Tools for academic writing

This is a list of tools that could prove useful in academic writing: not only in defining your research topics and the writing process itself, but also in information gathering and statistics.

Mindmap/Brainstorming Software

During the phase of defining your research topic, it could be very helpful to use a tool that helps you organize your thoughts, ideas and “loose threads”.

• MindManager (Mindjet) is a software program for collecting, organizing and visualizing information. NTNU offers the program to all of its students and staff – also to install on their own machines. The program is available on Windows and Mac.

Word Processing Software

• NTNU provides Office 365 to all its students. You get access to word processing software such as Word, storage and interaction services on the web, desktops, tablets and mobile phones.
• LaTeX - typesetting system used for formatting text documents, references, mathmatical formulas and tables in f.ex. scientific and technical articles.

English grammar checker

• GrammarCheck - Free check

Survey Tools

(Only inforamtion in Norwegian)

• Nettskjema
• Forms - Informal forms
• Machform - Formal forms

Guidelines for collecting data – These are important to be aware of while making online surveys.

Statistical software

Statistical software lets you produce statistical analyses from the data you have gathered. NTNU offers other tools:

• SPSS is a comprehensive software package for statistical analysis and data management.
• Minitab and Minitab Express is an interactive statistics program with a user-friendly interface. Minitab Express is a program for teaching introductory statistics.
• NVivo is a program for qualitative data analysis. It’s designed to help you organize, analyse and find insights in unstructured or qualitative data like interviews, open-ended survey responses, articles, social media and web content.
• R is both a language and an environment for statistical computing and graphics. It’s free of charge.

Reference Management Tools

Using a reference tool makes it easier for you to have a clear overview of the references you use in your studies, research and publishing. Reference tools also help you to make and formulate citations and reference lists in your manuscripts.