A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations

Part 1 of the manual approaches the process of research and writing. This includes providing "practical advice" to formulate "the right questions, read critically, and build arguments" as well as helping authors draft and revise a paper.[3] Initially added with the seventh edition of the manual, this part is adapted from The Craft of Research.[4][5]

Part 2 of the manual explores the two methods of citing/documenting sources used in authoring a work: (1) the notes-bibliography style; and (2) the author-date style.[3]

The notes-bibliography style (also known as the "notes and bibliography style" or "notes style") is "popular in the humanities—including literature, history, and the arts." This style has sources cited in "numbered footnotes or endnotes" with "each note correspond[ing] to a raised (superscript) number in the text." This style also uses a separate bibliography at the end of the document, listing each of the sources.[6]

The more-concise author-date style (sometimes referred to as the "reference list style") is more common in the physical, natural, and social sciences. This style involves sources being "briefly cited in the text, usually in parentheses, by author’s last name and year of publication" with the parenthetical citations corresponding to "an entry in a reference list, where full bibliographic information is provided."[6]

The manual provides extensive examples of how to cite different types of works (e.g. books, journal articles, websites, etc.) using both citation styles.

Part 3 of the manual "addresses matters of spelling, punctuation, abbreviation, and treatment of numbers, names, special terms, and titles of works." This part also provides guidance on including quotations from different sources as well as the formatting of tables and figures.[7]

The appendix provides specific requirements on the formatting of research papers as well as theses and dissertations. General formatting requirements include recommendations on paper and margin sizes, options as to the choice of typeface, the spacing and indentation of text, pagination, and the use of titles. Formatting requirements for specific elements include the ordering and formatting of content in the front matter, main matter (text), and back matter of a work. The appendix also includes a description on preparing and submitting files, both electronically and as hard copies.

On the formatting and style, however, the manual notes that it "may be supplemented—or even overruled—by the conventions of specific disciplines or the preferences of particular institutions, departments or instructors." More so, the manual consistently reminds students to "review the requirements of their university, department, or instructor, which take precedence over the guidelines presented [in the manual]."[2]