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The Structure of a Paper in Social Sciences

Faculties: SW

Although the types may differ, all academic papers share similarities in their structure. The structure (also called outline) of an academic paper consists of the main content as well as formal elements that frame it. The following section presents various elements of term papers and theses in the Social Sciences in their respective order. Below you will first find an overview of these elements.

Contents

Formal elements before the main content

In the following order:

Title page Always
Abstract For theses
Contents Always
List of graphics If several graphics are included
List of tables If several tables are included
List of abbreviations If there are abbreviations that need explanation

Main content

In the following order:

Introduction Always
Description of the research subject* Always
Definition of terms* Always
Theories and models* Related to the topic and research question
State of research* Depending on topic and research question
Method* For empirical work; for literature/theory papers, depending on the lecturers’ requirements
Results* Always
Discussion of results* Always
Conclusion Always
*These elements do not necessarily constitute separate chapters.

Formal elements after the main content

In the following order:

References Always
Appendix If originals, extensive or supplementary texts are included
Statutory declaration For theses; in some cases also for term papers, depending on the lecturers

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an introduction?

Yes, the introduction is always an essential part of the main content of your academic paper.

Do I need a list of tables at the beginning or at the end of my paper?

A list of tables is required as soon as you use several tables in your paper. The list of tables belongs to the formal elements that appear before the main content of your work.

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Illustration zum technischen Zeichnen mit einem Zirkel, einem Lineal und einem Blatt Papier.

The Layout of a Paper in Social Sciences

A few basic layout rules No matter which option you choose: When it comes to the layout of a paper, opinions often differ. If your lecturers (or later publishers or companies) provide fixed requirements for font, font size, line spacing etc., you should follow them. However, you are often allowed and encouraged to express your …

Faculties: BW, SW

Contributors: Carola Gröhlich, Susanne Heidenreich, Maria Noll, Erika von Rautenfeld, Schreibzentrum, Dzifa Vode

Illustration: Eine Person sitzt vor dem Laptop und arbeitet an einer wissenschaftlichen Arbeit.

Designing the Cover Page

Info: Here you will find an overview of the overall structure of a Social Science paper. Elements of a cover page Authors with student ID and email address Title, if applicable with subtitle – this does not necessarily have to be the research question Semester and year of submission Submission date Title of the course …

Faculties: SW

Contributors: Carola Gröhlich, Susanne Heidenreich, Maria Noll, Erika von Rautenfeld, Schreibzentrum, Dzifa Vode

This article was published in August 2025 and last updated in April 2025.

Faculties: SW

Contributors: Carola Gröhlich, Susanne Heidenreich, Maria Noll, Erika von Rautenfeld, Schreibzentrum, Dzifa Vode

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