Introduction

Include your introduction of the study including the background and significance of the research topic (at least two paragraphs with a brief summary of the literature that leads into the next section.

Problem Statement

          Discuss the problem statement and how it relates to the focus of the study (one paragraph). State the research question that you propose to answer through the proposed research.

Purpose of the Study

          Discuss the purpose of the study, including how it will add to the literature and application in the field to improve patient care. Include a brief overview of the intended population sample to be studied, such as demographics or other pertinent information (one paragraph).

Literature Review

Proposed Methodology

Discuss the proposed methodology (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods) and how this selection is supported by the literature reviewed and is appropriate given the problem statement and purpose of the study (one to two paragraphs).

Literature Theme 1

          Discuss a major theme in the literature related to the proposed topic. This should integrate (analyze and synthesize) two or more sources. Start with a high/broad level theme first, such as discussing literature on the specific condition.

Literature Subtheme 1

          If appropriate use subthemes to help the literature review flow, such as discussing how the specific condition has been studied within the population sample of interest.

Literature Theme 2

          Discuss a second literature theme, such as how treatment for a condition has been applied and researched (this helps to set the stage for why the proposed research is important such as what treatments or tests have not been studied) (one to two paragraphs)

Literature Subtheme 2

          Include a second subtheme (if appropriate) (one to two paragraphs).

(You can more literature themes as you see appropriate but at least two should be covered)

Connecting Literature Review to the Rationale for the Study

          Finish the literature review with a synopsis of the literature and how it supports the need for the proposed research, that is what is the gap (or deficiency as Creswell states) that will be addressed by the proposed research. This may seem like you are restating some points covered earlier in the literature review (which you will).

References

Format the reference entries in APA style. Be sure to include parenthetic citations (at least one for each source in the references list) within the body of the paper.

Reference entries should be alphabetized by the first letter in each entry. The entries should not be numbered or have bullet points.

Review this source for help with APA style:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html