This handbook describes a set of conventions governing the written presentation of research. The recommendations on the mechanics and format of the research paper are based upon the practices required by college teachers throughout the United States and Canada. Sections 1 through 9 treat the logical steps in research and writing--selecting a topic, using the library, preparing a working bibliography, taking notes, avoiding plagiarism, outlining, and writing. Sections 10 through 17 are concerned with the mechanics of writing and cover such topics as quotations and titles in the text, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. Sections 18 through 26 deal with the formal preparation of the manuscript--typing and binding the paper. Endnotes and footnotes are discussed in Sections 27 through 39, which provide examples illustrating citation forms for both printed sources and other sources often referred to in research papers (e.g., films and recordings). Sections 40 through 44, on the bibliography of the research paper, include sample bibliographical listings to parallel every type of note cited earlier. Sections 45 through 50, on abbreviations and reference words, are followed by an appendix on the preparation of theses and dissertations. An index and sample pages of a research paper conclude the book. (Author/CFM)