guidelines for academic writing literature search academic … · 2020-06-22 · literature search...

Guidelines

Chair of AppliedMicroeconomics

First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources

How to read empiricalpapers

Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables

Statement of authorship

References andBibliography

Plagiarism

Software

Seminar in AppliedEconomics

Guidelines for Academic WritingSeminar papers, bachelor and master thesis

Chair of Applied Microeconomics

Viadrina European University

June 22, 2020

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https://www.wiwi.europa-uni.de/de/lehrstuhl/fine/mikro/index.html



Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Introductory notes

I These guidelines shall help you to set up your own researchquestion, find and read academic literature and write up a properlylay outed and formatted seminar paper or thesis at the Chair ofApplied Microeconomics.

I If it is your first time writing an academic paper we additionallyrecommend to go to the library and study a handbook foracademic writing!

I Consider courses, workshops and offers from Schreibzentrum.

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https://www.europa-uni.de/de/struktur/zsfl/institutionen/schreibzentrum/angebote/studierende/index.html

Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Outline

1. First steps1.1 Topic1.2 Research Question1.3 Title2. Literature Search2.1 Academic sources2.2 How to read empirical papers3. Writing3.1 Page numbers3.2 Structure3.3 Title page3.4 Abstract3.5 Introduction3.6 Main3.7 Conclusion3.8 Design3.9 Graphics3.10 Figures and tables3.11 Statement of authorship

4. References and Bibliography5. Plagiarism6. Software7. Seminar in Applied Economics

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Topic and Research Question

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Topic

We expect that you chose and suggest a topic and a research question.

I Your topic should be related to one of the core areas:I Applied Microeconomics

I Applied Econometrics

I International Economics

I Labour Market Economics

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Research Question

The initial objective is to formulate a research question!1

I A research question is not simply your title or topic.

I Usually a profound literature search is needed before a researchquestion can be formulated.

I Afterwards you should be able to identify a specific issue that isnot sufficiently examined in the literature.

I The research question may be narrowed down extremely.

⇒ We expect you to come up with a topic and research question!

1Check Developing strong research questions and Research question examples onScribbr.

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https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-questions/

https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-question-examples/

Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Developing strong Research Questions

A good research question is essential to guide your research paper orthesis. It pinpoints exactly what you want to find out and gives yourwork a clear focus and purpose. All research questions should be:2

I Focused on a single problem or issue.

I Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources.

I Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints.

I Specific enough to answer thoroughly.

I Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper.

I Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly.

2Sourced fromhttps://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-questions/

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https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-questions/

Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Developing strong Research Questions

Some steps on the Way to a Research Question

I Understand the topic!I What are the definitions of the key terms in the field of research?

Which links exist between these terms? In which ways can the topicbe interpreted?

I What would be interesting to investigate?I Formulate several questions that come to your mind. Think about

who would benefit from an answer to these questions. Decide whichof these questions would generate most valuable implications.

I Collect and review literature that deals with your chosen question!I Do not read every paper that seems to fit thoroughly. Try to get an

overview of the literature published on this topic. Try to use themost recent publications!

I Narrow down your research question!I Try to focus on a specific problem of interest. Try to find questions

that can be answered by a synthesis of the existing literature.

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Different Types of Research Questions

1. Description of an observed situation.

I Typically involves defining and classifying of known issues.

I An example is a literature overview.

I You are expected to go beyond a mere description of known facts!

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Guidelines


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Research Question

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Title page

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Plagiarism

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2. Relationship between observed phenomena.

I Typically involves the investigation of the relationship between twoor more variables.

I The result can be the finding of a correlation or a trend betweenthe examined variables.

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Guidelines


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Research Question

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3. Causality.

I Typically involves the attempt to discover a causal relationshipbetween two or more observed phenomena.

I Often no causal relationship can be proved. A correlation betweenthe examined variables will then be the result.

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software



4. Explanation / Methodology

I During your literature search you probably will find contradictoryresults on the same topics. This will often be caused by differentapproaches, the authors used. In this case you should examine:

I What are the assumptions used?

I What are the models used?

I Why did the authors use them to tackle the certain issue?

I Are there other possible approaches?

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Title of a thesis

I You can suggest and discuss a title with your supervisor.3

I Once fixed in the thesis application form, it cannot be changed.

I Your title will be printed on your certificate.

I Technical details:I All words in the title are to be capitalized except definite and

indefinite articles, prepositions of all kind and coordinatingconjunctions.

I Example:German Foreign Direct Investment in Poland: An Investigation intothe Regionalisation Pattern and the Role of Special EconomicZones.

3Not identical with your research question.13 / 38



Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Literature Search

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Literature Search

The literature search is essential for you to succeed!

I Focus on recent papers published in scientific economic journals (oras so called discussion or working papers)!

I You can expand your body of relevant literature byI Examining the bibliography of a paper at hand (“Which literature

was interesting for the authors of the article you are reading?”).

I Using the “cited-by” function at scholar.google.de. (“Whichauthors found the article interesting you are reading?”).

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Academic sources

I Typical academic sources are:I Journal articles (e.g. American Economic Review, Journal of

International Economics)4

I Working papers (use final paper instead when available!)

I Reports (from organizations, e.g. WTO)

I Books and collected volumes

I Textbooks (concerning methods)

I Online encyclopedias (Wikipedia, Gabler, etc.) and news articlesare no valid academic source!I Still, the sources mentioned on Wikipedia can be useful.

I You may occasionally refer to such sources, e.g. an Economistarticle to motivate a scientific question or to put it in context.

⇒ You have access to most journals via Campus Network.5

4https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_economics_journals5Use VPN from outside: https://www.ikmz.europa-uni.de/de/it-dienste/netz_

server_dienste/internetzugang/vpn/index.html16 / 38



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_economics_journals

https://www.ikmz.europa-uni.de/de/it-dienste/netz_server_dienste/internetzugang/vpn/index.html

https://www.ikmz.europa-uni.de/de/it-dienste/netz_server_dienste/internetzugang/vpn/index.html

Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


How to read empirical papers

I You will certainly read a lot empirical papers.

I Although this can be challenging, a good understanding of thelogic and the main arguments of the paper does not depend on adeep understanding of the technical details.

I We recommend amongst others:I Prof. Matt Masten (2015) “How to Read Empirical Papers”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlAKPtPZqyI

I Morgan Kenneth (2010) “How to Read an Empirical ResearchArticle” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=legYfGC46y4

I Chow & Lewis (2011) “How to read an empirical paper”https://tinyurl.com/y9yhey9d (PDF)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlAKPtPZqyI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=legYfGC46y4

https://tinyurl.com/y9yhey9d

Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Academic Writing

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


The number of pages question

“How many pages do I need to write?”

⇒ Not the right question to ask!

⇒ Better: How many pages do you need to sufficiently motivate,explore and discuss your topic and research question!?

I The following numbers refer to text pages:6

I Seminar paper: 10 pages

I Bachelor thesis: 20 pages

I Master thesis: 30 pages

I Discuss the scope and extent of your paper with your supervisor.

6Title page, lists, figures, bibliography etc. do not count as a text page.19 / 38



Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Structure

Ingredients of a (scientific) paper:

I Titlepage

I Table of Contents

I List of Figures, Tables, Abbreviations, Symbols

I Abstract

I TextI Introduction

I Main Part

I Conclusion

I List of References

I Appendix

I Statement of authorship

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Title page

The title page contains:

I Title of the paperI Author’s full nameI Author’s matriculation numberI Handover dateI Name of supervisor/sI Name of the Chair of Applied Microeconomics

You may include the Logo of Viadrina European University.

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Abstract

I All academic papers contain an abstract.

I The abstract is written in English (even if your work is German).

I The abstract comes right before your first text page starts(probably the introduction) and right after all lists (of figures,tables, abbreviations).

I Use a pagebreak after the abstract.

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Introduction

I Motivate your topic: include descriptive statistics or graphs (“atleast one number”).

I State your research question clearly.

I Name methods, theories or data used to meet this objective.

I Outline the structure of the remaining paper (you may brieflysummarize your findings).

⇒ Finalize the introduction at the end.

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Main text

I Embed your work in the current state of research(literature review)

I Give clear definitions to avoid ambiguity of terminology

I Explain methodology and results

I Refer to the research question:Was it possible to answer it? If not, why?

I Discussion of results

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Conclusion

I Slighty more than a summary.

I Refer to the research question once more.

I Implications for future research or potential policy implications (ifapplicable).

⇒ Do not introduce new strings of reasoning!

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Design and Layout

I Font type: Use a standard font type (e.g. Times New Roman,Calibri, Computer Modern)

I Font size: 12pt (1.5 line spacing)

I Margins: 2cm left, 2.5cm top, 2cm right, 3cm bottom

I Don’t use indentation

I Use justification of text

I Page numbering:I Title page: none

I TOC (and all lists): Roman numerals (I, II, III, ...)

I Text (beginning from Abstract): Arabic numerals (1,2,3,...)

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Graphics: Purpose and Design

I Give the audience the greatest number of ideas in the shortest timewith the least ink, in the smallest space → Data-Ink-Ratio.

I Avoid chartjunk (weird fonts, 3D, shading, underlines).

I Substance over Design.

I Provide high quality (high resolution) graphs if possible!

I Create your own table, bar chart, scatter plot if possible.7

I Only copy graphs when they are complex, important to your workand you don’t have access to original data (give full source inthedescription).

7Why you shouldn’t use pie charts - Tips for better data visualization27 / 38



https://blog.funnel.io/why-we-dont-use-pie-charts-and-some-tips-on-better-data-visualizations

Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Figures and tables

I Always explain and discuss tables and figures in main text.

I Place tables and figures only in the appendix in case they are verylong or you discuss part of it.

I Center and number tables and figures.

I Give meaningful and self-explaining captions to tables and figures.

I Captions should be concise but comprehensive. Additionalinformation (e. g. source of data) should be given as a description.

I Find more information on figures and tables: https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/figures-and-charts/

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https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/figures-and-charts/

https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/figures-and-charts/

Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Figures and tables

Example from University of New England:

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https://aso-resources.une.edu.au/academic-writing-course/information-basics/tables-figures/

Guidelines


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Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

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Personally signed statement of authorship on the last page:“I guarantee that this seminar paper/thesis was written by myself andthat I have used no other sources than those mentioned. All sentencesor passages quoted or paraphrased in this paper from other people’swork have been specifically acknowledged by clear cross-referencing toauthor, work and page(s). This holds also for drawings, sketches,graphic images, and for sources from the Internet.”

“Hiermit erklare ich, dass ich die vorliegendeSeminararbeit/Abschlussarbeit selbstandig verfasst und keine anderenals die angegebenen Hilfsmittel benutzt habe. Die Stellen derSeminararbeit, die anderen Quellen im Wortlaut oder dem Sinn nachentnommen wurden, sind durch Angaben der Herkunft kenntlichgemacht. Dies gilt auch furr Zeichnungen, Skizzen, bildlicheDarstellungen sowie fur Quellen aus dem Internet.”

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


References and Bibliography

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Quotation rules

I Use an author-year-title format (e.g. APA).

I Use in-text citation explicit (not in footnotes or parentheses).

I Primary sources should be used.I An exception can be made in case when the original source is not

available. In this situation a secondary source can be used.

I Avoid direct quotations.

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Example: APA citation style

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Bibliography

I List only cited references and to cite only listed references.

I Alphabetic order by name of fist author

I Starts on a new page.

I Slightly different features for journal articles, books, working paper,book chapters, reports, internet resources , ...

⇒ Software can control for consistent citation style and bibliography.

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Plagiarism

Plagiarism:

I Copying a series of words or sentences (or graphs, tables, etc.)without giving reference where they come from.

I Using concepts, ideas or facts from different origin without givingreference where they come from.

I Especially: Paraphrasing another source (although citing it) andonly changing a few words / substitute with synonyms!

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Plagiarism

How to avoid it?

I If you cannot summarize an “idea” in your own words and copy itfrom another source, use quotation marks and refer to the source!

⇒ “Anti-plagiarism” through many direct quotations does notimprove the quality of your paper!

I If you draw on the findings, opinions or any information from asource, cite and reference the source according to the guidelines!

Plagiarism is easier to detect than one might think, and results in aguaranteed fail!

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Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Software

A reference management software is highly recommended.8

I e.g. Microsoft Word + Zotero / Citavi

I e.g. LaTeX + JabRef

⇒ Ease of citing and referencing

⇒ Instantly update all references

⇒ Instantly create a bibliography

⇒ Takes control of the citation style

8See different examples and explanations athttps://www.ub.europa-uni.de/de/hilfe/bibliothek-von-a-z/Literaturverwaltung-und-Wissensorganisation-_allgemein_/index.html

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https://www.ub.europa-uni.de/de/hilfe/bibliothek-von-a-z/Literaturverwaltung-und-Wissensorganisation-_allgemein_/index.html

https://www.ub.europa-uni.de/de/hilfe/bibliothek-von-a-z/Literaturverwaltung-und-Wissensorganisation-_allgemein_/index.html

Guidelines


First steps

Topic

Research Question

Title

Literature Search

Academic sources


Writing

Page numbers

Structure

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Main

Conclusion

Design

Graphics

Figures and tables



Plagiarism

Software


Seminar in Applied Economics

I Examination regulations recommend to attend at least one seminarbefore writing the thesis.9

I At the moment we offer:I Bachelor Seminar in Applied Economics

I Master Seminar in Applied Economics

I For frequency, content and description see the current syllabus.

9§ 8 (1) 3 In Vorbereitung auf die Bachelorarbeit wird den Studierenden empfohlen,mindestens einen Leistungsnachweis im Studium mit einer Seminararbeit zu erbringen.

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guidelines for academic writing literature search academic … · 2020-06-22 · literature search...

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