A research application paper allows students to conduct research on a particular topic and demonstrates their ability to find and synthesize academic sources. These papers require students to thoughtfully conduct research on a topic instead of just compiling facts and statistics. While an application paper does require research, analysis, and synthesis of sources, they go beyond a typical research paper by requiring students to apply their findings to demonstrate how the research can be applied to a practical situation, issue, or problem.
The structure of a research application paper generally includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The introduction should introduce the research topic and provide context and background. It should also clearly state the research question or problem the paper will address. The body paragraphs will synthesize information from credible academic sources to develop ideas and arguments. These paragraphs should be organized thematically rather than by source. Direct quotes should be used sparingly with the bulk of the writing being in the student’s own words. Within the body, students are expected to directly apply their findings to a real-world issue or scenario. This application of the research distinguishes an application paper from a standard research paper.
The conclusion should not simply restate what was already covered but rather synthesize the key findings and their implications. It is important that conclusions for an application paper specifically relate the research back to how it informs solutions, actions, or recommendations. Avoid introducing any new information in the conclusion. Instead, use it to reinforce how the research can be practically applied. While application papers do not necessarily require an explicit call to action, the conclusion should leave the reader with a clear sense of how the research impacts or informs the issue being discussed.
Some effective techniques for writing a research application paper include selecting a focused research question or problem, conducting thorough research from credible scholarly sources, synthesizing research findings, directly applying research conclusions to a practical situation, and relating all elements back to the original research question. Students should thoughtfully consider how to structure body paragraphs thematically rather than by source to develop cohesive arguments. Direct application of research to a real-world context separates an application paper from a standard literature review and is the key distinguishing element.
A good research application paper sample topic could be analyzing academic studies on school bullying and directly applying findings to recommend anti-bullying programs and policies for a specific school district. Body paragraphs may synthesize research on the prevalence of bullying, effects on student well-being and achievement, and evidence-based intervention strategies. Direct quotes would be used sparingly with the bulk being original analysis and synthesis. Critically, within each body paragraph the research would need to be directly applied to the specific school district context by outlining recommended anti-bullying programs, policies, professional development, and other initiatives based on the research.
The conclusion would then reiterate how the research demonstrates the need for comprehensive, evidence-based anti-bullying initiatives within the school district to promote student safety, wellness, and learning. It reinforces the direct application of research findings to actionable recommendations. Overall, the paper relates all elements back to demonstrating how academic research can inform practical solutions to the defined problem of school bullying facing the school district. The research question is clearly answered through synthesis and direct application of findings.
Another potential research application paper sample topic could address global concerns of economic inequality and assess strategies from academic literature to foster more inclusive and sustainable growth. Body paragraphs may analyze studies on drivers of inequality like technological change, shifts in labor demand, and tax policies. Research is directly applied by outlining policy recommendations like workforce retraining programs, universal basic income trials, or progressive tax reforms a particular country or region could adopt based on the evidence. The conclusion underscores how the research demonstrates multi-pronged policy solutions are needed from both governments and businesses to ensure the benefits of economic growth are broadly shared among diverse populations.
In both of these research application paper sample topics, credible academic research is thoughtfully synthesized and directly applied to practical issues or scenarios to demonstrate conclusive answers to the research questions. Recognizing that the purpose of an application paper is to relate research findings to actionable recommendations or proposed solutions is important. Overall, thoroughly researching topics, structuring arguments thematically, directly applying evidence, and clearly answering research questions through synthesis and real-world problem-solving are hallmarks of strong research application papers.