ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses both format and style. A related aspect of style is the form used to present references and works cited in a research paper. The major components of research reports: the title and title page, an abstract, an introduction or rationale, a review of the literature, a discussion of the methodology, a complete discussion of the results, conclusions and/or recommendations, references, and appendices. Most professional public administration and nonprofit organization publications follow the in-text citation model. All references used in the paper should appear in a separate section at the end of the report but before any appendices, tables, or figures. The chances of the paper being read can often be improved by following a simple, standard structure and using a writing style consistent with the writing in that field of study. Later, if the researcher tries to publish a research paper, the format must meet the specific structure and style requirements of the selected journal.
