Click below to go to:

• POLITICAL SCIENCE 425 (27311)
   
• POLITICAL SCIENCE 625 (27016)
   
• POLITICAL SCIENCE 516 (26983)
   
• POLITICAL SCIENCE 201 (27904)
   
• Outline for Research Papers
   
• RETURN TO INDEX

Some Points on Writing a Paper

The following is abstracted from J. Scott Long, "Notes on Writing Effective Papers for S650-2000: Categorical Data Analysis," but is highly pertinent to this and any other class you take in a university.

Long states and I agree that "...The care in which an idea is presented affects the chances of an article being accepted. Before you turn in your assignments, think about whether you are presenting your material as effectively as possible. This handout provides some suggestions that can make your work for (this class...) and your later professional work more effective. As with most rules, there are exceptions."

General Points

• Use a spelling checker and a grammar checker.
• Read the instructions carefully.
• If you don't understand the assignment, ask before you turn it in.
• When answering a specific question in an assignment, make
• sure it is clear which question you are answering.
• Put your name on all separate parts of your assignment.
• Number the pages.
• Use staples, and make sure they go through the paper.
• Use a fixed font for printing computer output. The columns
• must line up.
• Learn how to use the following:

  i. "data are" not "data is"

  ii. "effect" and "affect"

  iii. "Ph.D." not "PH.D.", or "Ph.d.", etc.

• Stick to a few fonts of a reasonable size.
• Double or 1.5 space, except for tables and computer output.
• All tables should be set up so that the numbers are aligned. This
• is often easiest by making the table a fixed font.
• Don't use full justification if it creates large blanks in a line.
• When using relative terms, make sure that the comparison is clear.
• Don't use variable names in describing results unless it is absolutely necessary. Say: "Being a female increases. Don't say, "Increasing VAR04 increases . . . "