6 Tips for Productive Writing in Graduate School

A considerable portion of graduate studies consists of writing—whether it be a funding application, a manuscript for a journal, or a conference application. At the recent 2019 SPSP convention in Portland, five renowned social psychology researchers offered valuable advice on the writing process as part of the symposium Writing for Success. Here, we recap some of the key points made by Dr. Shigehiro Oishi (Columbia University), Dr. Roy Baumeister (University of Queensland), Dr. Susan Fiske (Princeton University), Dr. Timothy Wilson (University of Virginia), and Dr. Laura King (University of Missouri).

Please note that the content of this article does not cover the entirety of the symposium.

Write with a “growth mindset”

Writing can be improved over time. The more you write, the better you will become at it. Writing can also be studied. If you admire someone's writing style, identify the qualities you like and then try to integrate them into your own work.

Learn the rules

Writing can also be improved by learning the rules. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the guidelines required in your field (e.g., APA). If you are writing for a specific journal or conference application, be sure to thoroughly read the instructions first. A great resource to invest in is the classic Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White. 

Writing is not always the endgame

Writing should not be seen as the final phase of a project. It can also contribute to the initial phase of idea generation. Scribbling down thoughts can accelerate the thought process and encourage reflection.

Be kind to the reader

Entertain the reader. Be concise. Write short sentences. It also helps to have a good narrative explaining the main message. Be mindful of the flow of the paragraphs and the transitions between them. Keep your targeted audience in mind while writing. The writing should pique people’s curiosity and engage the reader.

Editing is never done

For some, the editing process can be daunting. However, it is important to remember that your work can always be improved, made more concise and more clear. Getting feedback can be a great way to improve your writing style. Be receptive to it. It is equally important to be open-minded about the feedback you receive. If the editor/reviewer points out sections that are unclear, avoid dismissing the advice. This likely means that it is unclear.

Make time for writing every day

This can be hard, but it is not impossible. Prioritize writing and engaging in the publication process as much as you can. Find the time of the day that works best for you and block it off for writing. Be mindful that writing can take various forms and shapes—empirical articles are not the only option. Consider other types of writing such as literature reviews and commentaries.