Economics 380:
Approaches to Research in Economics

[ Basic Information | Objectives | Online Course Resources |
| Your Research Proposal | Attributes of a Quality Research Paper |
| A. Course Requirements | B. Grading Policy | C. Attendance Policy |
| D. Cheating and Plagiarism Policy | E. Snow Policy | F. Disability Policy | G. Schedule ]


Attributes of a Quality Research Paper

by Chris Bell, Department of Economics, UNCA

1. Content:
  C Reflects knowledge of relevant theory
  C Extends, tests, applies or clarifies existing theory
  C Reflects knowledge of relevant theory
  C Exhibits creativity and imagination (examples: creative application of economic theory, imaginative measure of a hard-to-quantify variable, insightful analysis of the limitations of a particular approach and useful suggestions for surmounting these limitations)
  C Completes task outlined in the topic statement
     
2. Grammar and Style:
  C Introduction contains a clear topic statement and outline
  C Paper is divided into sections; each section has a heading; sections follow each other in a logical and consistent pattern
  C Transitions between paragraphs and sections are smooth (requires the use of transition sentences)
  C Writing is clear, concise, vivid
  C Complex words aren’t used where simple words will do
  C Paper contains no spelling errors (use the spell checker, I do!)
  C Direct quotations are set off from the text
  C Paraphrases, references and quotations are properly cited
  C Pages are numbered
  C Figures and tables follow their first mention in the text as closely as possible
   
3. Typical outline:
  C Introduction containing a clear topic statement and outline
  C Body developing the topic in a clear and orderly fashion
  C Conclusion tying the paper together and encouraging reflection and further thinking on the part of the reader
 
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Copyright © 2001-2 [Chris Bell, Department of Economics, UNC Asheville].
All rights reserved.  Revised: March 30, 2006.