mini research paper outline

How to Create a Research Paper Outline?

A research paper outline is a necessary part of your writing that helps you organize your ideas and structure your arguments. Typically, it includes the introduction, main body sections (like literature review, methodology, and analysis), and the conclusion. With an outline, you're not just tossing ideas onto the page. Instead, you're building a logical path for readers to follow, from your introduction and key arguments all the way to your conclusion.

In this article, we'll break down exactly how to make a simple, effective outline for any research paper. If you're a first-time outliner or just looking to sharpen your skills, this guide will walk you through every step. And if, after reading, you still feel unsure, EssayService is a great option for getting expert help with any research project!

What is Research Paper Outline?

A research paper outline is a basic plan that organizes the main points and ideas of your paper before you begin writing. Much like a skeleton, it holds everything together and ensures your ideas have a logical flow from start to finish.

An outline lays out the key sections of your paper: the introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section has its own purpose. The introduction introduces your topic, the body dives into your main arguments or findings, and the conclusion wraps everything up. By having this structure in place, you'll be able to develop your ideas more clearly and avoid wandering off topic.

Basically, it's a tool that helps you strengthen your writing. It keeps you focused and helps ensure that each part of your paper connects naturally to the next.

Structure of a Research Paper Outline

The structure of your research paper outline is the foundation of your paper, guiding each argument and section in a logical order. The typical outline format includes:

• Introduction – Introduces your topic, grabs attention, and states your thesis.
• Main Body – Breaks down your main points, with evidence and analysis for each. Here's where most of your content will go, organized into sections based on your argument's key ideas.
• Conclusion – Wraps up your argument, summarizes main points, and reinforces your thesis.

There are a few common ways to structure a research paper outline that serve the same goal: to break down your ideas into manageable parts that guide your writing. Choosing one comes down to personal preference and the level of detail you want in your outline.

Alphanumeric Research Paper Outline

This is the most common format and uses a combination of numbers and letters (like I, A, 1, a) to organize main points and subpoints. It's simple and effective, giving a clear hierarchy that's easy to follow.

Full-sentence Research Paper Outline

In this type, each section and sub-section is written as a complete sentence rather than a short phrase. This format helps you think through your ideas more fully, as it pushes you to express complete thoughts.

Decimal Research Paper Outline

The decimal outline uses a numbered system (1.0, 1.1, 1.2) to show the relationships between ideas. It's useful if you prefer a more detailed structure that still keeps each point concise.

Research Paper Outline Formats: MLA and APA

Mla research paper outline.

An MLA research paper outline helps you organize your paper in a format that follows the guidelines set by the Modern Language Association. This outline keeps your work consistent and easy to follow, which is especially helpful when dealing with multiple sources.

Formatting Tips:

• Use double spacing throughout the outline.
• Choose a readable, 12-point font like Times New Roman.
• Keep formatting consistent, with clear indents and organized headings.
• Follow MLA rules for citing any sources directly in the outline and later in your paper.

Key Points:

• Make sure your outline addresses all main ideas and connects back to your thesis.
• Be brief but clear in each section to keep your ideas focused.
• Consider adding background information or context to help support your main points when you start writing.

APA Research Paper Outline

An APA format research paper outline is essential if you're writing in the social sciences or following American Psychological Association guidelines. This outline style not only organizes your ideas but also ensures your paper maintains a clean, professional appearance.

• Use 12-point Times New Roman font.
• Keep 1-inch margins on all sides of the document.
• Double-space everything, including between headings and sections.
• Add a running head in the header for a professional touch.
• Smoothly transition between sections to keep readers engaged.
• Clearly label each section to guide the reader through your paper.
• Use APA's heading levels to organize your sections and sub-sections.
• Including citations in the outline can also help later as you integrate sources into the final paper.

As you develop your paper, follow APA's heading levels to ensure a clear hierarchy. Use bolded, centered headings for major sections (like "Introduction" and "Methodology") and indented, italicized headings for smaller subsections.

Research Paper Outline Benefits

Creating a research paper outline is a real game-changer for your writing process. You're less likely to go off track, repeat yourself, or miss key ideas. More importantly, it prevents you from staring at a blank page, wondering where to start. Here are more detailed reasons why it's worth the extra step.

Research Paper Outline Example

Seeing an outline in action can make it much easier to understand how to create your own. Below is a simple yet effective research paper outline template example that helps ensure your arguments flow logically.

The Bottom Line

A research paper outline is a must-have tool for anyone writing a paper, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned writer. Here are the essentials:

• Length: Typically short, just a few pages, but it varies based on the depth and length of your paper.
• Structure: Usually includes an introduction, main body sections, and a conclusion.
• Elements: Lists main points and supporting details, showing how each part of the paper connects.
• Format: Can be organized in different ways, like alphanumeric, full-sentence, or decimal formats.
• Purpose: Keeps ideas organized, strengthens flow, and makes writing faster and clearer.

If you've followed all the steps in this article and still feel stuck, consider EssayService as a helpful option. They can assist you with any type of homework, including research papers, to get you back on track.

Frequently asked questions

What does a research paper outline look like, how to outline a research paper.

Academic Guides: Writing a Paper: Outlining . (2010). Waldenu.edu . https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/writingprocess/outlining

‌ Structuring the Research Paper: Formal Research Structure | UMGC . (n.d.). University of Maryland Global Campus. https://www.umgc.edu/current-students/learning-resources/writing-center/online-guide-to-writing/tutorial/chapter4/ch4-23

She was flawless! first time using a website like this, I've ordered article review and i totally adored it! grammar punctuation, content - everything was on point

This writer is my go to, because whenever I need someone who I can trust my task to - I hire Joy. She wrote almost every paper for me for the last 2 years

Term paper done up to a highest standard, no revisions, perfect communication. 10s across the board!!!!!!!

I send him instructions and that's it. my paper was done 10 hours later, no stupid questions, he nailed it.

Sometimes I wonder if Michael is secretly a professor because he literally knows everything. HE DID SO WELL THAT MY PROF SHOWED MY PAPER AS AN EXAMPLE. unbelievable, many thanks

New posts to your inbox!

Stay in touch

Research Paper Outline Template

The most daunting part of writing a research paper is staring at a blank page and wondering where to start. A research paper outline helps you structure all the contents of your paper so you can get started, remain organized, and not leave anything out. Typically, writers create an outline before they write their first draft and after they come up with a thesis and find a research source. This article reviews how to use and format a Research Paper Outline Template to help you write a comprehensive research paper.

A research paper outline is a writing tool that highlights all the topics of a research paper in the order in which they will appear in the final document. The topics are divided into paragraphs and accompanied by additional details, such as research sources and subtopics. Essentially, the outline helps the writer organize their paper so that it makes sense and answers the thesis question. It is a more efficient tool for making structural changes than the first draft because it allows you to cut out unnecessary parts before you even write about them and add those that work for your paper.

What Is a Research Paper Outline Template?

A research paper outline template is a precontrived guideline that helps you create an outline for your paper. It is divided into the necessary sections and paragraphs with enough space for you to fill in the contents of your outline. Simply put, it is a document containing the prerequisite outline format that prevents you from writing your outline from scratch.

Are there Different Types of Research Paper Outlines?

Yes. There are several types of research paper outlines, but the following three are the most popular. Your choice of an outline format will depend on the type of paper you are writing, your writing style, the team you are working with, and more. Here is a look at your options:

• Alphanumeric Outline. The alphanumeric outline format is the most popular research paper outline. It uses Roman numerals to list the topics of a paper, capital letters for the subtopics, Arabic numerals for the points in each subtopic, and lowercase letters for subsequent sections. In this format, the information is presented in short phrases, not complete sentences.
• Decimal Outline. The decimal format is the most comprehensive research paper outline and is more common for long papers with technical aspects. It lists items using numbers with increasing decimal points. Usually, the main topics are whole numbers (1, 2, 1.0, 2.0), while the subtopics contain one decimal point (1.1, 2.1). Subsequent sections have more decimal points (1.1.1 2.1.2). Like in the alphanumeric format, the information is written in phrases or blurbs.
• Full-Sentence Outline. As the name suggests, this format presents information in complete sentences instead of short phrases. It provides a clearer way of sharing information and is more common when a group is writing a paper. In every other way, it is similar to the alphanumeric format.

Why Is Research Paper Outline Necessary?

A research paper outline lays out all the aspects of a paper that you need to explore to prove your thesis. It tells you what ideas you need to brainstorm and develop to reach a conclusion. Consequently, an outline helps you organize your thoughts so you can create the proper research protocols and achieve the intended results of your paper. It connects all your ideas to create a flow of information. This then creates a smooth transition from one point to the next, ensuring you do not leave anything out. Moreover, it helps the reader navigate and understand your research.

Essential Elements of a Research Paper Outline Template

The assignment requirements for your research paper will usually determine its content. However, research paper outlines are organized in the IMRAD format, which means they begin with an introduction followed by Methods, Results, and Discussion. These sections should be preceded by a title page and an abstract, which is a summary of the entire paper. The other sections are:

• Introduction: This brief background statement sets up the paper’s hypothesis and the research’s approach and context. It should contain the problem statement.
• Methods: Also called Experiments or Materials and Methods, this section outlines all the research methods used to write the paper.
• Results: The results part of the outline usually contains statistics and tables that summarize the findings of the research.
• Discussion: Here, the writer puts the research into perspective and supports their hypothesis in one or two paragraphs elaborating how their findings fit in the grand scheme of things.
• Acknowledgments: This is where you mention all the people or sources that helped you write your research paper.

Things to Consider When Outlining a Research Paper

What you include in your research paper outline and how you write it will ultimately depend on several factors. The type of paper you are writing can influence which format you choose. For instance, an outline for every paragraph makes sense if you are writing a formal research paper but might be excessive for a college paper. Here are some factors to consider when outlining your paper:

• The Assignment. What is the assignment? How complex is it? How long should it be? Before you start outlining your paper, you should consider what it requires. A simple research paper will do with a simple outline, while a more advanced thesis may require something more complex, such as the decimal outline format.
• Thesis and Sources. Speaking of the thesis, you should always choose one and find evidential sources for it before creating an outline. The thesis of your paper is basically what the paper is about. You should collect enough data to determine what your paper should say.
• The Topics. Next, you should review your research material and create topics, subtopics, and supporting points that relate to your thesis. Make sure every section is directly related to the thesis and is not tangential.
• The Structure and Sequence. Finally, consider how you want the topics to follow each other. You need to find a sequence that allows you to present your argument and the reader to understand it. If a reader is unfamiliar with a topic, what do they need to know before they move on to the next section?

Final Thoughts

Writing a research paper outline can seem like extra and unnecessary work, but it can save you a lot of time in the long run. The document breaks down all your ideas in their intended order, allowing you to organize your paper properly. But if writing one from scratch seems like a hassle, and it can be, you can always use a Research Paper Outline Template as a guide.

How did our templates helped you today?

Opps what went wrong, related posts.

24 FREE Story Outline Templates and Examples (Novel, Book, Plot)

Basic Speech Outline

Biography Outline Templates & Examples

Outline Template for Essay – Word, PDF

Literature Review Outline Templates (in Word & PDF)

12+ Body Outline Templates

Novel Outline Template

Autobiography Outline Template

Thank you for your feedback.

• Knowledge Base
• Get started

How to Create a Research Paper Outline: A Step-by-Step Guide

A step-by-step guide to creating a research paper outline.

A well-organized research paper begins with a solid outline. Crafting an outline is one of the most important steps in the research process, as it helps you organize your thoughts, maintain focus, and ensure that your arguments flow logically. An outline not only serves as the foundation for your research paper but also allows you to identify gaps in your research early on, ensuring that your final draft is comprehensive and well-supported. A well-constructed outline also makes it easier to manage your time effectively by breaking down the writing process into smaller, more achievable tasks. By creating a detailed plan, you can avoid the overwhelming feeling that often comes with writing a lengthy research paper and can instead tackle each part with confidence.

This guide will take you through the steps to create an effective research paper outline, providing detailed tips and strategies to enhance the quality of your work. Whether you are new to writing research papers or just looking to improve your organization skills, this guide will help you craft a strong outline that keeps your writing focused and persuasive. By the end, you'll be ready to confidently tackle your next research assignment, armed with a clear plan that saves time and improves your overall paper quality.

What is a Research Paper Outline?

A research paper outline is a structured plan that organizes your main ideas and supporting arguments in a logical sequence. It serves as a roadmap, guiding you through the writing process and helping you keep track of the major points you need to include. With a good outline, you can ensure that your paper has a clear structure, stays on topic, and presents your research findings in an organized manner. An outline also helps prevent writer's block by giving you a clear direction on where your writing is headed, breaking down what could be an overwhelming task into smaller, more manageable parts.

An effective research paper outline not only helps in structuring your arguments but also ensures that every part of your paper serves its intended purpose. This prevents unnecessary digressions and keeps you focused on supporting your thesis statement. Additionally, a good outline is essential when it comes to maintaining consistency in tone and style across different sections of your paper, giving it a cohesive feel that enhances readability.

Creating an outline also allows you to see the overall picture of your paper before you begin writing. This bird's-eye view is invaluable for assessing the balance of your arguments—making sure that each section is given appropriate weight and that no key point is neglected. It also provides you with an opportunity to identify and address any potential weaknesses in your argumentation early in the writing process.

Another benefit of an outline is that it can serve as a reference tool throughout the entire writing journey. When you’re deep in the details of drafting a section, it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture. By having an outline on hand, you can consistently refer back to it to make sure every paragraph, example, and quote you include is supporting your main thesis and contributing to your paper’s overall coherence and strength.

Why Do You Need an Outline?

Creating an outline is crucial for several reasons:

• Clarity : An outline helps you break down complex information into manageable sections, making your research easier to understand.
• Organization : It keeps your writing on track, ensuring that you address all key points without wandering off topic.
• Efficiency : An outline saves time during the writing process by providing a clear direction, allowing you to write more efficiently.
• Logical Flow : It helps you organize your ideas logically, so your arguments build upon each other cohesively.
• Focused Research : An outline helps you identify the specific areas you need to research, saving you from gathering too much irrelevant information.
• Balanced Coverage : By planning each section, you ensure that no important aspect of your topic is neglected and that all arguments receive adequate attention.
• Stress Reduction : Having a clear plan reduces anxiety, as you can approach each section step by step rather than feeling overwhelmed by the entire project.
• Prevention of Writer’s Block : Knowing what comes next keeps you from getting stuck, making the writing process smoother and more continuous.
• Improved Time Management : Outlines help you allocate time effectively to each section, ensuring that you stay on schedule and meet deadlines.
• Reference Tool : An outline acts as a reference to ensure you don’t deviate from your key arguments and stay focused on supporting your thesis.
• Consistency : Ensures that your argument and tone remain consistent throughout the paper, avoiding sudden shifts in perspective or focus.
• Identification of Weaknesses : An outline allows you to spot gaps in logic or weak arguments before you begin writing, so you can address these issues early.
• Smoother Transitions : Planning your sections helps in adding effective transition sentences, allowing your essay to flow better from one point to the next.
• Enhanced Persuasiveness : By organizing your arguments in advance, you can arrange them in a way that builds a stronger case, making your essay more persuasive.
• Visualization of Structure : A clear outline allows you to visualize the entire structure of your paper, ensuring that each section serves its purpose in supporting your thesis.
• Easy Revision : When you need to revise your work, having an outline makes it easy to spot which sections need changes or further elaboration.
• Supports Collaboration : If working in a group, an outline helps team members understand how their parts fit into the overall structure.
• Guidance for Citations : Outlining your sections helps in planning where you will need to include citations, ensuring that you provide enough evidence and properly support your claims.
• Content Quality Control : Outlines give you a chance to critically evaluate whether each part of your essay contributes meaningfully, eliminating irrelevant or redundant content.
• Professional Presentation : A well-structured outline ultimately leads to a well-organized final paper, which reflects professionalism and careful thought in your academic writing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Research Paper Outline

1. choose your topic and define your thesis.

Before creating your outline, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your topic and thesis statement. The thesis is the central argument of your paper, and every section of your outline should relate back to it. Make sure you choose a focused topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow.

2. Identify Main Points and Sections

Determine the major sections that will make up your research paper. Typically, a research paper will include an introduction, body sections (often divided by themes or subtopics), and a conclusion. For each major section, identify the main points you will cover.

• Introduction : Provide background information, state the purpose of your research, and present your thesis statement.
• Body Sections : Break down your body into several main ideas or arguments. Each of these points should support your thesis and be supported by evidence, data, or analysis.
• Conclusion : Summarize your findings, restate your thesis in light of the evidence, and offer closing thoughts.

3. Break Down Each Section with Supporting Details

For each main point, add supporting details or sub-points. These might include data, quotes, or specific examples that bolster your argument. Think of these as the building blocks that will make your arguments convincing.

• Background on climate change
• Importance of the issue
• Thesis statement: Human activities are the primary contributors to climate change, and immediate action is required to mitigate its effects.
• Greenhouse gas emissions
• Deforestation
• Industrial activities
• Rising sea levels
• Extreme weather events
• Effects on biodiversity
• Renewable energy sources
• Reforestation
• Policy changes
• Recap of main points
• Restate thesis
• Call to action for further research and policy initiatives

4. Arrange Your Points in a Logical Order

Ensure that your outline has a logical progression. The flow should lead naturally from one section to the next, ensuring that each point builds upon the previous one. This will help you maintain coherence throughout your paper and make it easier for readers to follow your arguments.

5. Use Proper Formatting

Research paper outlines are usually formatted using a combination of Roman numerals, letters, and numbers. Here is an example of how you can format your outline:

• A. Background information
• B. Purpose of research
• C. Thesis statement
• Sources of emissions
• Impact on global warming
• Effects on carbon absorption
• Impact on coastal communities
• A. Summary of key points
• B. Restate thesis
• C. Final thoughts

Tips for Creating an Effective Research Paper Outline

• Be Flexible : Your outline is a guide, not a strict rulebook. Be open to making changes as your research evolves.
• Be Specific : Include enough detail to guide your writing but avoid overloading your outline with excessive information.
• Review and Revise : Revisit your outline as you write to ensure that all sections are consistent and contribute to your thesis.

Final Thoughts

A well-crafted outline is the backbone of a successful research paper. It allows you to organize your thoughts, ensure a logical flow, and maintain focus throughout the writing process. By following the steps outlined above, you can create an effective research paper outline that makes writing your paper easier and more efficient. Remember, the time spent planning is time saved during the actual writing process.

Sourcely weekly newsletters

Cut through the AI noise with a focus on Students! Subscribe for 3 Student AI tools every week to accelerate your academic career.

Join Sourcely weekly newsletters

Ready to get started.

Start today and explore all features with up to 300 characters included. No commitment needed — experience the full potential risk-free!

Check out our other products

Discover cutting-edge research with arXivPulse: Your AI-powered gateway to scientific papers

Don't stress about deadlines. Write better with Yomu and simplify your academic life.

Welcome to Sourcely! Our AI-powered source finding tool is built by students for students, and this approach allows us to create a tool that truly understands the needs of the academic community. Our student perspective also enables us to stay up-to-date with the latest research and trends, and our collaborative approach ensures that our tool is continually improving and evolving.

• Refund Policy
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Friends of Sourcely
• ArXiv Pulse
• Semantic Reader
• AI Tools Inc
• AI Tools Boot Camp for Researchers

© 2024 Sourcely

• Privacy Policy

Home » Research Paper Outline – Types, Example, Template

Research Paper Outline – Types, Example, Template

Table of Contents

A research paper outline serves as a roadmap for structuring and organizing the content of a research paper. It ensures the paper flows logically, covers all essential components, and stays focused on the research objectives. Crafting a clear and detailed outline is critical for producing a coherent and impactful research paper.

This article explains the types of research paper outlines, provides a comprehensive example, and offers a template to guide you in creating an effective outline.

Research Paper Outline

A research paper outline is a structured framework that organizes ideas, arguments, and evidence into a logical sequence. It serves as a blueprint for writing the paper, helping researchers maintain focus and ensure all critical sections are covered.

Key Features of an Outline:

• Provides a hierarchical structure of headings and subheadings.
• Clarifies the main points and supporting details.
• Organizes ideas to ensure a logical flow of information.

Example of Purpose: An outline for a study on climate change might include sections for the introduction, background information, methodology, results, and implications.

Importance of a Research Paper Outline

• Improves Clarity: Ensures ideas are logically structured and easy to follow.
• Saves Time: Streamlines the writing process by providing a clear framework.
• Identifies Gaps: Highlights missing information or weak arguments early in the process.
• Enhances Focus: Keeps the writer on track, reducing the risk of deviating from the research topic.
• Facilitates Collaboration: Helps co-authors align on structure and content.

Types of Research Paper Outlines

1. alphanumeric outline.

• Description: The most common outline format, using a combination of numbers, letters, and Roman numerals.
• A. Background of the Study
• B. Research Problem
• C. Objectives and Hypotheses

2. Full-Sentence Outline

• Description: Uses full sentences for each point and sub-point, offering more detail.
• A. The study investigates the impacts of climate change on global food security.
• B. The research problem focuses on how extreme weather events disrupt agricultural production.

3. Decimal Outline

• Description: Similar to the alphanumeric outline but uses decimal numbers to indicate levels.
• Introduction
• 1.1 Background of the Study
• 1.2 Research Problem

4. Topic Outline

• Description: Uses brief phrases or keywords to summarize each section.
• A. Climate change overview
• B. Research objectives

Components of a Research Paper Outline

• Background Information
• Problem Statement
• Objectives and Hypotheses
• Significance of the Study
• Theoretical Framework
• Key Studies and Findings
• Gaps in the Literature
• Research Design
• Data Collection Methods
• Sampling Techniques
• Data Analysis Plan
• Presentation of Data
• Key Findings
• Interpretation of Results
• Comparison with Existing Literature
• Implications
• Summary of Findings
• Limitations of the Study
• Recommendations for Future Research
• List of Sources

Example of a Research Paper Outline

Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Academic Performance

I. Introduction

• A. Background: Growth of social media and its role in students’ lives.
• B. Problem Statement: The potential distraction social media poses to academic success.
• C. Objectives: To investigate the correlation between social media usage and academic performance.
• D. Hypothesis: Excessive social media use negatively impacts students’ grades.

II. Literature Review

• A. Theoretical Framework: Uses and Gratifications Theory.
• B. Previous Studies: Overview of research linking social media and education.
• C. Gaps: Limited focus on specific platforms and their unique impacts.

III. Methodology

• A. Research Design: Quantitative survey of college students.
• B. Data Collection: Online questionnaire measuring social media usage and GPA.
• C. Sampling: Random sampling of 300 undergraduate students.
• D. Analysis: Statistical correlation using SPSS.

IV. Results

• A. Descriptive Statistics: Average time spent on social media daily.
• B. Correlation Analysis: Relationship between usage and GPA.

V. Discussion

• A. Findings: High usage correlates with lower GPA.
• B. Implications: Need for awareness programs on time management.
• C. Comparison: Aligns with findings from earlier studies.

VI. Conclusion

• A. Summary: Excessive social media use hampers academic performance.
• B. Limitations: Self-reported data and limited sample diversity.
• C. Recommendations: Further research on platform-specific impacts.

VII. References

• Cite all academic sources used in the research.

Template for a Research Paper Outline

• A. Background Information
• B. Problem Statement
• C. Research Objectives and Hypotheses
• D. Significance of the Study
• A. Overview of Existing Research
• B. Theoretical Framework
• C. Identification of Gaps
• A. Research Design
• B. Data Collection Methods
• C. Sampling Techniques
• D. Analytical Tools
• A. Data Presentation
• B. Analysis of Key Findings
• A. Interpretation of Results
• B. Implications for Theory and Practice
• C. Limitations and Future Directions
• A. Recap of Findings
• B. Limitations of the Study
• C. Recommendations for Future Research
• Include all cited works in the proper format.

Tips for Writing a Research Paper Outline

• Understand Your Topic: Conduct preliminary research to grasp key concepts and objectives.
• Follow the Assignment Guidelines: Ensure your outline adheres to the required format (e.g., APA, MLA).
• Be Concise: Use clear and brief headings and subheadings.
• Revise as Needed: Update the outline as your research evolves.
• Use Tools: Software like Microsoft Word or Notion can help create organized outlines.

A well-structured research paper outline is essential for producing a coherent, focused, and impactful paper. By organizing ideas logically and covering all necessary components, an outline streamlines the writing process and enhances the quality of the final paper. Whether using a detailed full-sentence format or a concise topic outline, researchers can tailor the structure to meet the needs of their specific study.

• Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
• Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2012). Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills . University of Michigan Press.
• Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL). (2023). “Developing an Outline.” Purdue University.
• Babbie, E. R. (2020). The Practice of Social Research . Cengage Learning.
• Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2021). They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing . W.W. Norton & Company.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

You may also like

How to Cite Research Paper – All Formats and...

Research Paper Title – Writing Guide and Example

Chapter Summary & Overview – Writing Guide...

Informed Consent in Research – Types, Templates...

Research Contribution – Thesis Guide

Figures in Research Paper – Examples and Guide

Now Available on Whatsapp

+1 (800) 685-6772

Online 24/7

50% off on custom orders. Limited time only!

Research Paper Writing Guides

Research Paper Outline

Last updated on: Dec 17, 2024

Research Paper Outline: Guide with Samples & Templates

By: Donna C.

10 min read

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Sep 22, 2020

Most students struggle with writing research paper outlines. They see it as a complicated and time-consuming task that is best left until the last minute. 

This is understandable, but it's also a mistake. A well-structured outline is an essential part of a good research paper. One slip-up and all your research paper won’t give a convincing outlook. 

Don't worry! We are here to help!

This guide will walk you through the process of creating an outline for writing your research paper . Included are helpful tips, research paper outline samples, and templates that will make the process easier for you.

So, let's start!

On this Page

What is Research Paper Outline   

A research paper outline is a plan or roadmap for writing a research paper. It helps organize your thoughts and guarantees that your paper has a clear structure. Having a good outline research paper outline is important because it:

• Sorts out your ideas
• Shows how your ideas connect
• Gives the research paper a logical and coherent flow
• Makes sure you don't miss anything
• Makes the research paper writing process easier for you

Sections of a Research Paper Outline

Your research paper outline will fall into the following main parts:

• Introduction: Introduces the topic, presents the thesis statement, and outlines the objectives and scope of the research.
• Literature Review: Summarizes existing research and theoretical frameworks relevant to your topic.
• Methodology: Describes the research design, sampling methods, and data collection techniques.
• Results: Presents and analyzes the data or findings from your research.
• Discussion: Interprets the results, compares them with existing literature, and discusses their significance.
• Conclusion: Summarizes the main findings, offers recommendations, and addresses any limitations and future research directions.
• References: Lists all the sources cited throughout the paper.
• Appendices: Includes supplementary materials like raw data, charts, or additional documents that support your research.

Formatting Your Research Paper Outline

As you compose your research paper, consider the three main outline formats: 

• Alphanumeric
• Full-sentence

Each outline style has its own formatting and writing conventions to follow when creating your document.

Alphanumeric Outline

This type of outline uses a combination of Roman numerals, capital letters, Arabic numerals, and lowercase letters to organize points and subpoints.

Decimal Outline

This outline type uses a numbering system that clearly indicates the hierarchy and relationship between points.

Full-Sentence Outline

Each entry in this outline is a full sentence and provides a detailed and specific plan for the paper.

Note: From the above outline types, the Alphanumeric is the most commonly used format. It uses Roman numerals, Arabic numerals, capitalized and lowercase letters to organize all the information. 

How to Write A Research Paper Outline

Starting a research paper can seem overwhelming at first, but it's not too difficult if you utilize a step by step approach. First, determine your research topic and then specify the main questions you want to answer.

From there on in, constructing your outline should be easier as each piece falls into place!

Step 1: Conducting Preliminary Research

Start with gathering relevant information on your topic. This involves:

• Finding credible sources such as books, journal articles, and reputable websites.
• Taking notes on important points, statistics, and quotes that support your topic.
• Keeping track of your sources for proper citation later.

Preliminary research helps you get a broad understanding of your topic and identify key areas to focus on.

Step 2: Developing a Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement is the central argument or claim of your paper. It should be:

• Clear and concise.
• Specific enough to be covered in your paper.
• Arguable, meaning it presents a point that others might agree or disagree with.

For example, “The integration of renewable energy sources into national power grids can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security, but achieving these benefits requires overcoming technological, economic, and regulatory barriers.”

Step 3: Identifying Main Points

Break down your thesis into main points or sections that will form the body of your paper. Each main point should:

• Support your thesis.
• Be distinct from the other points.
• Be backed up by your research.

For instance, if your thesis is about renewable energy, your main points might include the benefits of solar power, lower emissions, wind energy, and biofuels.

Step 4: Organizing Information

Arrange your main points in a logical order. Organize the information according to the template given below:

Step 5: Reviewing and Revising the Outline -

Once you have your outline, review it to ensure it covers all necessary points and flows logically. Check for:

• Completeness: Have you included all major sections and points?
• Coherence: Do your points follow a logical order?
• Clarity: Is each point clear and easy to understand?

Make any necessary adjustments to improve the structure and clarity of your outline.

By following these steps, you'll create a solid foundation for your research paper, which will make way for a smoother and more organized writing process.

Research Paper Outline Example

Here is an example research paper outline to help you format your paper's structure:

Want more outline examples ?

Here are some interesting research paper outline example PDFs that you can check for a better understanding. These examples are written for different formats such as APA, MLA, and others. 

Research Paper Outline APA

MLA Research Paper Outline

Argumentative Research Paper Outline

Scientific Research Paper Outline

So there you have it! This guide has shown you how to create a research paper outline quickly and easily. Having a well-organized outline is key to writing a successful research paper.

If you're still unsure or need help, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our team at MyPerfectPaper.net provides custom papers writing services for students Worldwide.

We have highly qualified writers who can help students and researchers with their research writing needs. Our research paper writing service is your best bet!Also, try our essay typer tool to create flawless pieces of writing within seconds!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 8 important steps in writing a research paper.

The eight important steps in writing a research paper are:

• Choose a topic
• Conduct preliminary research
• Formulate a thesis statement
• Create an outline
• Conduct literature search 
• Write the first draft
• Revise and edit
• Proofread and format

How to start a research paper?

To start a research paper:

• Begin by selecting a topic that interests you. 
• Then, conduct preliminary research to gather background information. 
• Formulate a clear thesis statement that summarizes your main argument. 
• Finally, create an outline to organize your ideas before writing the introduction.

What are the main sections of a research paper?

The main sections of a research paper typically include: 

• Introduction
• Literature Review
• Methodology

Marketing, Literature

Donna has garnered the best reviews and ratings for her work. She enjoys writing about a variety of topics but is particularly interested in social issues, current events, and human interest stories. She is a sought-after voice in the industry, known for her engaging, professional writing style.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

• The Ultimate Research Paper Topics List: 350+ Ideas

• Interesting Sociology Research Topics - 200+ Ideas

• How to Write an Abstract: A Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

• Quantitative Research Guide: Purpose, Types, and Examples

• Qualitative Research | Learn Types, Methods, Techniques & Examples

• A Complete Guide to the Different Types of Research

• Writing an Effective Title for Your Research Paper - A Simple Guide

• 7 Steps for Starting a Research Paper Effectively

• How to Write a Research Paper - Steps, Tips & Examples

• 5 Steps to Write an Excellent Research Paper Introduction - With Examples & Tips

• Craft a Compelling Research Paper Conclusion in 4 Easy Steps

• How to Write an Abstract for a Research Paper

• How to Write a Thesis Statement for a Research Paper in 2025 with Examples

• How to Write a Literature Review for a Research Paper

• How to Write a Research Paper Discussion: All You Need to Know

• Learn How To Write The Methods Section Of A Research Paper

• How to Write a Proposal for a Research Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Complete Guide on How to Write the Results Section of a Research Paper

• How To Write A Problem Statement For A Research Paper with Examples

• How to Write a Hypothesis in a Research Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide

• How To Find Sources For A Research Paper: A Detailed Walkthrough

• How To Cite a Research Paper in 2025: A Citation Styles Guide

Stuck With Assignments?

Get your paper done within 6 hours, with FREE and UNLIMITED revisions!

People Also Read

• Services Assignment Writing

© 2024 - All rights reserved

• Affiliate Program

• UNITED STATES
• 台灣 (TAIWAN)
• TÜRKIYE (TURKEY)
• Academic Editing Services
• - Research Paper
• - Journal Manuscript
• - Dissertation
• - College & University Assignments
• Admissions Editing Services
• - Application Essay
• - Personal Statement
• - Recommendation Letter
• - Cover Letter
• - CV/Resume
• Business Editing Services
• - Business Documents
• - Report & Brochure
• - Website & Blog
• Writer Editing Services
• - Script & Screenplay
• Our Editors
• Client Reviews
• Editing & Proofreading Prices
• Wordvice Points
• Partner Discount
• Plagiarism Checker
• APA Citation Generator
• MLA Citation Generator
• Chicago Citation Generator
• Vancouver Citation Generator
• - APA Style
• - MLA Style
• - Chicago Style
• - Vancouver Style
• Writing & Editing Guide
• Academic Resources
• Admissions Resources

How to Write a Research Paper Outline with Examples

You sometimes have to submit an essay outline or a research proposal checklist for a research project before you do most of the actual research to show that you have understood the assignment, defined a good research question or hypothesis, and contemplated the structure of your research paper. You can find various templates and examples for such outlines, which usually begin with “put your thesis statement/research question at the top” and then ask you to decide whether to add your supporting ideas/points in “alphanumeric,” “decimal,” or “full-sentence” style. 

That is certainly one useful (if not overly formalized) way of using outlining to prepare to draft an academic text. But here we want to talk about how to make an outline after you have done a research project or thesis work and are not quite sure how to put everything together into a written thesis to hand in or a research paper manuscript to submit to a journal.

What is a research paper outline?

Creating a research project outline entails more than just listing bullet points (although you can use bullet points and lists in your outline). It includes how to organize everything you have done and thought about and want to say about your work into a clear structure you can use as the basis for your research paper. 

There are two different methods of creating an outline: let’s call these “abstract style” and “paper style.” These names reflect how briefly you summarize your work at this initial point, or show how extensive and complicated the methods and designs you used and the data you collected are. The type of outline you use also depends on how clear the story you want to tell is and how much organizing and structuring of information you still need to do before you can draft your actual paper. 

Table of Contents:

• Abstract-Style Outline Format
• Paper-Style Outline Format

Additional Tips for Outlining a Research Paper in English

Abstract-style research paper outline format.

A research paper outline in abstract style consists, like the abstract of a research paper , of short answers to the essential questions that anyone trying to understand your work would ask.

• Why did you decide to do what you did?
• What exactly did you do?
• How did you do it?
• What did you find?
• What does it mean?
• What should you/we/someone else do now?

These questions form the structure of not only a typical research paper abstract but also a typical article manuscript. They will eventually be omitted and replaced by the usual headers, such as Introduction/Background, Aim, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions, etc. Answering these key questions for yourself first (with keywords or short sentences) and then sticking to the same structure and information when drafting your article will ensure that your story is consistent and that there are no logical gaps or contradictions between the different sections of a research paper . 

If you draft this abstract outline carefully, you can use it as the basis for every other part of your paper. You reduce it even more, down to the absolute essential elements, to create your manuscript title ; you choose your keywords on the basis of the summary presented here; and you expand it into the introduction , methods , results , and discussion sections of your paper without contradicting yourself or losing the logical thread. 

Research Paper Outline Example (Abstract style)

Let’s say you did a research project on the effect of university online classes on attendance rates and create a simple outline example using these six questions:

1. Why did you decide to do what you did?

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many university courses around the world have been moved online, at least temporarily. Since students have been saving time on commuting, I wondered if attendance rates have increased overall.

2. What exactly did you do?

I compared attendance scores for courses that were taught both before (offline) and during (online) the COVID-19 pandemic at my university.

3. How did you do it?

I selected five popular subjects (business, law, medicine, psychology, art & design) and one general course per subject; then I contacted the professors in charge and asked them to provide me with anonymized attendance scores.

4. What did you find?

Attendance did not significantly change for medicine and law, but slightly dropped for the other three subjects. I found no difference between male and female students.  

5. What does it mean?

Even though students saved time on traveling between their homes and the campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, they did not attend classes more consistently; in some subjects, they missed more classes than before.

6. What should you/we/someone else do now?

Since I do not have any other information about the students, I can only speculate on potential explanations. Next, I will put together a questionnaire to assess how students have been coping with online classes and how the experiences from this time can benefit university teaching and learning in general.

Note that you could have made the same outline using just keywords instead of full sentences. You could also have added more methodological details or the results of your statistical analysis. However, when you can break everything down to the absolute essentials like this, you will have a good foundation upon which to develop a full paper. 

However, maybe your study just seems too complicated. So you look at these questions and then at your notes and data and have no idea how to come up with such simple answers. Or maybe things went in a completely different direction since you started writing your paper, so now you are no longer sure what the main point of your experiments was and what the main conclusion should be. If that is how you feel right now, then outlining your paper in “paper style” might be the right method for you.

Paper-Style Research Paper Outline Format 

The purpose of a paper-style outline is the same as that of an abstract-style outline: You want to organize your initial thoughts and plans, the methods and tools you used, all the experiments you conducted, the data you collected and analyzed, as well as your results, into a clear structure so that you can identify the main storyline for your paper and the main conclusions that you want the reader to take from it. 

First, take as much space as you need and simply jot down everything in your study you planned to do, everything you did, and everything you thought about based on your notes, lab book, and earlier literature you read or used. Such an outline can contain all your initial ideas, the timeline of all your pilots and all your experiments, the reasons why you changed direction or designed new experiments halfway through your study, all the analyses you ever did, all the feedback and criticism you already got from supervisors and seniors or during conference presentations, and all the ideas you have for future work. If this is your thesis or your first publication, then your first outline might look quite messy – and that is exactly why you need to structure your paper before trying to write everything up. 

So you have finally remembered all you have done in your study and have written everything down. The next step is to realize that you cannot throw all of this at the reader and expect them to put it together. You will have to create a story that is clear and consistent, contains all the essential information (and leaves out any that is not), and leads the reader the same way the abstract outline does, from why over what and how to what you found and what it all means . 

This does not mean you should suppress results that did not come out as intended or try to make your study look smoother. But the reader does not really need to know all the details about why you changed your research question after your initial literature search or some failed pilots. Instead of writing down the simple questions we used for the abstract outline, to organize your still messy notes, write down the main sections of the manuscript you are trying to put together. Additionally, include what kinds of information needs to go where in your paper’s structure.

1. Introduction Section:  

What field is your research part of?

What other papers did you read before deciding on your topic?

Who is your target audience and how much information do your readers need to understand where you are coming from? 

Can you summarize what you did in two sentences?

Did you have a clear hypothesis? If not, what were the potential outcomes of your work?

2. Methods Section: 

List all the methods, questionnaires, and tests you used.

Are your methods all standard in the field or do you need to explain them?

List everything chronologically or according to topics, whatever makes more sense. Read more about writing the Methods section if you need help with this important decision.

3. Results Section: 

Use the same timeline or topics you introduced in the method section.

Make sure you answer all the questions you raised in the introduction.

Use tables, graphs, and other visualizations to guide the reader.

Don’t present results of tests/analyses that you did not mention in the methods.

4. Discussion/Conclusion Section: 

Summarize quickly what you did and found but don’t repeat your results.

Explain whether your findings were to be expected, are new and surprising, are in line with the existing literature, or are contradicting some earlier work. 

Do you think your findings can be generalized? Can they be useful for people in certain professions or other fields?  

Does your study have limitations? What would you do differently next time? 

What future research do you think should be done based on your findings?

5. Conclusion Statement/Paragraph: 

This is your take-home message for the reader. Make sure that your conclusion is directly related to your initial research question.

Now you can simply reorganize your notes (if you use computer software) or fill in the different sections and cross out information on your original list. When you have used all your jotted notes, go through your new outline and check what is still missing. Now check once more that your conclusion is related to your initial research question. If that is the case, you are good to go. You can now either break your outline down further and shorten it into an abstract, or you can expand the different outline sections into a full article.

If you are a non-native speaker of English, then you might take notes in your mother language or maybe in different languages, read literature in your mother language, and generally not think in English while doing your research. If your goal is to write your thesis or paper in English, however, then our advice is to only use your mother language when listing keywords at the very beginning of the outlining process (if at all). As soon as you write down full sentences that you want to go into your paper eventually, you can save yourself a lot of work, avoid mistakes later in the process, and train your brain (which will help you immensely the next time you write an academic text), if you stick to English.

Another thing to keep in mind is that starting to write in full sentences too early in the process means that you might need to omit some passages (maybe even entire paragraphs) when you later decide to change the structure or storyline of your paper. Depending on how much you enjoy (or hate) writing in English and how much effort it costs you, having to throw away a perfectly fine paragraph that you invested a lot of time in can be incredibly frustrating. Our advice is therefore to not spend too much time on writing and to not get too attached to exact wording before you have a solid outline that you then only need to fill in and expand into a full paper.

Once you have finished drafting your paper, consider using professional proofreading and English editing service to revise your paper and prepare it for submission to journals. Wordvice offers a paper editing service , manuscript editing service , dissertation editing service , and thesis editing service to polish and edit your research work and correct any errors in style or formatting.

And while you draft your article, make use of Wordvice AI, a free AI Proofreader that identifies and fixes errors in punctuation, spelling, and grammar in any academic document.