sample outline research paper apa style

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APA Sample Paper

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Note:  This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style  can be found here .

Media Files: APA Sample Student Paper  ,  APA Sample Professional Paper

This resource is enhanced by Acrobat PDF files. Download the free Acrobat Reader

Note: The APA Publication Manual, 7 th Edition specifies different formatting conventions for student  and  professional  papers (i.e., papers written for credit in a course and papers intended for scholarly publication). These differences mostly extend to the title page and running head. Crucially, citation practices do not differ between the two styles of paper.

However, for your convenience, we have provided two versions of our APA 7 sample paper below: one in  student style and one in  professional  style.

Note: For accessibility purposes, we have used "Track Changes" to make comments along the margins of these samples. Those authored by [AF] denote explanations of formatting and [AWC] denote directions for writing and citing in APA 7. 

APA 7 Student Paper:

Apa 7 professional paper:.

APA Outline

Ai generator.

If you’re a beginner in writing a research paper  or an essay and your instructor asked you to use the APA format, you may not have the faintest idea what APA means, let alone use the format. If your instructor gives you the APA guidelines then good for you. If they haven’t, don’t panic. You’re going through the perfect article that will help you get acquainted and familiarize the APA format outline. You may also see essay outline .

Most college students or teachers who are majoring in social sciences, such as Psychology, Sociology, History, Linguistics, use the American Psychological Association or APA guidelines for writing research papers and assignments in this field of study. Other fields of study also use the APA format but not limited to Business, Economics, Nursing, and Criminology. The APA covers the initial title page to bibliography citation page. APA basically provides the basic layout style and outline to correctly write your paper in the APA format. Of course, other formats are also used by researchers, students, and teachers such as MLA, Harvard, etc. You may also see free outline .

What is an APA Outline?

Download APA Outline Examples Bundle

Apa Outline Format

An APA outline format is a structured way to organize ideas and main points in a research paper according to the American Psychological Association (APA) style. This format helps writers create a clear hierarchy, making it easier to present ideas logically. Here’s how to structure an APA outline:

General Structure

Each level is indented to indicate its place in the hierarchy.

Example of an APA Outline

Here is a sample structure: I. Introduction A. Background information B. Purpose of the paper C. Thesis statement II. Literature Review A. Previous research on the topic B. Gaps in the current research C. Theoretical framework III. Methodology A. Research design B. Data collection methods C. Analysis approach IV. Results A. Key findings B. Data presentation C. Summary of results V. Discussion A. Interpretation of findings B. Implications for future research C. Limitations of the study VI. Conclusion A. Recap of major points B. Final thoughts C. Recommendations

Additional Formatting Tips

Double-space the outline, following APA guidelines. Align text consistently , with each level indented further than the one above. Use parallel structure by keeping similar headings grammatically consistent (e.g., all verb phrases or all noun phrases). The APA outline format is an effective way to organize and structure ideas, ensuring a logical flow that supports the development of a well-organized paper.

The APA outline format typically uses the following order for headings: Roman numerals (I, II, III) for main topics Capital letters (A, B, C) for primary subtopics Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) for secondary subtopics Lowercase letters (a, b, c) for supporting details

APA Outline Style

The APA outline style is used to organize and structure the content of a research paper according to the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines. This style ensures clarity, coherence, and a logical flow of information. Here’s a guide to using APA outline style effectively:

Structure of an APA Outline

The outline format uses a specific hierarchical system with the following order:

• Roman Numerals (I, II, III) : Main headings or major sections of the paper.
• Capital Letters (A, B, C) : First-level subheadings under each main heading.
• Arabic Numerals (1, 2, 3) : Second-level subheadings that further break down the information.
• Lowercase Letters (a, b, c) : Third-level subheadings or supporting details.

Each level should be indented to show the hierarchy and relation between topics and subtopics.

Apa outline Sample

Apa Outline Example

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Full-Sentence Outlines

Basic full-sentence outline.

Though there are only a few differences between an alphanumeric outline and a full-sentence outline, you might still need a sample to illustrate these variations. See this simple full-sentence outline sample to learn more.

Full-Sentence Outline Example

What is an APA Outline Format?

APA stands for American Psychological Association, and an APA outline format is a standardized format for outlining papers and other documents. An APA outline format is typically used for research papers, dissertations, and theses. It is a way to organize your ideas and thoughts in a clear and concise manner before writing your paper.

How to write an APA Outline Format

Using an APA format as your outline might be confusing at first but once you have familiarize yourself with the format, then it is easier for you to organize your topics and sub-topics you want to discuss in your essay or research paper. You may also see  book outline .

Having a good outline has more chances of you presenting a well-written research paper or essay. Making an APA outline is the first thing to do in creating a structure on what will be written in the paper and how it is written. There is a grammatical format that you have to follow while writing your paper to make it sound credible. Having a sloppy grammar makes your paper less impressive. Here are some tips:

1. Observe the use of parallelism.

Parallelism means the use of consecutive verbal constructions in a sentence that corresponds to the grammatical structure. In this format, this refers to the structure between the headings and sub-headings. Once you’ve established your structure, it must be consistent with all your headings and subheadings. If you start your headings with a verb, then your subheadings should start with a verb. If you use a noun, then all your headings and sub-headings must use nouns. You may also see  write a speech outline .

2. The use of coordination is vital between your headings.

All your headings must be equal in significance or importance of each other. The rule applies to sub-headings as well, but their information may be less significant than the headings. You may also see a  speech outline .

3. Make use of subordination.

Subordination is the relationship between the headings and the sub-headings. The headings usually have general information while the information contained in the sub-headings are more specific, and so on to more sub-headings. The subordination is created using Arabic numerals. You may also see the  program outline .

4. To organize your outline you should use division.

Each heading must have at least two or three divisions. However, if you have too many divisions, you need to use another heading or sub-heading. You may also see a  biography outline .

5. Your headings should always use Roman Numerals (I, II, III, etc.) when you list them.

For example, if you are writing research for The Foundation of Mugs, your heading must look like this:

I. The Foundation of Mugs

Don’t forget to always use Roman Numerals while writing your main headings. Your heading is the first and basic step in formatting your APA outline. You may also see the  chapter outline .

6. Next is the subheading.

The subheading follows the main heading. When listing them use a capital letter of the English alphabet. In the example above, your heading was “The Foundation of Mugs”. Suppose your subheading is “History of Mugs” then it should be listed using the English alphabet. Start with the capital letter A. You may also see the  presentation outline .

7. Add more than one subheading to your main heading

If you like to add more than one subheading to your main heading, just by adding the next English alphabet in capital letters in the next subheading. Example: If you like to add a second subheading to your main heading, “Foundation of Mugs”, you may write this:

B. Designs and Functions of Mugs to the Society

Your heading and subheading will look like this:

I. Foundation of Mugs A. History of Mugs B. Designs and Functions of Mugs to the Society

Use Arab numerals (1,2,3 and so on). If you want to add another subheading “Decoration” under heading B, you may write it like this:

1.  Decoration

Your outline would now look something like this:

I. Foundation of Mugs A.History of Mugs B. Designs and Functions of Mugs to the Society 1. Decoration

Finally, if there are still more subheadings you want to add under your last subheadings, use lowercase letters. If there are still subheadings you want to add under the last subheading, use Arab numerals in parenthesis. You may also see the  course outline .

How do I create an APA outline format?

To create an APA outline format, start by identifying the main points you want to make in your paper. Then, organize those points into sections and subsections using headings and subheadings. Finally, add supporting details and evidence to each section to create a complete and well-organized outline.

In conclusion, an APA outline format is a helpful tool for organizing your ideas and thoughts before you start writing your paper. Whether you are working on a thesis outline, script outline, research paper outline, or book outline, using an APA outline format can help you to create a clear and organized document that is easy to read and follow. By following the guidelines and structure provided by APA outline format, you can ensure that your paper is well-organized, logical, and easy to understand.

FAQ’s

How do i format an apa outline.

An APA outline uses a specific order for headings: Roman numerals (I, II, III) for main topics, capital letters (A, B, C) for primary subtopics, Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) for secondary subtopics, and lowercase letters (a, b, c) for further details. Each level should be indented to show the structure clearly.

Is an APA outline required for all APA-style papers?

No, an APA outline is not required for all APA-style papers. However, many instructors or institutions may recommend or require an outline to help organize ideas. Outlines are especially useful for lengthy or complex papers, as they help ensure a logical flow of information.

Should I use full sentences or bullet points in an APA outline?

APA does not specify whether to use full sentences or bullet points in outlines. You can use either, depending on your preference or instructor’s guidelines. Full sentences provide more detail, while bullet points can make the outline concise and easy to read.

Do I need to include the outline in the final version of my APA paper?

Generally, the outline is not included in the final version of an APA paper unless explicitly required by an instructor. It serves as a planning tool to organize your content and ensure that all relevant points are covered systematically before you start writing the full paper.

Can I modify the structure of an APA outline to suit my paper’s needs?

Yes, you can modify the structure of an APA outline to fit the specific needs of your paper. While the basic hierarchy (Roman numerals, capital letters, Arabic numerals, lowercase letters) should be maintained, you can add or remove levels, as needed. Adjust the outline to ensure it effectively organizes your content and reflects the flow of your paper.

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Writing Center Outlines: Outlines

In this section, you'll find resources on creating Outlines. Because outlines are not published works, they do not ordinarily require APA formatting. However, assignment instructions can include APA as a grading criteria for your work, and in those instances, you should use APA standards for formatting (Title page) and use of sources (References). 

Creating an Outline

An outline is a drafting tool to help you plan your paper. An outline provides structure for the sections and/or paragraphs of your paper, depending on the scope of your project. Please note that APA style does not require any specific formatting for outlines because APA style is intended for published texts and academic essays.

An outline should illustrate the progression of your thesis statement. Since each paragraph should have a main idea supported by evidence, you can use support from your research to outline your paper, paragraph by paragraph

• A thesis statement is a short statement that introduces the argument of your paper as a whole.
• Every paragraph in your paper should begin with a claim/main idea , which will be a debatable assertion or position that requires support. Claims build off one another in order to develop an argument over the course of an essay.
• Every claim should be supported by evidence or support , the proof that validates your claim. Evidence and support usually come from other sources, like peer-reviewed journal articles. This can include facts, data, statistics, anecdotes, and more.

Keep the following tips in mind when creating an outline:

• Remember, outlines should be helpful for you when writing your paper. You should be able to look at your outline and write major sections or paragraphs using the information and ideas in your outline.
• Level 1 bullet points should outline the major topics and ideas of your paper.
• Level 2 bullet points should plan out sub-topics, supporting ideas, and organizational aspects of your essay.
• Level 3 bullet points illustrate an extra level of thought and detail in your outline that you might not need. However, if you have done a lot of research on your topic already, you can use Level 3 bullet points to plan out your analysis for each piece of evidence or where to address specific counterarguments.
• It is not always required, but it can be a good idea to include a references page after your outline. This way, your sources are already organized when you begin drafting your essay.

Full sentence outlines are often accompanied with an APA reference list on a separate page. Quotes within the outline must also utilize APA in-text citations. 

Sample Alphanumeric Outline

This downloadable sample alphanumeric outline will help you understand what a completed outline could look like.

Alphanumeric Outline Template

You can use this downloadable alphanumeric outline template to help get you started with your assignment.  

Sample Outline

This downloadable sample outline will help you understand what a completed outline could look like.

Outline Template

You can use this downloadable outline template to help you get started with your assignment.

• Last Updated: Feb 15, 2024 11:01 AM
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APA Style, 7th Edition

• Sample Papers & How to Videos
• Reference Components
• Current Resources
• Misinformation
• Journal Articles
• Newspaper Articles
• Magazine Articles
• Reviews (Book, Film, Video)
• Films (DVD / Blu-Ray / Streaming)
• Online Videos (e.g. YouTube, TED)
• Films on Demand
• Television Episodes
• Music Recordings
• Webpages / Web Documents
• Entire Websites
• Entries in Online Encyclopedias
• Government Reports
• Online Maps
• Online Lecture Notes or PowerPoint Slides
• Press Releases
• Film or Video Review
• eBooks (Electronic Book)
• Book with and Editor
• Edition of Books Other than First Edition
• Chapter in an Edited Book
• Anthologies
• Entries in a Reference Book
• Entries in an Online Encyclopedia
• Foreign Language Books
• Illustrated Book
• Sacred Text
• The Generic Reference
• Personal Communication
• Class Materials
• Poster Sessions
• Theses & Dissertations
• Court Decision
• Executive Orders
• Charter of the United Nations
• In-Text Citations Components
• Parenthetical Citations
• Narrative Citations
• Combining Citations
• Annotated Bibliography
• Additional APA Resources
• APA for PowerPoint Presentations
• HU Tutorials
• Template Paper for Level 1000 and 2000 Courses This template outlines the format for a student paper in APA format. It includes a title page, body section, and reference page example that students can easily adjust to fit their research paper assignments. Font type and size, margins, and spacing are all correct for APA format. Students can download this document and update the information to the specifics of their assignment.
• Template Paper for Level 3000, 4000 and Graduate Level Courses This template outlines the format for a student paper in APA format. It includes a title page, body section, header information, and a reference page. Font type and size, margins, and spacing are all correct for APA format. Students can download this document and update the information to the specifics of assignment requirements. This paper template should be used for higher-level, longer, or more academically rigorous papers.
• Basic Research Paper Information This document provides the necessary information for a research paper. It is not a template but discusses what must be present in APA research papers.

Please connect with your instructor or the Director of Library Resource for any specific APA questions. 

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