The Young Economist’s Short Guide to Writing Economic Research

Attributes of writing economics.

  • The discourse is often mathematical, with lots of formulas, lemmas, and proofs.
  • Writing styles vary widely. Some authors are very dry and technical while a few are quite eloquent.

Economics writing is different from many other types of writing. It is essentially technical, and the primary goal is to achieve clarity. A clear presentation will allow the strength of your underlying analysis and the quality of your research to shine through.

Unlike prose writing in other disciplines, economics research takes time. Successful papers are not cranked out the night before a due date.

General Guidelines for Quality Research

Getting started.

The hardest part of any writing assignment is starting. Economics research usually begins with a strong understanding of literature, and papers require a section that summarizes and applies previous literature to what the paper at hand. This is the best way to start.

Your writing will demonstrate that you understand the findings that relate to the topic.

Economists use the first few paragraphs to set up research questions and the model and data they use to think about it. Sure, it can be dry, but this format ensures the write and reader have strong grasp on the subject and structure of the work that follows.

Clear and Concise Work

Clarity is hard to achieve, but revising and reworking a paper ensures it is easy to read

  • Organize your ideas into an argument with the help of an outline.
  • Define the important terms you will use
  • State your hypothesis and proceed deductively to reach your conclusions
  • Avoid excess verbiage
  • Edit yourself, remove what is not needed, and keep revising until you get down to a simple, efficient way of communicating
  • Use the active voice
  • Put statements in positive form
  • Omit needless words (concise writing is clear writing)
  • In summaries, generally stick to one tense

Time Management

Poor time management can wreck the best-planned papers. Deadlines are key to successful research papers.

  • Start the project by finding your topic
  • Begin your research
  • Start and outline
  • Write a draft
  • Revise and polish

The Language of Economic Analysis

Economic theory has become very mathematical. Most PhD students are mathematicians, not simply economics majors. This means most quality economic research requires a strong use of mathematical language. Economic analysis is characterized by the use of models, simplified representations of how economic phenomena work. A model’s predictions about the future or the past are essentially empirical hypotheses. Since economics is not easily tested in controlled experiments, research requires data from the real world (census reports, balance sheets), and statistical methods (regressions and econometrics) to test the predictive power of models and hypotheses based on those models.

The Writing Process

Finding a topic.

There are a million ways to find a topic. It may be that you are writing for a specific subfield of economics, so topics are limited and thus easier to pick. However, must research starts organically, from passive reading or striking news articles. Make sure to find something that interests you. Be sure to find a niche and make a contribution to the subfield.

You will also need a project that can be done within the parameters of the assignment (length, due date, access to research materials). A profoundly interesting topic may not be manageable given the time and other constraints you face. The key is to just be practical.

Be sure to start your research as soon as possible. Your topic will evolve along the way, and the question you begin with may become less interesting as new information draws you in other directions. It is perfectly fine to shape your topic based on available data, but don’t get caught up in endlessly revising topics.

Finding and Using Sources

There are two types of economic sources: empirical data (information that is or can be easily translated into numerical form), and academic literature (books and articles that help you organize your ideas).

Economic data is compiled into a number of useful secondary sources:

  • Economic Report of the President
  • Statistical Abstract of the United States
  • National Longitudinal Survey
  • Census data
  • Academic journals

The Outline

A good outline acts as an agenda for the things you want to accomplish:

  • Introduction: Pose an interesting question or problem
  • Literature Review: Survey the literature on your topic
  • Methods/Data: Formulate your hypothesis and describe your data
  • Results: Present your results with the help of graphs and charts
  • Discussion: Critique your method and/or discuss any policy implications
  • Conclusions: Summarize what you have done; pose questions for further research

Writing a Literature Review

The literature review demonstrates your familiarity with scholarly work on your topic and lays the foundations for your paper. The particular issues you intent to raise, the terms you will employ, and the approach you will take should be defined with reference to previous scholarly works.

Presenting a Hypothesis

Formulate a question, problem or conjecture, and describe the approach you will take to answer, solve, or test it. In presenting your hypothesis, you need to discuss the data set you are using and the type of regression you will run. You should say where you found the data, and use a table, graph, or simple statistics to summarize them. In term papers, it may not be possible to reach conclusive results. Don’t be afraid to state this clearly and accurately. It is okay to have an inconclusive paper, but it is not okay to make overly broad and unsupported statements.

Presenting Results

There are essentially two decisions to make: (1) How many empirical results should be presented, and (2) How should these results be described in the text?

  • Focus only on what is important and be as clear as possible. Both smart and dumb readers will appreciate you pointing things out directly and clearly.
  • Less is usually more: Reporting a small group of relevant results is better than covering every possible statistical analysis that could be made on the data.
  • Clearly and precisely describe your tables, graphs, and figures in the text of your results section. The first and last sentence in a paragraph describing a result should be “big picture” statements, describing how the results in the table, graph or figure fit into the overall theme of the paper.

Discussing Results

The key to discussing results is to stay clear of making value judgments, and rely instead on economic facts and analyses. It is not the job of an economist to draw policy conclusions, even if the research supports strong evidence in a particular direction.

Referencing Sources

As with any research paper, source referencing depends on the will of a professor a discourse community. However, economists generally use soft references in the literature review section and then cite sources in conventional formats at the end of papers.

This guide was made possible by the excellent work of Robert Neugeboren and Mireille Jacobson of Harvard University and Paul Dudenhefer of Duke University.

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  • Publications
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  • Writing Tips for Economics Research Papers – 2021-2022 Edition

February 2022

IZA DP No. 15057: Writing Tips for Economics Research Papers – 2021-2022 Edition

an updated version of this paper is published as DP16276

This document summarizes various tips for economics research papers.

  • writing tips
  • research papers
  • research studies

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How to Write an Economics Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide

how to write economics research paper

Economics is often called “the dismal science,” and most students would agree that it never lives up to that moniker more than when they are writing an economics paper for a college, university, or MBA course. Economics essays can be challenging because they combine scientific accuracy and mathematical reasoning with the interpretive and theoretical approaches of the humanities, making them one of the most difficult types of essays to write. However, economics papers don’t have to create anxiety if you know the right way to approach an economics paper.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the right way to write an economics paper by examining the process from start to finish and offering some tips about the best way to approach each of the steps in writing an economics essay.

So, where should you begin to write an economics paper?

Read the Assignment

This might seem like a no-brainer, but the first step in writing any essay is to read the assignment and make sure that you understand exactly what the question is asking. Be sure that you are clear on each of the requirements of the assignment, and that means that you need to carefully review the question and find each of the pieces that require a response in the essay. Beyond this, you should consider whether any of the requirements are unclear. If there is anything you don’t understand, be sure to seek clarification before you start writing.

Develop a Research Question

Based on the assignment, try to develop one or two guiding questions that will help to direct your research when you start to create the assignment. What do you want to know more about? What would you need to know to address the assignment? Having sharp research questions will help to direct your research and point you in the right direction as you gather resources.

Gather Research Before You Write

Many students take the approach that the fastest way to write a paper is to start writing and grab research to support their points as they move through. However, this is an inefficient way to write. The most effective way to write an essay is to gather your research before you begin the writing process. By researching the question and evaluating resources early on, you will be in a better position to create a strong thesis statement and develop a powerful paper that will help you to address the assignment completely. One effective technique is to read each research source, pull out key quotes you might use in your paper, and produce a reference list entry for each source before you start writing. That way, you can pull from your bank of research without having to stop and research new material as you write.

Develop a Thesis Statement

Based on the research that you’ve done, you should develop a thesis statement explaining your unique perspective on the assignment and what you will demonstrate or prove during the course of the paper. A strong thesis statement is specific and sharp rather than vague and general. Your thesis should be original and not merely repeating something someone else has already done in a prior economics paper.

Outline Your Economics Paper

Many students skip this step because they think that it is a waste of time that they could be spending writing, but outlining can actually be a time-saver in the long run. Using your thesis statement, you should develop an outline that develops each part of the thesis into a paragraph or section of your outline. Each section of your outline should have supporting details, including resources, quotes, and evidence, that you will use to assemble your paper. The more detail that you put together in your outline, the easier it will be to write the final paper.

Write the Paper, Saving the Intro for Last

Your outline should make it easy to develop your paper. All you need to do at this point is to take the outline that you wrote, flesh it out by turning its points into complete sentences, drop in quotations and supporting information (with citations), and connect the dots with transitions. When you write the final paper, you should save the introduction for last. That way, you will be able to use the conclusion that you come to at the end of the paper to craft an introduction that will set up the paper. If you try doing the introduction first, you might feel tempted to tailor your conclusion to keep the introduction intact. This way, if your conclusion changes as you write, you won’t lose time or text.

Get Economics Essay Help If Needed

Writing economics papers can be hard, but these tips should make it easier. However, if you find yourself in need of additional help, it can be helpful to pay someone for writing help. When you hire an expert from an online service like WriteMyPaperHub.com , you can receive the kind of benefits that you can’t get anywhere else, including customized and personalized research and writing assistance from an expert writer with an advanced degree and years of experience producing papers for students just like you. Whether you need writing help because you are pressed for time or don’t know where to start, professional help can be the solution to help you solve your hardest essay challenges and to help you make the grade on your next economics paper.

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Writing Tips for Economics Research Papers


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This guide overviews several important rules for writing economics research papers. It focuses on three important pillars of economics writing: research, organization, and analysis. Economic research entails the use of state-of-the-art methods and data from any of a number of standard statistical sources or surveys. Organization entails organizing ideas coherently and persuasively, outlining the paper, and professional formatting. The final part focuses on the importance of analysis for economics writing: statistical or econometric analysis takes data and reports useful numerical summaries used to shed light on empirical relationships between important economic variables, test various economic models, or make predictions for the future.

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References:

American Economic Association. 2020. “Journals Indexed in EconLit.” Economics Journals Indexed in EconLit. Pittsburgh, PA: American Economic Association. https://www.aeaweb.org/econlit/journal_list.php.

Chakravarty, S., M. Lundberg, Plamen Nikolov, and J. Zenker. 2019. “Vocational Training Programs and Youth Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from Nepal.” Journal of Development Economics 136 (January): 71–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdeveco.2018.09.002.

Feldstein, Martin. 1974. “Social Security, Induced Retirement, and Aggregate Capital Accumulation.” Journal of Political Economy 82 (5): 905–26. https://doi.org/10.1086/260246.

Harrod, Roy Forbes. 1948. Towards a Dynamic Economics: Some Recent Developments of Economic Theory and Their Application to Policy. London, The United Kingdom: Macmillan.

Heath, Chip, and Dan Heath. 2007. Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die. 1st ed. New York, NY: Random House.

Madrian, Brigitte. 1994. “Employment-Based Health Insurance and Job Mobility: Is There Evidence of Job-Lock?” The Quarterly Journal of Economics 109 (1): 27–54. https://doi.org/10.2307/2118427.

Nikolov, Plamen, and Alan Adelman. 2019. “Do Pension Benefits Accelerate Cognitive Decline? Evidence from Rural China.” IZA DP No. 12524. Bonn, Germany: IZA Institute of Labor Economics. http://ftp.iza.org/dp12524.pdf.

Nikolov, Plamen, Nusrat Jimi, and Jerray Chang. 2020. “The Importance of Cognitive Domains and the Returns to Schooling in South Africa: Evidence from Two Labor Surveys.” Labour Economics, May, 101849. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.labeco.2020.101849.

Oster, Emily. 2012. “HIV and Sexual Behavior Change: Why Not Africa?” Journal of Health Economics 31 (1): 35–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhealeco.2011.12.006.

Zinsser, William. 2001. On Writing Well : The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction - Harvard University. 1st ed. New York, NY: HarperResource Quill.

Ye, Maoliang, Jie Zheng, Plamen Nikolov, and Sam Asher. 2019. “One Step at a Time: Does Gradualism Build Coordination?” Management Science 66 (1): 113–29. https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2018.3210.

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Kristin A. Van Gaasbeck

Department of economics, college of social sciences and interdisciplinary studies, california state university, sacramento, writing in economics :: components of a research paper.

An economics research paper includes the parts listed below. Some of these may be, and often are, combined into sections of the research paper. Depending on the nature of the research question, some parts may be emphasized more than others.

I've condensed information from several different sources. This is cursory content on how to write in economics, please make use of the additional resources . Also, every researcher has his or her own opinion about the best way to proceed. The information I've collected below is one of many possible ways to approach an undergraduate or graduate research project in Economics.

The abstract is a description of your research paper. The writing style of the abstract is very condensed - it should be no more than 350 words (or 5-6 sentences). The abstract is designed to identify the following to a potential reader:

  • The research question What is the question that is the focus of your research? A good research question is one that (i) doesn't have an obvious answer (otherwise, why bother researching it?) and (ii) is testable using data.
  • Your contribution to the research on the subject What has the previous literature found and what is your contribution to general understanding of the economic problem/question.
  • How you answer the research question How you use theoretical and/or empirical analysis to answer the research question.
  • Results Your findings based on the aforementioned analysis

The abstract is written when the paper is completed. It should not be the same as your introduction - the audience is different.

Introduction

The introduction is designed to both identify and motivate your research question. Like an essay you would write in other subjects, the introduction begins with a broad statement, and then narrows down to your specific research question.

In the end, make sure that you've done the following in your introduction:

  • State your research question
  • Motivate why the subject of your research is important to economists and other stakeholders
  • Explain to the reader where your research fits into the subject.
  • Identify your contribution to general understanding on the subject/research question
  • Summarize how you intend to answer the research question
  • State your general results and answer to your research question.

The first paragraph of the introduction is used to motivate why this research is important and of interest to economists and other stakeholders (e.g., parents and teachers in education economics, central bankers in monetary policy, and residents and businesses affected by pollution). It may conclude with a statement of your research question, followed by a discussion of who is affected by the economic issue under study. It is not appropriate to include personal anecdotes in a written research paper. Remember, you are motivating why the research should be of interest to the reader.

The second paragraph typically has more detail about how you plan to answer the research question, possibly citing other work closely related to your own research. In fact, many authors combine the literature review with the introduction in order to streamline this discussion. This paragraph may conclude with your general findings.

You should be able to write the first paragraph when you begin your research. The second paragraph can be written as you are concluding your research, as it draws on information from subsequent sections of your paper.

Literature Review

The literature review serves two main purposes:

  • motivate why your research question is important in the context of the broader subject
  • provide the reader with information on what other researchers have found (highlighting your contribution)

If someone has done a similar analysis to yours, tell us, and then explain how yours is different. Explain their findings, and then follow up with what you expect to find in your own research, and compare.

Some things to keep in mind for your literature review:

  • Conduct a comprehensive search of the research on your subject Familiarize yourself with search engines in Economics (ECONLit is the most comprehensive) - do not rely on Google or other general search engines because they will link to you information that is not peer-reviewed research. A good general rule is as follows: if it is a paper not listed on ECONLit, it is probably not appropriate for a research paper in economics. Of course, there are exceptions. See my ECON 145 resources for more information on search engines .
  • Create an annotated bibliography for the papers you plan to cite in your research paper. More information on annotated bibliographies is given below . This is a good step to take early on in your literature review search because it helps you keep track of the papers you plan to cite, and helps you to summarize information in one place. This will help you with the subsequent steps below.
  • Identify which papers are most relevant to your research question It is easy to find lots of articles on one topic, but difficult to sort out which ones are important and relevant to your specific topic. You need to find the most relevant articles for your topic, and tell the reader why these are relevant articles for your topic specifically.
  • Make an outline of your literature review Write an outline of your literature review. When writing your literature review, you want to organize the research of others into themes that you want to convey to the reader. Do not simply list papers chronologically and summarize the results of others. You should group papers by common themes.
  • Critically read research papers You cannot read research papers like novels or the newspaper. Economics research papers are often dense and technical, requiring carefully reading. If you are not actively engaged as a reader, taking notes and writing questions to yourself as you go along, you are making poor use of your time and will not get much out of your literature review. See my page on Critical Reading for more information on strategies for how to read economics research papers.
  • Be aware of plagiarism. This is very difficult for the novice researcher because some information is generally taken as known, while other information is not. The best way to get a sense for how to appropriately cite and attribute material is to read economics research articles. Avoiding plagiarism doesn't mean rewriting someone else's ideas in your own words. If you are using someone else's idea, whether in quotes or not, you must cite it. When in doubt, cite.
  • common research questions in the subject (introduction),
  • economic models used to answer related research questions (economic model),
  • empirical methodologies common in the field (empirical methodology),
  • data sources you may use in your analysis (data description),
  • how to report your results (empirical analysis), and
  • how to identify your contribution to understanding of the research question/subject (conclusion/analysis).

Economic Model/Empirical Methodology

This section (or sections) or your paper are designed to show how you intend to answer your research question using economic theory (economic model) and empirically (using statistical tests). For the novice researcher, it is useful to think of these two approaches as separate. This avoids the temptation to confuse them.

Economic Model

This is what you have studied in most of your other economics classes. For example, what happens to the price of housing when the population increases? Using demand-supply model, we know that an increase in population leads to an increase in the demand for housing, increasing the equilibrium price. In reading economics research papers, the economic model is often not identified because it is assumed the reader (economic researchers) are familiar with the underlying model. However, to the novice researcher, the model may not be obvious, so it is important to outline the model and include it in your research paper.

Your economic model is how you make predictions of what you expect to find in the data. Based on the simple example above, we'd expect to see a positive relationship between housing prices and population, ceteris paribus (e.g., holding all other variables in the demand-supply model unchanged).

Another important point is that your economic model is what implies a causal relationship between the economic variables. While you may detect a positive or negative relationship in the data, this alone tells you nothing about which variable is causing a change in the other variable. The economic model can be used to model this relationship. In the example above, we assume that in the model, a change in population causes a change in the housing price.

The economic model should make no mention of data, regression analysis, or statistical tests. The model is a purely theoretical construct, based on an abstract notion of how the world works. The empirical methodology section of your paper is how you plan to test these relationships in the data. An economic model is NOT a regression equation.

Finally, you should use an economic model that is common in the literature on your subject. Unless you are proposing a new model, you should rely on those used by other researchers in the field. This will allow you to use your literature review to justify your choice of model. Also, this is why the economic model is often embedded in the literature review of the paper. For novice researchers, I recommend keeping it separate, to make sure you understand how to use your economic model to conduct theoretical analysis.

Empirical Methodology

This is where you describe to the reader how you plan to test the relationships implied by your economic/theoretical model. First, you want to identify your dependent variable. This is the variable you are seeking to explain the behavior of. Next, you want to identify possible explanatory variables. These are the variables that could potentially affect your dependent variable.

Often in economic models, there are abstract notions of how some variables affect others. For example, human capital affects production, but how would we measure human capital in the data? You can find suitable proxies for a variable like human capital by familiarizing yourself with the literature.

So, how could a researcher go about testing the relationship between housing prices and population? First, we know that housing price is the dependent variable. Population is one explanatory variable, but are there others that affect housing prices? Yes. We know this from the demand and supply model that there are other variables that shift demand for housing (income, prices of substitutes and complements, expectations, tastes and preferences, etc.) and the supply of housing (input costs, expectations, the number of sellers, etc.). In order to isolate the effect of population on house price, we need to control for these other factors.

The most common strategy for empirical work regression analysis because it allows the researcher to isolate the correlation between two variables, while holding other explanatory variables constant (e.g., ceteris paribus from the model above). Often in the empirical methodology section, the researcher will point out potential estimation issues, highlighting the need for more advanced econometric techniques that go beyond ordinary least squares (OLS).

This section does not actually do any statistical analysis, but it may include a description of the data (see below). In advising students on research papers, I usually recommend the following breakdown for the empirical methodology section:

  • Data description This is a description of the data you plan to use for your analysis. It usually includes a citation of the primary source, data frequency, how the data are measured, the frequency of the data, etc. The amount of detail depends on the nature of the data. Also, this is the section where you would report any modifications you make to the data.
  • Preliminary data analysis This section reports summary statistics, histograms, time series plots, and other similar information. This section is designed to give the reader a sense of what your sample looks like. In reporting this information, you should be selective - more is not always better. You need to decide which information you need/want to convey to the reader and how to best convey it. See my Empirical Methods in Economics page for ideas on basic statistical analysis.
  • Regression Equation Now, you're ready to remind the reader of your particular test and how you are going to go about using regression to test it. This section should include a regression equation, a discussion justifying this equation, and a description of the expected signs on the coefficients for each of the explanatory variables (spending more time on those that are of particular interest for your study). Remember, the regression coefficient measure the marginal effects of the explanatory variable on the dependent variable (holding the other variables constant, ceteris paribus). When justifying your regression equation and discussing the expected signs for the coefficients, you should make some clear connections back to your theory section and the literature review section of your paper. Also, make sure that you are using your regression equation to answer your research question. What is the testable hypothesis? Does this test answer your research question? See my Empirical Methods in Economics page for a simple primer on regression analysis.

Data Description

An alternative to the ordering mentioned above is as follows. You can begin with a regression equation, then provide a detailed description of the data, along with some preliminary data analysis. It is most common to have the data description as its own section of the paper - mainly to make it easier for readers to reference it if they plan to do similar research. You could then follow this Data section with an Empirical Methodology section that consists of the #3 Regression equation described above.

Empirical Analysis

This section is often titled "Results" in economic research papers, as it reports the results from your regression analysis above. There are commonly-used templates for reporting regression results. The best way to familiarize yourself with these templates is from the papers you cite in your literature review. You will see that it is common to report multiple regressions in one table, with the explanatory variables listed vertically on the left. See my page on Empirical Methods in Economics for more details.

The empirical analysis should include a table with your regression results, and your written analysis of these results. Note, this does not mean repeating the information in your regression tables. It means interpreting these coefficients in light of your economic model and comparing your findings to other papers from your literature review.

The conclusion usually consists of about three paragraphs. The first begins with a restatement of the research question, followed by a description of what we know about this research question from the literature (very concisely). Then the paragraph concludes with a brief description of the theoretical answer to the question.

The second paragraph begins with an answer to the research question, based on your empirical analysis. The researcher then proceeds to compare his/her findings to the consensus in the literature, pointing out possible reasons for differences and similarities. For example, perhaps you studied a different time period, or a different country. Perhaps you used a different measure of the dependent or explanatory variables.

In the final paragraph, it is common to draw policy implications from your research. In a practical sense, who cares about this research question (remember the stakeholders from the introduction..) and what can they do with this knowledge? Often the conclusion will point toward directions for future research, based on possible extensions to your research.

Bibliography/References

The bibliography contains complete references of the works that cited and referred to in your research.

It is essential that you give proper credit to all works that you cite, even if they are not included in your literature review. For example, if you obtained data from a publication that is not easily available, it would be appropriate to cite it in your data description and include it in your bibliography. Incomplete or inaccurate citations are akin to plagiarism, so please be sure to carefully check your references and keep track of them while completing your literature review.

In economics, it is most common to use APA style in citing references in the text of your paper and in creating a bibliography. For more information, see the APA style guide provided by the Library , or simply pick up a copy of the APA style guide if you will be using it frequently.

Annotated Bibliography An annotated bibliography is one that includes the reference (mentioned above), along with a few sentences describing the research and how it relates to your research paper. Often the description will begin with a statement of what the research found, followed by one or two sentences that are relevant to the research question you are studying.

Even though APA style calls for a double-spaced annotated bibliography, many researchers prefer a single spaced one. The Library has information on annotated bibliographies and I have posted an outstanding example from undergraduate Economic Research Methods .

The best annotated bibliographies are those written by students who have read the literature critically. See my page on Critical Reading for more information on strategies for how to read economics research papers. Even if an annotated bibliography is not assigned as part of your research project, it is a useful exercise for you to engage in, especially if you have to present your research orally or using a poster. If you are unable to write an annotated bibliography, then you are probably writing a poor review of the literature on your subject and a less than satisfactory research paper.

How to Write Economics Research Paper: Ultimate Guide

how to write economics research paper

Everything You Need to Know about Economics Research Paper

Whether you are a student, a doctor, or a dancer, we have all engaged in economic activities. Bartering or exchanging money for food and services has been a part of human life for millennia, and we are proud heirs of the tradition.

As society grows, economic issues become bigger, and they call for research and study. We debate whether certain economic systems are the best fit, whether we should have a shared currency, how cryptocurrencies can revolutionize modern economics, etc. Such an inquiry aims to find solutions to the economic crises humanity faces. Poverty, famine, and homelessness are some of the major problems experienced by millions around the world.

Professional researchers and students write research papers for economics to share their analysis and findings about the major economic topics, trends, policies, or theories. Some academics prefer to work with primary data, such as surveys or experiments, while others analyze secondary data, such as historical records or existing statistics.

This article will explore the steps to writing an exceptional economics research paper. Below you will find an ultimate economics research paper outline and plenty of topics to explore in your study. Our thoughtful essay service team has also prepared a research paper economics sample to simplify your writing process.

Economics Research Paper Example

Just as we promised in the beginning, our writers took the extra mile and wrote an economics research paper example for you. Check out what makes an essay exceptional and how the paper ensures the readers stay engaged all the way through. Explore the structure, format, and language with which our writers achieve the main purpose of economics research papers.

How to Write an Economics Research Paper: Easy Steps

Our professional dissertation writers know the six holy elements of crafting a compelling economics paper, do you?

Let's put the writing aside for a second and take time to learn how to write an economics research paper. We have prepared an ultimate guide with easy steps for you to impress the reader. Remember, a strong foundation and compatible building blocks keep the skyscrapers standing tall.

Economics Research Paper Outline

First, you need to master the structure of an economics research paper. Often students skip this part leading to a mess of information that is not readable or understandable, and hours of work go in vain. To avoid such problems below, we discuss six holy elements of an excellent economics paper.

economics research paper ouline

Introduction - To impress the reader, start by offering a relevant and cutting-edge topic. There are endless amounts of research paper topics in economics; choose the one you feel passionate about and make it interesting for the audience.

Literature Review - Take your time to research information around the chosen topic. Sometimes our beliefs and prejudices blur our judgment, but we must remain unbiased. Secondary sources are there to guide you in the right direction.

Methods/data - describe the methodologies with which you plan to explore the topic and provide conclusions. Here you need to formulate your thesis and describe the data you gathered.

Results - Don't shy away from charts and graphs when presenting your study results. They are a great way to visualize large amounts of information.

Discussion - you can and need to challenge the methods you used for the research paper for economics. Credibility is as important as air when it comes to economic research.

Conclusion - Shortly restate your findings. Use clear and concise sentences. Emphasize why your study is important and what some questions are for future research.

Creating an Economics Research Paper Introduction

By an unwritten rule, an introduction is the first element of the economics research paper format. It aims to provide an overview of your study, explain its importance, explain why people should spend time thinking about the issue, and explain what value your research adds to the conversation.

Ensure that your introduction includes the research hypothesis and the objectives you aim to cover in your research paper economics study. You must also provide background information and a brief overview of your findings. Be sharp and stick to the point. The goal is to give the audience a clear understanding of what the paper is about and what problems it could solve.

Our team of custom research paper writing services can free you from worrying about writing a compelling introduction or providing a thorough statistical analysis. Let us know what is required, and we will return with an A+ essay.

Discussing the Existing Literature Review for Your Economics Research Paper

Everything in life has its context, and economic events are no exception to the rule. Before you start discussing your results, it is appropriate to provide a piece of background information, what we know from previous studies, and how that knowledge relates to your thesis statement.

According to the economics research paper outline, an introduction should be followed by a literature review section. Besides establishing the state of knowledge around the topic, the literature review can help you and the audience identify gaps, highlight the parts where further research is needed and put your research question in the larger scheme of things.

Literature reviews should include a critical analysis of relevant literature, reports, policy documents, etc. It should provide an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of each source, showing gaps in information and proving the importance of your scholarly work.

We know this is a lot. If you prefer learning by example, our professional writers have crafted an economics research paper example for you. You can find it below.

Explaining the Methodology for Your Economics Research Paper

For your hard labor to be appreciated, your study must be credible. Readers must be able to see where you derived your conclusions from. This is why explaining the methodologies and techniques used is such an important section of the economics research paper outline.

Research methodologies for economics are various, and you need to be aware of which one could be the best fit for your study. Not every topic can be examined with identical tools; you need to find the one that helps you provide unbiased, trustworthy results.

Here you can find some research methodologies that could be useful for your research paper for economics:

methodologies for research economics paper

Econometric Analysis : Use of statistical techniques to analyze economic data and test hypotheses.

Experimental Design : Conducting controlled experiments to test economic theories

Case Study : An in-depth analysis of a particular case

Historical Analysis : Use of historical data and documents to analyze economic trends

Mathematical Modeling : Use of math models to analyze economic behavior and predict outcomes

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Presenting the Results in Your Economics Research Paper

Even though every section in the outline is equally important, the part where you present the results is the most interesting and anticipated. Here you need to get creative and focus on delivering the main points. Avoid passive voice; instead, take ownership of your work, rely on yourself, and use active voice. Use the following paragraphs to impress your audience.

The way you present the results depends on the type of data you collected and the analytical techniques you used. Some research papers need a numerical answer, and others focus on ideas.

Below you can see several techniques you can use in the results section of your economics research paper:

Tables : Effective way to present numerical data. Tables can be used to present descriptive statistics, regression results, and other types of quantitative data.

Figures : Effective way to demonstrate relationships between variables and trends over time.

Narrative Forms : Effective way to analyze non-numerical data such as surveys, interviews, or case studies.

Reviewing the Findings for Economics Research Paper

Our guide on how to write an economics research paper is nearing its end. Before concluding, you need to review the results of your study. This step might seem unnecessary, but it's vital for economics writing.

A critical analysis of one's writing can validate the research results even more. It is an excellent way to find out whether the original hypothesis is now supported by data. Reviewing can also help you identify the strength and weaknesses of the study, including the limitations in data or methods used.

It will also help you write a more comprehensive conclusion. Reviewing and interpreting the results will help you link the findings of your research paper for economics to the broader picture and also identify areas for further research.

Concluding Your Economics Research Paper

Like other disciplines, the economics research paper format also requires a comprehensive conclusion. Remember conclusion is not where you introduce new ideas; you simply have to restate your findings in a slightly different manner.

Explain the reasoning behind the results, and make it intuitive and engaging. Discuss what mechanisms could drive them and what obstacles you had to overcome during research. Let the reader know if there were any limitations to your approach.

Remember that other scholars will use your report as a secondary source just like you used other researchers' concepts and ideas, so make room and give enough time for future research and policy implications.

We understand that college is hard and following an economics research paper outline is not the easiest job. All you have to write to our college essay writing service and expert writers will come back with research writing that will put you at the top of your class.

30 Research Paper Topics in Economics

The tips above will help you write an excellent economics research paper. Now you have to select a cutting-edge topic. Below you will find the hottest economics topics for research paper:

  • The Impact of Minimum Wage Increases on Employment
  • Effects of Trade Tariffs on Consumer Prices
  • The Role of Government Subsidies in Agriculture
  • How Inflation Affects Household Savings
  • The Economics of Renewable Energy Adoption
  • Income Inequality and Economic Growth
  • The Influence of Education on Economic Development
  • Effects of Taxation on Small Businesses
  • The Relationship Between Unemployment and Crime Rates
  • The Economic Impact of Immigration
  • The Role of Technology in Economic Growth
  • Housing Market Trends and Economic Stability
  • The Economics of Health Care Reform
  • The Financial Crisis of 2008: Causes and Consequences
  • The Impact of Globalization on Local Economies
  • Behavioral Economics: How Psychology Affects Financial Decisions
  • The Economics of Climate Change
  • The Role of Central Banks in Economic Stability
  • The Effect of Online Shopping on Traditional Retail
  • The Economic Benefits of Tourism
  • The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Profits
  • How Student Loan Debt Affects the Economy
  • The Economics of Cryptocurrency and Blockchain
  • The Role of Women in Economic Development
  • The Economic Effects of Pandemics
  • The Influence of Political Stability on Economic Growth
  • Economic Impacts of Natural Disasters
  • The Economics of Public Transportation
  • The Role of Microfinance in Poverty Reduction
  • The Effect of Consumer Confidence on Economic Recovery

A Brief Afterword

Writing economics research papers is a lot of work. You must plan, research and analyze excessively to achieve the best quality. You'll need to find an attention-grabbing research question, come up with a methodology, and turn complex ideas into one paragraph.

But writing research could be much easier. All you have to say is, ' write paper for me ,' and our team of professionals will take care of the rest. You can relax while we select the best research topic and turn dense ideas into short sentences, honoring the process and structure of economic research. A+ is just a click away!

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Writing Tips For Economics Research Papers

dc.contributor.authorNikolov, Plamen
dc.date.accessioned2013-09-17T12:43:24Z
dc.date.issued2020
dc.identifierQuick submit: 2013-08-27T19:22:28-04:00
dc.identifier.citationNikolov, Plamen. 2020. Writing tips for economics research papers. July 20, 2020.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:11041649
dc.description.sponsorshipEconomicsen_US
dc.language.isoen_USen_US
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dc.titleWriting Tips For Economics Research Papersen_US
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dc.date.updated2013-08-27T23:22:57Z
dc.description.versionAuthor's Originalen_US
dc.rights.holderPlamen Nikolov
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Mastering the Art of Writing an Economics Research Paper: A Comprehensive Guide

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Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to write an economics research paper. Crafting a well-structured and impactful economics research paper can be daunting, but you can navigate the process successfully with the right approach and step-by-step guidance. This article will provide invaluable tips, strategies, and a clear roadmap to help you tackle every stage of your research paper. Whether you are a student, an aspiring economist, or a researcher looking to enhance your writing skills, this guide will equip you with the tools to effectively convey your ideas, analyze economic concepts, publish, and contribute to economics through a well-crafted research paper. So, let’s dive in and discover the key steps to master writing an economics research paper.

Table of Contents

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Choosing a Topic

Finding the perfect topic for your economics research paper is thrilling. It’s a chance to explore areas of interest, delve into uncharted territories, and make a meaningful contribution to the field. However, with countless potential subjects and subfields within economics, selecting the right topic can feel overwhelming. But fear not! We’re here to guide you through the process and help you choose an engaging and relevant research topic.

  • Start with What Intrigues You: Passion is the key to a successful research paper. Begin by reflecting on what interests you within the vast realm of economics. Is it the impact of fiscal policies on economic growth? The dynamics of supply and demand? Or perhaps the relationship between globalization and income inequality? Follow your curiosity and choose a topic that genuinely excites you.
  • Narrow Down Your Focus: Once you’ve identified a broad area of interest, it’s time to narrow it down. Consider the specific aspects or subtopics that you find most fascinating. For example, if you’re interested in fiscal policies, you might explore the effects of government spending on the national debt or the role of taxation in economic development. Narrowing your focus allows for more in-depth analysis and a clearer research direction.
  • Consider Relevance and Significance: While choosing a topic you’re passionate about is essential, it’s equally important to ensure its relevance and significance in economics. Ask yourself: Does this topic address a current issue or contribute to existing knowledge? Will it provide valuable insights or offer potential solutions? Aim to select a relevant topic for both academia and the real world.
  • Conduct Preliminary Research: Before finalizing your topic, delve into preliminary research to ensure sufficient literature and data are available. Explore academic journals, reputable websites, and scholarly databases to gauge the existing research on your chosen subject. This step will help you determine the feasibility of your topic and identify any research gaps you can potentially fill.
  • Consult with Experts: Seeking guidance from professors, advisors, or experts in the field can offer valuable insights and help refine your topic. Please share your ideas with them and seek their feedback. Their expertise can help steer you in the right direction and suggest potential modifications or improvements.

Remember, choosing a topic is the foundation of your economics research paper. By selecting an engaging and relevant subject, you’ll embark on a research journey that aligns with your interests and contributes to the wider field of economics. So, take your time, follow your passion, and let the exploration begin!

Conducting Background Research

Conducting Background Research

This crucial step will provide a solid understanding of existing knowledge, theories, and findings related to your chosen subject. By immersing yourself in the existing landscape, you’ll be better equipped to formulate research questions, identify gaps, and contribute to the field of economics. Let’s explore some expert tips and strategies to make the most out of your background research process.

  • Dive into Academic Journals and Books: Academic journals and books are treasure troves of knowledge regarding background research. Explore renowned economics and statistics journals in the US and UK, such as The Quarterly Journal of Economics, The American Economic Review, or The Journal of Economic Perspectives. These publications feature cutting-edge research, theories, and empirical studies that can serve as a solid foundation for your work. Additionally, consult authoritative economics textbooks and seminal works by esteemed economists to comprehensively understand the key concepts and theories relevant to your topic.
  • Utilize Scholarly Databases and Online Resources: In the digital age, scholarly and online resources provide convenient access to various research articles and publications. Platforms like JSTOR, EconLit, and Google Scholar allow you to search for specific keywords, authors, or topics and discover a wealth of scholarly materials. Use advanced search options and filters to narrow down your results and find the most relevant and recent research articles in your field.
  • Engage in Citation Chaining: Citation chaining is a powerful technique to expand your reading list and uncover additional relevant sources. Once you find a seminal article or a research paper closely related to your topic, examine its reference list and explore the works the author has cited. This method can lead you to newer research studies, alternative perspectives, and different methodologies, enriching your understanding of the subject and providing a broader context for your research.
  • Follow Current Debates and Discussions: Economics is a dynamic field, constantly evolving and engaging in lively debates and discussions. Stay up-to-date with the latest developments and current debates in your area of research. Read recent articles, op-eds, and public policy briefs from reputable economics publications and institutions. By being aware of ongoing discussions, you can position your research within the broader discourse and contribute to the existing knowledge meaningfully.
  • Take Notes and Organize Your Findings: As you delve into your background research, taking detailed notes and organizing your findings is crucial. Create a system that works for you using digital tools like note-taking apps or traditional methods like index cards or a research journal. Record key ideas, important quotations, and your reflections on each source. This will help you during the writing process and ensure you properly attribute ideas and avoid plagiarism.

Conducting thorough background research lays the groundwork for a well-informed and impactful economics research paper. You build a strong knowledge base, identify research gaps, and position yourself within the existing body of literature. Armed with this foundational knowledge, you’ll be ready to formulate research questions, develop a robust methodology, and contribute fresh insights to the field of economics.

Defining Your Research Questions and Objectives

This step is crucial as it sets the direction and purpose of your research paper. By formulating precise and focused research questions, you can guide your investigation and delve deeper into the subject matter. Let’s explore the art of defining your research questions and objectives to ensure a strong and impactful foundation for your economics research paper.

  • Start with a Broad Question: Begin by formulating a broad question that encapsulates the main topic of your research. This overarching question will guide you and help you stay focused throughout the research process. For example, if your research topic is related to the impact of fiscal policies on economic growth, a broad question could be: “How do fiscal policies influence economic growth in a specific country or region?”
  • Narrow to Specific Sub-questions: Once you have your broad question, break it down into smaller, specific sub-questions. These sub-questions will address different aspects of your main research topic and provide a more comprehensive analysis. Referring to the previous example, sub-questions could include: “What are the different types of fiscal policies that can be implemented?” or “How do fiscal policies affect key economic indicators such as GDP, inflation, and unemployment?”
  • Ensure Relevance and Feasibility: While formulating your research questions, it’s crucial to ensure their relevance and feasibility. Consider the significance of your research within economics and its potential impact. Additionally, assess the availability of data and resources needed to address your research questions. It’s essential to strike a balance between ambitious and attainable research objectives.
  • Align with Objectives and Hypotheses: Research objectives and hypotheses are closely tied to your research questions. Objectives outline the specific goals you aim to achieve through your research, while hypotheses propose tentative answers to your research questions. Ensure that your research questions align with your objectives and hypotheses, creating a cohesive framework for your study.
  • Seek Clarity and Specificity: Clarity and specificity are key when defining your research questions and objectives. Ensure that your questions are clear and easy to understand. Avoid vague or overly broad questions that may lead to confusion. Make your objectives specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This will provide a clear roadmap for your research and enable effective evaluation of your outcomes.

Remember, well-defined research questions and objectives are the driving force behind your economics research paper. They provide the structure and focus necessary to conduct a thorough investigation and draw meaningful conclusions. As you embark on the next phase of your research, such as data collection and analysis, keep referring back to your research questions and objectives to ensure you stay on track.

Crafting a Solid Thesis Statement

Crafting a Solid Thesis Statement

A well-crafted thesis statement is the backbone of your economics research paper. It not only conveys the central argument or main idea of your study but also guides your paper’s overall structure and direction. Let’s dive into the art of crafting a solid thesis statement that will captivate your readers and set the stage for your research.

  • Be Clear and Concise: Your thesis statement should be concise and easily understandable. Avoid ambiguity or vague language that may confuse your readers. State your main argument or position with precision and confidence. A strong thesis statement leaves no room for misinterpretation and sets the foundation for a focused and coherent research paper.
  • Make it Specific and Focused: A well-crafted thesis statement should be specific and focused, addressing the main research questions and objectives you have defined. Avoid broad statements that lack specificity or encompass too many ideas. Instead, narrow down your thesis to a specific aspect or relationship you aim to explore within your research. This specificity will help you maintain a clear and organized structure throughout your paper.
  • Emphasize Originality and Contribution: Your thesis statement should highlight the originality and contribution of your research. State how your study fills a gap in the existing literature or offers a new perspective on the chosen topic. This will demonstrate the significance of your research and its potential impact on economics. Emphasize what sets your study apart and why it matters in the broader context of economic research.
  • Take a Position: Your thesis statement should clearly express your position or argument regarding the research topic. Take a stance and provide a strong, evidence-based claim you will support throughout your research paper. Avoid vague or neutral statements that do not take a clear position. Remember, your thesis statement is the anchor that guides your analysis and serves as a point of reference for your readers.
  • Revise and Refine: A solid thesis statement often requires revision and refinement. Don’t hesitate to revisit and revise your thesis statement as you progress with your research. As your understanding of the topic deepens and your analysis evolves, your thesis statement may need adjustments to reflect your findings and arguments accurately. Be open to refining and polishing your thesis to ensure its strength and relevance.

Collecting and Analyzing Data

Collecting and Analyzing Data

In this phase, your research comes to life as you gather empirical evidence and apply analytical tools to draw meaningful conclusions. Effective data collection and analysis are essential for producing robust and compelling research. Let’s delve into collecting and analyzing data, equipping you with the knowledge and techniques to conduct a thorough and insightful study.

  • Determine the Type of Data: The first step in data collection is determining the data type you need for your research. Economics research often involves both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data, such as numerical figures and statistical information, provide measurable insights. In contrast, qualitative data, such as interviews or case studies, offers a deeper understanding of the context and human experiences. Identify the appropriate data types and sources depending on your research questions and objectives.
  • Identify Reliable Data Sources: Reliable data sources are essential to ensure the accuracy and validity of your research findings. Consult reputable databases, government publications, economic reports, and scholarly articles to access reliable data sets. Organizations like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and national statistical agencies can provide valuable economic data. Additionally, consider conducting surveys, interviews, or experiments to collect original data that aligns with your research objectives.
  • Develop a Data Collection Plan: To ensure a systematic and efficient data collection process, developing a detailed data collection plan is crucial. Outline the specific variables you need to measure, the sources from which you will obtain the data, and the methods you will employ for data collection. Consider factors such as sample size, sampling techniques, and data collection instruments, ensuring they align with the scope and objectives of your research.
  • Organize and Cleanse the Data: Once you have collected your data, it’s essential to organize and cleanse it for analysis. Create a structured database or spreadsheet to store your data and ensure data integrity. Check for errors, inconsistencies, or missing values and address them appropriately. Data cleaning is crucial to maintain the quality and reliability of your findings.
  • Apply Appropriate Analytical Methods: With your data prepared, it’s time to apply appropriate analytical methods to derive meaningful insights. Depending on the nature of your data and research questions, you may utilize statistical techniques, econometric models, or qualitative analysis methods. Ensure that the analytical methods you employ align with the research objectives and provide a comprehensive analysis of your data.
  • Interpret and Present Your Findings: After conducting your data analysis, it’s time to interpret and present your findings. Examine the results in light of your research questions and objectives. Identify patterns, trends, correlations, or significant relationships within the data. Present your findings using visual aids such as graphs, charts, or tables, making them accessible and easy to understand for your readers.

Organizing Your Paper: Introduction, Literature Review, and Methodology

In this section, we’ll explore the key components of organizing your paper, namely the introduction, literature review, and methodology sections. Let’s dive in and discover how to craft each section precisely and clearly.

  • Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for your research paper, capturing your reader’s attention and providing an overview of your study. Start with a captivating opening sentence that hooks the reader and introduces the importance and relevance of your research topic. Clearly state the research problem, research questions, and the significance of your study. Provide a brief outline of the structure of your paper, indicating what readers can expect from each section. Remember to end the introduction with a strong and concise thesis statement that encapsulates the central argument of your research.
  • Literature Review: The literature review demonstrates your understanding of the existing body of knowledge and provides context for your research. Start by identifying your research topic’s key themes, theories, and debates. Summarize and critically evaluate relevant studies, scholarly articles, and books that inform your research. Identify gaps or unresolved issues in the literature that your research aims to address. Use proper citations and referencing to attribute ideas to the original authors and maintain academic integrity. The literature review should serve as a foundation for your research and highlight the novelty and contribution of your study.
  • Methodology: The methodology section outlines your study’s research design, data collection methods, and analytical techniques. Describe the research approach (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods) and justify its suitability for addressing your research questions. Explain the sampling technique and sample size, providing a rationale for your choices. Detail the data collection methods, whether it involves surveys, experiments, interviews, or secondary data sources. Elaborate on the data analysis techniques, statistical methods, or qualitative analysis approaches. Ensure your methodology section is comprehensive and transparent, allowing others to replicate your study if desired.

Presenting and Analyzing Findings

a college student Presenting and Analyzing Findings on a white board

This is the moment where all your hard work and data analysis come together, allowing you to draw meaningful conclusions and contribute to the field of economics. In this section, we’ll explore the art of presenting and analyzing your findings, ensuring that your research is communicated effectively and convincingly to your readers.

  • Organize Your Findings: Start by organizing your findings clearly and logically. Break down your results into key themes or categories that align with your research questions. Present your findings using tables, graphs, or charts to enhance clarity and visual appeal. Ensure that the presentation format is appropriate for the type of data you have collected and the nature of your research.
  • Interpret and Explain: Once you have presented your findings, it’s crucial to interpret and explain their significance. Describe the patterns, trends, or relationships that emerge from your analysis. Provide a comprehensive explanation of the implications of your findings in the context of your research questions and objectives. Use evidence from your data to support your interpretations and connect them to the existing literature.
  • Discuss Limitations: Acknowledge and discuss the limitations of your research. No study is without limitations, and being transparent about them demonstrates the rigour and honesty of your work. Discuss any potential biases, constraints, or limitations that may have affected your findings. This helps to contextualize your research and provides opportunities for future researchers to build upon your work.
  • Compare and Contrast with Existing Literature: Engage in critical analysis by comparing and contrasting your findings with the existing literature. Identify areas of agreement or disagreement with previous studies. Highlight how your research contributes to filling gaps or extending knowledge in economics. By situating your findings within the broader context, you demonstrate the value and relevance of your research.
  • Address Research Questions and Objectives: Evaluate the extent to which your research questions and objectives have been addressed through your findings. Reflect on how your findings align with or deviate from your initial expectations. Discuss any unexpected or intriguing results and offer plausible explanations. This demonstrates your ability to analyze and synthesize complex information and draw informed conclusions.
  • Recommendations: Based on your findings, offer practical recommendations or suggestions for future research or policy implications. Discuss how your research contributes to understanding the topic and identify potential avenues for further investigation. Providing recommendations adds depth and practicality to your research, showcasing its real-world relevance.

Writing a Coherent Discussion and Conclusion

Now it’s time to wrap up your economics research paper with a coherent discussion and conclusion. The discussion section allows you to delve deeper into the implications of your findings, while the decision provides a concise summary of your research and its broader significance. Let’s explore how to write a compelling discussion and decision that leaves a lasting impression on your readers.

  • Discussion: In the discussion section, go beyond simply restating your findings and critically analyzing them. Interpret the meaning and implications of your results in the context of your research questions and objectives. Discuss the theoretical and practical implications of your findings and how they contribute to the field of economics. Address any unexpected or contradictory results and offer possible explanations. Compare and contrast your findings with the existing literature, highlighting areas of agreement or disagreement. Engage in a thoughtful reflection on the strengths and limitations of your study, identifying areas for further research or potential refinements. Through a well-crafted discussion, you demonstrate your ability to synthesize complex information and draw insightful conclusions.
  • Conclusion: The conclusion serves as a concise summary of your research paper and provides closure to your study. Recapitulate the main findings and their significance. Restate your thesis statement and highlight how your research has addressed the research questions and objectives. Emphasize the novelty or contribution of your study to the field of economics. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion; focus on summarizing and reinforcing the key points. Conclude with a thought-provoking statement that leaves a lasting impact on your readers and encourages further exploration of the topic.
  • Reflect on the Research Process: Take a moment to reflect on your research journey. Discuss any challenges or obstacles you encountered during the research process and how you overcame them. Share insights and lessons learned that may be valuable for future researchers. Reflecting on the research process adds depth and authenticity to your paper, showcasing your growth as a researcher.
  • Avoid Repetition: While the discussion and conclusion sections complement each other, avoiding excessive repetition is important. Ensure that the discussion section provides a detailed analysis of your findings and their implications while the conclusion offers a concise summary and final thoughts. You create a more coherent and engaging paper by maintaining a clear distinction between the two sections.
  • Engage Your Readers: Throughout the discussion and conclusion, maintain a friendly and informative tone that engages your readers. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas effectively. Consider using illustrative examples or anecdotes to make your points more relatable and memorable. Remember, the discussion and conclusion sections are your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your readers, so make them count.

Proper Citation and Referencing

a college student writing and editing an economics paper on a desk

Proper citation and referencing are crucial elements of any academic research paper, including your economics research paper. Accurate citation acknowledges other researchers’ contributions and adds credibility and integrity to your work. This section explores the importance of proper citation and referencing and guides how to cite and reference sources appropriately.

  • Why is Proper Citation Important? Proper citation is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it gives credit to the original authors or researchers whose work has influenced and contributed to your research. This demonstrates academic integrity and acknowledges the intellectual property rights of others. Secondly, accurate citation allows readers to locate and verify the sources you have used, enabling them to explore the topic further and evaluate the validity of your research. Finally, proper citation helps you avoid plagiarism, which is presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own. Plagiarism is a serious academic offence and can have severe consequences, so citing and referencing sources accurately is important.
  • Choosing a Citation Style: There are several citation styles used in academic writing, such as APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard. Check with your instructor or the guidelines of the journal or conference you are submitting to for the preferred citation style. Each citation style has specific rules for formatting in-text citations, reference lists, and bibliographies. Familiarize yourself with the requirements of the chosen style and ensure consistency throughout your paper.
  • In-Text Citations: In-text citations acknowledge the sources of specific ideas, information, or quotations within the body of your paper. Intext citations may include the author’s name, publication year, and page number, depending on the citation style. For example, in APA style, you might write: (Smith, 2021, p. 45) or (Smith, 2021). Be sure to place in-text citations immediately after the information is cited and within the punctuation marks.
  • Reference List/Bibliography: The reference list (or bibliography, depending on the citation style) is a separate section at the end of your research paper that provides complete bibliographic information for all the sources you have cited in your paper. Each citation should include the author’s name, publication year, the title of the work, and publication details such as the journal name, publisher, or website. The exact format and order of the elements vary based on the chosen citation style. Ensure that you adhere to the specific guidelines of your selected citation style for the correct reference list formatting.
  • Citing Different Types of Sources: Different sources require specific citation formats. For instance, books, journal articles, websites, conference papers, working papers, and government reports have their own citation rules. It’s important to consult the guidelines of your chosen citation style or refer to reputable style guides to ensure you cite each source correctly.
  • Utilizing Citation Management Tools: To simplify the process of citation and referencing, consider using citation management tools such as Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote. These tools allow you to organize your references, generate in-text citations and reference lists in various citation styles, and store and retrieve sources efficiently. They can save you time and help ensure the accuracy and consistency of your citations.

Editing and Proofreading

Editing and Proofreading

As you approach the final stages of the writing process, it’s crucial to devote ample time and attention to editing and proofreading. Editing allows you to refine your ideas, enhance clarity, and improve the overall structure of your paper. On the other hand, proofreading focuses on eliminating errors and ensuring that your paper is polished and error-free. Let’s dive into the importance of editing and proofreading and explore some effective strategies to make your research paper shine.

  • Editing for Clarity and Coherence: Review your paper for clarity and coherence. Read through each paragraph and sentence, ensuring your ideas flow logically and smoothly. Check for any inconsistencies in language, tone, or style. Pay attention to the structure of your paper, ensuring that each section and paragraph serves a clear purpose and contributes to the overall argument. If necessary, reorganize your content to enhance the logical progression of your ideas.
  • Refining Your Arguments: Evaluate the strength and effectiveness of your arguments. Are your points well-supported by evidence and analysis? Are there any gaps or weak areas in your reasoning? Consider revising or expanding upon certain sections to strengthen your arguments and make them more compelling. Look for opportunities to provide additional evidence or examples to support your claims. Engage in critical thinking to ensure that your arguments are robust and convincing.
  • Enhancing Clarity and Conciseness: Review your sentences and paragraphs for clarity and conciseness. Ensure that your writing is straightforward to understand. Avoid excessive jargon or technical language that may alienate readers. Use clear and precise language to convey your ideas effectively. Trim down any unnecessary or repetitive information to make your writing concise and impactful. Remember, simplicity and clarity are key to engaging your audience.
  • Grammar and Language: Pay close attention to grammar, punctuation, and language usage. Check for grammatical errors, such as incorrect verb tense, subject-verb agreement, or sentence structure. Ensure that your punctuation is accurate and your writing adheres to the rules of punctuation marks, such as commas, periods, and quotation marks. Use appropriate language for academic writing, avoiding slang or colloquial expressions. Proofread your paper for spelling errors and typos, as even minor mistakes can distract readers and undermine the credibility of your work.
  • Seek Feedback: Consider seeking feedback from a trusted colleague, mentor, or professor. Another pair of eyes can offer valuable insights and perspectives on your paper. They can identify areas that require clarification, point out logical inconsistencies, or suggest improvements. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to refine and strengthen your research paper.
  • Take Breaks: Editing and proofreading can be mentally taxing, so take breaks to refresh your mind. Stepping away from your paper for a while allows you to return with a fresh perspective, making it easier to identify errors or areas that need improvement. Utilize this time to relax, engage in a different activity, or work on other aspects of your research.
  • Proofread Carefully: Once you are satisfied with the content and structure of your paper, dedicate time to proofreading. Read through your paper carefully, word by word, line by line. Look for spelling mistakes, punctuation errors, and formatting inconsistencies. Check your citations and references for accuracy and ensure they adhere to the required citation style. Consider reading your paper aloud to catch any awkward phrasing or grammatical errors that may have gone unnoticed.

Finalizing Your Economics Research Paper

Congratulations! You’ve reached the final stage of completing your economics research paper. As you approach the finish line, it’s essential to give your paper the attention it deserves to ensure it is ready for submission. In this section, we’ll explore some essential steps to finalize and present your research paper in its best possible form.

  • Review the Formatting: Take a moment to review the formatting requirements provided by your instructor or the journal/conference you are submitting to. Check the font style and size guidelines, line spacing, margins, and headings. Ensure that your paper adheres to the prescribed formatting guidelines consistently throughout. Pay attention to the proper placement and formatting of tables, figures, and other visual elements. Remember, adhering to the required arrangement demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.
  • Check for Consistency: Review your paper for consistency in language, terminology, and formatting. Ensure that you use the same terminology and definitions consistently throughout your paper. Check for consistent capitalization, abbreviations, and citation style. Verify that your in-text citations and reference list are consistent and accurately formatted. Consistency enhances the readability and professionalism of your research paper.
  • Proofread with Care: It’s time to proofread your paper meticulously. Pay attention to grammar, spelling, punctuation, and typos. Read each sentence carefully and check for errors that may have slipped through the previous editing rounds. Use spell-check tools, but be cautious as they may not catch all errors. Reading your paper aloud or asking a friend to proofread it for you can be helpful. Fresh eyes often catch mistakes that you might have overlooked.
  • Double-Check References and Citations: Carefully review your reference list and ensure that all the sources cited in your paper are included. Verify that the bibliographic information for each source is accurate and complete. Cross-reference your in-text citations with the entries in the reference list to ensure consistency and correctness. Ensure that you have cited all sources appropriately and given credit to the original authors for their work.
  • Create a Title and Abstract: If you haven’t done so, craft a concise and informative title for your research paper. The title should accurately reflect the content of your study and catch the reader’s attention. Additionally, write an abstract that briefly summarises your research paper. The abstract should highlight the key points of your study, including the research question, methodology, main findings, and implications. Keep the abstract concise, typically between 150 to 250 words, and ensure that it accurately represents the content of your paper.
  • Seek Feedback: Consider seeking feedback from a trusted colleague, mentor, or professor once you have finalized your research paper. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement. Their feedback can help you identify any remaining areas that need attention or fine-tuning. Be receptive to constructive criticism and use it to refine your paper further.
  • Create a Table of Contents and Appendices: If your research paper is lengthy or includes multiple sections, creating a table of contents may be helpful. The table of contents allows readers to navigate your paper more easily and locate specific sections of interest. Additionally, if you have any supplementary materials, such as raw data, survey instruments, or additional analysis, consider including them as appendices. Appendices provide valuable supporting information that may be too lengthy or detailed for inclusion in the main body of the paper.
  • Final Read-through: Before submitting your economics research paper, take the time for one final read-through. Read your paper from start to finish, paying attention to the flow of ideas, clarity of arguments, and overall coherence. Check for any remaining errors or areas that could be improved. This final read

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Are you feeling overwhelmed with your economics research paper? Don’t worry! We’re here to offer expert assistance. Our team of experienced writers is well-versed in economics and can help you craft a high-quality research paper that meets academic standards. Whether you need help choosing a topic, conducting thorough research, organizing your paper, or polishing the final draft, our experts are ready to guide you. Don’t hesitate to click the ORDER NOW button above and let us support you in achieving academic success with your economics research paper.

In conclusion, writing an economics research paper requires careful planning, meticulous research, and effective communication of your findings. Throughout this step-by-step guide, we have explored the essential elements of crafting an outstanding economics research paper. From choosing a topic and conducting background research to defining research questions, crafting a thesis statement, collecting and analyzing data, organizing your paper, presenting findings, and writing a coherent discussion and conclusion, each step is crucial to the success of your research. Additionally, we highlighted the importance of proper citation and referencing and the final stages of editing, proofreading, and finalizing your paper. By following this comprehensive guide, you can confidently navigate the process and produce a high-quality economics research paper that contributes to the field. Remember, writing a research paper is a journey of discovery and learning, and with perseverance and attention to detail, you can create a compelling and impactful piece of scholarly work.

How do I find a topic for a research paper in economics?

Consider current issues, trends, and debates to find a topic for an economics research paper. Read scholarly articles, attend seminars, and explore reputable economic journals for inspiration. You can also consult with professors or experts for guidance and suggestions.

What are the steps of economic research?

Economic research typically involves several key steps: choosing a topic, conducting background research, defining research questions and objectives, collecting and analyzing data, organizing the paper, presenting findings, and writing a discussion and conclusion.

What is the format of the economics term paper?

The format of an economics term paper generally includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, findings and analysis, discussion, and conclusion. It is essential to adhere to the citation style specified by your instructor or academic institution.

What are the seven research methods in economics?

The field of economics employs various research methods, including econometric analysis, surveys, experiments, case studies, qualitative interviews, archival research, and mathematical modelling. Each method offers unique approaches to studying economic phenomena.

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How to Write a Research Paper [Steps & Examples]

As a student, you are often required to complete numerous academic tasks, which can demand a lot of extra effort. Writing a research paper is one of these tasks. If researching for the topic isn't challenging enough, writing it down in a specific format adds another layer of difficulty. Having gone through this myself, I want to help you have a smoother journey in writing your research paper. I'll guide you through everything you need to know about writing a research paper, including how to write a research paper and all the necessary factors you need to consider while writing one.

Order for Preparation of your research paper

Before beginning your research paper, start planning how you will organize your paper. Follow the specific order I have laid out to ensure you assemble everything correctly, cover all necessary components, and write more effectively. This method will help you avoid missing important elements and improve the overall quality of your paper.

Figures and Tables

Assemble all necessary visual aids to support your data and findings. Ensure they are labeled correctly and referenced appropriately in your text.

Detail the procedures and techniques used in your research. This section should be thorough enough to allow others to replicate your study.

Summarize the findings of your research without interpretation. Use figures and tables to illustrate your data clearly.

Interpret the results, discussing their implications and how they relate to your research question. Address any limitations and suggest areas for future research.

Summarize the key points of your research, restating the significance of your findings and their broader impact.

Introduction

Introduce the topic, provide background information, and state the research problem or hypothesis. Explain the purpose and scope of your study.

Write a concise summary of your research, including the objective, methods, results, and conclusion. Keep it brief and to the point.

Create a clear and informative title that accurately reflects the content and focus of your research paper.

Identify key terms related to your research that will help others find your paper in searches.

Acknowledgements

Thank those who contributed to your research, including funding sources, advisors, and any other significant supporters.

Compile a complete list of all sources cited in your paper, formatted according to the required citation style. Ensure every reference is accurate and complete.

Types of Research Papers

There are multiple types of research papers, each with distinct characteristics, purposes, and structures. Knowing which type of research paper is required for your assignment is crucial, as each demands different preparation and writing strategies. Here, we will delve into three prominent types: argumentative, analytical, and compare and contrast papers. We will discuss their characteristics, suitability, and provide detailed examples to illustrate their application.

A.Argumentative Papers

Characteristics:

An argumentative or persuasive paper is designed to present a balanced view of a controversial issue, but ultimately aims to persuade the reader to adopt the writer's perspective. The key characteristics of this type of paper include:

Purpose: The primary goal is to convince the reader to support a particular stance on an issue. This is achieved by presenting arguments, evidence, and refuting opposing viewpoints.

Structure: Typically structured into an introduction, a presentation of both sides of the issue, a refutation of the opposing arguments, and a conclusion that reinforces the writer’s position.

Tone: While the tone should be logical and factual, it should not be overly emotional. Arguments must be supported with solid evidence, such as statistics, expert opinions, and factual data.

Suitability:

Argumentative papers are suitable for topics that have clear, opposing viewpoints. They are often used in debates, policy discussions, and essays aimed at influencing public opinion or academic discourse.

Topic: "Should governments implement universal basic income?"

Pro Side: Universal basic income provides financial security, reduces poverty, and can lead to a more equitable society.

Con Side: It could discourage work, lead to higher government expenditure, and might not be a sustainable long-term solution.

Argument: After presenting both sides, the paper would argue that the benefits of reducing poverty and financial insecurity outweigh the potential drawbacks, using evidence from various studies and real-world examples.

Writing Tips:

Clearly articulate your position on the issue from the beginning.

Present balanced arguments by including credible sources that support both sides.

Refute counterarguments effectively with logical reasoning and evidence.

Maintain a factual and logical tone, avoiding excessive emotional appeals.

B.Analytical Papers

An analytical research paper is focused on breaking down a topic into its core components, examining various perspectives, and drawing conclusions based on this analysis. The main characteristics include:

Purpose: To pose a research question, collect data from various sources, analyze different viewpoints, and synthesize the information to arrive at a personal conclusion.

Structure: Includes an introduction with a clear research question, a literature review that summarizes existing research, a detailed analysis, and a conclusion that summarizes findings.

Tone: Objective and neutral, avoiding personal bias or opinion. The focus is on data and logical analysis.

Analytical research papers are ideal for topics that require detailed examination and evaluation of various aspects. They are common in disciplines such as social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences, where deep analysis of existing research is crucial.

Topic: "The impact of social media on mental health."

Research Question: How does social media usage affect mental well-being among teenagers?

Analysis: Examine studies that show both positive (e.g., social support) and negative (e.g., anxiety and depression) impacts of social media. Analyze the methodologies and findings of these studies.

Conclusion: Based on the analysis, conclude whether the overall impact is more beneficial or harmful, remaining neutral and presenting evidence without personal bias.

Maintain an objective and neutral tone throughout the paper.

Synthesize information from multiple sources, ensuring a comprehensive analysis.

Develop a clear thesis based on the findings from your analysis.

Avoid inserting personal opinions or biases.

C.Compare and Contrast Papers

Compare and contrast papers are used to analyze the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. The key characteristics include:

Purpose: To identify and examine the similarities and differences between two or more subjects, providing a comprehensive understanding of their relationship.

Structure: Can be organized in two ways:

Point-by-Point: Each paragraph covers a specific point of comparison or contrast.

Subject-by-Subject: Each subject is discussed separately, followed by a comparison or contrast.

Tone: Informative and balanced, aiming to provide a thorough and unbiased comparison.

Compare and contrast papers are suitable for topics where it is important to understand the distinctions and similarities between elements. They are commonly used in literature, history, and various comparative studies.

Topic: "Compare and contrast the leadership styles of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X."

Comparison Points: Philosophies (non-violence vs. militant activism), methods (peaceful protests vs. more radical approaches), and impacts on the Civil Rights Movement.

Analysis: Describe each leader's philosophy and method, then analyze how these influenced their effectiveness and legacy.

Conclusion: Summarize the key similarities and differences, and discuss how both leaders contributed uniquely to the movement.

Provide equal and balanced coverage to each subject.

Use clear criteria for comparison, ensuring logical and coherent analysis.

Highlight both similarities and differences, ensuring a nuanced understanding of the subjects.

Maintain an informative tone, focusing on objective analysis rather than personal preference.

How to Write A Research Paper [Higher Efficiency & Better Results]

Conduct Preliminary Research

Before we get started with the research, it's important to gather relevant information related to it. This process, also known as the primary research method, helps researchers gain preliminary knowledge about the topic and identify research gaps. Whenever I begin researching a topic, I usually utilize Google and Google Scholar. Another excellent resource for conducting primary research is campus libraries, as they provide a wealth of great articles that can assist with your research.

Now, let's see how WPS Office and AIPal can be great research partners:

Let's say that I have some PDFs which I have gathered from different sources. With WPS Office, these PDFs can be directly uploaded not just to extract key points but also to interact with the PDF with special help from WPS AI.

Step 1: Let's open the PDF article or research paper that we have downloaded on WPS Office.

Step 2: Now, click on the WPS AI widget at the top right corner of the screen.

Step 3: This will open the WPS PDF AI pane on the right side of the screen. Click on "Upload".

Step 4: Once the upload is complete, WPS PDF AI will return with the key points from the PDF article, which can then be copied to a fresh new document on WPS Writer.

Step 5: To interact further with the document, click on the "Inquiry" tab to talk with WPS AI and get more information on the contents of the PDF.

Research is incomplete without a Google search, but what exactly should you search for? AIPal can help you with these answers. AIPal is a Chrome extension that can help researchers make their Google searches and interactions with Chrome more effective and efficient. If you haven't installed AIPal on Chrome yet, go ahead and download the extension; it's completely free to use:

Step 1: Let's search for a term on Google related to our research.

Step 2: An AIPal widget will appear right next to the Google search bar, click on it.

Step 3: Upon clicking it, an AIPal window will pop up. In this window, you will find a more refined answer for your searched term, along with links most relevant to your search, providing a more refined search experience.

WPS AI can also be used to extract more information with the help of WPS Writer.

Step 1: We might have some information saved in a Word document, either from lectures or during preliminary research. We can use WPS AI within Writer to gain more insights.

Step 2: Select the entire text you want to summarize or understand better.

Step 3: Once the text is selected, a hover menu will appear. Click on the "WPS AI" icon in this menu.

Step 4: From the list of options, click on "Explain" to understand the content more deeply, or click on "Summarize" to shorten the paragraph.

Step 5: The results will be displayed in a small WPS AI window.

Develop the Thesis statement

To develop a strong thesis statement, start by formulating a central question your paper will address. For example, if your topic is about the impact of social media on mental health, your thesis statement might be:

"Social media use has a detrimental effect on mental health by increasing anxiety, depression, and loneliness among teenagers."

This statement is concise, contentious, and sets the stage for your research. With WPS AI, you can use the "Improve" feature to refine your thesis statement, ensuring it is clear, coherent, and impactful.

Write the First draft

Begin your first draft by focusing on maintaining forward momentum and clearly organizing your thoughts. Follow your outline as a guide, but be flexible if new ideas emerge. Here's a brief outline to get you started:

Using WPS AI’s "Make Longer" feature, you can quickly elaborate key ideas and points of your studies and articles into a descriptive format to include in your draft, saving time and ensuring clarity.

Compose Introduction, Body and Conclusion paragraphs

When writing a research paper, it’s essential to transform your key points into detailed, descriptive paragraphs. WPS AI can help you streamline this process by enhancing your key points, ensuring each section of your paper is well-developed and coherent. Here’s how you can use WPS AI to compose your introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs:

Let's return to the draft and start composing our introduction. The introduction should provide the background of the research paper and introduce readers to what the research paper will explore.

If your introduction feels too brief or lacks depth, use WPS AI’s "Make Longer" feature to expand on key points, adding necessary details and enhancing the overall narrative.

Once the introduction is completed, the next step is to start writing the body paragraphs and the conclusion of our research paper. Remember, the body paragraphs will incorporate everything about your research: methodologies, challenges, results, and takeaways.

If this paragraph is too lengthy or repetitive, WPS AI’s "Make Shorter" feature can help you condense it without losing essential information.

Write the Second Draft

In the second draft, refine your arguments, ensure logical flow, and check for clarity. Focus on eliminating any unnecessary information, ensuring each paragraph supports your thesis statement, and improving transitions between ideas. Incorporate feedback from peers or advisors, and ensure all citations are accurate and properly formatted. The second draft should be more polished and coherent, presenting your research in a clear and compelling manner.

WPS AI’s "Improve Writing" feature can be particularly useful here to enhance the overall quality and readability of your paper.

WPS Spellcheck can assist you in correcting spelling and grammatical errors, ensuring your paper is polished and professional. This tool helps you avoid common mistakes and enhances the readability of your paper, making a significant difference in the overall quality.

Bonus Tips: How to Get Inspiration for your Research Paper- WPS AI

WPS Office is a phenomenal office suite that students find to be a major blessing. Not only is it a free office suite equipped with advanced features that make it competitive in the market, but it also includes a powerful AI that automates and enhances many tasks, including writing a research paper. In addition to improving readability with its AI Proofreader tool, WPS AI offers two features, "Insight" and "Inquiry", that can help you gather information and inspiration for your research paper:

Insight Feature:

The Insight feature provides deep insights and information on various topics and fields. It analyzes literature to extract key viewpoints, trends, and research directions. For instance, if you're writing a research paper on the impact of social media on mental health, you can use the Insight feature to gather a comprehensive overview of the latest studies, key arguments, and emerging trends in this field. This helps you build a solid foundation for your paper and ensure you are covering all relevant aspects.

Inquiry Feature:

The Inquiry feature allows you to ask specific questions related to your research topic. This helps you gather necessary background information and refine your research focus effectively. For example, if you need detailed information on how social media usage affects teenagers' self-esteem, you can use the Inquiry feature to ask targeted questions and receive relevant answers based on the latest research.

FAQs about writing a research paper

1. can any source be used for academic research.

No, it's essential to use credible and relevant sources. Here is why:

Developing a Strong Argument: Your research paper relies on evidence to substantiate its claims. Using unreliable sources can undermine your argument and harm the credibility of your paper.

Avoiding Inaccurate Information: The internet is abundant with data, but not all sources can be considered reliable. Credible sources guarantee accuracy.

2. How can I avoid plagiarism?

To avoid plagiarism, follow these steps:

Keep Records of Your Sources: Maintain a record of all the sources you use while researching. This helps you remember where you found specific ideas or phrases and ensures proper attribution.

Quote and Paraphrase Correctly: When writing a paper, use quotation marks for exact words from a source and cite them properly. When paraphrasing, restate the idea in your own words and include a citation to acknowledge the original source.

Utilize a Plagiarism Checker: Use a plagiarism detection tool before submitting your paper. This will help identify unintentional plagiarism, ensuring your paper is original and properly referenced.

3. How can I cite sources properly?

Adhere to the citation style guide (e.g., APA, MLA) specified by your instructor or journal. Properly citing all sources both within the text and in the bibliography or references section is essential for maintaining academic integrity and providing clear credit to the original authors. This practice also helps readers locate and verify the sources you've used in your research.

4. How long should a research paper be?

The length of a research paper depends on its topic and specific requirements. Generally, research papers vary between 4,000 to 6,000 words, with shorter papers around 2,000 words and longer ones exceeding 10,000 words. Adhering to the length requirements provided for academic assignments is essential. More intricate subjects or extensive research often require more thorough explanations, which can impact the overall length of the paper.

Write Your Research Paper with the Comfort of Using WPS Office

Writing a research paper involves managing numerous complicated tasks, such as ensuring the correct formatting, not missing any crucial information, and having all your data ready. The process of how to write a research paper is inherently challenging. However, if you are a student using WPS Office, the task becomes significantly simpler. WPS Office, especially with the introduction of WPS AI, provides all the resources you need to write the perfect research paper. Download WPS Office today and discover how it can transform your research paper writing experience for the better.

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how to write economics research paper

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  1. Economics Research Paper Proposal

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  3. Economics Essay

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  4. How to Write Economics Research Paper: Ultimate Guide

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  5. Sample Economics Term Paper Summary on Economy of the United States

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  6. 🏷️ How to write a good research paper in economics. The Young Economist

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COMMENTS

  1. PDF How to Write a Research Paper in Economics

    How Does One Write An Economics Research Paper? Summary Reminders for Next Week How to Write an Economics Research Paper To write an economics research paper: 1 Go step by step.Aswithalllargeprojects,aresearchpaperis much more manageable when broken down into smaller tasks. 2 The first step:Identifyaninteresting,specific,economic question ...

  2. PDF Writing Tips For Economics Research Papers

    Sharpening your economics writing skills is crucial in communicating top-notch research effectively. Remember, your paper's impact may suffer if your writing is: • grammatically flawed, • unclear, or • excessively journalistic. Writing an economics paper without proper grammar is like balancing an economic model on a

  3. PDF Writing Economics

    WRITING ASSIGNMENTS IN ECONOMICS 970. In Sophomore Tutorial (Economics 970), you will receive several writing assignments including a term paper, an empirical exercise, short essays, response papers, and possibly a rewrite. Below is a description of these types: Term Paper (10-15pp.).

  4. PDF Writing Economics A Guide for Harvard Economics Concentrators

    An overarching goal to strive for in writing a research paper is clarity. Clear writing is easy to read but hard to write. It rarely occurs without considerable effort and a willingness to revise and rework. As McCloskey (1985), the dean of economics writing, tells us: "it is good to be brief in the whole essay and in

  5. PDF A Guide to Writing in Economics

    y to writing in any discipline. Part II, "Researching Economic Topics," tries to explain the scholarly and analytical a. proach behind economics papers. The third part, "Genres of Economics Writing," briefly surveys some of the kinds of pap. rs and essays economists write. It is in the fourth part, "Writing Economics," that the ...

  6. PDF Writing Tips for Economics Research Papers

    Short words are better than long words. Monosyllabic words are best. Repetition is boring. Once you write your paper, review each section, paragraph, and sentence. Cut, cut, and cut again. Your writing objective is to be as clear as possible with as few words as possible.

  7. PDF How to Write Applied Papers in Economics

    one writes good research papers, and even the most successful economists often have a hard time articulating a clear answer to that question. This is due to both (i) what economists read and (ii) how they read it. The goal of this paper is to teach read-ers how to write applied economics papers that will eventually be published in a peer ...

  8. PDF Writing Tips For Economics Research Papers

    Keep your writing self-contained. requenFt references to other works, or to things that have come before or will come later, can be distracting. Put details and digressions in footnotes. 2. oT mere mortals, a graphic metaphor, a compelling anecdote, or a striking fact is worth a thousand articles in Econometrica.

  9. The Young Economist's Short Guide to Writing Economic Research

    The hardest part of any writing assignment is starting. Economics research usually begins with a strong understanding of literature, and papers require a section that summarizes and applies previous literature to what the paper at hand. This is the best way to start.

  10. Writing Tips for Economics Research Papers

    IZA DP No. 15057: Writing Tips for Economics Research Papers - 2021-2022 Edition. Plamen Nikolov. an updated version of this paper is published as DP16276. This document summarizes various tips for economics research papers. Download.

  11. How to Write an Economics Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Write the Paper, Saving the Intro for Last. Your outline should make it easy to develop your paper. All you need to do at this point is to take the outline that you wrote, flesh it out by turning its points into complete sentences, drop in quotations and supporting information (with citations), and connect the dots with transitions.

  12. PDF ECON 191, Fall 2012 Guidelines for Writing an Economics Research Paper

    ract of no more than 100 words should precede your paper.IntroductionIdentifying a significant and well formulated question is the single most. important part of the research process and the most difficult as well. A good research question has to be concise (remember. you are writing a 15-page paper, not a book), feasible and important. Choo.

  13. Writing Tips for Economics Research Papers

    This guide overviews several important rules for writing economics research papers. It focuses on three important pillars of economics writing: research, organization, and analysis. Economic research entails the use of state-of-the-art methods and data from any of a number of standard statistical sources or surveys. Organization entails organizing ideas coherently and persuasively, outlining ...

  14. PDF How to get started on research in economics

    Tradeoff: the more novel it is what you are doing, the lower the standards for execution you will get away with. Three broad categories of research in economics: • real theory: contribute a mechanism for others. • applied theory: illuminate the economics of a particular issues. • empirical work: test a model or estimate a parameter.

  15. Writing in Economics :: Components of a Research Paper

    The abstract is a description of your research paper. The writing style of the abstract is very condensed - it should be no more than 350 words (or 5-6 sentences). ... increasing the equilibrium price. In reading economics research papers, the economic model is often not identified because it is assumed the reader (economic researchers) are ...

  16. How to Write Economics Research Paper: Ultimate Guide

    A Brief Afterword. Writing economics research papers is a lot of work. You must plan, research and analyze excessively to achieve the best quality. You'll need to find an attention-grabbing research question, come up with a methodology, and turn complex ideas into one paragraph.

  17. PDF Writing Economic Theory Papers

    While the main contribution of the paper could be any one of the six criteria above, these different objectives overlap. For example, if one is writing a paper that speaks to an interesting applied question, the model should be reasonable and the economic forces persuasive within the context of that application.

  18. PDF Writing Introductions to Economics Papers

    Move 1: Establish a research territory. In Move 1 in your introduction, you introduce your subject. Move 2: Review the literature. In Move 2 you review the relevant literature, or, if you plan to save your literature review for a section of its own, at least briefly explain what has been done on your topic. Move 3: Establish a niche.

  19. Writing Tips For Economics Research Papers

    dc.contributor.author: Nikolov, Plamen: dc.date.accessioned: 2013-09-17T12:43:24Z: dc.date.issued: 2020: dc.identifier: Quick submit: 2013-08-27T19:22:28-04:00

  20. How to write an economics research paper

    These are general guidelines for writing a research paper with international economic data. They help you structure your research work and avoid common pitfalls so that you can progress rapidly and write a solid paper. Literature review focused on ideas, not on papers The first step in the process is to read the literature and to summarize: 1.

  21. How To Write An Economics Research Paper: Step-by-Step Guide

    Throughout this step-by-step guide, we have explored the essential elements of crafting an outstanding economics research paper. From choosing a topic and conducting background research to defining research questions, crafting a thesis statement, collecting and analyzing data, organizing your paper, presenting findings, and writing a coherent ...

  22. PDF How to Write a Research Paper in Economics

    How to Write an Economics Research Paper. To write an economics research paper: 1 Go step by step. As with all large projects, a research paper is much more manageable when broken down into smaller tasks. 2 The first step: Identify an interesting, specific, economic. question.

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    Once you have read the papers, write (at least) a paragraph about each paper that describes the research question that was posed in the paper, the data and methods used to answer the research question, and the paper's ndings. Do not include extensive quotes from the paper you are summarizing in your literature review; use of long quotes 3

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