Quality Research Papers: For Students of Religion and Theology

by Nancy Jean Vyhmeister, Terry Dwain Robertson

This will be the fourth edition of a time-tested resource for students writing papers in the fields of religion and theology. It provides essential guidance for writing assignments typical in graduate programs in religion and has served as a standard textbook for seminary research courses. The fourth edition is updated to include information on Turabian 9th edition, SBL Handbook 2nd edition, new resource lists, and additional help with online resources and formatting issues.

Most importantly, this new edition is revised from the perspective of information abundance rather than information scarcity. Today's research mindset has shifted from "find anything" and "be satisfied with anything" to "choose intentionally" reliable and credible sources. Quality Research Papers will guide students through an overabundance of online and library resources and help them craft excellent essays.

Genres: Reference, Writing, School, Nonfiction, Christian, Education

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jason Brubaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave it 5 stars based on content. Not sure how to rate entertainment value!

[Doni Siswanto · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is helping me to write several papers in my study...

[Nathan Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vyhmeister's work is a classic work for doctoral students of theology and appears in multiple languages. It now appears in its third edition. It clearly lays out each of the necessary components for researching and preparing research papers, dissertations, theses, and D.Min. projects. Chapters are short and easily referenced. Though the work is written for doctoral students, she assumes little knowledge which I often found helpful. Though the work was updated in 2014 in an attempt to adjust to the rapidly changing research methods of the Information Age, it still feels a little dated. In her chapter on note taking, the author admits she has never used a computer for note taking. Nonetheless, this is a helpful primer and reference tool for writing research papers. I wish I read it during my Masters work.

[David Blynov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vyhmeister and Robertson do a great job explaining every little step of the research process; this ocassionally makes the reading a bit tedious, but it also makes it incredibly comprehensive. The authors did what they set out to do, and as a student, I appreciate that. I'll be using this book as a permanent reference any time I write a research paper.

4.6/5

[Despond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough and Practical

Probably one of the best books on the subject. It is very thorough, redundant at times but not without merit and very practical. It offers many clear examples.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super practical, step-by-step guide to doing research

This is the clearest and best resource I’ve read on the topic. Aimed a theological research, this book does a great job of instructing on how to write book reviews, general academic papers, and dissertations.

[Lori Neff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical. Easy to read and apply.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great book

Now I know that I should have gotten this book earlier. It is great for a research in a Christian school.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

good beginners resource to research writing.

[Esther Louw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for any student whether undergraduate or graduate. Includes all necessary elements of research and writing.

[Geoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably good in hindsight but from a pastors perspective I did not like it, because I am always wearing and applying with that hat on.

[Adam T. Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the most helpful resource I’ve encountered on the process of actually doing good, solid research. The author is very engaging in her writing style, yet very helpful in her material.

I really can’t express how practical and helpful this book is and how useful it will be when it comes time to write my thesis.

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talbot Course: Theological Research Method

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

a lot of good info. for writing my Thesis in a couple years - will have to re-visit some chapters regularly...

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing extraordinary. An acceptable primer for the research process without being buried in deep technicalities. It is also a good quick reference type of book when you are hung up on an issue.