how to write a detailed outline for a research paper

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Research Paper Outline

Last updated on: Oct 28, 2024

Crafting the Perfect Research Paper Outline | Steps & Examples

By: Emily Carter

11 min read

Reviewed By:

Published on: May 21, 2024

A research paper outline is a plan or roadmap that helps you organize your thoughts and structure your paper before you start writing. 

It serves as a blueprint for your research paper , outlining the main sections and key points that will be covered.

A research paper outline is important because it helps in:

• Providing a clear structure , making it easier to organize ideas.
• Clarifying thoughts and identifying main points for better understanding.
• Saving time by guiding research and writing processes.
• Keeping you on track , preventing inclusion of irrelevant information.
• Allowing early feedback to refine ideas and improve quality.
• Providing framework for revising and refining, ensuring a polished final product.

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How To Write A Research Paper Outline

Creating a research paper outline is a crucial step in the writing process. It helps you organize your thoughts and ensure that your paper follows a logical structure. 

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write a research paper outline:

Step 1: Choose Your Topic

Select a research paper topic that interests you and aligns with the requirements of your assignment or research question. 

For example, if your assignment is to write about the impact of social media on mental health, your topic could be:

 "The Effects of Social Media Usage on Teenage Anxiety Levels."

Step 2: Identify Your Main Points

Determine the main ideas or arguments that you want to explore in your paper. These will serve as the backbone of your outline. 

Continuing with the example above, your main points could include:

• Introduction to Social Media and Mental Health
• Factors Contributing to Teenage Anxiety
• Ways to Mitigate Negative Effects of Social Media.

Step 3: Create Your Thesis Statement

Develop a clear and concise thesis statement that summarizes the main argument or purpose of your paper. 

In our example, the thesis statement could be: 

Step 4: Outline Your Introduction

Begin your outline with an introduction that introduces your topic and provides context for your research. Include background information and hook the reader's interest. 

For instance:

Introduction:

• Define and introduce essential terms or concepts related to your topic.
• Provide background information to set the stage for further discussion.

Step 5: Outline Your Body Paragraphs

Break down your main points into individual sections or paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your topic and support your thesis statement. 

For example:

Body Paragraphs:

1. Exploration of Contrasting Perspectives

• Address opposing viewpoints or alternative interpretations of the topic.
• Compare and contrast different arguments or perspectives to strengthen your own position.

2. Discussion of Methodology (if applicable)

• Detail the methods or approaches used in conducting research or experiments.
• Explain the rationale behind your chosen research methodology and its relevance to the topic.

3. Include Supporting Evidence

• Incorporate evidence from reputable sources to support your arguments. 
• Use statistics, studies, and expert opinions to strengthen your points.

Analysis of Results (if applicable)

• Present and interpret the results of experiments, surveys, or data analysis.
• Discuss any patterns, trends, or significant findings that emerged from the research.

Step 6: Organize Your Ideas

Arrange your main points and supporting evidence in a logical order that flows smoothly from one section to the next. Use headings and subheadings to clearly delineate different sections of your paper.

Step 7: Outline Your Conclusion

Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in the outline of your research paper conclusion . Offer insights or recommendations based on your research findings. 

• Recap of key findings regarding the impact of social media on teenage mental health
• Restatement of thesis statement
• Suggestions for future research or interventions

Step 8: Review and Revise

Take time to review and revise your outline to ensure coherence and completeness. Make adjustments as needed to strengthen your arguments and improve the overall organization of your paper.

Be sure to check out our guide on research paper format for detailed formatting tips.

Research Paper Outline Template

Here's a comprehensive template for research paper outline containing all essential sections:

How to Format Research Paper Outline?

Formatting your research paper is essential to ensure clarity and organization. Here's a guide on how to format your outline in different styles:

Alphanumeric Outline

In an alphanumeric outline, each main point is labeled with a Roman numeral (I, II, III, etc.), followed by a period. 

Sub Points under each main point are labeled with capital letters (A, B, C, etc.), and further subpoints are labeled with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.), and so on.

Full-Sentence Outline

In a full-sentence outline, each point is written as a complete sentence. This format provides a more detailed overview of the paper's content compared to other outline formats.

Decimal Outline

In a decimal format outline, each main point is labeled with a number (1, 2, 3, etc.), followed by a period. 

Sub Points under each main point are labeled with a decimal (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc.), and further subpoints are labeled with additional decimals (1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, etc.).

Each outline format has its advantages and may be preferred based on personal preference or the requirements of a specific assignment or institution. 

Choose the format that best suits your needs and helps you organize your thoughts effectively

Language in Research Paper Outlines

The language used in research paper outlines plays a crucial role in conveying information effectively and organizing ideas coherently. 

Here's a look at how language is utilized in research paper outlines:

• Clarity and Conciseness

Use clear and concise language to articulate the main points and subpoints of your outline. Avoid using overly complex or convoluted language that may confuse readers.

• Consistency

Maintain consistency in language throughout the outline. Use the same terminology and writing style for similar sections and subsections to ensure coherence.

For example , all main headings are formatted in bold, while subheadings are italicized for easy identification."

Research paper outlines typically use formal language appropriate for academic writing. Avoid slang, colloquialisms, and informal language that may detract from the professionalism of the outline.

• Transitions

Use transitional language to indicate the relationships between different sections and subsections of the outline. 

Transitional phrases such as " furthermore ," "in addition," and "however" can help connect ideas smoothly.

For example : "Furthermore, the results section will analyze the data collected from the survey responses."

• Signal Phrases

Signal phrases are used to introduce quotations, paraphrases, or summaries of sources within the outline. Use appropriate signal phrases to attribute information to its source and maintain academic integrity.

For example , "According to Smith (2020), the impact of climate change on biodiversity is a pressing concern."

• Active Voice

Whenever possible, use the active voice in your outline to make your writing more direct and engaging. Active voice sentences typically convey the subject performing the action, which can enhance clarity and readability.

By paying attention to the language used in research paper outlines, you can enhance clarity, coherence, and effectiveness in communicating your ideas to readers.

Research Paper Outline Example

To better understand how to structure a research paper outline, let's take a look at some research paper outline samples:

Research Paper Outline Example PDF

APA Research Paper Outline

College Research Paper Outline

Argumentative Research Paper Outline

AP Research Paper Outline

History Research Paper Outline

MLA Format Research Paper Outline

Scientific Research Paper Outline

If you want to check out more examples, our dedicated blog on research paper examples can help you out! 

To sum up , creating a research paper outline is super important for writing a paper that stands out. 

By following the steps we talked about, you can organize your ideas better and write more smoothly. Remember to be flexible, use clear headings, and review your outline as you go. 

Need help with writing your paper? Consider hiring a reliable paper writing services online that can assist you with crafting top-notch papers tailored to your needs. 

With our professional writers at your service, you can take your academic writing to the next level. 

Ready to ace that paper? Visit SharkPapers.com and just request “ Write my research paper ” today! 

Emily Carter

Academic Writing

With a Master's in English from Stanford, Emily brings precision to research paper editing. Her keen eye for detail and academic expertise have assisted numerous students in achieving top-notch papers.

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Educational resources and simple solutions for your research journey

How to Write a Research Paper Outline (with Examples)

Writing a research paper is an essential part of an academic career. However, the task can be quite challenging especially for early career researchers unfamiliar with the nuances of academic research and writing. Creating an impactful research paper demands meticulous attention to detail, an in depth understanding of the topic and research methodology, and the ability to communicate the findings in an accurate and easy to understand way. This is where a research paper outline becomes useful. Writing a research paper can be made simpler and more efficient with a well-organized plan. A well-structured research paper outline offers the fundamental foundation on which researchers can construct their narratives logically, ensuring that the study report is well-presented and interesting for readers.   

Table of Contents

This article takes a look now at the benefits of having a good research paper outline and also provides guidance on creating one.  

4 steps to create a well-structured research paper outline    

List the key components  .

To begin with, researchers must list down the key components that should be included in the research paper outline . Start with identifying your research question. Organize your key ideas and thoughts so that you are able to clearly convey the various aspects of your research question or thesis statement. Create separate points for the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, significance of your research along with its limitations. These sections will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that all relevant information is included in your research manuscript.  

Structure the outline logically  

As you create your outline, make sure that there is logical flow of ideas and arguments. Think through the sequence in which you will present your topic and ideas. Structure the research paper outline in a way that allows a clear and continuous narrative that is easy to understand. For example, the introduction must be concise and engaging and must clearly introduce the research topic. The main paragraphs must focus on the research problem and arguments with supporting evidence. Experts suggest using headings and sub-heads to help organize ideas and data into sub-groups. The concluding section should have a summary of your study’s main points and key takeaways with recommendations for future research.   

Provide supporting evidence  

It is important to provide adequate supporting evidence and examples that underpin your key idea or argument. This helps to fit your study into the larger context of your subject area. It may be a good idea to collect all your data and relevant sources right from the start. Experts suggest providing at last three supporting evidences for each of your main ideas and including appropriate and accurate citations in the research paper outline .  

Review and edit  

Finally, take time to review the outline and make necessary modifications as you come across new data and information. To do so, you must have sufficient knowledge of the existing and current literature on the topic. Make sure that your ideas are in a logical order, and you have not missed out anything from your research notes.  

3 tips to draft a great research paper outline   

• Be concise and clear: Avoid adding unnecessary details to your research paper outline . Try instead, to focus only on the key ideas, information and supporting evidence for your study. Experts suggest avoiding the use of lengthy sentences and recommend the use of short phrases, sub-heads, and bullet points to outline ideas.  
• Stay consistent with formatting: To ensure consistency in formatting, researchers can choose from different kinds of research paper outline templates. The most commonly used ones are:
• The alpha-numerical template where the points are written as short sentences,   
• The full sentence format where whole sentences are written with specific points   
• The decimal format where the main point is presented as a whole number (1, 2) and sub-points are given as decimal points (1.1, 1.2).   
• Seek feedback from supervisors: Once you have completed the outline, it is a good idea to share it with your supervisors and mentors and seek their insights. Their inputs will help ensure that your research paper outline is on track.   

Research paper outline example

Given below is a research paper outline example that you can use as a starting point.

I. Introduction

• Background and context of the research topic
• Problem statement and research question  
• Significance of the study

II. Literature Review

• Overview of relevant literature  
• Discussion of previous research and findings  
• Identification of gaps and areas for further exploration  

III. Methodology 

• Explanation of the research design  
• Description of data collection methods  
• Discussion of data analysis techniques

IV. Results

• Presentation of research findings  
• Data visualization (tables, graphs, charts, etc.)  
• Explanation of key results

V. Discussion

• Interpretation of the results  
• Comparison with existing literature  
• Addressing limitations and implications of the study

VI. Conclusion

• Summary of the research paper  
• Final remarks and suggestions for future research   

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APA Research Paper Outline: Examples and Template

Table of contents

• 1 Why Is Research Paper Format Necessary?
• 2.1 Purpose of research paper outline
• 2.2 APA outline example
• 3.1 APA paper outline example
• 3.2 Introduction:
• 3.4 Conclusion:
• 4 The Basic APA Outline Format
• 5 APA Style Outline Template Breakdown
• 6.1 APA Research Paper Outline Example
• 6.2 APA Paper Outline Format Example
• 7.1 First Paragraph: Hook and Thesis
• 7.2 Main Body
• 7.3 Conclusion
• 7.4 Decimal APA outline format example
• 7.5 Decimal APA outline format layout
• 8.1 A definite goal
• 8.2 Division
• 8.3 Parallelism
• 8.4 Coordination
• 8.5 Subordination
• 8.6 Avoid Redundancy
• 8.7 Wrap it up in a good way
• 8.8 Conclusion

Formatting your paper in APA can be daunting if this is your first time. The American Psychological Association (APA) offers a guide or rules to follow when conducting projects in the social sciences or writing papers. The standard APA fromat a research paper outline includes a proper layout from the title page to the final reference pages. There are formatting samples to create outlines before writing a paper. Amongst other strategies, creating an outline is the easiest way to APA format outline template.

Why Is Research Paper Format Necessary?

Consistency in the sequence, structure, and format when writing a research paper encourages readers to concentrate on the substance of a paper rather than how it is presented. The requirements for paper format apply to student assignments and papers submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed publication. APA paper outline template style may be used to create a website, conference poster, or PowerPoint presentation . If you plan to use the style for other types of work like a website, conference poster, or even PowerPoint presentation, you must format your work accordingly to adjust to requirements. For example, you may need different line spacing and font sizes. Follow the formatting rules provided by your institution or publication to ensure its formatting standards are followed as closely as possible. However, to logically structure your document, you need a research paper outline in APA format. You may ask: why is it necessary to create an outline for an APA research paper? Crafting a well-organized APA outline is crucial for any research paper. If you’re struggling with this process, consider seeking help from a professional research paper writer , who can guide you through each step.

Concept & Purposes of Research Paper Outline

A path, direction, or action plan! Writing short essays without a layout may seem easy, but not for 10,000 or more words. Yet, confusing a table of contents with an outline is a major issue. The table of contents is an orderly list of all the chapters’ front matter, primary, and back matter. It includes sections and, often, figures in your work, labeled by page number. On the other hand, a research APA-style paper outline is a proper structure to follow.

Purpose of research paper outline

An outline is a formalized essay in which you give your own argument to support your point of view. And when you write your apa outline template, you expand on what you already know about the topic. Academic writing papers examine an area of expertise to get the latest and most accurate information to work on that topic. It serves various purposes, including:

• APA paper outline discusses the study’s core concepts.
• The research paper outlines to define the link between your ideas and the thesis.
• It provides you with manageable portions that you can handle.
• The research paper’s APA outline enables the detection of structural faults or gaps.
• As shown in the example, it must clearly comprehend the subject at hand.

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APA outline example

This research paper outline example will guide you in formatting the layout for a clear direction to work on. It eliminates the inconsistency along with lacking proper substance in the paper.

Understanding the APA Outline Format

It would not be wrong to say there is no standard outline format. The official publishing handbook does not give precise guidelines for preparing an outline. But, it requires certain basic guidelines to follow regarding typeface, font size, structure, margins, etc.

APA paper outline example

Moreover, the final shape of your work relies on your instructor’s specifications and your particular preferences for APA citation format. Though, it would be better to follow some standards for formatting your outline, for instance:

Times New Roman is a widely accessible standard typeface for an APA essay format in 12-point font. However, serif and sans serif fonts like Arial and Georgia are acceptable in font size 11pt.

The text of your paper format should be double-spaced.

The primary headlines use Roman and Arabic numerals to write an outline.

Headings & Subheadings

While writing an APA essay, there are particular standards for utilizing headings in your outline: I – Main headings are numbered by Roman numerals like I, II, III, IV A  – Subheadings are numbered with Capital letters (A, B, C, D) 1  – The APA outline uses Arabic numerals (1-9 type numbers) within those subheadings. a  – Below Arabic number subheadings, lower-case letters are used (a, b, a). [1] – Headings below those subheadings use Arabic numbers enclosed in parenthesis.

APA format offers a standard layout for each paper, such as

• 1-inch margins on the top, bottom, left, and right.
• The page number on the upper right corner.

The structure of writing an outline consists of three major sections:

• Introduction

Introduction:

This section highlights crucial background information.

Explain the primary points that support your ideas.

Conclusion:

• Summarize your key arguments.
• Explain how these concepts support your ultimate stance, as shown in APA outline example below.

An outline in APA has three common formats that vary in the numeric sequence of all. To make it easier for you, we have compiled all three templates. You can format your document using these examples for added coherence and structure.

The Basic APA Outline Format

APA Style Outline Template Breakdown

Numbering the APA style format follows five levels of headings that use different alphabets and numbers. For instance, I – Headings use Roman numerals like I, II, and III. A – CAPITAL ALPHABETS”, such as A, B, C, etc. 1 – Headings and subheadings use Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3). a – If there are further headings (the fourth level), use lower-case alphabets. [1] – Headings below that (the fifth level) use Arabic numerals enclosed in parentheses, such as [1], [2], [3].

Full Sentence Outline Format

As the name specifies, the full-sentence style outline format requires every line to be a proper sentence. Full-sentence APA style outline is best recommended for essays and speeches. It gives your writing process an idea or a logical path to follow.

APA Research Paper Outline Example

If you are looking for how to write a research paper outline APA in Full Sentence Format, here is an example:

Full Sentence APA format heading utilizes Roman numerals I, II, and III. Every heading must be a full sentence. Here is an APA style paper outline template for the full-sentence format that will clear all your confusion on how to write an outline in full-sentence format.

APA Paper Outline Format Example

I. Introduction

III. Conclusion

Decimal Outline Format

The decimal outline format for APA research papers differs from other formats. The decimal APA style is simple and uses paragraphs for structure. It contains three main paragraphs, introduction, main body, and conclusion.

First Paragraph: Hook and Thesis

• The first paragraph is a sentence or two that introduces the central concept of your article.
• Introduce your topic or subject of study where your research is applicable as a context for further research.
• Explain why the mentioned issue is essential or relevant to the audience.
• A thesis statement is a claim that you make throughout your whole essay.
• The topic phrase is the first point in any writing to support a thesis statement.
• Give an explanation or provide evidence to support your point.
• Provide verifiable facts, figures, and/or citations from credible sources in your writing. It helps in the substantiating assertion.
• Include as many supporting statements and related evidence in your decimal outline.

Finally, when you write an outline, provide a concluding remark to support your claims.

Decimal APA outline format example

1.0 The main heading 1.1 Subheading under the main heading 1.2 Second digit is represented by subheadings under the main headings 1.2.1 Further division adds another digit in decimal format 1.2.2 You can number them as per the number of paragraphs or points, or lines An easy way to write in decimal APA outline format is to remember the structure, i.e.; 1.1.1 = Heading.Paragraph.Sentence/point under paragraph.”

Decimal APA outline format layout

1.0 Main heading 1.1 First paragraph for first heading. 1.2 Second paragraph for first heading. 1.2.1 First point or sentence for the second paragraph. 2.0 Second heading 2.1 Second heading, first paragraph. 2.2 Second heading, second paragraph. 2.2.1 Second, heading, second paragraph, first sentence, or point. 3.0 Decimal working 3.1 You must remember that each digit represents a segment. 3.2 It is easier to remember the placement of numbers. 3.2.1 First digit represents the heading 3.2.2 Second digit represents the paragraph under the main heading <3.2.3 The third digit represents any point or sentence under the paragraph.

Tips for Writing an Outline: Organize Your Ideas

You may feel it is easier to write without outlines, but once you start writing, organizing your ideas or thoughts becomes hard. Even if you have some fantastic ideas, producing an engaging story is practically hard. If you are not first creating an outline or conceptual guides while writing a research paper, you may lose track. A well-written outline is essential in completing your paper and maintaining quality. Establishing your point in paper writing is easy if you create an outline first. You can find an APA research paper outline template that best suits your requirement. Moreover, these tips can help you polish your writing. These tips and sample papers can help you write outstanding outlines without making any hassle.

A definite goal

For better expression, make a list of primary objectives on a title page in a single phrase or less. Your goal should be specific and measurable. If it is too broad or imprecise, you will not achieve anything. If you are working on a large paper format that covers a variety of themes or topics, you may have a more general purpose in mind. But, if you plan to write an essay, the aim should be as specific and clear as possible to be effective.

Breaking things up rather than allowing them to become verbose is known as the division rule. Make sure that each subsection in the document corresponds to its parent heading. If it doesn’t compare to the section, removing it or moving it to another location is better.

Parallelism

It is mainly related to the consistency and structure of the document. It keeps your paper’s layout tidy and also ensures relevancy. For instance, if you begin one heading with a verb, make sure all other headings and subheadings also start with a verb.

Coordination

Having headings aligned is critical to creating a well-organized outline. This rule also applies to subheadings, which is a good thing. If one title is less important than another, consider changing your layout by incorporating it into a subsection instead.

Subordination

Subordination deals with maintaining a connection between your paper’s headings and subheadings. It helps in the proper sequencing of headings and subheadings. Headings should be broad at the outset. At the same time, the subheadings become more particular as they go further into the document.

Avoid Redundancy

While writing a paper outline, look through it many times and cross out any items that aren’t necessary or have no significance. While outlining, make sure to be specific and concise. It will prevent you from adding information that does not supporting your final essay. Remove all the extra information and points while c that weighs you down while you write.

Wrap it up in a good way

Creating an outline does not only help in writing a coherent term paper, but it also helps in ending with precise understanding. Be considerate of your audience’s time and effort when you write an outline in APA, and ensure it serves its purpose. If you still have any doubts about formatting your paper outline, you can use this APA-style research paper outline template to write your document. We have provided Outline Format Example for every style.

People find it hard to write an outline in APA, but if you are aware of the requirements and structure, it’s no breeze. Sometimes, your instructor may alter your paper format by introducing or removing existing sections. As a result, if you come across any templates for an outline in APA, pay close attention to them. If you are looking for a quick answer to how to outline an APA paper, here’s a standard logical sequence of typical parts to include when writing an outline in APA:

• Thesis statement
• Techniques employed
• Body of paper
• Conclusions section
• List of references

A well-written outline is an excellent tool for presenting an outstanding paper. Including the key components while writing an outline for a research paper is necessary.

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