Research Study Manuscript Outline

by Michael Marek
Wayne State College - Wayne, Nebraska, USA
Mimarek1@wsc.edu

I. Introduction
a. Define the problem
b. Provide goals of the researcher(s) at the beginning of the study

II. Background and Rationale

a. What is the conceptual framework in which your study is conducted?
b. What propositions have you developed as a result of this framework, which you
propose to examine conceptually?
c. If appropriate, describe yourself and indicate any biases or factors influencing your
perspectives.

III. Research question(s) and methodology

a. What hypothesis have you Conduct literature review to list as many external and internal
influences as possible.
developed to be tested via literature
research and critical thinking?
b. What methodology will you use to
Reflective analysis to add influences
conduct this research and analysis? not found in literature.
c. If appropriate, include a figure (see
right) portraying your process.
Analysis of influences; grouping into
named factors.
IV. Findings (includes discussion)
a. Use sub-headers and present your
basic findings based on the
Integration of the factors into a conceptual model showing external
methodology above. and internal factors.
b. If you develop a model or figure to
represent your findings, present it
Analysis of the role of instructional design
following the basic findings and technology in the overall model,
c. Pedagogical implications and and inclusion in revised figure.

recommendations for practice

Development of recommendations for practice.

V. Final Thoughts – Close the loop to your
Figure 1. Methodology.
introductory definition of the problem and
restate the significance.