Structuring Your Economics Paper: A Guide
A well-structured economics paper is crucial for effectively communicating your research, findings, and arguments. This guide will walk you through the standard components of an economics paper, from the initial abstract to the concluding remarks, ensuring clarity and impact.
The Essential Components of an Economics Paper
Most economics papers follow a conventional structure that helps readers navigate the research process and understand the contribution. This structure typically includes an Abstract, Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, and References.
Abstract
A concise summary of your entire paper.
The abstract is your paper's elevator pitch. It should briefly state the problem, your approach, key findings, and implications.
The abstract is typically 150-250 words and should stand alone. It needs to capture the essence of your research, including the research question, the main methods used, the most significant results, and the primary conclusions or policy implications. Think of it as a standalone advertisement for your paper.
To provide a brief, standalone summary of the entire paper, including the problem, methods, findings, and implications.
Introduction
The introduction sets the stage for your research. It should clearly articulate the research problem, its significance, and the specific question(s) your paper aims to answer. It also provides a roadmap for the rest of the paper.
Establish the research problem and its importance.
Start broad, then narrow down to your specific research question. Explain why this question matters in the field of economics.
Begin with a hook that grabs the reader's attention and introduces the general topic. Then, provide background information to contextualize the problem. Clearly state your research question(s) and briefly outline your approach and the main contribution of your paper. End with a roadmap of the paper's structure.
Literature Review
The literature review demonstrates your understanding of existing research relevant to your topic. It identifies gaps in current knowledge that your research aims to fill.
Situate your research within the existing academic conversation.
Synthesize and critically evaluate previous studies, highlighting how your work builds upon or diverges from them.
This section should not just be a list of summaries. Instead, it should be a critical analysis of the relevant literature, identifying key theories, empirical findings, and methodological approaches. Highlight controversies or unanswered questions that your research addresses. Show how your paper contributes new insights or evidence.
Methodology
This section details how you conducted your research. It must be precise enough for another researcher to replicate your study.
The methodology section is the blueprint of your research. It typically includes:
- Data: Describe the data source(s), sample size, and how the data was collected or obtained. Include details about any data cleaning or transformation processes.
- Model/Framework: Explain the theoretical model or economic framework guiding your analysis. This might involve specifying functional forms, assumptions, or hypotheses.
- Estimation/Analysis Techniques: Detail the statistical or econometric methods used for analysis (e.g., OLS, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity, experimental design, simulation methods). Justify the choice of these methods.
- Variables: Clearly define all variables used in your analysis, including dependent, independent, and control variables, and explain how they are measured.
Text-based content
Library pages focus on text content
Data description, theoretical model/framework, estimation/analysis techniques, and variable definitions.
Results
Present your findings clearly and objectively. This section focuses on what you found, not why or what it means.
Present your empirical findings without interpretation.
Use tables and figures to display results efficiently. Report key statistics and significance levels.
Report the outcomes of your analysis. This often involves presenting regression tables with coefficients, standard errors, and significance levels. Use clear, well-labeled tables and figures to illustrate your main findings. Avoid discussing the implications or interpretations of the results here; save that for the discussion section.
Discussion
In the discussion section, you interpret your results, relate them back to your research question and the literature, and discuss their implications.
Interpret your findings and connect them to the broader context.
Explain what your results mean, how they answer your research question, and how they compare to previous studies.
This is where you explain the 'so what?' of your findings. Discuss whether your results support or contradict existing theories or empirical evidence. Address any unexpected findings. Consider the limitations of your study and suggest avenues for future research. This section should demonstrate your critical thinking and understanding of the economic implications of your work.
Conclusion
The conclusion summarizes your main findings and reiterates the significance of your research.
Summarize key contributions and offer final thoughts.
Briefly restate your main findings and their implications, without introducing new information.
Concisely summarize the main arguments and findings of your paper. Reiterate the answer to your research question and highlight the paper's contribution to the field. You might also offer a final thought on policy implications or future research directions. Avoid introducing new data or arguments here.
References
The reference list provides a complete and accurate record of all sources cited in your paper.
Accurately cite all sources used.
Follow a consistent citation style (e.g., AEA, APA) for all in-text citations and the reference list.
Ensure every source mentioned in the text is listed here, and every item in the list is cited in the text. Adhere strictly to the required citation style (e.g., American Economic Association style). Accuracy and consistency are paramount.
Tips for Effective Structuring
Clarity and flow are key. Ensure smooth transitions between sections and paragraphs. Each section should logically lead to the next.
Consider your audience. While economics papers are often technical, strive for clear and accessible language where possible. Use headings and subheadings to guide the reader. Proofread meticulously for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.
Learning Resources
Provides a comprehensive guide to structuring and writing economics papers, covering essential components and best practices.
A general guide to research paper structure that applies well to economics, detailing the purpose of each section.
Resources from the American Economic Association on how to approach writing an economics paper, including structural advice.
Focuses specifically on crafting an effective introduction, a critical first step in paper structure.
Offers detailed guidance on synthesizing and critically evaluating existing research for the literature review section.
Specific advice from the American Economic Review on structuring and presenting empirical findings in economics.
An overview of the standard structure of scientific papers, which shares many similarities with economics papers.
Guidance on interpreting results, discussing implications, and addressing limitations in the discussion section.
The official citation style guide for the American Economic Association, essential for the references section.
A widely respected book offering comprehensive advice on academic writing, including structure and clarity, applicable to economics.