himself, “Much of what I write about can be identified with the educational tradition of John Dewey—with what has been called progressive or neo-progressive tradition” (p. 3). Simply stated, where Dewey argued that problem solving is the essentia of thought, Gardner frames intelligence around solving realworld problems and creative production.

A believer in cooperative learning as a mechanism for understanding, Gardner would agree that, when assigning problems for cooperative learning groups to solve, it is essential that they be at the outermost area of Vygotsky’s ZPD for the most capable students in the group, thus allowing everyone on the team to be challenged to devise a solution. The newly discovered knowledge is shared within the group by a process that is often termed scaffolding. Scaffolding involves reaching out and sometimes down to assist another member of the group. Cooperative learning groups are progressive, and students are encouraged to share experiences and participate in their own learning. In effective cooperative learning settings, thought is continually being expressed through language, and students are engaged in a social-constructivist process, creating concepts through conversation. Teachers fill the role of facilitator, circulating among the learners to provide assistance as needed. Cooperative learning classes minimize the time that students spend sitting passively and taking notes while their teacher solves problems for them. Conversely, cooperative learning classes maximize the time that students spend interacting to solve problems for themselves. Gardner would concur that a sense of optimism, hope, and power is infused in us when we realize that what children can do with assistance today, they can do independently tomorrow.

We might ask again, why is there so strong a resemblance between anthropological methodology and educational methodology? Was it coincidental that educational practice underwent a revolution after the publication of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species in 1859? No, it was not a coincidence. It is evident that Darwin’s evolutionary framework had intense and powerful impact upon scholars throughout time, scholars who influenced their protégés who, in turn, influenced others. “The influence of Darwin upon philosophy resides in his having conquered the phenomena of life for the principle of transition, and thereby freed the new logic for application to mind and morals and life” (Dewey, 1910, pp. 8–9). The new logic inspired John Dewey to invest in schools as centers for social responsibility and interaction, thus providing the intersection of education and anthropology. Darwin’s understanding of the earth and its populations as ever evolving and never fixed in nature underlie the philosophies of Dewey, Xingzhi, Montessori, Vygotsky, and Gardner. Darwin’s philosophies are found at the heart of anthropological and educational thought and practice. Both anthropologists and educators enthusiastically welcome change. Instead of debating the legitimacy of their theories, they progress. As researchers, they are task specific, and they anticipate the further evolution of science and technology, as well as psychology and neuropsychology. Educators are cognizant of the impact that Darwin has had upon their methodology and pedagogy down through the generations.

It stands to reason that if humankind evolves, then its intelligence will evolve and expand through experience. Anthropology is both a mirror and a window for education. The mirror reflects our common humanity: our wants, our needs, our desires, our conflicts, and our resolutions. As such, anthropology reflects the human condition and offers the tools to ensure our survival as a species. The window opens to the future. And it all began with Darwin!

Bibliography:

Anhui Provincial Society for the Study of Tao Xingzhi. (1993). The great peoples’ educator Tao Xingzhi. Shanghai, China: Shanghai Education Press.
Appleby, A. (1996). Curriculum as conversation: Transforming traditions of teaching and learning. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Barlow, N. (Ed.). (1958). The autobiography of Charles Darwin . New York: W. W. Norton.
Boydston, J. (Ed.). (1972). The early works of John Dewey, 1882–1898 . Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press.
Chattin-McNichols, J. (1992). The Montessori controversy. Albany, NY: Delmar.
Darwin, C. (1859). On the origin of species. New York, London: D. Appleton.
Darwin, F. (Ed.). (1958). Autobiography of Charles Darwin and selected letters. New York: Dover. (Original work published 1892)
Dewey, J. (1910). The influence of Darwin on philosophy and other essays. New York: Henry Holt.
Dewey, J. (1929). The quest for certainty: A study of the relation of knowledge and action. New York: Minton, Balch.
Dewey, J. (1956). The child and the curriculum. The school and society (Combined ed.). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind. New York: Basic Books.
Gardner, H. (1991). To open minds. New York: Basic Books.
Gardner, H. (1993). Multiple intelligences: Theory in practice. New York: Basic Books.
Humboldt, A. von. (1881). Personal narrative of travels to the equinoctial regions of America during the year 1799–1804. London: G. Bell & Sons.
Ianni, F., & Storey, E. (1993). Cultural relevance and educational issues: Readings in anthropology and education. Boston: Little, Brown.
Johnson, D., Johnson, R., & Holubec, E. J. (1998). Cooperation in the classroom . Edina, MN: Interaction.
Lee, C., & Smagorinsky, P. (Eds.). (2000). Vygotskian perspectives on literacy research: Constructing meaning through collaborative inquiry. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Mitchell, M. (1896). Life, letters and journals . Boston: Lee & Shepard.
Montessori, M. (1917) . The advanced Montessori method. New York: Frederick A. Stokes.
Montessori, M. (1946). Education for a new world. Madras, India: Kalakshetra.
Ornstein, A. C., & Levine, D. U. (2003). Foundations of education. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
J. (1963). The origins of intelligence in children . NewYork: W. W. Norton.
Prawatt, H. (2004). Strand 1 of CPI in Grades K–3: Instruction before the point of student need. In C. Collins-Block, L. L. Rodgers, & R. Johnson (Eds.), Comprehension process instruction: Creating reading success in grades K– 3 (pp. 40–54). New York: Guilford Press.
Schaerer, M. (1999). The understanding pathway: A conversation with Howard Gardner. Educational Leadership , 57 (3), 6.
Shepard, M. (1996). Maria Montessori: Teacher of teachers. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner.
Vygotsky, L. (1978). Mind in society. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

Home / MLA Sample Paper

MLA Sample Paper

Mla sample paper #1.

If you’ve been wondering how to produce a research paper that is strong in both formatting and writing, you’ve come to the right place.

Check out our first sample paper below. It is a helpful and clearly labeled visual aid to refer to. Note that while these sample papers do not include MLA abstracts , you should check with your instructor to see if an abstract should be included.

Visual Sample Paper

The example research paper below is one that was written in college for a course on the Inklings. The Inklings were a group of writers in England before WWII, including C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

The abbreviated MLA paper below (linked here without annotations) is about J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and how the author used myth, story, and song to link all of his works together. Tolkien is famous for creating a fantasy universe called Middle-earth, which readers can’t truly understand until they read all of the books about Middle-earth ( The Silmarillian, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings ).

Since we’re here to learn how to format an essay, we’ve pointed out some important things about the paper to help you write a correctly formatted essay.

For starters, the essay is in MLA format. That means it follows the style manual of the Modern Language Association, which tells you how to format the paper itself and every source you cite. You’ll also see notes like how long a paragraph should be, how to use commas properly, and how to correctly punctuate a title. Some of these guidelines are different from those in APA format , so be sure to confirm you are using the correct style in your paper.

Pay special attention to the MLA format works cited. We only used one type of source (books), but both citations are correct according to the 9th edition of MLA, published in 2021. When you’re writing your own paper, you need to make sure you always use the most recent edition of the style manual. You’ll also want to check with your instructor to see if you need to include an MLA annotated bibliography with your paper, which contains additional information summarizing and evaluating each source after the regular citation.

Whether you need MLA, APA citations , or Chicago style notes, look up the latest edition before turning in a paper.

MLA Sample Paper #2

See below for an example paper or click below to download it as a Word Document.

The MLA header should be one inch from the top and left margins. The heading and the entire paper should be double spaced.

Eli YaffarabeProfessor Rapheor

28 August 2018

Privatization of Prisons in Texas

The privatization of governmental services has increased dramatically in the past decade as local, state, and federal agencies have searched for ways to cut costs while still meeting their mandated responsibility to provide various public services. This privatizing trend has particularly affected the criminal justice system. Since the early 1990s, privatized correctional facilities have increased significantly, nationally and statewide. This policy has far-ranging consequences not only within the criminal justice system, but as an instructive example for government officials when considering the costs and benefits of privatization as a public policy option. By 2001, thirty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico had privately-operated correctional facilities (Austin and Coventry 4). This movement has incited considerable debate and controversy, mainly because prison privatization calls for giving the private sector direct control over the lives of a captive human population.

Surprisingly, there has been little objective and concrete analysis of the privatization of prisons in the United States. This is probably for two reasons: first, ideological arguments on the matter have pushed out substantive research, and second, because this trend has only recently accelerated in the U.S. and mainly on a state level. However, case studies and statistics at the state level are more accessible. With capacity for over 30,000 prisoners in 43 facilities, the state of Texas has privatized more of its prison system than any state in the nation (McDonald and Patten Jr. iv).

Yaffarabe 2

Public policy concerning the criminal justice system has become more daunting and important in the last decade. The problems in the system are twofold: an overcrowding prison population, mainly due to “three strikes” legislation and reducing early parole; and the costs of operating prisons with this growing population (Austin and Coventry). According to the most recent U.S. Department of Justice survey, slightly over 2.2 million people were incarcerated in correctional facilities in this country in 2003. In comparison, in 1993, 1.37 million people were imprisoned in this country (Beck and Harrison 1).

At the same time, the growth of privately operated correctional facilities has increased significantly in this country. Private prisons now hold 95,522 inmates in this country, which is 6.5 percent of total prisoners (Beck and Harrison 5). In Texas, 16,570 inmates (10 percent of its prison population) are held in private facilities, about 10,000 more than the next highest state. Furthermore, six states had at least 25 percent of their prison population housed in private prisons, led by New Mexico (44%), Alaska (31%), and Montana (29%). These current statistics show that while state governments have been forced to manage and operate overcrowded and over-capacity prisons at considerable costs, many have turned to the private sector to operate prisons (McDonald and Patten Jr.). According to the General Accounting Office, prison operating costs have grown steadily since 1980, increasing almost 550 percent since 1980 based on inflation-adjusted dollars (Austin and Coventry 1).

Prison privatization started in the early 1980s, ostensibly to ease the burden on taxpayers by offering financial relief to private companies to run state prisons. Thomas Beasley founded Corrections Corporation of America in 1983, “the nation’s leader in the construction and management of private prisons” (Darling). That year, Corrections Corporation of America set up the first privately-operated prison in Tennessee. Since then, the number of private

Yaffarabe 3

correctional facility firms has grown to 14 (Austin and Coventry 3). The privatization of prisons occurs in two ways. First, state government can contract out (or outsource) specific services in a correctional facility to a private company after a bidding process. Second, and more radically, private companies build their own privately-managed prisons and contract with state governments to house their inmates. This latter approach, giving private correctional facility firms wide latitude over inmates, is taken in the Texas criminal justice system. In fact, many of these privately operated facilities “have no relationship at all with the state governments in these states, other than an obligation to pay corporate income taxes” (McDonald and Patten Jr. v).

(Due to its length, the remainder of this sample paper is omitted).

Yaffarabe 4

Works Cited Page

Austin, James, and Garry Coventry. Emerging Issues on Privatized Prisons . Bureau of Justice Assistance, Feb. 2001, www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/bja/181249.pdf.

Beck, Allen J., and Paige Harrison. Prisoners in 2003 . Bureau of Justice Statistics, Nov. 2004, www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/p03.pdf.

McDonald, Douglas, and Carl Patten Jr. Governments’ Management of Private Prisons . Abt Associates, 15 Sept. 2003, www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/203968.pdf.

Darling, Michael. “Pitt News: University of Pittsburgh Shouldn’t Lend Its Name to Prison Privatization.” CorpWatch , 15 Nov. 2004, corpwatch.org/article/pitt-news-univeristy-pittsburgh-shouldnt-lend-its-name-prison-privatization.

MLA Formatting Guide

MLA Formatting

Annotated Bibliography
Bibliography
Block Quotes
et al Usage
In-text Citations
Paraphrasing
Page Numbers
Sample Paper
Works Cited
MLA 8 Updates
MLA 9 Updates
View MLA Guide

Citation Examples

Book Chapter
Journal Article
Magazine Article
Newspaper Article
Website (no author)
View all MLA Examples

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

An in-text citation is a short citation that is placed next to the text being cited. The basic element needed for an in-text citation is the author’s name . The publication year is not required in in-text citations. Sometimes, page numbers or line numbers are also included, especially when text is quoted from the source being cited. In-text citations are mentioned in the text in two ways: as a citation in prose or a parenthetical citation.

Citation in prose

Citations in prose are incorporated into the text and act as a part of the sentence. Usually, citations in prose use the author’s full name when cited the first time in the text. Thereafter, only the surname is used. Avoid including the middle initial even if it is present in the works-cited-list entry. An example of the first citation in prose for a source with one author is given below:

Doug Barry explains the status of the UK.

Parenthetical

Parenthetical citations add only the author’s surname at the end of the sentence in parentheses. An example of a parenthetical citation is given below:

The status of the UK is explained (Barry).

Examples of in-text citations

Here are a few examples of in-text citations for works with various numbers and types of authors:

Use both the first name and surname of the author if you are mentioning the author for the first time in the prose. In subsequent occurrences, use only the author’s surname. Always use only the author’s surname in parenthetical citations.

Citation in prose:

First mention: Stephen George asserts …. (17).

Subsequent occurrences: George argues …. (17).

Parenthetical:

…. (George 17).

Two authors

Use the first name and surname of both authors if you are mentioning the work for the first time in the prose. In subsequent occurrences, use only the surnames of the two authors. Always use only the authors’ surnames in parenthetical citations. Use “and” to separate the two authors in parenthetical citations.

First mention: Kane Williams and Clark Ronald ….

Subsequent occurrences: Williams and Ronald ….

…. (Williams and Ronald).

Three or more authors

For citations in prose, use the first name and surname of the first author followed by “and others” or “and colleagues.” For parenthetical citations, use only the surname of the first author followed by “et al.”

Krishnan Sethu and colleagues…. or Krishnan Sethu and others ….

…. (Sethu et al.).

Corporate author

For citations in prose, treat the corporate author like you would treat the author’s name. For parenthetical citations, shorten the organization name to the shortest noun phrase. For example, shorten the Modern Language Association of America to Modern Language Association.

The Language Literary Association of Canada….

…. (Language Literary Association).

If there is no author for the source, use the source’s title in place of the author’s name for both citations in prose and parenthetical citations.

When you add such in-text citations, italicize the text of the title. If the source title is longer than a noun phrase, use a shortened version of the title. For example, shorten the title Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them to Fantastic Beasts .

Endgame explains …. (121).

…. ( Endgame 121).

In MLA style, two types of citations are used to cite a source: a short citation used within the text (called the in-text citation) and a full citation (called the works cited list entry) within the works cited list, which appears at the end of a paper.

The works cited list entry provides the complete details of a source. An in-text citation is a short citation that is placed next to the text being cited. The in-text citation lets the reader know that the information is derived from the cited source, and helps the reader find the full citation within the works cited list.

In order to properly cite a source in MLA style, you must have both citation types in your paper. Every in-text citation has a works cited list entry. Every works cited list entry has at least one (maybe more) corresponding in-text citation.

In-text citations

The basic element needed for an in-text citation is the author’s surname . The publication year is not required in in-text citations. Sometimes, page numbers or line numbers are also included, especially when text is quoted from the source being cited.

First mention: Sian Anderson studies ….

Subsequent occurrences: Anderson analyzes ….

….(Anderson)

or if quoting directly:

…(Anderson 9)

First mention: Paul Fin and Anna Gabriel ….

Subsequent occurrences: Fin and Gabriel ….

….(Fin and Gabriel)

…(Fin and Gabriel 27)

Paul Hill and colleagues…. or Paul Hill and others ….

….(Hill et al.)

…(Hill et al. 138)

Examples of works cited list entries

Below are a few examples of different types of works cited list entries. The examples given are for one author.

Steinman, Louise. The Knowing Body: Elements of Contemporary Performance and Dance . Shambhala Publications, 1986.

Journal article

Barad, K. “Nature’s Queer Performativity.” Qui Parle , vol. 19, no. 2, 2011, pp. 121–58.

Webpage of a website

Midgelow, Vida L. “Experiences and Perceptions of the Artistic Doctorate: A Survey Report.” Artistic Doctorates in Europe, 5 Feb. 2018, www.artisticdoctorates.com/2017/12/28/experiences-and-perceptions-of-the-artistic-doctorate-survey-report/ .

YouTube video

“Behind the Scenes Chili’s Baby Back Ribs Spot.” YouTube , uploaded by Alvin Chea, 11 Sept. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTDLh7gNRYA .

MLA Citation Examples

Writing Tools

Citation Generators

Other Citation Styles

Plagiarism Checker

Upload a paper to check for plagiarism against billions of sources and get advanced writing suggestions for clarity and style.

Get Started

University Library

Research Guides

High School Research Guide

MLA examples
Databases at SSU
Sonoma County Public Library
Santa Rosa Junior College
Internet Resources
Current Events
Chicago/Turabian

The source!

Citing Social Media

Citing Social Media Guide by Boise State This guide by Boise State University, Albertsons Library, shows examples of citing Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter in MLA or APA style.

MLA Quick Links

MLA in-text citations. (Purdue) How to document sources within the text of your paper.
Sample MLA Paper (PDF) A PDF sample MLA formatted paper from Purdue OWL.
Sample Works Cited Page (Purdue OWL) A sample of an MLA style Works Cited page.

MLA In-text Citations

MLA Examples:

The global debt crisis is having a strong impact on women and children in developing nations (Bronstein 74).

Bronstein contends the global debt crisis is having a strong impact on women and children in developing nations (74).

For electronic sources that have no page number, give the paragraph number (par. 4).

Examples of how to format sources for your works cited list.

Harbord, Janet. . Cambridge: Polity, 2007. Print.

Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. . 2nd ed. Chicago:

U of Chicago P, 2003. Print.

Shell, Marc, ed. . Cambridge: Harvard UP, 2002. Print.

. New York: Macmillan, 1997. Print.

McEvoy, Dermot. "Little Books, Big Success." 30 Oct. 2006: 26-28. Print.

Piper, Andrew. "Rethinking the Print Object: Goethe and the Book of Everything." 121.1 (2006): 124-38. Print.

Kafka, Ben. "The Demon of Writing: Paperwork: Paperwork, Public Safety, and the Reign of Terror."

(2007): 1-24. Print.

Bordo, Susan. "The Moral Content of Nabokov's ." . Ed. Pamela R. Matthews and David

McWhirter. Minneapolis: U of Minnesota P, 2003. 125-52. Print.

"Japan." . 2004 ed. Print.

Peterson, Susan. . Susan Peterson, 2002. Web. 24 Jan. 2006.

*MLA style no longer requires a URL, unless the site cannot be found without the URL.

*If your instructor requires a URL, include the URL at the end of the entry.

Peterson, Susan. . Susan Peterson, 2002. Web. 24 Jan. 2006.

United States. Environmental Protection Agency. . EPA, 28 Nov. 2006. Web. 24 Jan. 2007.

. History Dept., New York U, 18 Oct. 2000. Web. 6 Jan. 2007.

Yoon, Mina. Home page. Oak Ridge Natl. Laboratory, 28 Dec. 2006. Web. 12 Jan. 2007.

Shiva, Vandana. "Bioethics: A Third World Issue." . Native Web, n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2007.

Jenson, Jill D. "It's the Information Age, so Where's the Information?" 52.3 (2004): 107-12.

. Web. 2 Feb. 2005.

Belau, Linda. “Trauma and the Material Signifier.” 11: 2 (2001): n. pag. Web. 20 Feb. 2006.

Paulson, Steve. "Buddha on the Brain." Salon Media Group, 27 Nov. 2006. Web. 18 Jan. 2007.

Rubin Joel. "Report Faults Charter School." . Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2005. Web. 24 Jan. 2005.

Szeman, Imre. . Baltimore: John Hopkins UP, 2004.

. Web. 29 Oct. 2008.

Didn't find the example you were looking for?.

<< Previous: Chicago/Turabian
Next: Plagiarism >>
Last Updated: Dec 7, 2023 4:40 PM
URL: https://libguides.sonoma.edu/highschool

Home » Research Paper Format – Types, Examples and Templates

Research Paper Format – Types, Examples and Templates

Table of Contents

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).

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

Research Contribution – Thesis Guide

Table of Contents – Types, Formats, Examples

Figures in Research Paper – Examples and Guide

Research Results Section – Writing Guide and...

Scope of the Research – Writing Guide and...

Research Paper Outline – Types, Example, Template

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

100 Interesting Research Paper Topics for High Schoolers

What’s covered:, how to pick the right research topic, elements of a strong research paper.

Interesting Research Paper Topics

Composing a research paper can be a daunting task for first-time writers. In addition to making sure you’re using concise language and your thoughts are organized clearly, you need to find a topic that draws the reader in.

CollegeVine is here to help you brainstorm creative topics! Below are 100 interesting research paper topics that will help you engage with your project and keep you motivated until you’ve typed the final period.

A research paper is similar to an academic essay but more lengthy and requires more research. This added length and depth is bittersweet: although a research paper is more work, you can create a more nuanced argument, and learn more about your topic. Research papers are a demonstration of your research ability and your ability to formulate a convincing argument. How well you’re able to engage with the sources and make original contributions will determine the strength of your paper.

You can’t have a good research paper without a good research paper topic. “Good” is subjective, and different students will find different topics interesting. What’s important is that you find a topic that makes you want to find out more and make a convincing argument. Maybe you’ll be so interested that you’ll want to take it further and investigate some detail in even greater depth!

For example, last year over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a rigorous research program founded by Harvard researchers. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project . The program actually does not require you to have a research topic in mind when you apply, but pro tip: the more specific you can be the more likely you are to get in!

Introduction

The introduction to a research paper serves two critical functions: it conveys the topic of the paper and illustrates how you will address it. A strong introduction will also pique the interest of the reader and make them excited to read more. Selecting a research paper topic that is meaningful, interesting, and fascinates you is an excellent first step toward creating an engaging paper that people will want to read.

Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is technically part of the introduction—generally the last sentence of it—but is so important that it merits a section of its own. The thesis statement is a declarative sentence that tells the reader what the paper is about. A strong thesis statement serves three purposes: present the topic of the paper, deliver a clear opinion on the topic, and summarize the points the paper will cover.

An example of a good thesis statement of diversity in the workforce is:

Diversity in the workplace is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage for businesses, as it fosters innovation, enhances creativity, improves decision-making, and enables companies to better understand and connect with a diverse customer base.

The body is the largest section of a research paper. It’s here where you support your thesis, present your facts and research, and persuade the reader.

Each paragraph in the body of a research paper should have its own idea. The idea is presented, generally in the first sentence of the paragraph, by a topic sentence. The topic sentence acts similarly to the thesis statement, only on a smaller scale, and every sentence in the paragraph with it supports the idea it conveys.

An example of a topic sentence on how diversity in the workplace fosters innovation is:

Diversity in the workplace fosters innovation by bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, which stimulates creativity, encourages new ideas, and leads to the development of innovative solutions to complex problems.

The body of an engaging research paper flows smoothly from one idea to the next. Create an outline before writing and order your ideas so that each idea logically leads to another.

The conclusion of a research paper should summarize your thesis and reinforce your argument. It’s common to restate the thesis in the conclusion of a research paper.

For example, a conclusion for a paper about diversity in the workforce is:

In conclusion, diversity in the workplace is vital to success in the modern business world. By embracing diversity, companies can tap into the full potential of their workforce, promote creativity and innovation, and better connect with a diverse customer base, ultimately leading to greater success and a more prosperous future for all.

Reference Page

The reference page is normally found at the end of a research paper. It provides proof that you did research using credible sources, properly credits the originators of information, and prevents plagiarism.

There are a number of different formats of reference pages, including APA, MLA, and Chicago. Make sure to format your reference page in your teacher’s preferred style.

Analyze the benefits of diversity in education.
Are charter schools useful for the national education system?
How has modern technology changed teaching?
Discuss the pros and cons of standardized testing.
What are the benefits of a gap year between high school and college?
What funding allocations give the most benefit to students?
Does homeschooling set students up for success?
Should universities/high schools require students to be vaccinated?
What effect does rising college tuition have on high schoolers?
Do students perform better in same-sex schools?
Discuss and analyze the impacts of a famous musician on pop music.
How has pop music evolved over the past decade?
How has the portrayal of women in music changed in the media over the past decade?
How does a synthesizer work?
How has music evolved to feature different instruments/voices?
How has sound effect technology changed the music industry?
Analyze the benefits of music education in high schools.
Are rehabilitation centers more effective than prisons?
Are congestion taxes useful?
Does affirmative action help minorities?
Can a capitalist system effectively reduce inequality?
Is a three-branch government system effective?
What causes polarization in today’s politics?
Is the U.S. government racially unbiased?
Choose a historical invention and discuss its impact on society today.
Choose a famous historical leader who lost power—what led to their eventual downfall?
How has your country evolved over the past century?
What historical event has had the largest effect on the U.S.?
Has the government’s response to national disasters improved or declined throughout history?
Discuss the history of the American occupation of Iraq.
Explain the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Is literature relevant in modern society?
Discuss how fiction can be used for propaganda.
How does literature teach and inform about society?
Explain the influence of children’s literature on adulthood.
How has literature addressed homosexuality?
Does the media portray minorities realistically?
Does the media reinforce stereotypes?
Why have podcasts become so popular?
Will streaming end traditional television?
What is a patriot?
What are the pros and cons of global citizenship?
What are the causes and effects of bullying?
Why has the divorce rate in the U.S. been declining in recent years?
Is it more important to follow social norms or religion?
What are the responsible limits on abortion, if any?
How does an MRI machine work?
Would the U.S. benefit from socialized healthcare?
Elderly populations
The education system
State tax bases
How do anti-vaxxers affect the health of the country?
Analyze the costs and benefits of diet culture.
Should companies allow employees to exercise on company time?
What is an adequate amount of exercise for an adult per week/per month/per day?
Discuss the effects of the obesity epidemic on American society.
Are students smarter since the advent of the internet?
What departures has the internet made from its original design?
Has digital downloading helped the music industry?
Discuss the benefits and costs of stricter internet censorship.
Analyze the effects of the internet on the paper news industry.
What would happen if the internet went out?
How will artificial intelligence (AI) change our lives?
What are the pros and cons of cryptocurrency?
How has social media affected the way people relate with each other?
Should social media have an age restriction?
Discuss the importance of source software.
What is more relevant in today’s world: mobile apps or websites?
How will fully autonomous vehicles change our lives?
How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?

Mental Health

What are the benefits of daily exercise?
How has social media affected people’s mental health?
What things contribute to poor mental and physical health?
Analyze how mental health is talked about in pop culture.
Discuss the pros and cons of more counselors in high schools.
How does stress affect the body?
How do emotional support animals help people?
What are black holes?
Discuss the biggest successes and failures of the EPA.
How has the Flint water crisis affected life in Michigan?
Can science help save endangered species?
Is the development of an anti-cancer vaccine possible?

Environment

What are the effects of deforestation on climate change?
Is climate change reversible?
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect global warming and climate change?
Are carbon credits effective for offsetting emissions or just marketing?
Is nuclear power a safe alternative to fossil fuels?
Are hybrid vehicles helping to control pollution in the atmosphere?
How is plastic waste harming the environment?
Is entrepreneurism a trait people are born with or something they learn?
How much more should CEOs make than their average employee?
Can you start a business without money?
Should the U.S. raise the minimum wage?
Discuss how happy employees benefit businesses.
How important is branding for a business?
Discuss the ease, or difficulty, of landing a job today.
What is the economic impact of sporting events?
Are professional athletes overpaid?
Should male and female athletes receive equal pay?
What is a fair and equitable way for transgender athletes to compete in high school sports?
What are the benefits of playing team sports?
What is the most corrupt professional sport?

Where to Get More Research Paper Topic Ideas

If you need more help brainstorming topics, especially those that are personalized to your interests, you can use CollegeVine’s free AI tutor, Ivy . Ivy can help you come up with original research topic ideas, and she can also help with the rest of your homework, from math to languages.

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 great research paper topics.

General Education

One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and cover a wide range of subjects so you can easily find the best topic for you.

In addition to the list of good research topics, we've included advice on what makes a good research paper topic and how you can use your topic to start writing a great paper.

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

Not all research paper topics are created equal, and you want to make sure you choose a great topic before you start writing. Below are the three most important factors to consider to make sure you choose the best research paper topics.

#1: It's Something You're Interested In

A paper is always easier to write if you're interested in the topic, and you'll be more motivated to do in-depth research and write a paper that really covers the entire subject. Even if a certain research paper topic is getting a lot of buzz right now or other people seem interested in writing about it, don't feel tempted to make it your topic unless you genuinely have some sort of interest in it as well.

#2: There's Enough Information to Write a Paper

Even if you come up with the absolute best research paper topic and you're so excited to write about it, you won't be able to produce a good paper if there isn't enough research about the topic. This can happen for very specific or specialized topics, as well as topics that are too new to have enough research done on them at the moment. Easy research paper topics will always be topics with enough information to write a full-length paper.

Trying to write a research paper on a topic that doesn't have much research on it is incredibly hard, so before you decide on a topic, do a bit of preliminary searching and make sure you'll have all the information you need to write your paper.

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

Don't get so carried away looking at lists of research paper topics that you forget any requirements or restrictions your teacher may have put on research topic ideas. If you're writing a research paper on a health-related topic, deciding to write about the impact of rap on the music scene probably won't be allowed, but there may be some sort of leeway. For example, if you're really interested in current events but your teacher wants you to write a research paper on a history topic, you may be able to choose a topic that fits both categories, like exploring the relationship between the US and North Korea. No matter what, always get your research paper topic approved by your teacher first before you begin writing.

113 Good Research Paper Topics

Below are 113 good research topics to help you get you started on your paper. We've organized them into ten categories to make it easier to find the type of research paper topics you're looking for.

Arts/Culture

Discuss the main differences in art from the Italian Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance .
Analyze the impact a famous artist had on the world.
How is sexism portrayed in different types of media (music, film, video games, etc.)? Has the amount/type of sexism changed over the years?
How has the music of slaves brought over from Africa shaped modern American music?
How has rap music evolved in the past decade?
How has the portrayal of minorities in the media changed?

Current Events

What have been the impacts of China's one child policy?
How have the goals of feminists changed over the decades?
How has the Trump presidency changed international relations?
Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
What factors contributed to the current decline in the rate of unemployment?
What have been the impacts of states which have increased their minimum wage?
How do US immigration laws compare to immigration laws of other countries?
How have the US's immigration laws changed in the past few years/decades?
How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected discussions and view about racism in the US?
What impact has the Affordable Care Act had on healthcare in the US?
What factors contributed to the UK deciding to leave the EU (Brexit)?
What factors contributed to China becoming an economic power?
Discuss the history of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies (some of which tokenize the S&P 500 Index on the blockchain) .
Do students in schools that eliminate grades do better in college and their careers?
Do students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests?
Do students who receive free meals at school get higher grades compared to when they weren't receiving a free meal?
Do students who attend charter schools score higher on standardized tests than students in public schools?
Do students learn better in same-sex classrooms?
How does giving each student access to an iPad or laptop affect their studies?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Montessori Method ?
Do children who attend preschool do better in school later on?
What was the impact of the No Child Left Behind act?
How does the US education system compare to education systems in other countries?
What impact does mandatory physical education classes have on students' health?
Which methods are most effective at reducing bullying in schools?
Do homeschoolers who attend college do as well as students who attended traditional schools?
Does offering tenure increase or decrease quality of teaching?
How does college debt affect future life choices of students?
Should graduate students be able to form unions?

What are different ways to lower gun-related deaths in the US?
How and why have divorce rates changed over time?
Is affirmative action still necessary in education and/or the workplace?
Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
How has stem cell research impacted the medical field?
How can human trafficking be reduced in the United States/world?
Should people be able to donate organs in exchange for money?
Which types of juvenile punishment have proven most effective at preventing future crimes?
Has the increase in US airport security made passengers safer?
Analyze the immigration policies of certain countries and how they are similar and different from one another.
Several states have legalized recreational marijuana. What positive and negative impacts have they experienced as a result?
Do tariffs increase the number of domestic jobs?
Which prison reforms have proven most effective?
Should governments be able to censor certain information on the internet?
Which methods/programs have been most effective at reducing teen pregnancy?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Keto diet?
How effective are different exercise regimes for losing weight and maintaining weight loss?
How do the healthcare plans of various countries differ from each other?
What are the most effective ways to treat depression ?
What are the pros and cons of genetically modified foods?
Which methods are most effective for improving memory?
What can be done to lower healthcare costs in the US?
What factors contributed to the current opioid crisis?
Analyze the history and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic .
Are low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
How much exercise should the average adult be getting each week?
Which methods are most effective to get parents to vaccinate their children?
What are the pros and cons of clean needle programs?
How does stress affect the body?
Discuss the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
What were the causes and effects of the Salem Witch Trials?
Who was responsible for the Iran-Contra situation?
How has New Orleans and the government's response to natural disasters changed since Hurricane Katrina?
What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
What were the impacts of British rule in India ?
Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary?
What were the successes and failures of the women's suffrage movement in the United States?
What were the causes of the Civil War?
How did Abraham Lincoln's assassination impact the country and reconstruction after the Civil War?
Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?
What caused Hitler's rise to power?
Discuss how a specific invention impacted history.
What led to Cleopatra's fall as ruler of Egypt?
How has Japan changed and evolved over the centuries?
What were the causes of the Rwandan genocide ?

Why did Martin Luther decide to split with the Catholic Church?
Analyze the history and impact of a well-known cult (Jonestown, Manson family, etc.)
How did the sexual abuse scandal impact how people view the Catholic Church?
How has the Catholic church's power changed over the past decades/centuries?
What are the causes behind the rise in atheism/ agnosticism in the United States?
What were the influences in Siddhartha's life resulted in him becoming the Buddha?
How has media portrayal of Islam/Muslims changed since September 11th?

Science/Environment

How has the earth's climate changed in the past few decades?
How has the use and elimination of DDT affected bird populations in the US?
Analyze how the number and severity of natural disasters have increased in the past few decades.
Analyze deforestation rates in a certain area or globally over a period of time.
How have past oil spills changed regulations and cleanup methods?
How has the Flint water crisis changed water regulation safety?
What are the pros and cons of fracking?
What impact has the Paris Climate Agreement had so far?
What have NASA's biggest successes and failures been?
How can we improve access to clean water around the world?
Does ecotourism actually have a positive impact on the environment?
Should the US rely on nuclear energy more?
What can be done to save amphibian species currently at risk of extinction?
What impact has climate change had on coral reefs?
How are black holes created?
Are teens who spend more time on social media more likely to suffer anxiety and/or depression?
How will the loss of net neutrality affect internet users?
Analyze the history and progress of self-driving vehicles.
How has the use of drones changed surveillance and warfare methods?
Has social media made people more or less connected?
What progress has currently been made with artificial intelligence ?
Do smartphones increase or decrease workplace productivity?
What are the most effective ways to use technology in the classroom?
How is Google search affecting our intelligence?
When is the best age for a child to begin owning a smartphone?
Has frequent texting reduced teen literacy rates?

How to Write a Great Research Paper

Even great research paper topics won't give you a great research paper if you don't hone your topic before and during the writing process. Follow these three tips to turn good research paper topics into great papers.

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

Before you start writing a single word of your paper, you first need to know what your thesis will be. Your thesis is a statement that explains what you intend to prove/show in your paper. Every sentence in your research paper will relate back to your thesis, so you don't want to start writing without it!

As some examples, if you're writing a research paper on if students learn better in same-sex classrooms, your thesis might be "Research has shown that elementary-age students in same-sex classrooms score higher on standardized tests and report feeling more comfortable in the classroom."

If you're writing a paper on the causes of the Civil War, your thesis might be "While the dispute between the North and South over slavery is the most well-known cause of the Civil War, other key causes include differences in the economies of the North and South, states' rights, and territorial expansion."

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

Remember, this is a research paper you're writing, so you'll need to use lots of research to make your points. Every statement you give must be backed up with research, properly cited the way your teacher requested. You're allowed to include opinions of your own, but they must also be supported by the research you give.

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

You don't want to start writing your research paper and then learn that there isn't enough research to back up the points you're making, or, even worse, that the research contradicts the points you're trying to make!

Get most of your research on your good research topics done before you begin writing. Then use the research you've collected to create a rough outline of what your paper will cover and the key points you're going to make. This will help keep your paper clear and organized, and it'll ensure you have enough research to produce a strong paper.

What's Next?

Are you also learning about dynamic equilibrium in your science class? We break this sometimes tricky concept down so it's easy to understand in our complete guide to dynamic equilibrium .

Thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner? Nurse practitioners have one of the fastest growing careers in the country, and we have all the information you need to know about what to expect from nurse practitioner school .

Want to know the fastest and easiest ways to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius? We've got you covered! Check out our guide to the best ways to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit (or vice versa).

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

Knowledge Base
Academic writing

Free, Downloadable Educational Templates for Students

Published on June 16, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on July 23, 2023.

We have designed several free templates to help you get started on a variety of academic topics. These range from formatting your thesis or dissertation to writing a table of contents or a list of abbreviations .

We also have templates for various citation styles , including APA (6 and 7), MLA , and Chicago .

The templates are loosely grouped by topic below.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Chicago and chicago turabian, structuring your document, applying to college, formatting your front matter, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about scribbr templates.

General formatting: Word | Google Docs
APA 6th: Word
APA 7th: Word | Google Doc

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

General formatting: Word | Google Doc
Citations: Word
Works Cited: Word | Google Doc
Header: Word | Google Doc
Title: Word | Google Doc
Author-date style
Notes and bibliography style
Research proposal outline: Word
Research schedule template: Word
Literature review outline: Word | Google Doc
Evaluating your sources for a literature review: Word | Google Doc
Dissertation or thesis outline: Word | Google Doc

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

Academic style
Vague sentences
Style consistency

See an example

Scholarship essay tracker: Google Sheet
Writing a résumé: Research program option | Professional program option
College application tracker: Google Sheet
Figure and table lists: Word
List of abbreviations: Word | Google Doc
Acknowledgments: Word | Google Doc
Glossary: Word | Google Doc

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Ad hominem fallacy
Post hoc fallacy
Appeal to authority fallacy
False cause fallacy
Sunk cost fallacy
Deep learning
Generative AI
Machine learning
Reinforcement learning
Supervised vs. unsupervised learning

(AI) Tools

Grammar Checker
Paraphrasing Tool
Text Summarizer
AI Detector
Plagiarism Checker
Citation Generator

Yes! We’re happy for educators to use our content, and we’ve even adapted some of our articles into ready-made lecture slides and templates .

You are free to display, distribute, and adapt Scribbr materials in your classes or upload them in private learning environments like Blackboard. This applies to articles, videos, images, and any other content published on the Knowledge Base. Video transcripts and subtitles can be accessed on YouTube. Please credit Scribbr for creating any materials you use in your teaching.

You may not republish, adapt, or translate our materials for public distribution without permission. If you have ideas for adapting Scribbr content, email [email protected] .

The Scribbr Knowledge Base is a collection of free resources to help you succeed in academic research, writing, and citation. Every week, we publish helpful step-by-step guides, clear examples, simple templates, engaging videos, and more.

The Knowledge Base is for students at all levels. Whether you’re writing your first essay , working on your bachelor’s or master’s thesis , or getting to grips with your PhD dissertation , we’ve got you covered.

We’re always striving to improve the Knowledge Base. If you have an idea for a topic we should cover, or you notice a mistake in any of our articles, let us know by emailing [email protected] .

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.

George, T. (2023, July 23). Free, Downloadable Educational Templates for Students. Scribbr. Retrieved June 18, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-writing/free-educational-templates/

Is this article helpful?

Tegan George

Other students also liked, free, downloadable lecture slides for educators and students, academic writing checklists | free & interactive, proofreading rates | a guide for freelance editors, get unlimited documents corrected.

✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

Essay Topics
Homework Help
Essay Types
Essay Examples
Become a Tutor

List of High School Research Paper Topics

Working with your first (or even not the first!) high school research paper topic can be a challenging task. In addition to a list of the high school research topics, we share the actual research papers from our vast database with you, so you get the idea of how the fellow students do it.

Finally, for those who will make it through the list of research topics, some helpful research paper writing tips will help you to get a good grade and feel confident that you can deliver your paper on time!

Contents (Clickable)

Learning by Example: Actual High School Research Paper Topics

Speaking from our professional experience of work with the high school students, one of the best ways to explain how to write an excellent high school research paper is actually by showing several examples of a good paper. While the rules and ideas are good, looking through an actual research paper always helps one to feel confident and see how the paragraphs and ideas are being put together. Looking through our vast database of research papers, we have picked these examples for you:

Research Paper on Water/Environment example – Have you ever thought about how bottled water stored in the plastic bottles affects people’s lives and the environment? This research paper studies the negative impacts of the bottled water on the situation, showing how the people, animals, and the plants suffer from the effects of the plastic bottles. You can see that a student started with a brief historical introduction to the origin of the bottled water and continued by an explanation of why such practice can be dangerous. If you are interested in environmental science or would like to tell about how a local factory pollutes the waters in your neighborhood, make sure to research the topic!
Research Paper about Censorship example – Living in the age of computers, social networks, and smartphones, you are always accessing information of a different kind. Most information is free, and you can look up anything online as you learn. Still, it is not always like that everywhere. Take the Chinese government as an example of Internet censorship. While it is not always bad, the topic of censorship is a something that we all face in this way or another. This research paper focuses on the cons and pros of censorship, researching the ways how it is implemented in practice. Sounds interesting, right? 🙂 Check out this example to get an idea of how the student shows both opinions, making the research paper exciting and exciting!
A Psychological Reflection Research on Memory, Language, and Altruism example – Sometimes your teacher asks to do a research paper as a reflection writing on a particular topic. Even if it sounds complicated, there is no need to despair! As an example, here is a psychological reflection research paper for you, written in the first person. It means that you have to speak about your thoughts and your opinion. Here the student speaks of personal views on memory, language, and altruism concepts. You can see how the different topics and ideas are combined into a good reflection research paper. You can write about anything you feel passionate about as long as you discuss the problem with your teacher!
Social Media Addiction example – Are you an expert in all things related to social media? Can you share some valuable observations on social media addictions and safety rules with your schoolmates? If this particular topic interests you, take a look at the Social Media Addiction research paper. Note how well it explains both sides of the issue by telling of the positive teams of social networking, too. If you want to write a good research paper, always do your best to discuss the views that are opposite to yours to make your own statement and research position clear.
Charles Dickens’ – Hard Times, The Role of Women in Victorian England example – If you want to focus on culture, literature, and creative writing in your research, take a look at this example of a research paper. It revolves around Charles Dickens’ “Hard Times” and the role of women in Victorian England. It provides lots of examples to support the statements, so make sure to make a good mental note when you write your own high school research paper.

Okay, now that you have the actual research paper examples, let us move on to the list of high school research paper topics, so you can pick the one that fits you best!

Towards The Best Grades: A List of Powerful High School Research Paper Topics

At the very start of our list, let us focus on topic ideas related to social issues that many of us face as the high school students:

Bullying in high school – we all know the feeling when someone is being bullied or when we become the victims of bullying. Writing a research paper about bullying is very important as it helps you and others to understand why it occurs, how to deal with it, and how to prevent it in the first place. Use this precise structure ( reasons, dealing, prevention ) as you think of a structure of your future paper!
Anxiety, low self-esteem, homework, and time management issues – You can start with your time management tips and tricks and continue with research on why it is essential to follow specific rules. Alternatively, you can write the other way around by starting with the rules and finishing with your considerations. Write about the importance of sleep, taking walks outside, healthy eating, doing one task at a time, and sports among other things that you may find important!
How to solve school conflicts with the teachers – it is safe to assume that most of us have been through the school conflicts with the teachers! Let’s write about it then! Share your experience and try to come up with the tips about how to get out of trouble by respecting your teacher, knowing your rights, staying attentive and polite no matter what!
The way how school students can contribute to the community – Think about social work and volunteering, summer camps, helping the seniors, younger siblings, or getting busy with scouting and exploration of your neighborhood’s culture and history. There is a lot you can do, so writing research on any important social topic of your choice is a great adventure and a good example for group work in pairs!
Importance of learning a foreign language at school – Living in the age of globalization and technology, learning a foreign language at school is important. Still, what are the challenges and what is the best way to master another culture and language at school?
After-school activities and why they are important – One of the best ways to survive through high school is being involved in after-school activities. If you are an athlete, musician, or like visiting local geography or history club, write about it, share your thoughts, and tell others about why it is important and how it has changed your life!
Students with special needs – A very sensitive, yet challenging and an important research topic to write about. If you have a special needs student in your class or know someone who has a sibling with special needs, write about how important it is to provide education for everyone. Add how people should show respect and care for such people.
High school athletes – This is a great idea for high school athletes. Still, if you are not an athlete yourself, you can explore the topic and impress your boyfriend (or a girlfriend) with your care and knowledge about sports! Write about the challenges, competition, courage, hard work, and all the fun that high school sports involve!
School safety and healthcare rights of youth in the United States – an interesting topic you can choose by researching the safety rules at your local school or by focusing on the healthcare rights of young people in the United States.
Pros and cons of private tutoring – have you ever turned to private education? Do you know someone who is studying with the help of additional tutoring? Share your thoughts about this topic and think about why it has occurred and how it can be helpful to achieve better GPA (Grade-Point-Average) level and enter a college of your dreams in the future.

Next, we shall continue with more general high school research topics that will fit high school students of all kind:

How do stereotypes appear in modern society? – Take one stereotype that is most present in your local culture, the false judgments or misconceptions to start a significant research paper. Think about how did these stereotypes have appeared. Now, if you need an example, think about wearing a hoodie or using certain words as you speak (Dope! Wicked! Go bezerk ! Cool! Well, you get the idea!).
The Trail of Tears and the history of the United States – The Trail of Tears was a series of forced relocations of Native American peoples from their ancestral homelands in the Southeastern United States, to areas to the west that had been designated as Indian Territory. Write research about how did the situation occur and how the Native American people live now.
The role of diversity for high school students. – Think about your own culture, your parents, and the socio-cultural background. Everyone is different, yet we all are unique personalities. Write research about how diversity unites people and how your school friends share their cultural knowledge and skills.
The benefits of E-Learning versus textbooks. – Even though the majority of the modern school students are used to e-learning, the role of usual textbooks cannot be underestimated. A good research topic to tell if reading something online is as good as checking with a textbook in the quiet of your room.
Online safety and social networks. – We are sure that you already have something to tell on this particular topic. Write a paper about how a person can remain safe online and what to avoid when texting your friends on social networks.
Importance of reading. – Some students like to read, while some people hate reading and rarely pick up a book if they are not forced to. Think about why it is so and how can reading improve person’s intelligence, grammar, punctuation, and even the verbal skills !
Where does rock music come from? – Research the history of the rock music in the United States or all over the world by starting with your favorite bands, the bands that your parents (and even Grandparents!) have listened to and grew up with. Do not forget to mention the protest movements and the reasons why rock music became the voice of rebellion, protest, and significant social changes.
The history of television in the United States. – When we think of the United States, certain movies come to mind, Hollywood, and all the great things associated with going to the cinema. There is a lot of daily work involved to make it all possible. Explore the history of television and see each person’s role. Write about how television and the media affect the modern culture, politics, education, and the way people’s opinions are being formed.
The recent advancements in technology and how they have affected people’s lives. – Think about 2-3 recent inventions in the field of technology and think about how they have affected the way we live. It may be anything from Facebook as a social network or a handheld electronic device that is fairly new.
The culture and traditions of the First Nations People of Canada – a very good and an important high school research topic even for those outside of Canada. Research the traditions and the culture and see how an identity, cultural background, and a strength of a person make all the difference! If writing on that topic sounds too difficult for you, you can choose any other example. Think about that tiny Greek (or any other cultural spot!) restaurant across the street, talk to the Greek owner’s son or daughter you may be friends with, and ask them about their culture, traditions, and life in the United States. Remember, this is just an example to keep you going! After all, it is your own research, so the possibilities are endless!

Now that we have a list of high school research paper topics let us move on to the research writing tips, so you can avoid getting in trouble with your teacher and get the best results possible!

Research Paper Writing Tips

Finding a good research topic is not enough if you do not follow format requirements and do not take care of the following:

Use the Outline for your future research paper where you write down the main parts of your future paper and a thesis (your main statement and idea).
Always proofread your paper and do not forget to work with the drafts before you submit the final paper. This way you can avoid grammar mistakes and make sure that you do not repeat the same sentence or an idea twice. Proofreading your paper aloud also helps to make sure that your thoughts are solid, logical and well backed-up.
Always write your research paper (unless specified otherwise) using the following structure: Introduction – Thesis Statement – 3 Body Paragraphs – Conclusion .
Use Topic Sentences . It means that the first sentence in each of your body paragraphs should speak of the main idea of things you are going to explore as a researcher.
Do not forget to mention the opposite opinion before the conclusion . If there is information that goes against your thesis or some point of you that you find essential for your research, it is important to mention the fact.
If you are using a particular book or a journal as you write your research paper, make sure to mention your sources .
Always discuss your future topic with the teacher to make sure you are on the right track.
If you are stuck with your topic idea and a thesis statement, try to re-read it aloud and change the order of words to find out what makes you feel stuck and confused.

Still, if nothing helps, you can share your homework assignment with one of our professional Geeks who can guide you through homework tasks of any complexity. Fill in the simple form below and share your task with us:

Homework Lab service is fully confidential and helps you to get out of this terrible “I’m Stuck!” phase. Research paper writing can be challenging if you already have a topic, but feel unsure that it has been done in a right way. We all know the feeling when you feel frightened or embarrassed, so a little bit of professional guidance in a private manner helps a great deal!

We wish you the best of luck and hope that our list of high school research topics and the research paper writing tips have already helped you to get closer to the writing of the best research paper. Remember, you have the power to be the change you want to see in the society! You are the future!

Measuring School Performance: Looking Beyond Standardized Testing and Scores

An poster in a classroom showing a basic network topology diagram with labeled components for student learning.

Doctoral student ‘s research supports popular educational ecosystem framework as a way to understand and address school reform.

June 17, 2024 | By Brenda Gillen

A University of Northern Colorado study is reexamining Elliot Eisner's framework for school improvement. The late Stanford professor, who worked in school curriculum and qualitative research, advocated viewing education as an ecosystem of mutual dependence. Sarah Campbell, a student in UNC's Educational Studies Ed.D. program , is undertaking the study with Professor Christy McConnell in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences ' School of Teacher Education .

"Dr. McConnell and I have been trying to bring back into popular thinking the idea that instead of just looking at testing or test scores, we should be looking at the whole ecology. I love the metaphor from science — different parts of the ecology work together, depend on each other and influence each other," Campbell said.

Through focus groups and interviews, Campbell and McConnell are learning how nine U.S.-based researchers apply Eisner's ecology framework to their work. A paper about the study will be presented at the American Educational Research Association's annual meeting in April and subsequently submitted for publication.

After 17 years in the classroom, Campbell yearned to make a larger impact, bringing her to UNC. In the Educational Studies program, her cohort meets in person in Loveland for a week each summer. Otherwise, it connects online, enabling the Denver South High School English teacher to continue working.

She said Denver high schools are rated on the number of students who take the standardized college entrance exam, the SAT, or the practice version, the PSAT. Campbell said that metric is ineffective and doesn't help schools improve, largely because it misses so many other aspects of education.

"The way a teacher teaches is dependent on whether they have a classroom that is big enough, a school that has good support from leaders and curriculum that is meaningful. All the pieces are connected. The Eisner method could offer understanding of what's happening in schools and lead to changes that would benefit teachers and students," Campbell said.

As McConnell's graduate assistant, Campbell found her ideas were welcome when the two previously edited a book chapter, titled “Eisner’s School Ecology,” to be published in The Handbook of Educational Theories. And they continue to be positively received as the duo work together on the Eisner study.

"Dr. McConnell wanted me to collaborate with her, and I felt so honored she saw that capability in me. Eisner, too, was about building community, seeing through the lens of the arts and how we are all interconnected. The philosophy itself is so much about people connecting with each other," she said.

Last year, Campbell's paper, “How ‘Stayer’ Teachers are Impacted by Administrators: A Case Study,” was published in Curriculum & Teaching Dialogue, and she gave a related presentation at UNC's Fall 2022 Graduate Research Symposium. Many of her academic works are published in professional journals. Additionally, she's a creative writer with numerous publications, including a book of essays on Front Range mountains and lakes named for women coming out this Fall.

Similar to how her writing straddles genres, McConnell said Campbell bridges the theory and practice gap, taking concepts that could improve schooling and teachers' conditions and figuring out how to apply them in classrooms.

"Sarah sees connections and grasps a range of ideas quickly and easily and synthesizes them in a creative and unique way. For example, in the Perspectives of Curriculum class she was able to see, not just the big concepts from curriculum theorists, but also how to take these ideas and use them to help the conditions of teachers or what students are learning or how we're doing evaluations," McConnell said.

McConnell is hopeful their study will help those interested in school reform understand the complexity of schools. She noted that a change in one area, such as assessments, necessitates changes in other areas, like curriculum, pedagogy, intentions and structures. McConnell believes Campbell's work can expand Eisner's reach and further the framework's use as a communication tool between theory and practice.

"Sarah can write both analytically and creatively and allow those voices to feed each other. She intentionally weaves together her beautiful literary writing style with deeply intellectual and analytical concepts related to education. That will put her in a position to be heard in the academic field," she said.

After she graduates from UNC in May 2025, Campbell plans to keep teaching and contributing research to the field.

Statistical Literacy Research to Benefit Students in Introductory Courses

Este artículo no está en español..

Fernando standing against a wall with his arms crossed smiling

Special Education Graduate Deeply Committed to Helping Those Who Need the Most Help

Recién graduado en educación especial, comprometido a ayudar a quienes más lo necesitan.

Close up of a child's face surrounded by lights and shapes.

Creating Better Educational Outcomes for Children with Visual Disorder

The Importance of Teaching Underrepresented Cultures

La importancia de enseñar acerca de las culturas infrarepresentadas, follow unc social.

Contact UNC

Social media.

UNC Overview
Awards & Accolades
Organizational Chart
Strategic Plan
Accreditation
Student Consumer Information
Sustainability
UNC Newsroom
Events Calendar
UNC Magazine
Submit News
Submit an Event
Marketing and Communications
University Advancement

Page Last Updated: Today | Contact for this Page: Deanna Herbert

SUGGESTED TOPICS
The Magazine
Newsletters
Managing Yourself
Managing Teams
Work-life Balance
The Big Idea
Data & Visuals
Reading Lists
Case Selections
HBR Learning
Topic Feeds
Account Settings
Email Preferences

Build a Corporate Culture That Works

There’s a widespread understanding that managing corporate culture is key to business success. Yet few companies articulate their culture in such a way that the words become an organizational reality that molds employee behavior as intended.

All too often a culture is described as a set of anodyne norms, principles, or values, which do not offer decision-makers guidance on how to make difficult choices when faced with conflicting but equally defensible courses of action.

The trick to making a desired culture come alive is to debate and articulate it using dilemmas. If you identify the tough dilemmas your employees routinely face and clearly state how they should be resolved—“In this company, when we come across this dilemma, we turn left”—then your desired culture will take root and influence the behavior of the team.

To develop a culture that works, follow six rules: Ground your culture in the dilemmas you are likely to confront, dilemma-test your values, communicate your values in colorful terms, hire people who fit, let culture drive strategy, and know when to pull back from a value statement.

Start by thinking about the dilemmas your people will face.

Idea in Brief

The problem.

There’s a widespread understanding that managing corporate culture is key to business success. Yet few companies articulate their corporate culture in such a way that the words become an organizational reality that molds employee behavior as intended.

What Usually Happens

How to fix it.

Follow six rules: Ground your culture in the dilemmas you are likely to confront, dilemma-test your values, communicate your values in colorful terms, hire people who fit, let culture drive strategy, and know when to pull back from a value.

At the beginning of my career, I worked for the health-care-software specialist HBOC. One day, a woman from human resources came into the cafeteria with a roll of tape and began sticking posters on the walls. They proclaimed in royal blue the company’s values: “Transparency, Respect, Integrity, Honesty.” The next day we received wallet-sized plastic cards with the same words and were asked to memorize them so that we could incorporate them into our actions. The following year, when management was indicted on 17 counts of conspiracy and fraud, we learned what the company’s values really were.

EM Erin Meyer is a professor at INSEAD, where she directs the executive education program Leading Across Borders and Cultures. She is the author of The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business (PublicAffairs, 2014) and coauthor (with Reed Hastings) of No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention (Penguin, 2020). ErinMeyerINSEAD

Partner Center

IMAGES

43+ Research Paper Examples
Sample MLA Research Paper
Research Paper Example
FREE 46+ Research Paper Examples & Templates in PDF, MS Word
Research Paper Format
💣 High school science research paper example. 50 Science Essay Research

VIDEO

How Technology Has Affected Education?
How to Write a Scientific Research Paper
Aspects of the School Environment
A Day With Me In School: Research Paper, Lectures, and More
The Future of Reading
Best Research Topics For Senior High School Students

COMMENTS

Research Paper Example
Abstract Research Paper Example. An abstract is an executive summary of the research paper that includes the purpose of the research, the design of the study, and significant research findings. It is a small section that is based on a few paragraphs. Following is an example of the abstract to help you draft yours professionally.
Research Paper Examples
Research paper examples are of great value for students who want to complete their assignments timely and efficiently. If you are a student in the university, your first stop in the quest for research paper examples will be the campus library where you can get to view the research sample papers of lecturers and other professionals in diverse fields plus those of fellow students who preceded ...
How To Write A Research Paper (FREE Template + Examples)
Step 1: Find a topic and review the literature. As we mentioned earlier, in a research paper, you, as the researcher, will try to answer a question.More specifically, that's called a research question, and it sets the direction of your entire paper. What's important to understand though is that you'll need to answer that research question with the help of high-quality sources - for ...
How to Write a Research Paper as a High School Student
Create a folder on your computer where you can store your electronic sources. Use an online bibliography creator such as Zotero, Easybib, or Noodletools to track sources and generate citations. You can read research papers by Polygence students under our Projects tab. You can also explore other opportunities for high school research.
How to Write a Research Paper
Choose a research paper topic. Conduct preliminary research. Develop a thesis statement. Create a research paper outline. Write a first draft of the research paper. Write the introduction. Write a compelling body of text. Write the conclusion. The second draft.
How to Create a Structured Research Paper Outline
A decimal outline is similar in format to the alphanumeric outline, but with a different numbering system: 1, 1.1, 1.2, etc. Text is written as short notes rather than full sentences. Example: 1 Body paragraph one. 1.1 First point. 1.1.1 Sub-point of first point. 1.1.2 Sub-point of first point.
20+ Research Paper Example
Research Paper Example Outline. Before you plan on writing a well-researched paper, make a rough draft. An outline can be a great help when it comes to organizing vast amounts of research material for your paper. Here is an outline of a research paper example: I. Title Page. A. Title of the Research Paper.
Research Paper
Definition: Research Paper is a written document that presents the author's original research, analysis, and interpretation of a specific topic or issue. It is typically based on Empirical Evidence, and may involve qualitative or quantitative research methods, or a combination of both. The purpose of a research paper is to contribute new ...
Research Paper Example: Detailed Samples to Learn the Basics
A research proposal includes the details of your proposed research, the significance of the research, the impact your research will have on the area of research, and the methodology that you will use. For writing a research proposal, you need to discuss all of these factors. A research paper follows a set pattern and structure.
Writing a Research Paper Introduction
Table of contents. Step 1: Introduce your topic. Step 2: Describe the background. Step 3: Establish your research problem. Step 4: Specify your objective (s) Step 5: Map out your paper. Research paper introduction examples. Frequently asked questions about the research paper introduction.
How to Write a Research Paper in High School
Start by using a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, in 12 or 11 sized font. Also, add one inch margins for the pages, along with some double spacing between lines. These specifications alone get you started on a more professional and cleaner looking research paper.
APA Sample Paper
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).
PDF Example Student Research Paper
For example, most female middle school students thought that brown made them feel bored, and so did the male middle school students! Also, both found that pink made them feel love and affection. However, some results in this study were different from the research cited. For example, the research stated that brown would make girls and boys feel
PDF A Sample Research Paper/Thesis/Dissertation on Aspects of Elementary
Definition. A finite set of linear equations in the variables x1, x2, . . . , xn is called. a system of linear equations. Not all systems of linear equations has solutions. A system of equations that has no solution is said to be inconsistent. If there is at least one solution, it is called consistent.
PDF Research Paper Manual Middle Township School District
The purpose of this research guide is to offer a standard format for the teaching and writing of research papers in courses at the Middle Township schools. The guide outlines the process of research, explains devices for organization of research and sources, gives examples of methods for documenting research sources within the paper, explains ...
Education Research Paper
Education Research Paper. This sample education research paper features: 6900 words (approx. 23 pages), an outline, and a bibliography with 26 sources. Browse other research paper examples for more inspiration. If you need a thorough research paper written according to all the academic standards, you can always turn to our experienced writers ...
MLA Sample Paper
MLA Sample Paper #1. If you've been wondering how to produce a research paper that is strong in both formatting and writing, you've come to the right place. Check out our first sample paper below. It is a helpful and clearly labeled visual aid to refer to. Note that while these sample papers do not include MLA abstracts, you should check ...
Research Guides: High School Research Guide: MLA examples
MLA Examples: The global debt crisis is having a strong impact on women and children in developing nations (Bronstein 74). --OR--. Bronstein contends the global debt crisis is having a strong impact on women and children in developing nations (74). For electronic sources that have no page number, give the paragraph number (par. 4).
Research Paper Format
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 ...
100 Interesting Research Paper Topics for High Schoolers
Composing a research paper can be a daunting task for first-time writers. In addition to making sure you're using concise language and your thoughts are organized clearly, you need to find a topic that draws the reader in. CollegeVine is here to help you brainstorm creative topics! Below are 100 interesting research paper topics that will ...
113 Great Research Paper Topics
113 Great Research Paper Topics. One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and cover a wide range of subjects so you can easily ...
Free, Downloadable Educational Templates for Students
Revised on July 23, 2023. We have designed several free templates to help you get started on a variety of academic topics. These range from formatting your thesis or dissertation to writing a table of contents or a list of abbreviations. We also have templates for various citation styles, including APA (6 and 7), MLA, and Chicago.
High School Research Paper Topics: A Complete List
Essay Topics. 13 min. Readers Rating. Total: 91, Average: 2.3. Working with your first (or even not the first!) high school research paper topic can be a challenging task. In addition to a list of the high school research topics, we share the actual research papers from our vast database with you, so you get the idea of how the fellow students ...
Measuring School Performance: Looking Beyond Standardized Testing and
A paper about the study will be presented at the American Educational Research Association's annual meeting in April and subsequently submitted for publication. After 17 years in the classroom, Campbell yearned to make a larger impact, bringing her to UNC.
Build a Corporate Culture That Works
At the beginning of my career, I worked for the health-care-software specialist HBOC. One day, a woman from human resources came into the cafeteria with a roll of tape and began sticking posters ...