How to Write about Economics and Public Policy

Description

This book is for graduate students from both English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries, who are studying economics, public policy, public administration, public affairs, public finance, or policy analysis in English and who seek guidance on designing and completing a research study in their chosen area. It is especially relevant for students who are not familiar with professional research writing in economics and public policy. This book also serves the needs of undergraduate students majoring in economics or public policy, particularly in programs that emphasize research. Students in such programs will find many useful suggestions for conducting research in economics and public policy and preparing a high-quality research paper. Title page Table of Contents Copyright Dedication Preface Target Audience for This Book Purposes of This Book How This Book Came About Special Features A Focus on Disciplinary Writing Acknowledgments Disclaimer Chapter 1: What Is Academic Writing? Abstract Academic Writing as a Universal Set of Skills Academic Writing vs. General-Purpose Writing The Notion of Genre in Academic Writing Disciplinary Differences in Academic Writing Academic Writing: A Definition Academic Writing as Research Academic Writing as a Dialog The Demands of Graduate Writing Special Problems of Non-English Writers Learning to Write Like an Expert Chapter 2: Research in Public Policy and Economics Abstract What Is Research? Research in Public Policy and Economics Empirical vs. Nonempirical Research Purposes of Empirical Research Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research Which Approach Is Prevalent in Public Policy Programs? The Rhetoric of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Research Designs in Public Policy and Economics Examples of Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches Chapter 3: Research Topics and Paper Options Abstract Possible Topics Narrowing Down a Topic Suggestions for a Good Topic Common Problems with Topic Selection Research Paper Options Chapter 4: Identifying Literature to Review Abstract What Is Academic Literature? Scholarly Literature Policy Literature Popular Literature Hierarchy of Academic Literature Looking for Relevant Literature: Where to Start How to Read Literature Reviews Suggestions for Searching for Empirical Literature Where to Look for Literature Chapter 5: Reading and Analyzing Literature Abstract Understanding the Structure and Organization of Research Papers Reading Empirical Studies How Many Studies to Read? Analyzing Empirical Studies Common Flaws in Empirical Studies Chapter 6: Research Questions, Hypotheses, and Purpose Statements Abstract What Is a Research Question? Where Do Research Questions Come from? Do All Studies Have a Research Question? Closed-Ended vs. Open-Ended Questions Empirical vs. Normative Questions Other Nonempirical Questions Research Questions in a Paper Formulating Empirical Questions Characteristics of a Good Research Question Hypotheses Purpose Statements Examples of Research Questions Research Question Analysis Chapter 7: Research Proposals Abstract Ways to Develop a Research Project What if I Just Have a Point to Prove? How to Prepare a Research Proposal The Research Proposal: What to Include Common Problems Making and Supporting Claims in a Proposal Sample Proposals Am I Ready to Write a Proposal? Chapter 8: Structure of a Research Paper Abstract Common Structure of a Research Paper Conceptual Parts of an Empirical Paper Sections in an Empirical Paper: Examples Chapter 9: Justifying a Study: The Introduction Abstract Problem and Its Importance Research Gap Contribution of the Study Chapter 10: Theory and Theoretical Frameworks Abstract What Is Theory? Components of a Theory Theory across Disciplines Role of Theory in Research Where Should My Theory Come from? Theories vs. Models in Economics Placement of Theory in a Paper Describing Theory in a Paper Chapter 11: Situating a Study: The Literature Review Abstract Suggestions for Using the Literature Organizing the Literature to Make a Point Common Problems Chapter 12: Literature Review: Models and Examples Abstract Annotated Extracts from Published Studies Annotated Literature Review from a Student Paper Model Literature Reviews from Student Papers Chapter 13: Data and Methodology Abstract Research Question and Methodology The Ideal vs. the Real Methodology Methodology Section in a Paper Concepts and Measures Data Quantitative vs. Qualitative Data Analysis Describing a Quantitative Methodology Mathematical Writing: Basic Principles Describing a Qualitative Methodology Chapter 14: Results, Discussion, and Conclusion Abstract Results in an Empirical Study Where to Describe Results? Results in a Quantitative Study How to Report Results in a Quantitative Study Reports of Quantitative Results: Examples How to Report Results in a Qualitative Study How to Discuss Results Writing a Conclusion Using Visuals: Tables and Figures Hedging in Public Policy and Economic Writing How to Qualify Claims Chapter 15: Data, Methodology, Results, and Discussion: Models and Examples Abstract Describing Data and Measures Describing Methodology Describing Results Chapter 16: Writing Skills Abstract Using and Citing Sources What Requires a Citation What Does Not Require a Citation Citing Information from Sources You Have Not Seen Reporting Verbs and verb Tenses Academic Style for References and Citations Quoting and Summarizing How to Quote How to Summarize Paragraph Writing Style, Grammar, and Expression Punctuation Common Collocations Appendix A: Citation Guides Appendix B: Model Papers Appendix C: Data Sources Appendix D: Journals in Economics and Public Policy Corpus Details Journals Included in the Corpus References References for Academic Writing and Research Published Studies Student Papers Index