The Curious Researcher: A Guide to Writing Research Papers

Featuring an engaging, direct writing style and inquiry-based approach, this popular research guide stresses that curiosity is the best reason for investigating ideas and information.

An appealing alternative to traditional research texts, The Curious Researcher stands apart for its motivational tone, its conversational style, and its conviction that research writing can be full of rewarding discoveries. Offering a wide variety of examples from student and professional writers, this popular guide shows that good research and lively writing do not have to be mutually exclusive. Students are encouraged to find ways to bring their writing to life, even though they are writing with “facts.” A unique chronological organization sets up achievable writing goals while it provides week-by-week guidance through the research process. Full explanations of the technical aspects of writing and documenting source-based papers help students develop sound research and analysis skills. The text also includes up-to-date coverage of MLA and APA styles.

Key Benefit: The success of research writing depends on the same thing that makes other writing successful: the writer's interest in what s/he's writing about. This book aims to challenge the assumption that a formal research paper has to be dry and uninteresting to read by helping writers see how integrally the research process and the writing process are bound. Key Topics: This accessible, motivational guide to planning, researching, writing, and documenting a research paper is organized into an easy-to-follow, unique five week program that helps writers focus their work and overcome procrastination. A thorough review of MLA and APA documentation formats as well as documenting electronic resources makes this book a must have. Also includes integrated Internet information. Market: For anyone who needs a different approach to writing a research paper.