Initial Background Research – TOPIC IS SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY
• At least 3 of your sources must be primary sources. • At least 1 of your primary sources must be an interview (in person, via email, or via phone conversation). • The rest of your sources can be secondary or tertiary sources.
• All of your information must be from reliable sources. • You must use at least 7 resources. At least 3 of the sources must be primary sources. At least 1 of the primary sources must be an interview.
• In-text citations & the reference list must be in APA style.
I. Introduction (1 paragraph) a. What is the general topic? b. What is the goal/purpose of your research?
c. Why is this information important? II. Background Information (approx. 3-7 paragraphs)
a. What is already known about this topic?
b. What research has been done in this area?
c. What questions remain to be answered?
III. Conclusion (1 paragraph)
a. Describe your project and how it expands on work already done. b. What new information do you hope to find? c. What is your hypothesis?
IV. References Page
V. Rules
a. Formal scientific writing – no contractions, slang, or personal pronouns. Use 3rd person.
b. Spelling & grammar count – Grammarly should be your best friend.
c. In-text citations – Any information from an outside source MUST be cited. In-text citations are required. APA style must be used.
d. Reference List – If it is not cited in the paper, it should not be on the list. If it is cited it in the paper, it must be on the list.