Guidelines for Writing Scientific Papers

Transcription

1 Prof. Heike Holbig Professur für Politikwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Area Studies China/Ostasien Guidelines for Writing Scientific Papers When writing a scientific paper such as a term paper or a master thesis, certain basic principles should be followed. Those principles are outlined in the following guidelines. The given information does not claim to be complete, that is to say you are given some freedom when designing your paper. Nevertheless, your chosen approach should be consistent and meet scientific standards. Formatting Guidelines (if not stated otherwise in the course informations, please check for details!) Number of Pages for Students of Faculty 03: Social Sciences/Department for Political Science Proseminar papers: 10 pages (± 10%) Seminar papers: 20 pages (± 10%) Bachelor thesis: words (± 10%) Master thesis: words (± 10%) Number of Pages for Students of the Degree Course Modern East Asian Studies Seminar papers (electives): 15 pages (+/- 10%) Master thesis: 60 pages (+/- 10%) Margin 3 cm left, 4 cm right. Font Times New Roman, 12 pt. Text Alignment and Spacing Grouped style, 1.5 spacing. 1

2 Pagination Apart from the cover sheet every page must be numbered. Pages containing information prior to the main text, i.e. the table of contents, should be numbered with Roman numerals, whereas the remaining pages should be in Arabic numerals. Citations As a general rule, every citation must be must be verifiable through the bibliography. Non-observance of this rule will lead to a negative evaluation. In an evident case of plagiarism, a paper is graded as failed. Quoting directly from works of other authors should ideally be an exception. A direct quote is marked by quotation marks at the beginning and end of the quote. However, indirect quotes (which means giving the general sense of the ideas of another author but not their exact wording) are not indicated by quotations marks. You may either use footnotes or the American citation style (e.g. Moral hazard (Holmström, 1982) ), but please make sure to apply your choice consistently and to include the page number. Basic Structure of a Scientific Paper Cover Sheet The cover sheet of every paper should contain the following information: topic, seminar title, seminar organizer and semester, faculty, adviser as well as information on yourself as the author (name, matriculation number, address, telephone, , field of study, number of semesters studied) and the hand in date. Table of Contents The table of contents (including pagination) has to be placed prior to the text. It should reflect the structure of your paper's argument and also be self-explanatory. Your headlines should be as informative as possible to help the reader understand what your paper is about. As a central part of the paper the table of contents will also be considered in the appraisal. Consequently, please make sure that the table of contents has a logical and consistent structure: If there is a subchapter 2.1, there has to be a subchapter 2.2 as well and both need to be essential for your argument given in chapter 2. Table of Symbols (if symbols are used in the paper) The table of symbols contains all symbols and variables used in the paper with their respective definitions. Table of Figures (if figures are used in the paper) The table of figures contains all figures with their respective numbers and headlines. Text The text starts with an introduction on page number 1 (preceding pages: Roman numerals). The introduction gives the reader information on the central thesis and its relevance as well as a short outline of the structure which should match the table of contents. For example: This paper is about if and to what degree standards should be set on a private level. This question arises due to the increasing setting of standards by private organizations and consequently justifies the relevance of the paper s question. Your text should be structured as follows: In the main part ensure that you have a central theme as reflected in your table of contents and your introduction. Try to explain your thoughts clearly and always question yourself critically whether a subchapter helps to analyse the central theme. In this way you avoid ending up with chapters being isolated from each other and giving the impression that your paper is just a collection of diverse information. This precaution should also govern the choice 2

3 of literature. The literature should support the argument and not be a mere conglomeration of the latest books. Also make sure to explain and define essential terms and concepts you are using in the paper. You do not need to discuss different definitions of a term, simply be consistent with your chosen definition. In the final chapter you should summarize the main findings of the paper and draw a conclusion. There is no need to repeat each step of your argument. Do not include new ideas or findings in this chapter, you should only refer to your preceding analysis. If you would like to further discuss your findings you may also include a discussion chapter before the final chapter. Style Use a clear and readable style. If you write in English do not simply translate a German text. Do not use abbreviations extensively and only those which are familiar (such as: e.g., i.e., UN). If you insert tables and figures, each must include a title (normally shown above) and a source (normally shown below). Appendix Information central for the understanding of your argument must appear in the text and not in the appendix. The paper needs to be understandable even without reading the appendix. You can use an appendix if you for example, conducted interviews or for quoting important legal texts. Do not forget to refer to the appendix in the text. Bibliography The bibliography lists all the publications mentioned in the paper in alphabetical order. Sources from the internet must include the date on which you used the homepage as a source. If referring to a law, please cite the law in a way customary for the relevant jurisdiction and always in a format enabling the reader to verify the reference (particularly if you cite a version other than the most recent one). Depending on the type of publication, e.g. monograph, journal article etc., there are different citation methods. You do not have to apply the following suggestions but please choose a form of citation which is common in the respective field of study (for example, use the most well-known journals, e.g. American Economic Review, Annual Review of Political Science, Journal of Japanese Law as an example). Again, consistency is of the utmost importance. There is no need to group the bibliographic references according to the type of publication. Consequently, internet sources are mentioned together with all other sources such as journal articles etc. in alphabetical order. Monograph Putnam, Robert D. (2000): Bowling Alone. New York: Simon & Schuster. Journal Article Kreps, David M. (1990): Corporate Culture and Economic Theory", in Perspectives on Positive Political Economy, von J. E. Alt, and K. A. Shepsle, Cambridge, UK. Cambridge University Press, Anthology Article Card, David and Alan B. Krueger (1994): Minimum Wages and Employment: A Case Study of the Fast-Food Industry in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, American Economic Review, 84 (4),

4 Article from a series of working papers Martins, Pedro S. and Walker, Ian (2006): Student achievement and university classes: Effects of attendance, size, peers, and teachers, IZA Discussion Paper Unpublished Manuscript Hakenes, Hendrik and Isabel Schnabel (2007): Bank Competition and Capital Regulation, unpublished manuscript, Max-Planck-Institut zur Erforschung von Gemeinschaftsgütern, Bonn. Internet Publication GEM, Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2005, Executive Report 2006, available at accessed June 10, 2009 How to use Chinese terms In order to refer to Chinese language terms, you can either use Chinese characters or the Pinyin romanization system (in italics). Please try to use modern Pinyin versions (Jiang Jieshi, Mao Zedong, Beijing, Guangdong) for personal or place names instead of older romanization versions (Chiang Kai-shek, Mao Tse-tung, Peking, Kanton). If common abbreviations exist they can be used as long as their long form is included in brackets the first time they are mentioned. Students with a Chinese studies background also have to insert the Chinese term (Chinese characters or pinyin). For example: SDRC (State Development and Reform Commission, Guojia Fazhan Gaige Weiyuanhui). Statutory Declaration At the end of every master thesis the following statutory declaration is to be included (do not forget to sign): I herewith declare that I have completed the present thesis independently making use only of the specified literature and aids. Sentences or parts of sentences quoted literally are marked as quotations; identifications of other references with regard to the statement and scope of the work is quoted. The thesis in this form or in any other form has not been submitted to an examination body and has not been published. Place, Date and Signature Submission of Papers and Theses Please hand in your papers and theses in time before the deadline in print form (one copy) at the secretariat (room 217, FLAT). Additionally, please send an identical digital copy (word/rtf format) to my secretary, Ms Evans (evans@soz.uni-frankfurt.de) on the same day. Deadlines for the assignments will be strictly observed. Handing in your assignment late may lead to a deduction from your grade for this assignment. Extensions are only given for valid reasons, such as serious illness, and supported by a doctor s attestation. 4

5 The Appraisal of a Paper is Based on the Following Questions Content Factually accurate; clear structure of content; question/thesis clearly formulated; appropriate weighting of content points Structure and Organization Clearly structured and goal directed; discernible central theme; good transitions between points; adhered to page measurements and limits Creativity Developed his/her own ideas; content demonstrates originality; skillful argumentation Literature Literature used represents state of the art; most important publications quoted; sources like Wikipedia etc. are not used or only in meaningful cases Quotations and Bibliography Literal quotations correct; ample substantive quotations documented; bibliography is present and presented correctly Visual Aids (if appropriate) Adequate number of tables and figures; understandable; sensible and meaningful connections; correct labeling Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, Style No grammar or spelling errors; correctly punctuated; use of proper scholarly writing style; adequate use of terms and definitions of the respective discipline Speech and Expression Expression exudes certainty; clear and appropriate word choice; understandable sentence structure; reading arouses interest The Appraisal of Oral Presentations is Based on the Following Questions Content Factually accurate; clear content structure; question/thesis clearly formulated; appropriate weighting of content points Structure and Organization Clearly structured and target driven; discernible central theme; good transitions between points; presented within the specified time range Creativity Special ideas; content demonstrated originality; pointed; attracted the undivided attention of the listener Language Exuded certainty in expression; clear word choice and understandable sentence structure; clear voice enunciation, emphasis and volume; dynamic speech tempo Gesture, Composure, Attitude extemporaneous speech; maintained eye-contact with audience; presentation was audience-oriented; open and friendly attitude; gestures accompany speech appropriately 5

6 Visual Aids Reasonable and balanced use of media; meaningful graphs and tables; clear and proper labeling Effect on and Reaction to Audience Involved audience; Sovereign response to all questions, each question answered adequately 6