A research paper is a common form of academic writing. Research papers require students and academics to locate information about a topic, take a stance on that topic, cite their sources, and structure the paper in a way that makes a cohesive argument. The research paper process begins with developing a topic and researching different perspectives on that topic. Then an argument must be identified that will structure the paper and guide what information and evidence is presented. Throughout the writing process, sources must be cited properly to avoid plagiarism and give credit to other scholars and authors. Finally, the completed paper must be formatted according to the specified style guide, whether it be MLA, APA, Chicago, or another guide.
While no two research papers will look exactly alike, there are common elements that most academic research papers follow. An example research paper template in Microsoft Word (.docx format) can help guide the writing and organization process. The following are typical sections found in a research paper template docx:
Title Page
The title page should contain the title of the paper, the author’s name, the course name and number, the instructor’s name, and the date of submission. This allows readers to quickly understand what the paper is focused on and who wrote it.
Abstract
The abstract is a short summary of the full paper, typically ranging between 150-250 words. It previews the main argument and conclusions of the paper without providing lengthy details. Abstracts allow readers to quickly decide if they want to read the full paper based on a high-level overview.
Introduction
The introduction is the first section of the body. It should establish context for the topic, provide background information, and clearly state the research problem or question and thesis. The introduction also previews the structure of the paper and gives an overview of the key pieces of evidence and conclusions that will be presented. Introductions range between 1-3 paragraphs in most cases.
Literature Review
This section analyzes relevant literature by synthesizing summaries and high-level perspectives from academic sources. The literature review evaluates how different experts and scholars view the research topic. It shows which studies support or contradict the thesis. Citations are included for all outside sources. Literature reviews can span multiple pages depending on the scope and variety of sources consulted.
Methodology
When primary research was conducted through experiments, surveys, observation, etc., the methodology section describes the specific methods and procedures used. This allows other researchers to replicate the study. Methodology sections are present when the paper includes original research rather than only an analysis of existing literature and sources.
Results
Used for papers involving primary research, the results section presents factual findings from data collected according to the procedures described in the methodology. All results are shown, whether or not they support the hypothesis. Charts, graphs, tables, and other visuals are typically used to aid comprehension.
Discussion
The discussion section interprets results, compares them to prior studies, and ties them back to the thesis. It analyzes not just what happened but why based on background literature. Limitations of the study are acknowledged and ideas for future research directions are explored.
Conclusion
In the conclusion, the main argument is restated in clearer terms and broader context is provided. The thesis and any sub-arguments are seen in a new light based on evidence presented in prior sections. The conclusion may also note wider implications, caveats, or applications of the findings. It closes the paper on a thoughtful note about the research topic or process as a whole.
References
All in-text citations correspond to full citations listed alphabetically by the author’s last name on the references page. The references page facilitates other scholars building on the cited work. Consistent formatting is important across all citations in the list.
Appendices (optional)
Supplementary materials can be included in appendices at the very end if directly relevant but not core to the paper’s main argument structure. Common appendices include questionnaires, raw data charts, transcripts of interviews, etc. cited within the body of the paper.
Some key points about using this sample research paper template:
Sections can be rearranged or combined as fit for the specific topic and research design. For example, literature review sections are sometimes broken into subsections focused on different aspects of the topic.
The depth and length of each section will vary by the scope and focus of the paper. For example, methodology may just be a paragraph or two for papers analyzing secondary sources versus those conducting original research.
Styling should match the formatting requirements of the assignment in terms of font, margins, pagination, citations style, etc. Check with the instructor as needed to confirm their expectations.
Leave adequate margins and spacing between sections for ease of reading and to allow for handwritten feedback from instructors or peers.
Use consistent headings for each section formatted according to style guide, such as centered bolded text for primary sections and left-aligned italics for subsections.
Sections containing original research like results and methodology should use a problem-solution structure with logical flow between paragraphs and use of transition words.
Charts, images, or other visuals can be inserted where beneficial and referenced within the text for clarity.
Edit and proofread thoroughly before final submission taking care to verify citations, grammar, spelling, consistency of wording, logical flow, and fulfillment of requirements.
Using this sample research paper template is helpful because it provides a clear organizational framework to guide the writing process for any academic topic while still allowing flexibility. Most importantly, this structure ensures all key components expected of a research paper are fully addressed and synthesized into a cohesive argument or analysis.
Andrew Stroud