Writing research papers : a complete guide / James D. Lester and James D. Lester, Jr.

Includes index.

Introduction to academic writing -- Topic selection -- Organizing ideas and setting goals -- Finding web-based resources -- Using library resources -- Conducting field research -- Plagiarism and how to avoid it -- Reading and evaluating sources -- Developing outlines and writing effective notes -- Drafting the paper in an academic style -- MLA style: in-text references -- writing the introduction, body, and conclusion -- Revising, proofreading, and formatting the rough draft -- MLA style: citations -- Using the APA style -- CMS style: the footnote system -- CSE style: citations for technical writing -- Creating electronic and multimedia research projects.

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The definitive research paper guide, Writing Research Papers combines a traditional and practical approach to the research process with the latest information on electronic research and presentation. This market-leading text provides students with step-by-step guidance through the research writing process, from selecting and narrowing a topic to formatting the finished document. Writing Research Papers backs up its instruction with the most complete array of samples of any writing guide of this nature. The text continues its extremely thorough and accurate coverage of citation styles for a wide variety of disciplines. The fifteenth edition maintains Lester's successful approach while bringing new writing and documentation updates to assist the student researcher in keeping pace with electronic sources."