Research Paper

Sep 26, 2024

A research paper is an important document that is widely used by students and academics. It is a common requirement needed to pass a certain course or subject. For a wider selection of research paper templates, check out more options here.

Research Paper Definition & Meaning

A research paper is an academic document that provides an in-depth analysis, interpretation, conclusion, recommendation, and argument regarding a particular subject matter. A research paper is one form of academic writing that follows a given format which requires researchers to learn more about a given topic and then provide a documented evaluation and analysis. Find more research paper essay templates by visiting this link.

What Is a Research Paper?

Research papers are given to students to enhance their skills in research, analysis, and composition. Aside from that this academic document is a form of original contribution to a particular field of study as researchers are able to write down their opinion on what may be beneficial in the future. The main goal of research papers is to find alternative ways to solve or offer recommendations for scientific work and medical practice to name a few.

10 Types of Research Papers

Research Paper Report

A research paper report or research report is a written document that is a summary or outline of a given topic of research. Students are normally asked to work on a specific topic or interest or this may be assigned to them by their teacher. And that topic must be thoroughly investigated by means of reading articles, books, or even conducting interviews.

College Research Paper

College students may be required to prepare a college research paper regarding a specific topic that is relevant to their course or subject. In most cases, it is mandatory for students to submit their research papers as added credit. This document must be well-written, correctly reviewed, and must follow the proper research paper layout.

APA Research Paper

An APA research paper is a documentation format that is required for research topics in the field of education, and social sciences such as sociology, anthropology, and psychology. Created by the American Psychological Association, an APA-styled research paper follows a given format for consistency and uniformity. For example, New Times Roman pt. 12 or Arial pt.11 are some of the required font styles and sizes to be used when preparing this type of research paper.

Career Research Paper

For those who want to learn more about a certain career or are considering one then a career research paper can help provide more information. High school students should be able to prepare and decide what course they want to take after they graduate hence a career research paper will give them thorough hindsight of what to expect. By preparing this particular research paper, students are provided with insights and a clear understanding of a particular career.

Quantitative Research Paper

Conducting quantitative research involves numeric data, logic, and an objective viewpoint. Writing down a quantitative research paper requires a comprehensive analysis of a given subject matter. Expect this kind of research paper to have a comparison of data, numbers, and statistics.

Research Paper Review

A research paper review is a written document that is a thorough evaluation of a particular study. Or it can consist of new insights, recommendations, or analysis regarding a subject matter. This type of document can pinpoint new sections that researchers can tap on.

Conclusion Research Paper

Writing a conclusion research paper should be relevant to the given topic. Most conclusions are written down in one to two paragraphs, three at the most if required. A conclusion is usually written last and usually, gives emphasis on the importance of the study.

Legal Research Paper

The importance of legal research is that it helps provide support for decision-making regarding legal issues. Lawyers and law students then write their findings into a legal research paper. The general structure of this research paper should include a title page, an introduction, its main body, and a conclusion however, specific layouts are provided to ensure the document is concise and consistent.

Research Paper Format

A research paper format is the given structure of what a research paper should look like. There are certain standards and protocols to follow when writing a research paper. Its format can be basic and short or for more complex topics added features such as charts, graphs, and images are sometimes included in a research paper.

Business Research Paper

A business research paper is a common requirement for business students or companies that endeavor to learn more about a certain business model or market. The main purpose of writing down a business research paper is to further understand the market structure, opportunities, and threats. All these may provide better insights not just to the readers but may influence any decision-making.

Research Paper Uses, Purpose, Importance

Teachers will ask a student to conduct research in order to help them better understand a specific topic or issue pertaining to their course or subject. After further investigation, they are tasked to write this all down thus through a research paper. This document is widely used in academic, business, and other fields that offer further insights and as a means to understand a certain subject matter. Explore a variety of research white paper templates here.

Enhance One’s Writing Skills

Writing a research paper requires a ton of writing and finding the right words to say. That said, composing and formatting a research paper will help enhance one’s skills in writing as one needs to further expound what one needs to say. Research papers can be simple or complex so however these presented must be well-written and easy to understand.

Provide Feedback and Insights

When a certain topic has been thoroughly researched, researchers can further examine its main points. It gives them the knowledge they need to understand what it is all about, thus they are able to formulate their own personal feedback and valuable insights. And in some cases, such input can help open up new ideas, and concepts or is a subject to further inquiry. Check out more customer feedback form templates available here.

Research Skills

Researching requires skill and a lot of patience thus it helps students identify the important factors needed to complete a research paper. It enhances creativity, increases their knowledge, and in some cases could be a turning point for their career. Students will also be able to distinguish what is relevant to their research topic and what not to include.

Originality

Writing a research paper is a representation of one’s original idea in a form of feedback, recommendation, and other important information gathered from different resources. Research papers are one of the best ways to craft your own insights, formulate arguments, and basically offer what you need to say. You get to show what you know and your knowledge through a research paper. You can take a look at these recommendation letter templates provided here.

Builds Confidence in Handling Complicated Tasks

As we get older we start to experience the complexity life may bring, thus writing a research paper may help enhance the confidence we need to tackle such affairs. The research combined with writing requires patience, skills, and initiative to get the task done. And all these are needed to better equip us as we tackle other complicated matters.

What’s in a Research Paper?

Title or Cover Page

The first section of a research paper is the title or cover page. This includes the title, name of the author, the date, learning institution(if applicable), and other specifications required by the teacher.

Introduction

A brief introduction comes after the title page. This is a brief overview of what the research topic is all about and what the reader is expected to read. Browse through more research report templates here.

Literature Review

This section is a thorough evaluation of the research material and a clear understanding of the topic based on credible resources associated with the research subject.

Research Methodology

In this section, the author should be able to lay down the methods used to conduct the research. For example, observation, gathering feedback from reliable individuals or sources, surveys, and evaluations to name a few.

Data Analysis and Findings

Another main feature of a research paper is the data analysis and findings. This is where the author gets to provide valuable information based on reliable sources, describes the data that was collected, and then presents the reader with the results. Looking for more insights? Dive into our blog post about research proposal templates.

Conclusion

A conclusion is a valuable feature in a research paper where the author writes down the overall development, result, and understanding of the research topic. Recommendations are also added if warranted.

Resources/References

To further validate your research paper, it is important to include a section on the materials, resources, and references used to collect information and data. A teacher may provide a format for how to properly write down this section if not a simple list will do. For a wider selection of research poster templates, check out more options here.

How to Design a Research Paper

1. Choose a Research Paper Size.

2. Specify the purpose of writing a research paper.

3. Select a Research Paper Template.

4. Write down all the important information needed to complete the document.

5. Add images or clipart.

6. Finalize and download.

Research Paper vs. Argumentative Essay

A research paper is one type of academic writing prepared by grade school and university students that presents various analyses, interpretations, and conclusions regarding a particular subject matter.

An argumentative essay is a type of writing that provides an argument or a debate regarding a topic or issue backed with credible sources and evidence.

What’s the Difference Between Research Paper, Thesis, and Proposal?

A research paper is an academic requirement provided by students which focuses on a particular topic and includes thorough data analyses, objective, and personal interpretation.

A thesis is a dissertation that provides a theory or idea based on intensive research and is discussed in a logical manner.

A proposal is a document that comprehensive presentation of an idea, product, or service to another party usually to receive funding or for partnership.

Research Paper Sizes

It is a standard requirement for academic documents such as research papers to follow the appropriate paper sizes for uniformity. With that said, there are commonly used research paper sizes that you should be familiar with.

Research Paper Ideas & Examples

Different kinds of research paper ideas and examples are made available since it should be noted that any topic of interest can be worked upon. From business topics to environmental issues, as long as there is enough material to launch research, then it’s possible to write one about it.

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