Introduction
First paragraph starts out with a general statement(s) about the topic and gradually builds
First paragraph ends with a clear thesis statement that tells the reader what your study is about
The body of the introduction summarizes and synthesizes at least 4 relevant peerreviewed empirical articles
Relevant peer-reviewed articles presented in the body of the introduction should relate to your study (or very similar constructs)
Brief details about method and findings of each study and limitations (if relevant)
Clear rationale for why these variables go together and why your study is needed (i.e., limitations of the past work, gaps in the literature)
Synthesis clearly and logically leads to the “next steps” (aka, your research question); should “set the stage” for your study and clearly follow from the previous paragraphs
Explicitly state the research question and how it may address previous limitations/gaps in the literature Explicitly state the specific hypotheses (these predictions should follow from the theory/research that you presented previously)
All information that is not your own should be cited in-text (7th ed)
Avoid quotations: review the research in your own words and compare and construct it with other research
Research question: Are there gender differences in social play (solitary and group play) among pre- schoolers
Topic: Examining Gender Differences in Group Play, and Solitary Play Among Preschool
Hypothesis for Behavioral Variable #1:Boys will be more likely than girls to engage in solitary play.
Hypothesis for Behavioral Variable #2: Girls will be more likely than boys to engage in group play
Result: T-test indicated no significant gender difference in solitary play
Results also indicated no significant gender difference in group play
