What Is an Outline for a Research Paper?

Most students, in the course of their academic careers, will have to write a research paper. It requires not only a fair amount of time and forethought but also careful planning, and of course the research itself. In order to produce a well executed paper, it is necessary to prepare an outline. The outline serves to organize thoughts and ideas that can be expanded into a coherent piece of work.

Facts

A research paper outline is a guideline for what will be written. Students use outlines to organize their ideas before they start writing their papers. The outline helps to show the logical structure and hierarchical flow of information within a research paper. It also demonstrates relationships between ideas. An outline usually consists of Roman numerals and letters to denote headings and subheadings. Related ideas are grouped together; headings are used for general information, while subheadings develop that information into specific ideas or points. An outline usually consists of four main parts: the introduction, the methodology, the body and the conclusion.

Introduction

An outline for a research paper should start with the introduction. This follows the title and consists of information regarding the chosen topic. It identifies the problem, describing its importance. This is also where to state your thesis---what the paper is about. The introduction is also where to identify research questions that will be answered. Finally, the introduction should relate, for example, what methodologies and frameworks will be used to answer the research questions. The introduction explain the points to be covered.

Methodology

Many research papers require a statement regarding how the student intends to conduct the research and reach findings and results. Thus, the next section of the outline should detail the methodology underlying the research. This section should also Identify how sources will be located, why those sources were selected and how they will be analyzed.

Body

The body of a research paper consists of the main arguments and analyses. This part of the outline will generally have the most headings and subheadings as it is the meat of the research paper. This is where the student needs to carefully organize the flow of ideas. Within the body the student presents her case to support the thesis statement. The strongest argument should be the last one. The first point should begin the process of building up to the final, most convincing argument. Supporting arguments must be included for each position taken and should include subheadings.

Conclusion

The conclusion should restate the thesis and wrap up the paper's ideas. Here is where the student should provide an analytical summary--a describe and synthesis of the findings. It is in the conclusion that answers to the research questions are answered, and how specifically the particular conclusion were reached. The conclusion might also include recommendations for further research or applications.