start to finish, so that it could be replicated.
▪
Data Security
▪
Debriefing (if applicable)
o Assumptions/Statement of Reflexivity (if appropriate to the research design) • Chapter 3: Results (page length varies, depending on the research design) o Procedures for Data Analysis o Descriptive Statistics for Measures (if appropriate to the research design) o Results o Personal Reflection (if appropriate to the research design) • Chapter 4: Discussion (approximately 10-15 pp.) o Brief Restatement of the Study’s Aims, Research Question(s), and Hypotheses (if appropriate to the research design) o Summary of Main Results o Review of Results in the Context of the Extent Literature o Clinical Implications o Social/Policy Implications o Limitations and Directions for Future Research o Conclusion • References • Appendices (including IRB Approval) Abstract The abstract should concisely state the topic (and often a very basic summary of the research results) so that the reader can determine if the topic is one that they want to devote time to reading closely. This section briefly describes the rationale for the study and the findings but does not state any opinions as authoritative. Introduction & Literature Review After an introduction of the topic, its relevance, and a clear statement of the research question(s), this section critically reviews relevant existing literature, presenting credible research and comments from acknowledged experts and making the gap in the literature the study fills clear. It will also give relevant theoretical/conceptual background for the research methodology, as well as define key terms relevant to the research question. Students often find it helpful to review an outline of this section with their chair before they begin writing it to ensure the review of the literature is at once focused and comprehensive and presented in a logical sequence. Another resource is Research in Color. A hands-on roadmap to literature reviews in the social sciences by NLU librarian, Frances Brady (2025). It is a free, open access digital resource designed to help students organize their literature reviews. It can be accessed here: LibreCommons | Research in Color: A hands-on roadmap to literature reviews in the social sciences. Readers should ultimately be clear how the topic fits within overall knowledge in the field. The logical continuity between the study and previous work should be clear. Students should go into more detail about research their project will be in immediate dialogue with and less for studies that provide context. The review of the literature should be an even-handed critique, presenting the literature (and gaps therein) in a way that any reader would agree was fair and credible given the information provided. Every significant item should be cited so that the reader can check it if necessary. Students should not be offering their own beliefs or commentary at this point. Proper citations should be used throughout the document, but this is particularly salient in the literature review.
Powered by FlippingBook