ABSTRACT
I visualize the conceptual axis of a paper as a network of ideas arising out of the narrative axis (thinking bottom up) and extending vertically through the levels of abstraction that are relevant to the work of that paper (p. 244). The relative importance of each axis depends on the work you do along each one. Whether you move your readers through the levels of abstraction bottom up or top down, your paper’s integrity depends on how you link these two axes and how cogently you connect your ideas all along the conceptual axis. I can’t emphasize this point enough. Your paper’s integrity rests on establishing sturdy and compelling connections.
