Writing Style Prose Analysis

This essay analyzes a sample paper, identifying common errors in APA formatting, citation, and writing style. The author, acting as an instructor, uses the Track Changes feature to highlight issues such as anthropomorphisms, improper citations, passive voice, and incorrect reference list formatting. The essay also discusses the challenges doctoral students face in developing scholarly writing prose and emphasizes the importance of understanding APA guidelines. The author references the Walden University Writing Center as a resource for improving writing skills. The paper concludes with a list of key APA nuances to focus on for better scholarly writing.

Writing Style Prose
Michael Anonymous
Walden University

This paper contains improper writing formats. As I pretend I am an instructor, I will use the Track Changes
feature of my Word document tool, and I will use my Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
(APA) text as my guide to identify the errors within this paper. Some of the common things I should look for include:
(a) anthropomorphisms, (b) improper citation formats, (c) passive voice, (d) improperly formatted reference list, (e)
improperly APA formatted paper, and (f) seriation issues, among other errors.
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Pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Degree is a journey that provides an opportunity for both
personal and professional growth. The writing of this paper is occurring during a time when the United States is
in an economic crisis. Research studies (Curtis, 2014; Williams, 2014Schildkraut, 2014, , Zack, 2015, Adelino,
2014) regarding foreclosures; other research studies (Jurinski, 2016; Ryan, 2014) concerning the decline in small
business startups, and scholarly dialogue (Atkinson, 2012; crossley, 2014; Jin, 2014; Jolly, 2015; McGuinness,
2014) regarding job loss and its effects on various aspects of life are affecting the economy. In fact, the state of the
economy has therefore caused many individuals to return to higher educational institutions for the purpose of
enhancing their professional skills and expanding their horizons. For some who have taken on the challenge of
completing a doctoral degree, they struggle to understand the appropriate scholarly writing prose expected by
their selected educational institution academicians. In fact, writing at the doctoral level presents a unique set of
challenges. Much has been written about research methods and designs (Moustakas, 1994; Yin, 2014; Zikmund,
2013) and how to structure dissertations and research studies. Laboratories for practicing scholarly writing
prose are nonexistent and doctoral students practice in the natural classroom setting. I realize like some doctoral
students I may struggle to understand the appropriate steps to take when developing my scholarly writing prose.
In fact, the anxiety of beginning the DBA journey, focusing on my writing prose, and understanding the various
phases of the doctoral program are a bit overwhelming. However, I will overcome my anxiety as I must prioritize
those things I find require strengthening, and my scholarly writing prose is primary. I began perusing the Walden
University Writing Center and I found common APA nuances that, if understood and applied, will enhance my
scholarly writing prose. Below are those APA nuances.
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1. Use the proper basic document template thus resulting in correct (e.g. fonts, line spacing, margins, and
punctuation) formatting.
2. Apply properly formatted citations.
3. Properly format my reference list.
4. Minimize the use of passive voice.
5. Apply capitalizations properly.
6. Use non-biased language.
Having taking this initial step will help minimize my anxiety and prepare me for this exciting doctoral journey.
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References
A. Jolly, N. (2015). Geographic Mobility and the Costs of Job Loss. B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, 15(4),
1793–1829. doi:10.1515/bejeap-2014-0131
Atkinson, R. D. (2012). u.s. manufacturing: DECLINE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS. Economic
Development Journal, 11(3), 5–11.
Adelino, M., Gerardi, K., & Willen, P. (2014). Identifying the Effect of Securitization on Foreclosure and Modification
Rates Using Early Payment Defaults. Journal of Real Estate Finance & Economics, 49(3), 352–378.
doi:10.1007/s11146-013-9433-0
Crossley, T. F., & Low, H. W. (2014). Job loss, credit constraints, and consumption growth. Review of Economics &
Statistics, 96(5), 876–884. doi:10.1162/REST_a_00417
Curtis, Q. (2014). State foreclosure laws and mortgage origination in the subprime. Journal of Real Estate Finance &
Economics, 49(3), 303–328. doi:10.1007/s11146-013-9437-9
Jin, H., Birkenmaier, J., & Youngmi, K. (2014). Job loss and unmet health care needs in the economic recession:
Different associations by family income. American Journal of Public Health, 104(11), e178–e183.
doi:10.2105/AJPH.2014.301998
Jurinski, J. J., Down, J., & Kolay, M. (2016). Helping older, encore entrepreneurs anticipate financial risks. Journal of
Financial Service Professionals, 70(1), 81–90.
McGuinness, S., Wooden, M., & Hahn, M. (2014). The perceived probability of job loss and future labour market
outcomes. Industrial Relations Journal, 45(4), 329–347. doi:10.1111/irj.12061
Moustakas, C. (1994). Phenomenological research methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
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Ryan, B. (2014). Starved of financing, new businesses are in decline. Gallup Business Journal, 1.
Schildkraut, J., & Mustaine, E. E. (2014). Movin', but not up to the east side: Foreclosures and social disorganization in
Orange County, Florida. Housing Studies, 29(2), 177–197. doi:10.1080/02673037.2014.848263
Williams, S., Galster, G., & Verma, N. (2014). Home foreclosures and neighborhood crime dynamics. Housing Studies,
29(3), 380–406. doi:10.1080/02673037.2013.803041
Zacks, E. A., & Zacks, D. A. (2015). A standing question: mortgages, assignment, and foreclosure. Journal of
Corporation Law, 40(3), 705–737s.
Zikmund, W.G., Babin, B.J., Carr, J.C. & Griffin, M. (2013). Business research methods. Mason, Ohio: South-
Western, Cengage Learning.
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