PART 1 : Introduction Outline Introduction Outline : The typical introduction to

PART 1 : Introduction Outline
Introduction Outline : The typical introduction to a scientific research paper follows this general template. Each bolded section can be its own paragraph or two. There is no page requirement for this – I’d encourage you to write as simply and clearly as possible to address the points below. And feel free to differ from this; there’s no one-size fits all approach to a research paper!
1） First Sentence(s) : what is a compelling opening that introduces your topic (and model?)
The DV (the Opening / Past Research) :
What is your DV and why should we care about this topic? [Reference / citation]
How have psychologists operationalized this variable? [Reference / citation]
IV1 (Past Research) :
What is your independent variable, and how do psychologists define this variable? [Reference / citation]
In your own words, summarize at least one past research study on this independent variable, and how / why this IV might be related to your DV. Why does this research matter to your topic? [Reference / citation]
Are there any limitations with this past research that you will address in your study?
IV2 (the moderator variable) (The Critique / Past Research) :
What is another independent variable that might be related to your dependent variable? How has this variable been defined / studied in the past? Include a reference / citation here.)
Why might this variable change the relationship between the IV and the DV. Reference past research here if relevant!
The Present Research (The Current Study) :
What will you do in your study? You don’t need to explain the methods for your study, but instead should set up what you will do.
How does your study differ from past research? Why are these differences important?
What specific predictions (hypotheses) do you hold? (Note : I find it helpful to organize hypotheses in a table, like the one below.)