This is a list of books, organized alphabetically, about how to do well in research methods, especially in theology (there is some general but good stuff, as well!) You will be able to use information effectively, learn how to write arguments, avoid plagiarism, and so on.
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
by Kate L. Turabian
The book will guide you through the process of writing a research paper. Part 1 covers every step of the research and writing process, including drafting and revising. Part 2 offers a comprehensive guide to Chicago’s two methods of source citation: notes-bibliography and author-date. Part 3 gets into matters of editorial style and the correct way to present quotations and visual material. A Manual for Writers also covers an issue familiar to writers of all levels: how to conquer the fear of tackling a major writing project.
Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies
by Marilyn McEntyre
The author exposes the commercial and political forces that affect public discourse in American culture and counters with twelve constructive “strategies of stewardship”—such as challenging lies (including widely tolerated forms of deception and spin), fostering the art of conversation, and encouraging playfulness and prayerfulness in writing and speaking.
Church History: An Introduction to Research Methods and Resources
by Richard Muller
The authors lay out guidelines, methods, and basic reference tools for research and writing in the fields of church history and historical theology. This book helps students define their topics, locate relevant source materials, and write quality papers.
Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms
by Richard Muller
This is an indispensable companion to post-Reformation theological texts. It provides clear and concise definitions of Latin and Greek terms at a variety of levels.
Digital Paper: A Manual for Research and Writing
by Andrew Abbott
More than a mere how-to manual, Abbott’s guidebook helps teach good habits for acquiring knowledge, the foundation of knowledge worth knowing. Those looking for ten easy steps to a perfect paper may want to look elsewhere. But serious scholars, who want their work to stand the test of time, will appreciate Abbott’s unique, forthright approach and relish every page of Digital Paper.
Histories and Fallacies: Problems Faced in the Writing of History
by Carl R. Trueman
Histories and Fallacies is a primer on the conceptual and methodological problems in the discipline of history. Historian Carl Trueman presents a series of classic historical problems as a way to examine what history is, what it means, and how it can be told and understood. Each chapter in Histories and Fallacies gives an account of a particular problem, examines classic examples of that problem, and then suggests a solution or approach that will bear fruit for the writer or reader of history.
by Umberto Eco
This book is intended for students who are writing a thesis at the university. The author offers useful advice on all the steps involved in researching and writing a thesis.
by Wayne C. Booth
Thoroughly revised by Joseph Bizup and William T. FitzGerald, it recognizes that research may lead to a product other than a paper—or no product at all—and includes a new chapter about effective presentations. It features fresh examples from a variety of fields that will appeal to today’s students and other readers. It also accounts for new technologies used in research and offers basic guidelines for the appropriate use of generative AI. And it ends with an expanded chapter on ethics that addresses researchers’ broader obligations to their research communities and audiences as well as systemic questions about ethical research practices.
by William Strunk Jr.
This book’s unique tone, wit and charm have conveyed the principles of English style to millions of readers. The Elements of Style Workbook honors the original masterpiece by William Strunk, Jr. published in 1920, with relevant updates for modern times. This book will help novice writers gain command of stylistic structures and devices through guided practice, and to guide more experienced writers through the nuances of commanding style.
by Richard Muller
The author discusses the hermeneutical implications of biblical, historical, systematic, and practical theology and presents a case for the relationship between exegesis and the other theological disciplines.
They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing
by Gerald Graff
This book identifies the key rhetorical moves in academic writing. It shows students how to frame their arguments as a response to what others have said and provides templates to help them start making the moves. The fourth edition features many new examples from academic writing, a new chapter on Entering Online Discussions, and a thoroughly updated chapter on Writing in the Social Sciences.