University Readers

Writing a research paper is easy, once students understand the process. The focus of this text is to help students learn, not only how to format an APA research paper, but how to "research smart, not hard." Not only does this book provide step-by-step instructions in creating APA templates for Microsoft Word 2003 and 2007, but helps students avoid intimidation by citations and references once they learn the mnemonics for both. By following a few simple steps, the dreaded research paper can be tamed.

According to other professors, Seven Steps in Researching and Writing an APA Paper provides:

• Instruction in database and Internet research and the stages of the writing process, the most daunting task for college writers.
• Higher level thinking skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation with well-explained strategies in steps that lead to success for those who follow them.
• A concise and methodical approach to the material for any writing course.
• Carefully constructed units designed to facilitate students' easy application of the requirements for APA format and essay writing.

Paula Porter has been writing since the seventh grade, when Mr. Kirk named her editor of the Minden, Iowa, Junior High Newspaper. She has an AA in Journalism from Iowa Western Community College, a BA in Journalism from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, a BA in Elementary Education from Buena Vista University, a MA in English Creative Writing from Iowa State University, and is completing her dissertation for a Ph.D. in Instructional Design for Online Learning from Capella University. Porter is a published poet and essayist, as well as a technical editor and Internet senior editor. When not teaching in the classroom or online at several colleges, Porter can be found cleaning stalls and tack or riding her horses, Odie and Tucker.