Curious Researcher, The (7th Edition)

Bruce Ballenger's The Curious Researcher underlines curiosity as the number one motivation and reason for investigation. The book retains its friendly and engaging approach, drawing readers in with its conversational and motivational tone and style. It explains how the research process can truly be a rewarding experience. The book was designed not only for student writers but professional researchers as well. With its chronological organization, readers and users are guided through the step by step process of research writing, as well as its technical aspects (down to documenting). Bruce Ballenger also uses a unique 5-week plan in The Curious Researcher (7th Edition) ISBN 9780205172870. The first chapter guides researchers through the first week of the research process, from choosing a topic to developing working knowledge, to establishing research strategies, and possible purposes for the research. Week 2 involves developing research strategy, choosing resources, evaluating online and offline researches, arranging interviews, and other forms of data collection tactics like surveys. The third week is all about writing and note-taking, as well as avoiding plagiarism. Week 4 is about writing the research draft and organizing its structure. Other topics include writing for reader interest, writing with sources, grafting quotes, and citing sources. The fifth week involves revising and re-researching, reviewing the whole research structure, and finalizing the output. The book uses MLA and APA standards as guidelines. Author Bruce Ballenger is a professor at Boise State University, where he teaches English, specializing in creative nonfiction and composition theory. He has authored a good number of books in his career, most of which have become bestsellers. He is also a published writer of articles and essays appearing in a wide range of publications, including The Boston Globe. Some of his most notable works include Crafting Truth: Short Studies in Creative Nonfiction, The Curious Writer, and the Curious Reader: Exploring Personal and Academic Inquiry.