The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)

In a carefully crafted and succinct outline, Booth and company examine every step of the academic research process, from the “why” of research through forming the research question, formulating an argument, and revision. The book also includes helpful final chapters on the ethics of research, formulation of writing assignments for teachers, and an appendix of research tools for both off- and online. The book’s section on making an argument strong is especially helpful in an age of speciously argued claims. As the authors say in the first chapter, “Why should I adopt language and forms that are not mine? Aren’t you just trying to turn me into an academic like yourself? If I write as you expect me to, I risk losing my identity. Such concerns are legitimate (most teachers wish students would raise them more often). But it would be a feeble education that did not change you at all, and the deeper your education, the more it will change the ‘you’ that you are or want to be. That’s why it’s so important to choose carefully what you study and with whom. But it would be a mistake to think that learning to report sound research must threaten your true identity. It will change the way you think, but only by giving you more ways of thinking.” Careful attention to both the how and why of objective research-based writing is a sorely needed skill in our post-information age. I plan to teach my masters thesis students to do so, and hopefully many of you will do the same. In a carefully crafted and succinct outline, Booth and company examine every step of the academic research process, from the “why” of research through forming the research question, formulating an argument, and revision. The book also includes helpful final chapters on the ethics of research, formulation of writing assignments for teachers, and an appendix of research tools for both off- and online. The book’s section on making an argument strong is especially helpful in an age of speciously argued claims. As the authors say in the first chapter, “Why should I adopt language and forms that are not mine? Aren’t you just trying to turn me into an academic like yourself? If I write as you expect me to, I risk losing my identity. Such concerns are legitimate (most teachers wish students would raise them more often). But it would be a feeble education that did not change you at all, and the deeper your education, the more it will change the ‘you’ that you are or want to be. That’s why it’s so important to choose carefully what you study and with whom. But it would be a mistake to think that learning to report sound research must threaten your true identity. It will change the way you think, but only by giving you more ways of thinking.” Careful attention to both the how and why of objective research-based writing is a sorely needed skill in our post-information age. I plan to teach my masters thesis students to do so, and hopefully many of you will do the same.

Crafts and Research, 4th Edition is an excellent resource for anyone studying or working in crafts. This edition provides clear steps on how to conduct research and improve writing skills specifically for the crafts field. It’s practical and easy to follow, making it helpful for both students and professionals. Highly recommend for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge and skills in craft research and writing!

I’ve been writing research papers for a number of years now and have heard some of this advice from time to time. Having it all in one place and reading it through has done wonders for me as I work through my senior thesis. Definitely not too late to give this book a chance.

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This book is the Bible of everything Research. A must read for all students, post graduate students will benefit from this a lot because of the clarity of form and essence - to include revision and diagnosis of one’s work. Truly a work of art and logic, this book is a keeper.

If you are in college or working on your masters, this is a great resource for how to research and the process.

El libro es para estudiante y no está claramente estructurado.