References to paragraphs: A simple guide

Upon request! A summary of a new method I’ve used to incorporate references into my writing.

This sped up the writing process a lot for me. I had almost 2 pages in 15 minutes! But getting to that point required lots of work on the front end: outlining, READING, and carefully constructing my sentences.

Before I dive in, here are a few important notes:

1. I developed this method to help me write the intro & discussion of an empirical paper.

2. Usually I like to start my writing WITHOUT references. I craft my narrative and arguments based on intuition and “plug in” references after. Currently I’m writing a paper about a topic somewhat new to me, so this method has helped me simultaneously build my knowledge and my paragraphs.

3. If you’re not careful, you will include too much summary in your writing. Take care to keep your argument streamlined and to trim unnecessary details.

4. I have tried this once so far. It is not “tried and true”. It is not intended to be a primary method for everything you ever write. Experiment with it and adapt as needed.

5. I implement this method in Excel.

Okay, here we go!

Prep

Start with a general outline of your writing to get a clear idea of what literature is needed. Find and collect the relevant papers.

Summary Page

Skim the abstract of each paper. Then table the summary info:

• Full citation

• Study sample/participants

• Whether the paper is empirical or theoretical

• Central topic (eg, “peer influence”)

• BIG PICTURE findings

These categories will likely differ depending on your field and what kind of info you need from articles.

Notes to Sentences

Now read each paper closely. Each time you find content you want to highlight or jot down as a note, do the following: read it, close the article, and then integrate the essence of the statement or finding into a sentence. This sentence should be IN YOUR OWN WORDS. These sentences eventually become “supporting statements” for the claims you make in your paper. They should not be used to dictate your narrative. They are not the only sentences that appear in your writing.

Color-Code and Organize

Color-code the sentences based on theme and then re-arrange the sentences by color.

For example, I color-coded all sentences pertaining to measurement, development of peer influence susceptibility, peer influences on alcohol use, etc.

Now you’re ready to start integrating your references into your manuscript!

Remember:

Craft your arguments and writing independent of these references. Then, use the reference sentences as supporting arguments for your claim. Don’t expect these sentences to naturally flow from each other!

I hope this method serves useful to you all. It was very helpful to me on my most recent paper!

When you're done writing, don’t neglect to edit your draft closely! Even better if you read your writing out loud to yourself :)

Wishing you all the best always!

Natasha