Research papers are a common form of academic writing assigned at college and university level to analyze, assess and develop a coherent argument about a topic. Research papers demonstrate a student’s ability to conduct research on a topic of their choosing using credible and scholarly sources, and organize their findings into a well-structured, evidenced argument. While there are different types of research papers, they share key characteristics of being based on extensive research through credible sources and developing an original thesis supported by evidence and analysis.
The most common types of essays that are considered research papers include analytical, argumentative/persuasive, and exploratory/explanatory essays. Let’s look at each type in more detail:
Analytical Research Paper:
Analytical research papers require analyzing and dissecting a topic into its key elements or fundamental parts. An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its components and evaluates how they operate or are structured in relation to the whole. It examines methodically the structure or nature of the topic by breaking it down into its constituent parts and presenting them for systematic study and examination. The structure of an analytical research paper generally includes an introduction, body paragraphs analyzing different aspects of the topic, and a conclusion. The body paragraphs should develop and support the analysis using well-researched evidence from scholarly sources.
Argumentative/Persuasive Research Paper:
An argumentative or persuasive research paper takes a position on a debatable issue, or attempts to convince the reader to take a particular standpoint on a topic. It makes a clear claim or thesis and support it using logical reasoning and strong evidence from credible sources. The goal is to present a solid case, refute counterarguments, and convince the reader through sound logic and evidence that the argument being presented is valid. Major components include an introduction presenting the thesis, body paragraphs developing the argument by addressing counterarguments and presenting evidence from quality sources to support the standpoint, and a conclusion restating the thesis and importance of the argument.
Explanatory/Exploratory Research Paper:
An exploratory or explanatory research paper investigates an area of interest by researching primary and secondary sources on the topic. The goal is to conduct research to gain a better understanding of a topic that may need further exploration or explanation. No firm conclusion or thesis position is being argued, instead the paper aims to shed light on the topic through comprehensive research. It discusses what is currently known on the topic and aims to provide further insight or understanding through research. The structure usually includes an introduction outlining the topic, body paragraphs developing different aspects of the issue using sources, and conclusion summarizing findings and identifying possible areas needing further exploration.
In addition to the above, other types of research essays include:
Cause and Effect Research Paper:
Analyzes the causes and effects of events, situations, circumstances or outcomes through extensive research and organization of information to establish a logical flow of ideas. Generally includes an introduction outlining the situation, body paragraphs analyzing causes and effects supported by credible evidence, and conclusion.
Comparative Research Paper:
Compares and contrasts two or more perspectives, theories, events, countries, cultures, periods, texts or other research topics. Includes an introduction outlining topics for comparison, body paragraphs addressing similarities and differences with analysis supported by sources, and conclusion summarizing comparisons.
Evaluative Research Paper:
Presents an informed evaluation or judgment on a subject, topic, issue, concept, policy, product or work through comprehensive research. Body paragraphs assess qualities, pros and cons against standards supported by evidence to reach a reasoned overall evaluation in the conclusion.
As is evident, research papers rely on extensive credible information from scholarly sources to develop original analysis on a topic through a well-structured written argument or exploration. While formats may differ, quality research papers demonstrate depth of understanding through evidence-based inquiry and writing.