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Kraemer Family Library

Designing Research Posters

Title

States the question/problem that you are addressing. Your research question can serve as the title.

  • Use bold typeface.
  • Capitalize important words of title
  • Do not use ALL CAPS.
  • Title should be short, meaningful, and eye-catching (no longer than two lines).
  • Avoid jargon or acronyms.
  • If using a university logo, place on either side of the title.
  • Author(s) should be listed right under the title.

Font size: 70 - 80 for the title; 60 for author names

Introduction

Provides the reason for researching your topic and briefly explains why your research is significant.

  • Place your topic within context of published literature.
  • Clearly state your hypothesis.
  • Include just what is highly relevant. Minimize background information and definitions.

Wordcount: 100-200  

Font size: Headings: about 44; Main text about 32

Materials and Methodology

Explain what your research strategy was and how you actually carried it out.

  • Briefly describe your research methods and any equipment or software you may have used.
  • You may also add figures, tables, flow charts, photographs, or drawings that describe your design.

Wordcount: 100-200  

Font size: Headings about 44; Main text about 32; Captions about 28

Results

What did you learn?

  • Briefly discuss your data analysis.
  • You may add supporting charts, images, tables, quotations etc.
  • Use captions that describe the graphics.

Wordcount: 100-200     

Font size: Headings 44; Main text 32; Captions 28

Conclusions

This is where you summarize your hypothesis and results.

  • Focus on the main takeaway points
  • Was your hypothesis supported?
  • What is the significance of your findings?
  • Future research?

Wordcount: 150-300      

Font size: Headings: 44; Main text 32

Works Cited

Acknowledge the research that influenced your project.

  • Cite only the most pertinent articles. Three to five is a reasonable number for a poster.
  • Select a documentation format (APA, MLA, Chicago etc) and be consistent.
  • Create a handout if you want to share more citations.

Font size: 24

Acknowledgements

This section is optional but it is nice to acknowledge people who have provided assistance or funding for your project.

  • Thank individuals who made contributions to your project.
  • Thank research subjects (as a group).
  • Acknowledge funding sources.

Font size: 24-28