ACWR303 - Academic Writing for Nursing

Once you are into the Information Collection phase of your research, consider some of the following writing strategies:
 

• Keep a running bibliography – Keep an evolving reference list in a Word file or in a program like Mendeley, a free, web-based reference program. For handouts on APA, Chicago, MLA, and other documentation styles, see handouts created at University of Guelph or UofC's Writing Support

• Read actively – For advice on “Reading to Write” as well as on “Using Critical Theory” (and other excellent advice on academic writing), see the Dartmouth Writing Program

• Concept mapping –For an example of how you can use a concept map from the beginning of your research process through the information collection and outlining stage, see the McGill Library Guide website. For an example of how mapping can be used to visually depict arguments, click here.
  
  Concept mapping can be done manually or electronically.  Click here to download FreeMind, a free mapping software program, go to (As you’ll see, even the documentation for this program is in the form of a concept map.)

• Information logging – Whether or not you are using a concept map, it makes sense to record the information you find. If you’re using a concept map, simply add your research findings (and citations) directly to your map or record these on a separate log, like the Concept Map Construction (CMC) log shown here. As you’ll see, the CMC log is similar to the KWL chart described in the Topic Selection “Activity” section.

• Notetaking – The Cornell Method – Experiment with notetaking approaches to find a system that works well for you. Some researchers like to take notes on a notepad, others like to type notes directly into their computer, and still others like to record notes on index cards. The index card system can work especially well if you expect to use the same sources in future papers in your field. Whatever method you choose, always enclose direct quotations within quotation marks and keep a clear record of the source and the page number for the information you include. Doing so will help you to avoid accidental plagiarism.