Posted: November 15th, 2016

The literature review section must start off with an overview of the section.

 

Description

This will be the full research paper.  The whole paper should be in APA format.  It will include all the elements of the full research paper as discussed during week 2.  Below are the major elements of the paper.

 

1. Title Page (APA format)

 

2. Abstract Page (APA format):

2.1 The abstract should provide a summary of the whole paper as discussed in class.

2.2 It should also provide some keywords

 

3. Introduction (1.5 – 2.0 pages Max):

3.1 Introduce the topic. There should the appropriate citations.

3.2 Describe the problem/opportunity.  This should be supported by appropriate citation(s).

3.3 The goal and significance of the study. This should be supported by appropriate citation(s).  Followed by the Research Questions.  The questions must be listed using numbered bullets.

 

4. Literature Review (3-4 pages max)

4.1 Balance of Literature Resources: It is mandatory to favor resources coming from refereed papers as opposed to other non-refereed articles. At minimum 60% of the resources collected as part of your research must be from refereed articles.

*[60%] Journals, periodicals, refereed papers – Your literature review must use at least three refereed papers. These resources must be the center of attention of your literature Review.

* [40%] Other secondary resources e.g. books, eBooks, magazine articles, on line resources etc.

 

4.1 The literature review section must start off with an overview of the section.

4.2 Then it should be broken down into three or four sub-topics.  For each sub-topic you must provide a critical analysis by presenting the arguments and points from different sources; and how they are related to the study.

4.3. Summary of the Literature review section.

 

5. Method (0.5-1.5 pages, max)

The methods is an important section of the research paper. It allows the reader to judge the validity of your research because it describes

– The type of your research and the how it was carried out.

– Why and how the data were collected.

– Why and how the data were analyzed, and interpreted.

– How the data contributed to answer your research questions.

– How the reliability and validity of sources were assessed.

 

The above should be justified by appropriate citations

 

6. Findings/Results & Discussion:

6.1 As specified in the template, separate the research question (RQ).  For each RQ, (if applicable) specify the method used, what data was used and how the analysis were performed.  This would be specific to the question.  Be sure to answer the RQ using appropriate information such as tables, figures and clarification. The findings should be about ½ page to 1 page per RQ.

 

7. Discussion.

In this section you are going to discuss the findings per each RQ. Your discussion must be supported based on the findings and literature review.  You should be able to relate the findings to previous studies, current environment, etc.  The discussion should be about ½ page to 1 page per RQ.

 

8. Conclusion (0.5 – 1 page, max).

This section should provide a very brief summary, a reflection of the study, limitation of the study and future directions.

 

9. Reference Page

All references must be in proper APA format.

10. Appendix Page(s).
10.1 Academic honesty form.
10.2 Other relevant appendices (if applicable).