A Guide to Writing a Research Paper

In this essay, we seek to dive deeper into research papers. A research paper is a genre of academic writing that provides analysis, interpretation, and an argument on a deep independent study. A research paper is one of the most challenging academic writing tasks you will come across in any course. Its main purpose is to asses everything that you have learned throughout your course. The essence of this type of paper lies in in-depth research, critical thinking, assessing of credibility of information sources, and the process of writing and planning your work. Research papers contribute to intellectual advancement, enhancement of communication skills, and knowledge growth, thus leading to academic development. In this essay, we discuss extensively the various types of research papers and their features.

Significant parts of a research paper

It is important to understand the components of a research paper before delving into the types of research papers. Every research paper, irrespective of the type,must have the below-discussed sections.

  1. Title or the cover page

This part includes the learner’s name, the institution name, the course, and due date of your assignment. You can also include the tutor’s name if it is required. You can consult with the tutor on the information to add, and the order in which you should present the information on your cover page.

  1. Abstract 

An abstract is typically a summary of a hundred or fewer words that seeks to explain the contents of the paper. It gives a summary of what the research paper is all about.

  1. Introduction

The introductory part of your writing is very significant in all types of research papers. This is because this section carries the thesis statement. A thesis statement in a research paper comprises a summary of what you intend to achieve in your research project.

The introduction sections also includes the research objectives, and research questions. The writer should state clearly the research purpose they are proposing to fulfill through the objectives. The objectives should be plain and concise, and aligned with the research topic.

  1. Literature review

This segment of the research paper gives a review of the theoretical background that guides your research. A literature review can be part of the introduction or it can be under a different title depending on the instructions given by your instructor. The literature review should pinpoint any gaps in the research, and communicate the possibility of expounding the research in the future. You should acknowledge the sources you used to conduct your research in this part of your paper. The sources should be reliable and credible. They should also be up to date. Generally, sources older than 10 years are considered too old to include in a research paper. Be sure to include relevant citations in the correct format. These citations should unequivocally act as a backup for your analysis. Main formats that you may use in your writing comprise Harvard, Chicago, MLA and APA.

  1. Proposed methodology 

In this part of a research paper, you should outline the methods used during your research work. Research methods can vary from direct observations, experiments, analysis, and statistical evaluations.  The methods may also be quantitative where you use statistical, objective approaches, or qualitative where you apply a more subjective approach. As a writer, you ought to highlight and justify using scholarly sources, whatever methods you have used in this part of the research paper.

  1. Data Analysis

After effectively executing the proposed methodology, this part of the research paper requires you to analyze the data you’ve collected during the research. The evaluation of the data should tally with the used methodology. For instance, if you use quantitative methods such as questionnaires to obtain your data, you should also apply quantitative methods in your analysis sections. Elaborate your findings in a captivating manner, and state the implications and shortcomings relative to the objectives of your research. This should allow you to recognize where to advance if the same research were to be repeated.

  1. Discussion

In this section, the author is expected to elaborate on the observations. Through interpretation of the observations, you build up the collective understanding of the topic you’ve researched. This makes this section crucial and of great significance in all research paper categories. Hence the writer should present the data objectively.

  1. Conclusion

In the conclusion, the writer gives a summary of the discoveries after analyzing the findings. You should articulate and explain how your methodology and analysis align with your thesis statement. The author should also state their closing statements in this section. You should also include any identified limitations, and possible recommendations for future research in this part of the paper

  1. Reference

This last part of your research paper should seek to credit the relevant sources (publications, journals, articles, etc.) you used to draw out your research. The writer should use the citation format as instructed by the tutor. Citation could be in in MLA, APA, or Harvard formats.

 

As you learn on how to write academic research papers here is a comprehensive guide on How To Write A Formal Essay.

Distinctive types of research papers

There is a wide range of research paper types. In this essay, we will discuss two main research paper categories and other types of research paper categories.

Main Research paper categories

  1. Analytical research paper
  2. Persuasive or argumentative research paper

Other types of Research papers.

  1. Cause and effect research paper
  2. Experimental research paper
  3. Survey research paper types
  4. Interpretive research paper
  5. Problem-solution research paper

Analytical Research paper types 

In this type of research paper, the writer usually poses the research paper topic in the form of a question. The researcher then collects the relevant data on the topic after data collection the author must carry out the analysis and assess the findings. The author should take a neutral stance on the topic. Adverse opinions should not appear in these types of research papers. If the author wishes to inject their own opinions, they should choose argumentative or persuasive research paper types. Analytical research paper topic examples include;

  • What is the effect of music on mental health?
  • What is the therapeutic effect of art?

Persuasive or argumentative Research Paper Types.

As the name suggests, in persuasive research papers the aim is to persuade the reader to agree with the writer’s presented opinion on the subject matter. The learner is then required to conduct proper research, gather logical evidence, study the merits and demerits, and establish a stand. The researcher is expected to back up their stance with logical evidence to convince the reader. Below are some of the argumentative research paper topics examples;

  • Should the government regulate certain social media content?
  • Does artificial intelligence hinder the creation of original content?

Cause and effect research paper Types

Cause and effect research paper types involve investigating why a certain occurrence happened and the implications it brought about. It is normally assigned to high school students and freshmen in college. The methodology of this type of research paper follows this structure: it begins with an introduction, the cause of the occurrence, implications of the occurrence, conclusion, citation, and references. Examples of cause-and-effect paper types topics include;

  • What brings about drug addiction?
  • What causes global warming?

Experimental research paper Types

An experimental research paper aims to describe an experiment. They are normally constructed in sciences like biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, etc. The main aim is to explain the outcome of a certain phenomenon via experimental evidence. The experimental research paper parts consist of an introduction, a description of the experiment process, results and finally, conclusion. Examples of experimental research paper-type topics include;

  • Ways to reduce flooding in flat areas
  • Ways to reduce air pollution in industrial areas

Survey Research paper types.

Survey research papers involve conducting a survey, analyzing the results, and closing remarks. The researcher is required to subject respondents to a survey for data collection and observations. The gathered data aids in analysis which the author puts down in writing. Examples of survey research paper types topics include;

  • Early teenage pregnancies: how does it affect the young mothers in the US? how does society treat this teen mothers?
  • Crime: What has contributed to the rise in crime rates in the US? what are the measures we can take to reduce the crime rates, does lack of employment opportunities contribute to crime?

Definition research paper types.

As the name implies, the definition of research paper writing involves explaining a term or an idea in-depth. The components of this research paper are an introduction, body paragraphs that explain the concept in detail, and a conclusion. Examples of definition research paper types topics include;

  • Expound on the concept of inflation
  • What is democracy?

Interpretive research paper types.

This Research paper writing involves the interpretation of a case study for example in the fields of art, event, literature, science, etc. The author uses an established hypothetical framework and logical supporting data to back up the parts of this interpretative type of research paper.

Problem-solution research paper

A problem-solution research paper aims to solve a problem. The researcher must conduct thorough research on the problem at hand, find possible solutions, and lastly back up his solutions with facts.

You can also read How To Write A Thesis Statement which you will have to do it at some point in your coursework.

Conclusion

In summary, the art of understanding the diverse realm of research papers requires a deeper understanding of the parts of a research paper and the various types of research papers. In this essay, we have explored deeper into this these areas, thereby equipping a scholar with a better understanding of research papers, research paper components, and the categories of research papers. We have also provided you with examples of research topics under the different types of research papers. Each research paper type seeks to fulfill a unique purpose. They all require different methodologies be it analytical, persuasive, experimental, or any other research paper category. If you need help with research assignment help online well we offer all displices assignment help services.

Category: Blog
Tags: