General Guidelines For Writing Research Papers (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

For an empirical paper, think about "mistakes", or even just alternative procedures to test or

measure the same effect (e. g. using two-stage least squares, 2SLS).

Think about other propositions that can be tested with the same data.

Think about other data that can be used to test the same proposition.

Update the data to a new year, to a new country, or to add observations for more years or more

individuals. However, always start with replication.

The "Introduction" is key; write it first, to get thinking, and rewrite it again at the end

Use only the first paragraph to state the question and describe its importance. Don't weave

around, be overly broad, or use prior literature to motivate it (the question is not important

because so many papers looked at this issue before!).

Then use the second paragraph for a summary of the most relevant literature (not a full section!).

Hint: use present tense, to be consistent. "Smith (1986) presents a similar model, …".

Next, while still on page one, the third paragraph must begin: "The purpose of this paper is ...",

and summarize what you actually do. (Paragraphs 2 and 3 could be reversed.)

That sets you up for the fourth paragraph, which lists "The contributions of this work" – relative

to that prior literature. Clarify what you do that's different.

The fifth paragraph then summarizes your results. Tell the answer, so they know what to expect,

and how to think about each step along the way, what's driving your results.

In the sixth and final paragraph, as an aid to the reader, plot the course for the rest of the paper.

"The first section below presents a theoretical model that can be used to generate specific

hypotheses. Then section 2 presents the econometric model, ...".

This is "formula" writing, but it works! This is the formula in good published papers. Follow it.

Use Rules of Outlining:

The intro needs no heading (it's obvious!). After those six paragraphs (3 pages), use subsection

headings to organize the paper. Here is a typical example, using two acceptable outline styles:

I. The Theoretical Model

1. The Theoretical Model

II. Statistical Model

2. Statistical Model

A. Equation structure

2.1. Equation structure

B. Data availability

2.2. Data availability

1. Time-Series

2.2.1. Time-Series

2. Cross-Section

2.2.2. Cross-Section

III. Results

3. Results

A. Ordinary Least Squares

3.1. Ordinary Least Squares

B. Two Stage Least Squares

3.2. Two Stage Least Squares

IV. Limitations of the Research

4. Limitations of the Research

V. Conclusion

5. Conclusion

Explain everything as thoroughly and clearly as you can. Don’t try to be dramatic; unjustified

claims reduce your credibility. Thus the paper may seem long and dry, but that’s what you need

to cover all necessary possibilities and substantiate your results. Get comments, and rewrite. I

will read and comment on as many drafts as you want to write, so long as you provide adequate

time. Allow a week for me to read and return it, but you can bring a single section at a time.

General Guidelines For Writing Research Papers Page 2

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