Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide, Global Edition, 16th edition

Published by Pearson (August 12, 2025) © 2026

  • James D. Lester
eTextbook in Pearson+

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More support. Get AI help with personalised summaries, instant explanations, and quick translations.
  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More interactive. Learn through audio, video, and practice.
  • More memorable. Study better with notes, highlights, and flashcards.
Products list

Access details

  • Register via our Revel page to complete your purchase
  • A Course ID link or VLE link from your instructor is required
  • Instant access once purchased

Features

  • More than a digital textbook
  • Multimedia content and practice integrated
  • Immediate feedback on tests and quizzes
  • Highlighting, notetaking and study tips
  • Anytime, anywhere learning
Products list

Details

  • A print edition

Title overview

The definitive research paper guide, Writing Research Papers combines a traditional and practical approach to the research process with the latest information on electronic research and presentation.

This market-leading text provides students with step-by-step guidance through the research writing process, from selecting and narrowing a topic to formatting the finished document. Writing Research Papers backs up its instruction with the most complete array of samples of any writing guide of this nature. The text continues its extremely thorough and accurate coverage of citation styles for a wide variety of disciplines. The 16th edition maintains Lester's successful approach while bringing new writing and documentation updates to assist the student researcher in keeping pace with electronic sources.

Table of contents

Brief Contents

  1. Writing from Research
  2. Finding a Topic
  3. Organizing Ideas and Setting Goals
  4. Gathering Sources Online
  5. Gathering Sources in the Library
  6. Conducting Field Research
  7. Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism
  8. Reading and Evaluating Sources
  9. Writing Effective Notes and Creating Outlines
  10. Drafting the Paper in an Academic Style
  11. Blending Reference Material into Your Writing
  12. Writing the Introduction, Body, and Conclusion
  13. Revising, Proofreading, and Formatting the Rough Draft
  14. Works Cited: MLA Style
  15. Writing in APA Style
  16. The Footnote System: CMS Style
  17. CSE Style for the Natural and Applied Sciences
  18. Creating Electronic and Multimedia Research Projects

Need help?Get in touch