PSYC 255
Synthesis Paper
Department of Psychology, Liberty University
PSYC 255: Introduction to Research Professor
Introduction
Throughout the past seven weeks, my knowledge within research has evolved and
changed for the better. Oxford dictionary describes psychology as the scientific study of the
human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context. When
enrolling within this course, the one thing that came to mind was a more profound understanding
of individuals and their minds. Throughout my time in this class, I learned various new vital
information to help me succeed further within my studies. One of the few things I learned
throughout this course was correctly formatting an APA paper, research methods, as well as a
case study approach. Adding onto the APA formatting, I was informed on properly using
headings and subheadings and clarifying citations within my works. Along this course, I have
also grown my vocabulary in adding new terminologies that will later be helpful in my career as
a psychiatrist.
APA Formatting
APA is the style of documentation of sources used by the American Psychological
Association. This is the form of writing a research paper used mainly within the social sciences
fields; this includes psychology, sociology, education, and a few other areas. The two main vital
things to keep in mind are in-text citations and reference page when corresponding to APA
formatting. When beginning an APA-style paper, I have learned that setting up the proper
, formatting allows for a smoother writing process. The composition of the document consists of
Times New Roman font, 12 point font, and one-inch margins. The first page of the document
consists of a title page; this page holds the following: paper title, page number, running head,
authors, afflictions, due date, and author title. Applications include institutions or school names,
courses, and the instructor's name. After the title page, the abstract is followed. The abstract
summarizes the paper's contents; they usually consist of no more than 250 words (APA
Publication Manual 2019). Next, the keywords page is where the reader can find a list of words,
phrases, or acronyms that should describe essential aspects of the paper. However, abstracts and
keyword pages are not required within student papers unless instructed by the instructor. The
third (higher-level writing) or second page (student-level writing) is where the body of the paper
begins; however, within a student paper, the abstract is included within the second page of the
document.
Headings and subheadings
Another critical detail learned throughout my time learning about APA formatting is
formatting headings and subheadings. Specific titles should be used accurately in formatted
documentation sequence to organize the seriation and concepts within a study while making
focal points for vital terms within the segments of a scientific style paper—headings service as
guidance through the document. Levels of subordination organize the levels, and each section of
the manuscript should start with the highest level of heading. Within an APA paper, there are
five different heading levels. However, regardless of the number of levels, one should always
commence with level 1. The first three levels are commonly used and found in the majority of
APA written papers. The quantity of headings is subjected to the document's length and
complexity (APA Publication Manual 2019). I have found myself mainly using levels one
through three throughout the papers I have written to date.
Synthesis Paper
Department of Psychology, Liberty University
PSYC 255: Introduction to Research Professor
Introduction
Throughout the past seven weeks, my knowledge within research has evolved and
changed for the better. Oxford dictionary describes psychology as the scientific study of the
human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context. When
enrolling within this course, the one thing that came to mind was a more profound understanding
of individuals and their minds. Throughout my time in this class, I learned various new vital
information to help me succeed further within my studies. One of the few things I learned
throughout this course was correctly formatting an APA paper, research methods, as well as a
case study approach. Adding onto the APA formatting, I was informed on properly using
headings and subheadings and clarifying citations within my works. Along this course, I have
also grown my vocabulary in adding new terminologies that will later be helpful in my career as
a psychiatrist.
APA Formatting
APA is the style of documentation of sources used by the American Psychological
Association. This is the form of writing a research paper used mainly within the social sciences
fields; this includes psychology, sociology, education, and a few other areas. The two main vital
things to keep in mind are in-text citations and reference page when corresponding to APA
formatting. When beginning an APA-style paper, I have learned that setting up the proper
, formatting allows for a smoother writing process. The composition of the document consists of
Times New Roman font, 12 point font, and one-inch margins. The first page of the document
consists of a title page; this page holds the following: paper title, page number, running head,
authors, afflictions, due date, and author title. Applications include institutions or school names,
courses, and the instructor's name. After the title page, the abstract is followed. The abstract
summarizes the paper's contents; they usually consist of no more than 250 words (APA
Publication Manual 2019). Next, the keywords page is where the reader can find a list of words,
phrases, or acronyms that should describe essential aspects of the paper. However, abstracts and
keyword pages are not required within student papers unless instructed by the instructor. The
third (higher-level writing) or second page (student-level writing) is where the body of the paper
begins; however, within a student paper, the abstract is included within the second page of the
document.
Headings and subheadings
Another critical detail learned throughout my time learning about APA formatting is
formatting headings and subheadings. Specific titles should be used accurately in formatted
documentation sequence to organize the seriation and concepts within a study while making
focal points for vital terms within the segments of a scientific style paper—headings service as
guidance through the document. Levels of subordination organize the levels, and each section of
the manuscript should start with the highest level of heading. Within an APA paper, there are
five different heading levels. However, regardless of the number of levels, one should always
commence with level 1. The first three levels are commonly used and found in the majority of
APA written papers. The quantity of headings is subjected to the document's length and
complexity (APA Publication Manual 2019). I have found myself mainly using levels one
through three throughout the papers I have written to date.
