Parts of a Research Paper (AP Research)

Research Paper

A 4,000 to 5,000 word paper to demonstrate your knowledge of a topic and make an original contribution to an existing scholarly conversation

Introduction

Give background, contextualize the research question, and identify a gap in understanding on a certain topic

Literature Review

Introduce the research question, synthesize past findings, and set the context for the author’s study (1200-1500 words)

Method, Process, or Approach

Provide justification for the chosen method in regard to the research question (800-1200 words)

Method, Process, or Approach - Requirements

Approach, Experimental/Non-experimental, Data Method, Sampling

Results, Product, or Findings

Presents the results or findings from the research method (750-1000 words)

Results, Product, or Findings - Requirements

All data that corresponds to the research question and contextual analysis of the data in written form

Discussion, Analysis, and/or Evaluation

Interprets the significance of an authors findings and explores connection to the original research question (1200-1500 words)

Discussion, Analysis, and/or Evaluation - Requirements

Data discussion

Conclusion and Future Directions

Discuss a new understanding of the research topic, give implications for the community being studied, and identify areas for future research (1200-1500 words)

Conclusion and Future Directions - Requirements

Call for research/discussion and future directions

Bibliography

A complete list of sources cited in the research paper

Bibliography - Requirements

Consistent format and all sources used

Abstract

An optional summary of the research paper and doesn’t count to the word count (150-300 words) 

Abstract - Requirements

A summary of the background, research question, method, results, and significance

Research Alignment

The logical flow of a research paper, including the problem statement, methodology, and conclusion