1. So you have to write a research paper What is a research paper? A few helpful metaphors What research paper writing entails Blueprint of the book 2. Getting started: finding a research question Characteristics of a good question Find something interesting Determining why your topic is important If possible, identifying a puzzle Stating words for questions Practical summary Suggested calendar Exercises Checklist 1: the research question 3. Learning proper citation forms, finding the scholarly debate, and summarizing and classifying arguments: the annotated bibliography What are bibliographies, and why do we bother with them? Plagiarism versus paraphrasing Annotating the bibliography Identifying the key conceptual issues Searching for sources Identifying similar arguments and grouping your sources One last word of advice: generic schools of thought Writing the annotated bibliography Practical summary Suggested calendar Exercises Checklist 2: annotated bibliography 4. Making sense of the scholarly answers to your research question: writing the literature review The fundamentals of the literature review Writing the literature review Practical summary Suggested calendar Exercises Checklist 3: literature review 5. Effectively distilling your argument: the thesis, model, and hypothesis The thesis The model The hypothesis Applying the insights Practical summary Suggested calendar Exercises Checklist 4: model and hypothesis 6. Revising and editing your work: it ain't over 'til it's over Practical summary Suggested calendar Checklist 5: appearance, format and style 7. Making your plan and protecting yourself from criticism: the research design Research design: the medical science analogy Writing the research design Choosing cases Concept delineation and measurement Identifying data sources Strategies for uncovering and, at times, creating data Methodology Finishing touches on the research design Practical summary Suggested calendar Exercises Checklist 6: research design 8. Evaluating the argument: the analysis and assessment section Qualitative analysis Quantitative analysis Finishing the analysis and assessment section Practical summary Suggested calendar Exercises Checklist 7: analysis and assessment 9. Bringing the paper together in three essential ways: the conclusion, introduction, and title Considering the significance and limitations of your findings: the conclusion Writing a good introduction A last element in attracting readers: developing an appealing title Are you done? The joy (and continued responsibilities) of finalizing your draft Practical summary Suggested calendar Exercises Checklist 8: conclusion, introduction, and title