The extended research paper is a more in-depth exploration of a topic that requires following a specific format to structure the content and presentation of information. Extended research papers allow students to deeply investigate a topic of interest through intensive research and analysis. The formatting structure provides logical organization to the larger volume of content.
An extended research paper format typically contains the following elements:
Title Page
The first page should include the title of the paper, your name, instructor or advisor’s name, class name or number, and date of submission, centered at the top of the page. The title should be clearly descriptive yet concise to effectively summarize the paper’s focus and scope.
Abstract
The abstract is a concise yet thorough summary of the paper’s content. It should be between 150-250 words and provide an overview of the topic, research question or thesis, sources and type of research, major findings or arguments, and conclusions. Write the abstract after completing the paper so it accurately reflects the body of work. Place it on a separate page after the title page before starting the main text.
Introduction
The introduction is where you introduce your topic and establish the context for readers. It should aim to introduce the topic while also hooking readers’ interest. Start with some relevant background before stating the question, problem or thesis that will guide your research and analysis. Conclude the introduction by providing a brief outline of how your paper will proceed. The introduction is generally 1-2 dense paragraphs, typically between 3-5% of the paper’s total length.
Literature Review
This section provides an overview and analysis of key research, theories and literature most relevant to your topic. You should discuss, compare and critique the work of respected scholars and experts on the subject. A literature review should show how your research fits into or extends the ongoing academic conversation around the topic. It demonstrates you have conducted thorough research and establishes the foundation for your own analysis and conclusions. For an extended research paper, expect the literature review to be 10-15 dense pages or around 25-30% of the total paper length.
Methodology
The methodology section explains how you conducted your own research and analysis. It describes in detail any surveys, experiments, interviews, case studies, and other methods used to collect data and evidence. Discuss why you chose certain methods, including limitations, and how the data will be analyzed. This section shows readers you have critically thought about your research approach, execution and analysis of results.
Analysis
Here you present, describe and analyze the results and data collected through your own research methods. Your analysis should be objective yet identify patterns and draw logical conclusions supported by evidence and facts from credible research. Avoid opinions and personal judgements. Interpret results in relation to your guiding research question and literature reviewed. Include any graphs, tables or supplemental visuals to help explain findings.
Discussion and Conclusion
Connect your analysis back to your introduction by reiterating the context and key issues explored. Discuss the implications and significance of your findings as they relate to the topic and ongoing academic discourse. Review your thesis or hypotheses and determine if results supported or refuted your assertions. Consider limitations in your methodology. End with a concise conclusion that encapsulates the broader importance and contributions of your study. Future research recommendations are also appropriate.
References
Use a consistent citation style like APA or MLA to give credit to any research and ideas used that are not your original thoughts. Include all sources from your paper in alphabetical order on a new page at the end, before any appendices, with full bibliographic details.
Appendices
Include any materials too detailed for the main body, such as raw data, instruments, statistical outputs, diagrams, transcripts or text versions of presentations. Appendices should be referred to in the main text when appropriate.
These sections provide the standard framework for rigorous, well-researched extended research papers. Format can vary slightly per requirements or discipline. The key is using the structure to fully present a substantial analysis on a complex topic, while still maintaining logical flow and readability. A complete, consistently formatted extended research paper meets more stringent guidelines than shorter assignments and allows for deeper exploration of issues.