Research Summary Format
The components of the
format of the Research Summary are described
below.
Title Page
See here for correct format.
Table of Contents
The list of topics or matter contained in the paper including page
numbers.
Acknowledgments
A listing of persons or agencies that gave the student guidance and
helped with this research. It may include a single individual, an
organization, a hospital, or some other agency.
Purpose and
Hypothesis
An explanation of what is to be accomplished by doing this research. A
description of the expected outcome should be included.
Review of Literature
A discussion of the nature of the work that has been done on this
problem. Materials with a copyright date of 1995 or later should be
used whenever possible or appropriate. No references to the literature
are to be placed in footnotes. Citation to particular pages in the text
should be in the form (Smith, 1997, p. 10); for a general citation in
the text (Smith, 1997). This citation should be placed at the end of
the sentence to which it refers. The style for citations is based on
the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 4th
ed., (APA style) which is the official style manual for The Illinois
Junior Academy of Science.
Materials and
Methods of Procedure
A listing of the materials used in the research. How the materials in
the research problem were used should be included. Drawings and/or
photographs are appropriate if they enhance or clarify the explanation.
Results
A clear, concise presentation of the data accumulated as a result of
the procedure. Drawings, charts, graphs, and other items pertinent to
the project should be included. Caption all photographs. Label all
drawings,
charts, graphs. Always label axes of the graphs. Attractive charts and
graphs, either computer generated or hand drawn are important in
conveying results.
Conclusions
A concise evaluation and interpretation of the data and/results.
Opinions of the results may be expressed in this section. The
conclusion should be limited to results of the investigation and should
refer to the stated
purpose and hypothesis. The effect of experimental error was estimated
and considered while drawing conclusions.
Reference List
A list of published articles, books, and other communications,
including works either quoted or paraphrased that are actually cited in
the Review of Literature. Do not include general reference works, such
as encyclopedias. This listing should be done alphabetically by
author’s last name and should be placed at the end of the paper. The
correct style for listing references can be found here.
A specific format is to
be followed in the writing of the Research Summary.
The paper should be an
accurate resume of the research done by the student and should reveal
the experimentation and/or observations which have been made.
This paper may not
exceed the 30-page limit. A clear and concise presentation is important
in scientific communication; eliminate excess wordage, get to the
point, say what is necessary, and then STOP! Strive for short, simple
sentences. See this PDF for a
handy checklist.
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