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 at the beginning of the study
c. List specific research questions – Questions should be answerable by the quantitative or qualitative
data to be collected.
d. Indicate why the study is significant

II. Literature review – Begin with an introductory paragraph outlining the scope of the literature review and then
use sub-headers to divide individual sections. Identify and discuss each concept or issue relevant to the
study, giving frequent citations to other studies. At least half of the references should be within the previous
five years. Make sure it is clear why and how the concept or issue is relevant to your study or problem.

III. Methodology
a. Describe instructional design in enough detail that a reader could reproduce it. At this point, describe
the participants briefly and in general terms (for example, second year English majors taking an
Advanced Conversation class).
b. Describe research design
i. Data collection plan (quantitative and/or qualitative)
ii. Data analysis plan (quantitative and/or qualitative)
c. Describe participants in detail – how many, ages, gender split, proficiency level, and/or other
demographic information relevant to the study.

Note: If appropriate in a. or b., include a figure showing the structure or timeline of the project
graphically.

IV. Findings
a. Introductory paragraph
b. Quantitative findings, including tables as needed to clarify descriptive or inferential statistics.
c. Qualitative findings, including quotes to illustrate themes

Note: Either in b. and c. above, or in a separate sub-section after c, the original research questions
should be specifically answered based on the data collected. Depending on the details of your data,
this answering of research questions may also be shifted into your discussion.

V. Discussion
a. Address each of the most significant findings or outcomes of your study, as follows:
i. Briefly summarize the finding
ii. Compare and contrast the findings to other studies
iii. Explain the meaning, implications, and value of the finding
b. After discussing each major finding, provide conclusions and/or recommendations based on your
findings and discussion. In an Education-related study, this usually means things teachers and
curriculum designers should do, based on the outcomes of your study.

Notes: 1) Either in the discussion or in the conclusion, you have the option of listing suggestions for
additional research based on your research design and findings.
2) The focus of the discussion is the insights of the researcher. Do not make the mistake of simply
repeating facts. Attempt to explain “why.”

VI. Conclusion – Refer back to your original problem and state how your study has addressed this problem.
In the process, restate the significance of your study.