Research Paper Formatting Checklist
Cross check your research paper against this list prior to submitting your paper to the Graduate School for approval.
Pagination
an Arabic number (1, 2, 3, etc.) is assigned to each page
The title page is #1; the page number is visible
All pages are counted, listed, and total number is listed in the appropriate place on the abstract page
No title information (aka running head) is included next to the page number
Title, Submission Information
No spelling errors
Grammar is correct



Pay special attention to possessives (“student’s” versus “students’”)
Double check for confusing/misused words (“affect” versus “effect”)
Verify homophones are correctly used (“their”, “they’re” and “there”)
Abstract Page
No spelling errors
Grammar is correct
 Pay special attention to possessives (“student’s” versus “students’”)
 Double check for confusing/misused words (“affect” versus “effect”)
 Verify homophones are correctly used (“their”, “they’re” and “there”)
200-300 words in length
Table of Contents
Table of Contents is centered on the page and formatted in bold
No entry for Acknowledgements or Table of Contents
Entries included for List of Tables and/or Figures if applicable. If fewer than 3 Tables and/or Figures
appear in the paper, incorporate the Table #, Title and Page# directly into the Table of Contents;
ordered by page number.
Each Appendix has a title (e.g. “Appendix A: How I Survived Graduate School”)
Citations (in-text)
APA format
All in-text citations are listed in the References section
Tables and Figures
List(s) of Tables and/or Figures are used only when the paper contains 3 or more Tables/Figures
List(s) of Tables and/or Figures appear on separate pages
Format of listing tables(or figures) is as follows: Table/Figure #: Title of table/figure . . . . .pg#
Body of the Work
No spelling errors
Grammar is correct


Pay special attention to possessives (“student’s” versus “students’”)
Double check for confusing/misused words (“affect” versus “effect”)
Verify homophones are correctly used (“their”, “they’re” and “there”)

“Introduction” should not be a sub-heading
Appendices
Appendices are titled and paginated
Reference List
All references listed in alphabetical order from A to Z, with a Hanging indent format
Insert one space after each period that separates each part of the reference
Use italics according to APA
All web pages should appear in black type- not blue (i.e. remove all hyperlinks in text)
Include digital object identifies (DOI) for reference citations from on0line databases. If no DOI
exists, find the journal homepage and provide that URL )See: APA manual p. 198-199)
1
Author:
Title:
Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial
Identification and Classification of Dragonflies: A Sixth-Grade
Environmental Education Curriculum Model
The accompanying research report is submitted to the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Graduate School in partial
completion of the requirements for the
Graduate Degree/ Major:
Research Adviser:
Julia Skimmer, Ph.D.
Submission Term/Year:
Number of Pages:
MS Environmental Education
Spring, 2011
54
Style Manual Used: American Psychological Association, 6th edition
I understand that this research report must be officially approved by the Graduate School and
that an electronic copy of the approved version will be made available through the University
Library website
I attest that the research report is my original work (that any copyrightable materials have been
used with the permission of the original authors), and as such, it is automatically protected by the
laws, rules, and regulations of the U.S. Copyright Office.
STUDENT’S NAME:
STUDENT’S SIGNATURE:
________________________________________________ DATE:
ADVISER’S NAME (Committee Chair if MS Plan A or EdS Thesis or Field Project/Problem):
ADVISER’S SIGNATURE:
__________________________________________________DATE:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This section for MS Plan A Thesis or EdS Thesis/Field Project papers only
Committee members (other than your adviser who is listed in the section above)
1. CMTE MEMBER’S NAME:
SIGNATURE:
____________________________________________
DATE:
2. CMTE MEMBER’S NAME:
SIGNATURE:
____________________________________________
DATE:
3. CMTE MEMBER’S NAME:
SIGNATURE:
____________________________________________
DATE:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---This section to be completed by the Graduate School
This final research report has been approved by the Graduate School.
___________________________________________________
(Director, Office of Graduate Studies)
___________________________
(Date)
2
LastName, FirstName MiddleInitial. Identification and Classification of Dragonflies: A
Sixth-Grade Environmental Education Curriculum Model
Abstract
A completed abstract page includes preliminary information formatted as above, as well as a
concise summary of the paper. The abstract page is part of the research report (i.e. paper). All
pages are numbered using Arabic numerals (1, 2, etc.) The text is double spaced; margins are 1
inch as in the balance of the paper.
Abstracts should be no longer than 200 words in length. Page 25-27 in the APA
manual can be consulted for tips regarding the qualities of a good abstract. Close
attention should be paid to grammar and spelling; papers with misspellings and
typographical errors will be returned as will abstracts that do not follow formatting as
illustrated in this document.
3
Acknowledgments
Many students like to acknowledge people who have significantly contributed to their
graduate education on this page and are welcome to do so. Remember, however, that
Acknowledgments are not part of the scholarly work; Acknowledgments and its page number are
not listed in the Table of Contents.
4
Table of Contents
.................................................................................................................................................... Page
Abstract ............................................................................................................................................2
List of Tables ...................................................................................................................................6
List of Figures ..................................................................................................................................9
Chapter I: Introduction ..................................................................................................................10
Statement of the Problem ...................................................................................................10
Purpose of the Study ..........................................................................................................10
Assumptions of the Study ..................................................................................................10
Definition of Terms............................................................................................................10
Methodology ......................................................................................................................10
Chapter II: Literature Review ........................................................................................................11
Chapter III: Methodology ..............................................................................................................12
Subject Selection and Description .....................................................................................12
Instrumentation ..................................................................................................................12
Data Collection Procedures................................................................................................12
Data Analysis .....................................................................................................................12
Limitations .........................................................................................................................12
Summary ............................................................................................................................12
Chapter IV: Results ........................................................................................................................13
Item Analysis ....................................................................................................................13
Chapter V: Discussion ...................................................................................................................14
Limitations ........................................................................................................................14
5
Conclusions ........................................................................................................................14
Recommendations ..............................................................................................................14
References ......................................................................................................................................15
Appendix A: An Introduction to APA Style. Research Paper FAQS; Provided here
for your reference only; don’t include in your paper ......................................................17
Appendix B: How to Complete a Research Project .......................................................................18
Appendix C: Crediting Sources – Quoting, Paraphrasing and Plagiarism ....................................20
NOTE: This thesis template is a meant to guide you in formatting your paper
according to APA (6th ed.). The number of chapters as well as the chapter
headings and sub-headings contained in a research paper will vary depending on
the type of research project. Plan B projects, in particular, vary by discipline and,
depending on the topic and the kind of research project, will use a variety of
appropriate headings and sub-headings; students should work closely with their
adviser when creating the research paper structure for their project.
6
List of Tables
Table 1: Stats, Stats and More Stats…………..…………………………………………10
Table 2: Stats, Stats and More Stats. The title of this table is more than a single
line; indent the second line just like this…………..……………………………13
If you’ve constructed more than a couple of tables and plan to place them in the body of your
paper, include a list of them in a List of Tables. List the table number, name and page on which
the table can be found (example above). If you only have a couple of tables, do not construct a
List of Tables, simply include the title of the table and its page number in the Table of Contents
in the appropriate place in the pagination order.
Note 1: Not all papers will have a List of Tables (see above).
Note 2: Pay close attention to the purpose and format of your tables and figures. Tables and
figures are meant to provide a quick graphical reference to the textual discussion within your
paper; as such, they should be concise. For a quick visual reference for formatting a variety of
tables consult the APA manual. Below is information about producing tables as well as an
example of APA table format.
IMPORTANT: Previously published tables are copyright protected and cannot be used without
permission of the copyright holder. Do not include them in your paper, even if adapted, without
permission.
How to Make a Table in APA Style Using Word XP
 Click on Table, then go to Insert and follow it right to Table.
 Figure out how many rows and columns you need. If you aren’t right the first time, you
can add or delete them later by going to Insert and Delete under Table.
 Click on Auto Format in the lower right side of the pop-up.
 Find Simple 1 (which is green and toward the end of the options) and click on it.
 Where it says “Apply special formats to” toward the bottom of the screen unclick (i.e.,
get rid of the check mark in the box) all but “heading rows.”
 Hit okay.
On the next page you’ll find an example of a properly constructed table. Some of the lines may
appear in green; if you print using grayscale (file, print, properties, color, check grayscale, ok)
the green will not appear. Also, the light gray lines will not print out; they are there for your
reference.
7
Table 4
I Am Equipped with the Computer Technology I Need To Work Efficiently in My Classroom
Response
Frequency (N=143)
Percentage
Disagree
27
18.9%
Neutral
26
18.2%
Agree
89
62.3%
How to Make a Table in APA Style Using Excel 2007
 Insert your information into the cells in the way you would want it to appear in the table.
 Click on Home, then go to Format as Table.
 Click on New Table Style… at the bottom .
 A window will pop up. Under the Table Elements click Whole Table, then click Format.
 A second window will pop up. You can control the font on the Excel sheet, so click on
the table labeled Border.
 For the Line Style choose the single thin line on the bottom left. For the Border click the
top horizontal line, the mid horizontal line, and the bottom horizontal line. Then choose
the color green from the drop down box under the label Color.
 Click OK.
 Clicking ok will close the second window and take you back to the first. Click OK on
this window.
 You have just created a custom table style. Now highlight the cells that contain your
table data and click the Format as Table button again. This time select your custom style
at the top.
 Save.
 Copy and paste into your Word document.
Response
Frequency (N=143)
Percentage
Disagree
27
18.90%
Neutral
26
18.20%
Agree
89
62.30%
8
If you have fairly simplistic information and do not want to go through the trouble of using an
actual table, you can use the border and underline functions to make it since only horizontal lines
are allowed.
UW-Stout Graduate School formatting standard indicates that tables are to be double-spaced.
However, if the table is longer than one page double-spaced, use 1.5 or single spacing. If your
material is lengthy, consider including it in an appendix rather than in the body of the paper.
9
List of Figures
Figures are graphical representations used to provide a rich visual representation of information.
A figure can be a photograph, bar chart, pie chart, flow chart, line drawing, etc. A properly
constructed figure should stand on its own in terms of its ability to convey a salient point to the
reader. A properly formatted figure includes a figure number and a “caption” which also serves
as a title of sorts that explains the figure. The caption/title is brief, but gives the reader enough
information to completely understand the figure. A “legend” that explains symbols,
abbreviations and terms used in the figure may also be included. A figure number, caption/title,
and legend are formatted to appear below the figure. A title should not appear within the figure
itself. Not all papers will have figures; consult the APA manual for more information regarding
this. IMPORTANT NOTE: Previously published figures are copyright protected and cannot be
used without permission of the copyright holder. Do not include them in your paper, even if
adapted, without permission.
If you have 1 or 2 figures, include them in the Table of Contents by page number. If you include
more than 2 figures in your paper, create a List of Figures. List the number, title and page (same
format as for Tables; see example below).
Figure 1: Surviving bacterial count (CFU/g) in ice cream with varying levels of inulin during 28
days storage period..……………………………………………….…………………….40
Figure 12. Surviving bacterial count (CFU/g) in ice cream with varying levels of inulin (0%
control, 1.5% and 3.0% w/w) during 28-day storage period with repeated thaw-freze cycles
(-20C/-5C . From Boughida, N. (2011). Effect of Inulin on the Survival of Lactic Acid and
Probiotic Bacteria in Ice Cream. Retrieved from
http://www2.uwstout.edu/content/lib/thesis/2011/2011boughidan.pdf Reprinted with permission.
10
Chapter I: Introduction
Introductory information here.
Statement of the Problem
Statement of the problem should include the basic difficulty, area of concern, and/or
perceived need for the study.
Purpose of the Study
Discuss the goal - emphasize practical outcomes or products.
Assumptions of the Study
Discuss any assumptions here.
Definition of Terms
Term and its definition here. Only include terms that may not be well understood by a
layperson outside of your field. Information in this section is formatted in paragraphs just like
information in any other sub-heading. Bold all terms, but not their definitions. The use of bold
for each term is for emphasis, not to indicate the beginning of a new subheading. Treat each
definition as if you were quoting from a dictionary. For example, indicate that it is quoted
material by adding the page number and putting it into quotation marks if less than 40 words.
Term here. Type its definition, here. Format each new term just as you would any new
paragraph.
Next term. Definition ……..
Limitations of the Study
Discuss the study’s limitations here.
Methodology
Briefly outline the remainder of the paper.
11
Chapter II: Literature Review
No sub-headings are indicated for this chapter because they will vary considerably from
research paper to research paper. The format of headings and sub-headings depends upon the
way you have organized your thoughts via the use of heading levels in your paper. Place
headings in their appropriate spot on the page and use boldface formatting as indicated. For
more information about headings, see the APA manual beginning on page 62. See Appendix B
for information about writing an effective literature review.
12
Chapter III: Methodology
Begin with an introduction. Some suggestions include reiterating the statement of the
problem and briefly discussing what this chapter will include. Sections to be addressed might
include subject selection and description, instrumentation, data collection procedures, data
analysis, and limitations.
Subject Selection and Description
Discuss the sample and population.
Instrumentation
Talk about the survey used, if applicable. Was it created for this purpose or did you find
it somewhere?
Data Collection Procedures
A 57 question survey was administered….
Data analysis. How was the data analyzed? Example: A number of statistical analyses
were used in this study. The Statistical Program for Social Sciences version 10.0 (SPSS, 2002)
was used to analyze the data. Independent T-Test analyses were conducted...
Limitations
Discuss methodological limitations or procedural weaknesses.
Summary
This is optional, but make sure it is in the table of contents if you use it.
13
Chapter IV: Results
Start with another introduction, you might briefly reiterate the purpose of the study and
how it was conducted, e.g. a survey was given…. Your sub-headings for this chapter also will
vary considerably: some people use each question as a sub-heading and some don’t. If you do
use each question as a sub-heading, write out the question rather than just “Question 1.” The
purpose is to provide the reader with at- a-glance information about the nature and scope of your
paper.
Item Analysis
Use tables when appropriate, but don’t overuse them or discuss the whole table in text.
Discuss the high points in text, providing the table for further details. All tables should conform
to the APA style manual (see pages 125-150). See pages 6 and 7 of this document for more
information about tables as well as an example. Tables are different than figures, name and refer
to them appropriately. Information about figures can be found beginning on page 150 of the APA
manual.
There is no hard rule as to whether a summary at the end of this chapter should be
provided since chapter 5 is often a summary. Discuss this with your advisor.
14
Chapter V: Discussion
Again, start with an introduction. Summarize what has happened in your paper so far.
This chapter will also vary considerably in headings and organization; what follows is a
suggestion or possibility.
Limitations
State them again.
Conclusions
Hit the high points of your findings. There should be a relationship to the literature
review: did your study correlate with previous research or did you find something different?
Recommendations
Recommend some further research or a change in practices.
15
References
Make sure that everything you cite in text is also in the reference list and vice versa. The
APA Manual describes the correct format for each type of reference. Be especially careful
about how you reference and format on-line sources. Each entry should be in a hanging
indent format. This paragraph is typed using hanging indent format. See examples of
types of references below:
American Psychological Association. (Producer). (2000). Responding therapeutically to patient
expressions of sexual attraction [DVD]. Available from http://www.apa.org/videos/
Bormann, C. A., & Stone, M. H. (2001). The effects of eliminating alcohol in a college stadium:
The Folsom Field beer ban [Electronic version]. Journal of American College Health,
50(2), 81-88.
Crowl, T. K. (1993). Qualitative research methods. In P. Geller & S. Schmidt (Eds.).
Fundamentals of educational research (pp. 432-456). Dubuque, IA: Brown and
Benchmark.
Federal Initiative Supporting School-to-Work Transition. (2000). Retrieved October 5, 2002,
from http://www.transitioninschools.org
Herbst-Damm, K.L., & Kulik, J.A. (2005). Volunteer support, marital status, and the survival
times of terminally ill patients. Health Psychology, 24, 225-229. doi: 10.1037/02786133.24.2.225
Liswood, L. A. (1999, March 31). Gender politics and the oval office: Why don't women run for
president? [Electronic version]. Baltimore Sun, A23
16
MiddleKid. (2007, January 22). Re: The unfortunate prerequisites and consequences of
partitioning your mind [Web log message]. Retrieved from
http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2007/01/the_unfortunate_prerequisites.php
Pierson, A. (2000). Perceptions of high school faculty of the educational programs held at
libraries. (ERIC Document Reproduction No. ED ### ###)
Rusch, F., Conley, R., & McCaughrin, W. (1993). Benefit-cost analysis of supported
employment in Illinois. Journal of Rehabilitation, 59(2), 31-36.
Silick, T.J., & Schutte, N. S. (2006). Emotional intelligence and self-esteem mediate between
perceived early parental love and adult happiness. E-Journal of Applied Psychology, 2(2),
38-48. Retrieved from http://ojs.lib.swin.edu.au/index.php/ejap
Skrtic, T. M. (1996). Research methods. Menomonie, WI: Plenum Press.
Van Nuys, D. (Producer). (2007, December 19). Shrink rap radio [Audio podcast]. Retrieved
from http://www.shrinkrapradio.com/
17
Appendix A: An Introduction to APA Style and Research Paper FAQs.
You’ll find helpful resources for producing your paper at the URLs below
APA Style for UW-Stout Master’s Theses
http://libguides.uwstout.edu/apa_thesis
Research Paper Formatting Essentials
A checklist for use when writing a Master’s or EdS research paper for submission to the
Graduate School. http://www.uwstout.edu/grad/upload/CHECKLIST-5-2010-2.pdf
Research Paper Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.uwstout.edu/grad/faq_paper.html
18
Appendix B: How to Complete a Research Project
Complete a Research Project? Yes; you can do it!
So now you’re in graduate school and expected to engage in a culminating research project and
write a paper; you’re beginning to panic. We all know that stepping out of our comfort zone
initiates a growth process and also increases our stress level. So how do you mitigate the amount
of stress associated with the research project process? Here are some tips:
 Find comfort in knowing you’re not alone and that scores of people just like you have
successfully completed a research project/paper.
 Surround yourself with supportive colleagues – classmates, faculty members, an adviser
with whom you connect. You need a cadre of people to act as sounding boards, editors,
word processing & statistical consultants, etc.
 If you’re uncomfortable asking questions, conquer your fear; people become
knowledgeable by asking questions – it’s what a graduate student is supposed to do. After
all, if you knew all the answers you wouldn’t be in school!
Enough of the “warm, fuzzy” stuff; it’s time to get busy on that project!
______________________________________________________________
Where do you start? First of all, understand WHY you’re writing this paper
.
Why Complete a Research Project and Write A Research Paper?
The point of this piece of formalized instruction is to help you to understand how:
 knowledge is created
 to find sources of “scholarly” information
o (Contrary to popular opinion, it’s not all free and available “on the web.” In
fact, access to many of the most reliable sources of information are available
only in electronic databases purchased – for large sums of money - by
libraries for the use of faculty, students & staff at that institution)
 to evaluate the reliability of information, i.e., whether items reported as facts have
actually been proven to be true
 to analyze and interpret literature
 to effectively express important ideas utilizing your insight and ability to analyze
 to contribute to a body of knowledge through research and presentation
How to Begin the Project? Read, Question, Take Notes and Record Citations
1. As you progress through your coursework reading assignments including those in your
textbook, start paying attention to the topics that pique your interest.
2. Begin to identify principal authors and reference works about that topic either by
checking out the in-text citations, the references/bibliography section of the text you’re
reading or by using library tools to identify relevant materials. Make friends with a
Reference Librarian! S/he can be helpful in directing you to relevant materials.
19
How to Begin the Project? Read, Question, Take Notes and Record Citations (cont’d)
3. As you begin retrieving documents; read the abstracts, they will help you weed out the
articles that are only peripherally related to your interest area.
4. Record the questions that come to you while reading. Read with a critical eye – don’t be
afraid to question the points the researcher is making, the methodology, etc.
5. Notice how the paper is written. If you find a particularly good article in terms of style
and structure, use it as a model for your own paper
6. After you’ve finished reading the article, make summary notes (in your own words
including agreements/disagreements you might have with the author) and record
citations!
7. Narrow your focus down to one question. A typical research project answers one very
narrowly focused question
How to Begin the Paper
1. Create an outline
2. Utilize writing guides to help focus your writing and develop your ability to produce an
effective paper
Numerous research paper writing guides are available. A helpful and practical guide that
includes writing tips for all sections of the research paper, including tips for writing a
quality literature review see:
Brightwell, G. (1998). Writing up Research: The Guidebook. Retrieved
July 1, 20011 from Asian Institute of Technology, Language Center:
http://www.ait.ac.th/education/LanguageCenter/ait-writing-services/guidebook/index.htm
NOTES:
1. The guide referenced above should be used to assist you in writing your paper. As it
does not use APA formatting style for references, it should not be used in lieu of the
UW-Stout Thesis template for formatting your research paper.
2. For instruction in formatting your paper according to UW-Stout guidelines see the
research paper template at : www.uwstout.edu/grad/research.html
20
Appendix C: Crediting Sources - Quoting, Paraphrasing and Plagiarism
Building an accurate knowledge base is a labor-intensive, relatively slow process
that relies on the ethics of each researcher involved. In this electronic era it is easy,
accidently or purposefully, to cut and paste from the work of others and attribute those
ideas to one’s self.
In order to avoid that, every researcher needs to be confident in the methods used
to cite resources, i.e., giving credit to those who helped formulate the ideas outlined in a
paper. Following are excerpts from the American Psychological Association (APA)
Publication Manual (6th ed.) regarding the use of references.
Direct Quotations
Credit direct quotations of online material by providing the author, year, and page
number information in parentheses. Many electronic sources do not provide page
numbers. If paragraph numbers are visible, use them in place of page numbers. Use the
abbreviation para (p.171).
If headings are included in the paper, and neither paragraph nor page numbers are
visible, cite the heading and the number of the paragraph following it to direct the reader
to the location of the quoted material (p.172).
In some cases in which no page or paragraph numbers are visible, headings may
be too unwieldy to cite in full. Instead, use a short title enclosed in quotation marks for
the parenthetical citation (p. 172).
Paraphrasing
21
When paraphrasing or referring to an idea contained in another work, you are
encouraged to provide a page or paragraph number, especially when it would help an
interested reader locate the relevant passage in a long of complex text (p. 171).
Plagiarism
Authors do not present the work of another as if it were their own work. Whether
paraphrasing, quoting an author directly, or describing an idea that influenced your work,
you must credit the source. To avoid charges of plagiarism, take careful notes as you
research to keep track of your sources and cite those sources…(p. 170) .
22
cjGS7.5.2011