Featured Book
The encouraging book that has guided thousands of students step by step through crafting a strong dissertation proposal is now in a thoroughly revised second edition. It includes new guidance for developing methodology-specific problem statements, an expanded discussion of the literature review, coverage of the four-chapter dissertation model, and more. Terrell demonstrates how to write each chapter of the proposal, including the problem statement, purpose statement, and research questions and hypotheses; literature review; and detailed plans for data collection and analysis. "Let's Start Writing" exercises serve as building blocks for drafting a complete proposal. Other user-friendly features include case-study examples from diverse disciplines, "Do You Understand?" checklists, and end-of-chapter practice tests with answers. Appendices present an exemplary proposal written three ways to demonstrate quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches, and discuss how to structure a four-chapter dissertation. New to This Edition *Introduction offering a concise overview of the entire proposal-writing process and the doctoral experience. *Additional help with tailoring problem and purpose statements for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. *Expanded discussion of the review of literature, including a criterion for judging the quality of primary versus secondary sources. *Many new examples from different disciplines, such as studies of depression treatments, approaches to reducing offender recidivism, health effects of irradiated crops, strength training in college football, and remote teaching and learning during COVID-19. *Focus on the five-chapter model is broadened to include specific guidance for four-chapter dissertations. *Broader, more detailed reference list and glossary.
Writing Help
- Teaching and Learning in an AI WorldBU Center for Teaching & Learning
- Writing Assistance: Educational Resources CenterFree online resources for writers at all levels to complement face-to-face writing assistance appointments at BU Educational Resources Center.
- Purdue OWL: Online Writing LabThe Purdue OWL is a very well-known and respected free service that includes tips on general writing, research and citation (including APA Style), job search writing, and more.
- Read&Write GoldRead&Write GOLD is a literacy software that helps students with reading, writing, research, and organization. It is helpful for students of all abilities, combining many different accessibility and organizational tools in a single, easy-to-use toolbar.
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Specific Types of Academic Writing
- Writing a Literature Review (USC)This guide to writing a literature review covers different types, approaches to organization, best practices, and common errors to avoid.
- Systematic Reviews in the Social SciencesA systematic review is a very thorough and comprehensive analysis of all relevant studies on a very specialized topic. A systematic review is a unique analysis on existing literature surrounding a focused research question using very strict criteria for what studies are included and excluded from the analysis.
- Guide for Writers of Theses & DissertationsAre you working toward a dissertation? See formatting and submission guidelines at Boston University, dissertation finding aids, and more.
Citations: APA Style
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed.Publication Date: 2020The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition is the official source for APA Style. With millions of copies sold worldwide in multiple languages, it is the style manual of choice for writers, researchers, editors, students, and educators in the social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, nursing, communications, education, business, engineering, and other fields. Known for its authoritative, easy-to-use reference and citation system, the Publication Manual also offers guidance on choosing the headings, tables, figures, language, and tone that will result in powerful, concise, and elegant scholarly communication. It guides users through the scholarly writing process--from the ethics of authorship to reporting research through publication. The seventh edition is an indispensable resource for students and professionals to achieve excellence in writing and make an impact with their work.
- APA Style Home PageThis website by the APA provides a great amount of important info about the new edition. Open up the menu for Style and Grammar Guidelines and find easy listings for in-text citations, bias-free language and much more.
- APA Style TutorialThis tutorial available from APA covers the basics, such as tables and figures, bias-free language guidelines, and in-text citations, paraphrasing, and quotations.
- APA Style BlogSearch for answers to tricky citation questions on this useful blog related to the 7th edition.
- From the APA Style Blog: How to Cite ChatGPTInsight into how to cite an AI platform - content not available in the print edition within the library.
- APA Style Instructional AidsHandouts about the style and other aids, including a section titled How to Clearly Communicate Your Research.
Organize Your Work!
RefWorks
I suggest the tool RefWorks for organizing citations for the following (and other) reasons:
- quickly create and format bibliographies in APA Style
- direct exports into RefWorks from BU Libraries Search, Google Scholar, ERIC, etc.
- your account is online; no worrying about device failure
- BU currently has an institutional subscription, and you can continue access as an alum.
However, if all you're looking for is a tool to format citations without all the storage, sharing, or advanced features, both BU Libraries Search and Google Scholar offer "cite" features on each record. These other resources may also suit your needs.
Whatever you choose, be sure to check your citations carefully for errors!
