L/O/G/O

Academic Writing and Statistics

From clueless to

journal publishing

PhD Candidate Silvia PalașcăPhD Candidate Sebastian Enea

“If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time

(or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” 

― Stephen King

Structure

I. Thinking and preparing the article

II. Writing the paper

III. Editing the material

Thinking & Preparing the Article

Decisions...decisions...

What?• Article• Lit Review• Thesis

Where?• Journal• Conference• Thesis

defence

About what?• Own results• Overview • Contradict

How?• Clear• Concise• Simple

Overview of the Writing Process

Narrow down a

topic for the article

Determine what type of

article to write

Select a journal to submit the

article

Write the

article

Submit the

articleReview

Re-submit article

Choosing a theme

Working Title

Choose theme

Study

Narrow theme

More study

The Writing Process in numbers

• 1. Prewriting (70%)• 2. Writing the first draft (10%)• 3. Revision (20%)

First draftRevisingPre-writing

Choosing a topic- Example

• Crisis• Prediction

Business

cycle

• Synchronization• Dynamic equations• Use GDP

Study • The dynamic estimation of business cycle transmission between US and the Euro area

Working title

• “Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.” ― John Steinbeck

Documentation

• Databases for literature reviewFree databases•Google Scholar•Directory of Open Access Journals

•NO WIKIPEDIA!

Institutional subscribtion•Elsevier • Sage • JSTOR • Springer•Thomson Reuters’ Web of

Knowledge• Taylor & Francis• Wiley-Blackwell

Payed

•EMBASE•Project Muse•Science Direct•Ulrich’s Directory

Documentation- Tips and TricksArticles•Google scholar account- daily

notifications, free articles on your theme

•All ... versions – early (free) versions of a payed article

Books •Libgen.org

•Google books

Organize information

• Theme/ variables/ methods/ chronological• Make a table with articles/books you have

read

• Use JabRef (or other referencing software)• Use Word’s Masterlist option to build a

bibliography list for future use

Organize information- Examples

• MS-Word Masterlist

Get Data

• Questionnaires• Databases (Choose only institutional DB!)

Compute resultsState hypothesis

Apply/develop models

Test models (in/out of sample)

Save results /draw graphs

Compute results

Statistic tools

MS Excel

SPSS

EViews

R

MATLAB

USERFRIENDLY

GeneralPurpose

CODESpecific

toolboxes

Wrapping up!

Lit Review Articles

Table with ideas

DatabaseRaw data

Data sources

ResultsNumbersTables

Graphs (high quality)

Templatesfrom selected

journals

Article folder

Selecting a journal

• Check that your article would fit with the Aims & Scope of the journal;

• Check whether the journal is by invitation only – some journals only publish invited articles;

• Check that the publication options of the journal meet your needs (ISI/ BDI).• SUBMIT ONLY TO ONE JOURNAL

AT A TIME!

Selecting a journal

• Check the Guide for Authors-types of articles published, acceptable language and article length;

• Read the abstracts of recent publications to find current hot topics;

• Articles in your References section may also lead to the right journal;

• Use automated abstract matching tools (only if you have already an abstract).

Selecting a journal- International

Review Speed

The average number of weeks it takes for an article to pass through the review process for this journal. We have selected two key points:

1. From manuscript submission to the initial decision on the article.2. From manuscript submission to the final decision to accept.

Impact factorIt is a measure of the number of times an average paper in a particular journal is cited during the preceding two years.

ISI Journals ← HOT LINK!

Selecting a journal- Romania

• Romanian ISI Jornals- Economics

• AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC• ECONOMIC COMPUTATION

AND ECONOMIC CYBERNETICS STUDIES AND RESEARCH

• REVISTA DE CERCETARE SI INTERVENTIE SOCIALA

• ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC FORECASTING

• TRANSYLVANIAN REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES

• Romanian BDI (B+) Journals

REBS

CES Working Papers

ECTAP

Add your text in here

Add your text in here

Writing the article

Article structure

Title

Abstract

Introduction

Methodology

Results

Conclusions

Hot Tip

Start from the core of your article

and work your way to the outer layers

Conclusion

Introduction

Results

Methodology

Literature review

New article structure

Literature review

Methods

Results

Introduction

Conclusions

Abstract

Fancy title

Reference list

Literature review

2 Reasons

Not re-inventing the wheel

Position your current research

Structure of LR

Introduction• Generalization• Widely known

information• OR• State controversy

Main body• Present previous

works• Choose an order• Use linkages

Ending remarks• Summarise the

main findings• Position your paper

Examples

• In the last two or three decades the emphasis put on the process of economic globalization has shifted the analysis’ focus towards an international level.

• The international literature focused mainly on analyzing the GDP as an absolute variable or as a growth rate (Krolzig, 2003), (Li & Liu, 2004) and its connections with …, proposed by Frankel and Rose (1998), further developed by Imbs (2004).

• As a general remark, the I.L. considers that the complex process of economic globalization should bring a higher degree of business cycles synchronization.

Good vs. Bad

• Remember the purpose

• Read about purpose • Write within the

purpose

• Try to read everything• Read but not write • Not keeping

bibliographic information

• Try to include almost everything

• Give to many details

A PHRASE IN NEED, A FRIEND INDEED !

http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/sources.htm

Google search - phrasebank

GENERAL RULE !!!

DO YOUR HOMEWORK !!!

Methodology and / or methods

Methodology

• The study of a single or multiple methods

Methods

• Ways, instruments, procedures employed to complete the research objectives

Empirical approach

1. •Population / Sample

2. •Data•Variables

3. •Methods

Population and Sample

• “The research population is represented by all the European states ...”

• “... out of which we have selected a number of 24 European Union members, and 6 neighbouring countries of the EU”

Mention the target population of the

analysisDescribe

the sample

Very very important !

Mention if you have excluded a number of entities from the sample and motivate why !!!

• “Some entities were deliberately excluded from this analysis either on lack of relevant data or a very different economical situation, leading to outliers”

Data and variables

Source

Description of data

Mention the calculus method

Data Variables

Data and datum

Datum = noun, singular form Data = noun, plural form

DATAS - Pieces of Data

Do not try to dribble the

English grammar !

Methods section

• Explain how you have studied the research hypotheses / issues / problems etc.

• Identify and structure logically the procedures employed

New method

• Give precise and correct details

Previously published method

• Name and cite it

Mathematical method

• Include the formula

Results to be validated

and replicated

Results & Discussions

• Present results in a clear, logical sequence• Link findings to the aim of the article• WHAT’S NEW ?• Discuss findings by reffering to existing

literature• Possible implications• Also report uncertainties• DO NOT SPECULATE, JUST REPORT

Results & Discussions• Use tables and figures to support

your arguments

• Provide captions and legends for all your figures and tables

• Use measure units where appropriate

• NEVER USE RAW DATA

• Be parsimonious about tables and figures

• Never duplicate (same information both in table and in figure)

Results- Statistical issues

1. Descriptive analysis of the variables and checking assumptions

- to check for correctness of the data

- to acquire a feel for the raw data, so that you recognize unusual outcomes in your results;

- to check whether the assumptions of the main analysis technique have been fulfilled to a reasonable level

- to detect and explain of missing data, or subjects with unusual data.

Dependent variablesIndependent variables

Reporting statistics

• Mean,Standard Deviation and percentages are most clearly presented in parentheses:

“The sample as a whole was relatively young (M = 19.22, SD = 3.45).” �

• Never report the significance level as

p =.0000; correct is

p <.0001

• Chi-square -degrees of freedom and sample size in parentheses, followed by chi-square statistic (round to two decimal places) and the significance level.

• “The proportion of older male teachers was 0.86, whereas the proportion of younger male teachers was 0.52. This difference is significant, (2, N = 167) = 22.01, p < .01.”.

2

Reporting statistics

• Correlations are reported with their degrees of freedom (N-2) in parentheses, together with the significance level, in this way:

• “The two variables were strongly correlated, r(55) =.49, p <.01.”

• t Tests are reported �with the degrees of freedom in parentheses, followed by the t statistic (rounded to two decimal places) and the significance level.

• “There was a significant effect for gender, t(54) = 5.43, p <.001, with men receiving higher scores than women.”

Reporting statistics

• Regression results are often best presented in a table.

• Include the standardized slope (beta) along with the t-test and the corresponding significance level.

• “Social support significantly predicted depression scores, beta= -.34, t(225) = 6.53, p <.01. Social support also explained a significant proportion of

variance in depression scores, R2 =.12, F(1, 225) = 42.64, p <.01. ”

Tables and figures

Tables• Remove grid lines!• Make sure everything

lines up.• Keep a reasonable

number of significant figures.

• Leave out unnecessary info!

Figures• Line Graphs-Used to

show trends over time, age

• Bar Graphs- Used to compare groups at one time point

• Scatter Plots- Used to show relationships between two variables

Tables and figures- Example

Tables and figures

Do-s• Labeling• Numbering• Positioning• In-text referencing• Larger tables and

figures—place large tables or figures in the appendices

Don’t-s• Don't restructure data

from an information source into another format

• Don't give extensive descriptions in your writing of the contents of a table or diagram. The information in a table or diagram tells its own story.

Insights regarding the Introduction

Comunicates the reseach area

The author’s position

Create the RESEARCH SPACE

Short structure

• Establish a territory – identify the research topic1.

• Identify a niche – issues, gaps, dilemmas that demand attention2.

• State what your paper is going to address3.

Suggested structure

I.

•Generalization about the topic

II.

•Short insights regarding the topic and / or concepts (definitions, debates, academic conflicts)

III.

•Find the research issue or gap

IV.

•State very clearly the purpose

V.

•Structure of the article

GENERALIZATION ABOUT THE TOPIC

“Considered to be one of the most important contemporary phenomena by the national and international literature, globalization represents a key research issue within in the academic field.”

SHORT INSIGHTS REGARDING THE TOPIC AND / OR CONCEPTS

“Used, as a term, for the first time in 1983 in order to ... (citation) globalization can be perceived as ...”

The literature on business cycles acknowledges two types of cycles: the “classical” cycle, as defined by … (citation) , and the one based on deviations or growths where the underlying idea is that … (citation) “.

FIND THE RESEARCH ISSUE OR GAP

“The main challenge that globalization puts forward, ..., is that of finding alternative methods that can evaluate its impact on the international economy.

...

an analysis based on the idea that business cycles synchronization represents a direct effect of globalization offers the possibility to better grasp the nature and dynamics of these vast processes.”

State very clearly the purpose

• Link with the gap in the literature

• Further develop a previous research (personal or someone else's)

• Address a question or a number of questions.

• The present study seeks to address the following questions Are there pieces of evidence

regarding the synchronization of business cycles between the G7 countries?, and if this is proved to be true,

Can these seven countries be considered the promoters of economic globalization?

This paper aims to estimate the synchronization of business cycles, perceived as an effect of globalization, on the basis of the relationship that exists between the growth rate of the GDP and inflows and outflows of foreign direct investments (FDI), considered as percentage of the GDP.

Tips for writing the Conclusions

• Conclusions = the summing-up of an argument or text

• From the verb to conclude = to bring or come to an end, to sum up.

Suggested structure

I.• G

eneral assessment of the topic

• Link to the purpose of the paper

II.• S

hort and concise remarks regarding the findings

III.• C

ontributions of the study

IV• L

imitations of the research

• Future research directions

GENERAL ASSESSMENT OF THE TOPIC &LINK TO THE PURPOSE OF THE PAPER

“Both globalization and business cycles are elusive economical phenomena, hence they represents a continuous research puzzle for the academic community and an inexhaustible source of possible inquiries”.

“The main purpose of the research was to assess the business cycle synchronization patterns inside the G7, in order to better grasp the transformations that …“.

SHORT AND CONCISE REMARKS REGARDING THE FINDINGS

“The study has showed that, in general, …. One of the more important findings that emerge from the research is fact that …The second major finding is that …, thus it highlights the cases of … previously discussed. It can also be said that …”

CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE STUDY

“The contribution of the research, founded on the existence of ..., resides in the explanation of ..., and also the .... Another implication of the present paper is that it highlights the importance ...”

“The novelty of the study is the use the << X >> method in order to study the …”

LIMITATIONS & FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS

“The future directions of study will aim to enlarge the sample and employ, if possible, additional variables and quarterly data.”

“The limitations of the research derive from the”:

• sample size, • variables employed, • types of data (annual,

quarterly etc).• methods• time span

Connection with the future study direction

Abstract

• Summarizes the research and the conclusions• Is your advertisment = ”Sells” your work• 50-300 words (200 typical length) (Refer to

author guidelines)• Stand-alone (NO references)• Indicates usefulness • Targets the audience

Writing the abstract-Long version

• Based on the Emerald Structured Abstract

Writing the abstract-Short version

Fancy title

• Academic Titles Have Three Parts• (A) A catchy "hook" that introduces the

paper in a creative way• (B) Specific keywords that identify the

concepts the scholar will be exploring • (C) The "location" where those keywords

will be explored• 8-15 words• Main theme/research topic: research

design + population + geographical area

Fancy title- Examples

• Globalization versus Segregation-Business Cycles

Synchronization in Europe• Is trade a vector of business cycles synchronization? A

Fuzzy Cluster Approach of Globalization• Leaders and Followers in the Business Cycle Game. A

Case Study of the G7.• Hard or fuzzy clusters in assessing business cycle

transmission?• The reverse alchemy of the business cycle

References section

In-text citations

Any information that is taken from other

sources (even personal) MUST be

cited !!! All the cited works compose the Reference

List

Types of in-text citation

• Varies from Journal to Journal

• Always check the Author’s Guidelines

• MS Office offers: APA

Harvard

Chicago

IEEE (reference order)

ISO 690 (Numerical reference)

Reference

s

Bibliography

Includes only the works cited in the

paper

Contains papers read, not

necessary cited

Editing the Article

What makes good writing?

Having something

to say!

Logical thinkin

g.

A few simple, learnable rules of style

Writing- Tips and tricks

Read, pay attention, and imitate.

Talk about your research before trying to write about it.

Stop waiting for “inspiration.”

Revise. Nobody gets it perfect on the first try.

Learn how to cut ruthlessly. Never become too attached to your words.

Drop the balast

• 1. Cut unnecessary words and phrases; • 2. Write with verbs: use strong verbs,

avoid turning verbs into nouns, and don’t bury the main verb!

The BAD Writing Contest• The move from a structuralist account in which capital is

understood to structure social relations in relatively homologous ways to a view of hegemony in which power relations are subject to repetition, convergence, and rearticulation brought the question of temporality into the thinking of structure, and marked a shift from a form of Althusserian theory that takes structural totalities as theoretical objects to one in which the insights into the contingent possibility of structure inaugurate a renewed conception of hegemony as bound up with the contingent sites and strategies of the rearticulation of power.

• Butlers� , Diacritics (1997)

Balast to drop-Examples

1. Dead weight words and phrases

• As it is well known• As it has been shown• It can be regarded that• It should be emphasized

that

2. Empty words and phrases

• methodologic• important

3. Long words or phrases that could be short

4. Unnecessary jargon and acronyms

5. Repetitive words or phrases

6. Adverbs• very, really, quite,

basically, generally, etc.Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very'; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.(Mark Twain)

Active vs. Passive voice

Passive voice (Was done...)• For previous studies• Literature review

Active voice (I /We did...)• For new, exciting, own results• Original research

Verbs make the World go round

Don’t turn verbs into nouns Don’t bury the main verb

Writing Environment

• MS Word• Developed for average

users• WYSIWYG• Auto references• Thesaurus

• LaTeX• Developed for

profesionals • Requires learning the

syntax• Latex makes difficult

things easy, and easy things very difficult

• Prefered by publishers

LaTeX

Tables and figures

Tables• Most journals use three

horizontal lines: one above the column headings, one below the column headings, and one below the data

• Follow journal guidelines• DO NOT copy-paste

result tables directly from software

Figures • Visual impact• Show trends and patterns• Tell a quick story• Tell the whole story• Highlight a particular

result• Always provide caption• Use high resolution (1000

dpi B&W; 300 dpi color)

Tables-Examples

Figures- Examples

Final draft check-list

• Check for consistency• Check for numerical consistency• Do the numbers in your abstract match the numbers in your

tables/figures/text?• Do the numbers in the text match those in the tables/figures?• Do the numbers in each table/figure match those in other tables/figures?

• Check your references style• Check your overall style

Submitting the Article

Submission information

• Authorship

This can be a point of contention when writing in groups, so establish expectations for roles and responsibilities early in the writing process.

• Permissions and Approvals• permissions for reprinting copyrighted

material• Ethical Considerations

Plagiarism & Self- plagiarism

• Passing off other people’s writing (or tables and figures) as your own.

• cutting and pasting sentences or even phrases from another source

• slightly rewriting or re-arranging others’ words

Recycling your own writing or data

• Copying or only slightly rewriting text from your own published papers.

• Adding new data to already published data and presenting it as new results.

Submitting identical or overlapping data to multiple journals!

Submission checklist

• Keywords • JEL Codes• All figure captions • All tables (including title, description)• Manuscript has been 'spell-checked' and 'grammar-checked' • References are in the correct format for this journal • All references mentioned in the Reference list are cited in the text, and vice versa • Permission has been obtained for use of copyrighted material from other sources (including the Web) 

Cover letter

Put the puzzle together!

L/O/G/O

Thank You!

Bibliography • Jaba, E. (2002) Statistica. Editura Economică, București• Day, A., & Peters, A. D. (1996). How to get research published in journals. Aldershot:

Gower.• Academic Writing and Research Skills Workshop, Mancester University• APA Research Style Crib Sheet by Professor Russ Dewey & Dr. Abel Scribe PhD -

Fall 2007• Writing Articles for Peer-Review Publications: A Quick Reference Guide• Chin, B. (2004). How to write a great research paper. John Wiley & Sons.• Pieter M. Kroonenberg, (2007)How to write an article, Leiden University• Daniel. P. J. Soule, Lucy Whiteley, and Shona McIntosh, Writing for Scholarly

Journals, eSharp• Stephen E. Dew , (2013)The 5 Step Essay Writing Process, • Kristin Sainani, Writing in the Sciences, Stanford University• http://web.up.ac.za/sitefiles/file/40/753/writing_an_academic_journal_article.pdf• Sebastian-Florian Enea, Silvia Palașcă, Claudiu Țigănaș, (2013) G7 COUNTRIES –

ADVOCATES OF THE GLOBAL BUSINESS CYCLE, GEBA 2013, Iași• Enea Sebastian, (2013) EVALUATING GLOBALIZATION BY MEANS OF FUZZY

CLUSTER ANALYSIS, IE, Bucharest• Oxford Dictionary http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/