Sample Outline

While your paper does not need to be an exact format match for this outline, your outline should

incorporate an Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. How much detail you put in is up to you. I

recommend that you fill in as much information as you can (related to your topic, of course)

using the resources you identified in the Unit 3 assignment. (please review your feedback and

make changes if needed, as this will impact your grade). The more thorough you fill out your

outlines, the easier the final course paper will be.

Remember:

• Do not copy and paste

• Do not direct quote (use your own words)

• Cite your courses within the text (i.e., Feldman, 2021) this will link your information to

your references. If you do not cite, then you cannot get credit for your sources (there is no

way to link a source you list to specific information in your paper unless you complete

this step)

• Remember to list your references.

Your sources need to be:

• Peer reviewed.

• From within the last 5 years

• The full source, not just an abstract or snippet of a Google book

• An active working link/permalink

Sample Outline

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for depression:

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Topic Sentence

B. Further introduction of your topic

a. Define Symptoms of Depression (e.g., according to the DSM-5)

b. Incidence of depression (numbers/demographics)

c. Relevance of the topic and its broader implications

II. BODY

A. Theme 1: CBT is Effective for those with Mild Depression

a. Topic Sentence: Numerous studies have shown CBT to be an effective treatment

for mild Depression.

b. Evidence from articles supporting the effectiveness of CBT for mild Depression.

c. Specific benefits of CBT for individuals with mild Depression.

B. Theme 1 continued: Additional Evidence that CBT is Effective for those with Mild

Depression

a. Topic Sentence

b. Further evidence and examples supporting the effectiveness of CBT for mild

Depression.

C. Theme 2: CBT and Major (severe) Depression

a. Topic Sentence: Although CBT is effective for those with mild depression, more

severe cases may require both medication and CBT.

b. Evidence supporting the combination of medication and CBT for major

Depression.

D. Theme 3: Conflicting Evidence

a. Topic Sentence: In contrast, some studies have failed to support the idea that

CBT is an effective treatment for Depression.

b. Evidence presenting conflicting findings regarding the effectiveness of CBT for

Depression.

E. Theme 4: CBT and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

a. Topic Sentence: CBT’s effectiveness in treating other mental health conditions,

such as PTSD.

b. Evidence demonstrating the efficacy of CBT for PTSD.

IV. CONCLUSION

a. Topic sentence

b. Summary of the main conclusions from the paper regarding the effectiveness of CBT

for depression

c. Importance and implications for human health and psychology d. Suggestions for future

research in the field of CBT and depression

***Remember *** to incorporate appropriate citations and references throughout your paper to

support your claims and strengthen the validity of your arguments.

The above outline provides a structured framework for a course paper on the topic of whether

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for depression. The outline follows a

standard format, including an introduction, body, and conclusion.

• In the introduction, the writer introduces the topic of depression and its significance,

providing information on the symptoms of depression, its incidence, and the broader

implications for individuals and society. This sets the stage for the discussion on the

effectiveness of CBT as a treatment for depression.

• The body of the paper is divided into several themes or sub-topics. Theme 1 focuses on the

effectiveness of CBT for individuals with mild depression. The writer presents evidence

from various studies to support the claim that CBT is effective in treating mild depression.

This theme is further expanded with additional evidence and examples.

• Theme 2 addresses the use of CBT for major depression. The writer acknowledges that

while CBT is effective for mild depression, individuals with more severe depression may

require a combination of medication and CBT. Evidence is provided to support this claim.

• Theme 3 introduces conflicting evidence, acknowledging that some studies have failed to

support the idea that CBT is effective for depression. The writer presents this opposing

viewpoint, acknowledging that there are differing opinions and findings in the literature.

• Theme 4 explores the use of CBT in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This

expands the discussion beyond depression and demonstrates the efficacy of CBT in treating

other mental health conditions.

• The conclusion summarizes the main conclusions drawn from the paper and emphasizes

the importance and implications of the research findings for human health and psychology.

It also suggests directions for future research in the field of CBT and depression.

Overall, the outline provides a clear and organized structure for the course paper, allowing the

writer to present arguments, evidence, and conclusions in a logical and cohesive manner.