As you begin to write your paper you may find it helpful to check the peer review form to be aware of some of the criteria we will be using to judge your paper. Be sure to submit two copies of this in times new roman 12 point font. The final research paper must contain the following sections:
Title Page
Include the name of project, your name, the teacher's name, and the
date.
Table of Contents
Include in this listing all major sections of your paper and possibly
a list of figures if appropriate to your project.
Abstract
Write a concise summary of your project that includes the problem,
hypothesis, procedures, principal results and conclusions. Do not
exceed 250 words.
Introduction (Review of the Literature)
From your review of the literature, summarize information essential
for understanding the research project. Include only critical
background information on the independent and dependent variables and
research studies that directly relate to the research problem.
Establish a strong rationale for the study by emphasizing unresolved
issues or questions. Conclude by stating the purpose of the study and
the research hypothesis.
Methods and Materials
In paragraph form, describe the materials and the procedures used to
conduct the study. Step listings are not acceptable in the paper.
Provide sufficient detail to allow a reader to repeat the study.
Include precise descriptions of the sample, any apparatus that was
constructed or modified for the study, and methods of data collection.
Results
Present the data collected in the experiment in tables and graphs;
summarize the data in narrative form. Include statistical analysis of
the data. Do not include raw data; if necessary, the raw data can be
placed in an appendix and of course is in your indexed log book.
Include only information collected for the study.
Discussion / Conclusions
Restate the purpose of the study, the major findings, and support of
the hypothesis by the data. Focus on the analysis and interpretation
of the results. Compare findings with other research; propose
explanations for discrepancies. Be sure to provide appropriate
literature citations. In addition, make suggestions for procedural
improvements and recommendations for further study.
Works Cited
This section of your paper should include only the works cited in the
text.. A complete bibliography of all works used in your project will
appear in your log book
Acknowledgements
Credit assistance received from any mentors. The person you
interviewed should be acknowledged here as well as any company or lab
that assisted you in any way.
Glossary
This is a listing and definition of terms which may be necessary for
the reader to understand your paper. Not all students will have this
section.
Appendix
Include critical information that is too lengthy for the main section
of the paper, such as raw data, additional tables and graphs, copies
of surveys or patents and diagrams of specialized equipment or
designs.
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