A research paper is forged out of an elaborate process of research, critical thinking, collection and evaluation of sources, interpretation, and finally, the act of composition followed by extensive proofreading and editing. It grows and changes organically as the student/author explores a specific topic. A research paper is supported and sustained by the primary and secondary sources that form its core; in the absence of these sources, it would change into an entirely different genre of writing such as an opinion piece or a journalistic article. The goal and purpose of a research paper is not just to add to a student’s existing knowledge of a subject; it also serves as a great opportunity for the student to learn more about the subject they are researching.
What a Research Paper Is Not
A research paper is not merely a knowledgeable synopsis of a topic based upon primary and secondary sources. It is not an opinion piece, a book report, or a summary of the topic under consideration. It is also not an unthinking regurgitation of what others have to say about a topic.
What a Research Paper Is
A research paper presents facts, data, and information to support a specific idea or theory propounded by the author. The aim of a well-written research paper, unless it is argumentative or persuasive in nature, is to present the unbiased truth, not to defend the author’s opinion. A good research paper requires the student to spend time examining and evaluating sources in order to interpret them and offer a unique perspective on the issue. It does not use emotional persuasion. Its vocabulary is free from superlatives and emotional language and does not reveal the author’s biases.
Choosing the Right Kind of Research Paper
The type of research paper a student chooses to write depends on the topic, the research methodology, and the research design. Deciding what type of research paper to write helps students establish objectives to guide them in their writing and research.
Types of Research Papers
There are eight major types of research papers:
- Analytical paper
- Argumentative paper
- Cause and effect paper
- Compare and contrast paper
- Definition paper
- Experimental paper
- Interpretative paper
- Survey paper
Let us understand each type of research paper in detail.
1. Analytical Research Paper
While writing an analytical paper, the student asks a question, collects relevant data from a variety of sources, and analyzes it. The findings, viewpoints, and conclusions presented in the source material are closely examined before proposing a unique interpretation and perspective on the topic. An analytical paper generally ends with a summary of the findings and suggests a framework for further study on the topic. While writing this type of paper, the researcher is expected to be completely objective and neutral and avoid injecting their own opinions and biases into the paper.
Sample topics for an analytical research paper:
- The therapeutic effect of music
- Avoiding cultural dominance in multicultural families
- Drug use in sports
2. Argumentative Research Paper
An argumentative research paper usually focuses on a controversial topic and presents both sides of the argument. This type of research paper includes in-text citations from sources that present logical facts from both sides of the fence and concludes with the author analyzing the merits and demerits of each argument. Regardless of which side they favor, the author of an argumentative paper is expected to be objective and dispassionate while presenting the facts.
Sample topics for an argumentative research paper:
- Is religion the leading cause of war?
- Does the death penalty lower crime rates?
- Should working mothers be given special privileges?
3. Cause and Effect Research Paper
High school students and freshmen are often required to write this type of research paper at the beginning of the academic year. A cause and effect paper analyzes a specific action, event, choice, or situation and traces its expected or probable results in a logical progression. It also examines why something has happened or exists and speculates upon the cause(s) in order to answer questions like “Why?” or “What?”. Cause and effect papers generally follow a simple formula:
Describe situation → Present causes and effects → Draw conclusions
Sample topics for a cause and effect research paper:
- Effects of pollution on the environment
- Why do people have eating disorders?
- What are the causes of homelessness?
4. Compare and Contrast Research Paper
Compare and contrast papers examine the differences between two opposing points of view, subjects, writers, or theories. They are often used in literature courses to compare two authors or stories belonging to the same genre. They are also used to compare different theoretical viewpoints in the social sciences, various leadership styles in business studies, and differing philosophical frameworks in philosophy. The subjects of a compare and contrast paper are generally described or explained in brief; the paper largely focuses on providing compare and contrast examples that support the author’s thesis.
Sample topics for a compare and contrast research paper:
- Attending school vs. remote learning
- Similarities and differences between psychosis and antisocial disorder
- American football vs. basketball
5. Definition Research Paper
A definition paper describes a topic in a factual manner, devoid of emotions or personal opinions. While the facts or arguments presented in a definition paper may be culled from a variety of sources, they are not subjected to analysis and/or interpretation.
Despite its lack of a unique perspective or opinion, a good definition paper can be a valuable source of information for other analytical or argumentative papers on the same topic.
Sample topics for a definition research paper:
- Explain the concept of pop music.
- What is dictatorship?
- Elucidate upon the Pythagorean Theorem.
6. Experimental Research Paper
This type of research paper presents a detailed description of an experiment and its findings. Experimental papers are common in scientific areas like chemistry, biology, and physics. They seek to explain a certain outcome or phenomenon with the help of evidence and analysis.
Sample topics for an experimental research paper:
- Ways to reduce free radicals in the atmosphere and contribute toward a cleaner environment
- Methods to reduce carbon emissions in industrial areas
- The role of bioreactors in biotechnology
7. Interpretative Research Paper
An interpretative paper is based on knowledge acquired from a specific case study. It uses an established theoretical framework and valid supporting data to back up the statements and conclusion(s) put forth by the author.
Sample topics for an interpretative research paper:
- The little emperor syndrome: potential complications
- The effect of marijuana on a fetus
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of domestic violence
8. Survey Research Paper
A survey paper requires the researcher to interview respondents as part of a survey. The collected data must then be analyzed and the findings presented in the paper. A good survey paper offers a succinct but wide-ranging review of a topic and identifies hitherto unexplored avenues for future research. Writing a survey paper helps students understand the subject thoroughly and identify gaps in existing research.
Sample topics for a survey research paper:
- Crime – How safe do respondents feel? What has their experience been with violent crime? Do they report crime to the police?
- Identity – How do respondents view themselves in relation to class and ethnic identities? Do they feel a shared sense of national identity?
- Poverty – How often do respondents experience shortages of food, water, medical care – basic essentials – in their daily lives?
