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1. Introduction and Aim of the Studyo Some academic institutions will ask for the introduction and aim of the study to be

represented separately, while others will combine them into a single heading. Theintroduction serves to put the paper into context. It should explain how the study was doneand what it is about. The aim of the study can be considered an extension of theintroduction and should clearly state the research problem.

Literature Reviewo Qualitative research requires examination of existing research and information about the

chosen problem. To accomplish this, qualitative researchers must develop a research planthat determines what sources they will use, such as libraries, databases or specific searchengines. Relevant documents are reviewed and carefully summarized. The final literaturereview should briefly describe how the literature review was conducted and providesummaries of documents relevant to the research problem.

Sample Descriptiono The individuals being studied are referred to as the sample. Certain characteristics are

usually identified as important to the research problem. Age, gender, socioeconomic statusand educational background are just a few examples of characteristics researchers mightneed to identify in their sample. This section of the paper is often scrutinized for disparities.

Data Collection Methodso Once a sample group has been identified, researchers must determine how they will obtain

information from them. Face-to-face interviews, phone interviews, surveys and groupdiscussions are all possible choices. Copies of research questions used are often included inthis section. Anecdotal records kept by interviewers are often kept and made available as

well.Data Analysis Methods

o Methods for analyzing data are highly varied and may, on occasion, incorporate quantitativemethods. When qualitative and quantitative methods are combined, it is referred to as amixed approach. It is important to describe how the information obtained from the sample

was managed. Examples include audio or video recordings, transcription, database storageand written records.

Findingso This section should include a direct report of the data. It should be succinct and impartial

without engaging in personal reflections or interpretations. Describe the data in detail without drawing conclusions of any kind.

Discussiono The discussion section is closely related to, but still separate from, the findings. How this

section is presented will largely depend on the findings section. It is important to discussonly relevant facts and abstain from attempting to interpret findings at this time.

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Conclusiono The conclusion serves to summarize the entire study and to suggest possible applications.

While it is still inappropriate to speculate, suggesting applications from the study areencouraged and expected. Readers are usually interested to know how research findings can

be used in society.

Abstracto Abstracts are often the only portion of a study seen in academic search engines. It is

important to provide details on the study's background, goals, data sample, data collectionand a summary of the findings. In all, the abstract should be less than a page in length.