Tips for paper writing
IS 7150 William A. Sodeman, Ph.D. Spring 2005
Writing papers
All written assignments are expected to: 1. Answer the questions posed 2. Be well researched 3. Be well written 4. Be APA compliant research reports
1. Answer the questions posed
• What 1.1 Identify
What, Who
• Who • How
• Where
1.2 Conceptualize
What, How
1.3 Operationalize
Where, When, How
• When
• Why
1.4 Analyze
What, Why
Answer the questions posed 1.1 Identify
• • • • Scope the boundaries of the issue Define key concepts Decide upon unit of analysis Understand the ultimate end-consumer
Answer the questions posed 1.2 Conceptualize
• Functionally decompose the problem • Model the connections between key concepts • Determine hierarchical ordering
Answer the questions posed 1.3 Operationalize
• Decide upon method of analysis • Identify observable indicators related to key concepts • Choose appropriate measurement scales for indicators
Answer the questions posed 1.4 Synthesize
• Create a new packaging for the research topic
– Create precise definitions – Show the past, present, and future connections between key ideas – Present values associated with the topic
2. Be well researched
• Quality of Sources
– Refereed Journals – Conference Proceedings – White Papers – Opinion
• Logical Triangulation of important ideas
3. Be well written
• Overview – scope and organization of Paper • Details – functionally decomposed hierarchy of issues • Summary – tightly synthesized discussion of the value of the paper
4. APA compliance
• • • • Title Page One inch margins Double-spaced text In-line citations for every statement of fact or major conclusion • Complete reference list
Other guidance
• Avoid the following – Colloquialisms – Jargon – Hyperbole and superlatives – Contractions and abbreviations – First and second person references – Questions for headings or titles
Heuristics – Citing Sources
• Cite every statement of fact or major conclusion. • Direct quotes must be placed in quotation marks or treated with a block indent. • Direct quotes should have a page or paragraph cite.
Final Thoughts
• You are not writing the paper for yourself. Clarity is the most critical issue. • Use Level 1, 3 and 4 headings to organize your thoughts • Use formal language. • Avoid colloquialisms.
Example - Paper One
The first paper will consist of a thorough discussion of the research topic that you have identified. You must identify relevant research questions The discussion should take the form of a review of the literature and cover appropriate exploratory and descriptive sub-questions.
Paper One Evaluation
Max Points Item 50 20 20
10 100
Key questions answered Findings/conclusions well organized Quantity and quality of sources appropriate Spelling, grammar and APA style acceptable TOTAL