Requirements for Each Research Paper To avoid point deductions, each paper must follow APA style and formattingLinks to an external site.. Each paper must consist of a minimum of 1,500 words—not counting the title page or references section. Please rely on Microsoft Word to determine the word count (not a PDF or other source). Your research paper must include these elements: Title page (with proper APA-style formatting) Abstract (with proper APA-style formatting) Introduction (ending with a thesis statement) A description of the crime Analysis of the crime and criminal behavior Discussion about media involvement and coverage A perspective on media influence Conclusion (based on your research and perspective) References section (with proper APA-style formatting throughout) Sources, Citations, and References Your paper should include at least six sources (points will be deducted if fewer sources are used). These sources should include your textbook—plus five additional sources, three of which must be scholarly in nature. In writing a research paper, which should be a discussion about previously published research, there should be ample in-text citations—such as (Torres, 2024)—throughout your paper. Each in-text citation must be listed in the "References" section. CitationsLinks to an external site. and referencesLinks to an external site. must be in proper APA format. Please refer to APA style guidelinesLinks to an external site., the APA Module or Purdue Owl.Links to an external site. Required Sections and Headings The Research Paper Overview has several tips and guides, including A Guide to Writing a Research Paper, Template Paper, and Rubric. The template can help with proper formatting and provide an overall outline for your research paper. Each paper must contain: (1) a title page, (2) an abstract, (3) a main body, and (4) references. The main body must be organized according to the following headings: Introduction (ending with a thesis statement) Description of the Case Analysis of the Crime(s) Media Involvement and Coverage A Perspective on Media Influence Conclusion