Writing a research paper is one of the most complex tasks for college students. Whether studying history, sciences, or literature, you must do research to assess your skills and knowledge of the subject. To succeed in your career, you must know how to write a research paper, as it influences your grades. Continue reading this blog to learn how to write an exceptional research paper.

What is a research paper?

A research paper is academic writing which involves investigating a topic of interest to add to the existing knowledge or solve a particular issue. It provides interpretation, in-depth analysis, and evaluation of a case based on evidence. Research papers include term papers, undergraduate projects, journal entries, seminar presentations, post-graduate dissertations, etc.

Writing a research paper involves identifying an issue, developing a hypothesis, reviewing the existing literature, collecting data, analyzing data, and discussing the findings.

How long is a research paper?

The length of a research paper varies depending on the assignment or topic. A research paper can be between 4000-6000 words, but you can still see longer or shorter papers. If you are writing an academic research paper, the length will be provided in the assignment requirements.

Types of research papers

There are many types of research papers that depend on the research methodology, design, and topic. You must decide on the type of research you want to take to establish its objectives and guide you through research and writing.

Below are various types of research papers;

1. Argumentative research paper

An argumentative research paper describes a problem from two viewpoints, analyzes its pros and cons, and finally supports one side. In this research paper, you aim to convince the reader to favor your point of view. You should also support your argument with statistical data and logical facts.

2. Analytic research paper

An analytic research paper involves analyzing issues, facts, and ideas. You should describe different points of view about the research problem, collect and analyze relevant information from other sources, and make a personal conclusion. It’s essential to stay neutral and not favor any point.

3. Cause and effects research paper

The cause and effects research paper includes a detailed study of a particular topic, writing process, application of writing styles, and referencing. In this paper, you need to describe the issue, explain the causes and effects of the topic, and make a conclusion.

4. Experimental research paper

Experimental research involves conducting an experiment, sharing valuable experiences, providing relevant data, and concluding. When writing the paper, you must give a detailed explanation of the whole experimental process. It’s crucial to explain your experiment with supportive data and analysis.

5. Problem-solution research paper

The problem-solution research paper finds a solution to a particular problem. In this paper, you need to explain the situation, analyze information, find a solution, and prove their effectiveness with statistical data, details, examples, etc.

6. Report paper

A report paper provides all the facts and relevant information about a topic. In this paper, you need to collect all the information on a topic, explain essential features of the data, and summarize the findings.

7. Survey research paper

In a survey research paper, you need to conduct a survey, interpret data, analyze outcomes, and make a conclusion. The survey is done by asking questions to your target population and aims to study behavior in different conditions.

8. Definition research paper

The definition research paper describes objective arguments or facts without including any personal opinion or emotion. The paper aims to provide information and can include attributes from other sources but does not analyze them.

9. Compare and contrast research paper

The compare and contrast research paper analyzes two authors, viewpoints, stories, or subjects. You must explain both sides, compare and contrast them, and support one side.

10. Interpretative paper

In an interpretative paper, you must apply the knowledge you acquired from a specific case study. Write your essay per the usual theoretical framework and back it up with valid supportive data.

Research paper topics

A good research topic should be clear, innovative, precise, and resonate with your passion and interest. Below are the latest research paper example topics that you may consider;

1. What is the effect of insomnia on our health?
2. Investigating child labor in the workplace
3. Does a college education resonate with the job market?
4. How does obesity affect our health?
5. Do parenting and childbearing have health benefits?
6. Effects of terrorism on business
7. Causes and prevention measures of rape
8. Man’s heart vs. woman’s heart: is there a difference
9. Who is to be blamed for homelessness
10. Do doctors make their patients become drug addicts?
11. Is it wrong to use animals while conducting research?
12. Effects of cross-border BPO on gross domestic product
13. How can household air pollution be reduced?
14. What is the role of social media in healthcare?
15. Should more gun control be enacted?
    

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Scientific research paper format template

A research paper format template will help you understand how to organize your research paper before you start writing. Use the template below;

1. Research title
2. Abstract
3. Introduction
4. Background

• Back up with evidence
• Back up with existing literature

1. Thesis statement

• Connect literature with a hypothesis
• Back up with Evidence
• Explain how the research will bridge the gap

4. Body
5. Methods

• State protocols and materials used in research
• Back up with evidence

1. Results

• Support with figures and tables
• State-relevant descriptive statistics

1. Discussion

• Back up the investigation with context
• Back up the research hypothesis
• Compare your results with other studies

1. Conclusion

• Support the research study and discussion
• Back up with literature studies

1. Acknowledgment

• Recognize and thank the distributors
• Incorporate the funding agency, if any
• Declare competing interest

1. References

APA research paper format

American Psychological Association (APA) is commonly used in social sciences, education, and psychology. When writing an APA research paper, you need to follow the following guideline;

• Use double lines spacing
• Use a standard font like 12pt Times New Roman
• Set I-inch page margin
• Indent each paragraph a half inch
• Insert APA running head if submitting for publication

The components of the APA research paper are as follows;

1. Title page

The title page is the first page of your paper and should contain 10-12 words. You should insert page numbers and running head only if the piece is for publication. The title page should have the following;

• Paper title
• Your name
• Affiliation
• Your course
• Instructor
• Date

2. Abstract

The abstract should be one paragraph, written in block sentences with double space and not exceeding 120 words. You should state the topic and highlight methods, discussion, and results.

3. Introduction

The introduction should be interesting to engage the reader. You should introduce a logical flow of ideas and summarize the main findings of your research.

4. Method

The method section includes procedures and materials used to acquire data. Ensure the processes are brief and accurate and do not repeat the steps to avoid redundancy.

5. Result

In the results section, explain how you analyzed the data and explain the results. You can use tables and figures to present the results visually.

6. Discussion

Briefly explain your research findings and support your hypothesis. Also, you can present your results on the existing literature on the topic. Explain the limitation of your study and mention recommendations for further research.

7. Reference

Make a list of all the sources you used in your research alphabetically. Indent the second line 0.5″ of each reference and double-space all the references. APA reference should have the author’s name, publication year, title, page number, and publisher.

Qualitative research paper format

Qualitative research is scientific research that uses non-numeric data. It focuses on the subject’s characteristics, concepts, meaning, definition, symbol, description, and metaphor. This research seeks to answer why and how something happened. It’s commonly used in humanities and social sciences in subjects like history, education, sociology, health sciences, etc. The qualitative research paper format includes the following;

1. Introduction

First, introduce the topic and show why it’s essential. Create a hook to grab your reader’s attention, such as a brief anecdote, interesting statistic, facts, or a question. Then describe the background of your study by giving an overview of the previous research. You should also develop your research problem by relating it to the literature.

You should also specify your objectives through the hypothesis or research question. End your introduction by mapping out your paper.

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2. Research paper methodology

The methodology section is where you explain how you conducted the research and why you chose your method. You have to show that you didn’t replicate the study. You should include the following;

• Explain the qualitative data type you used and why you chose that method.
• Explain your data collection method, sampling method, how you conducted interviews, designed questionnaires, where you observed and for how long, your sample size, response rate, and material used if you used existing data.
• Explain your analysis method. For qualitative research, analysis is based on observation, images, and language. Analysis methods might include thematic analysis, content analysis, and discourse analysis.
• Evaluate your methodology choices by explaining why other methods were unsuitable for your study and how your approach improved your knowledge and understanding.

3. Findings/results

In this section, present your research findings in either tables, charts, or graphs. Ensure that you explain every result for your reader to understand.

4. Discussion

In the discussion section, identify your study’s strengths and limitations, the scope’s limit, and the implication for future research.

How to include pictures in a research paper?

A picture is a painting or a representation of an object in a photograph. Your chosen image should fit your writing and be legal, straightforward, and visible. Pictures offer valuable insight by visually presenting a discussion or an analysis. If you are not the originator of the images, it’s vital to cite the sources per the format provided.

Pictures are essential because they help to explain a process, attract attention, show examples, clarify terms in your paper and motivate the reader to continue reading. You can use several images, such as drawings, charts, infographics, photos, etc. Consider the following tips to know how to include pictures in a research paper;

• First, confirm with your instructor whether you should use pictures in your work
• You must ensure that the photographs provide the desired effects when including pictures.
• Do not use many pictures in your paper; try to find the most relevant ones.
• You must evaluate all the pictures you intend to include and select the most relevant ones that add value to your paper. The image must help illuminate verbal analysis and deepen your reader’s understanding.
• After you have acquired a suitable picture, insert the image at the desired area of your paper.
• The pictures provide more insight into the research paper; hence you should integrate them properly using verbal analysis.
• Research papers have rules on how to structure, format, and write. However, ensure to format the pictures according to your paper’s requirements. Citing the sources from your photos gives your work credibility. To cite your image, include the following; the author’s name, the photograph’s title, the format of the image, and the sources of the picture.

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Bottom line

Writing a research paper requires strong knowledge of the topic, thorough research on various sources, and your opinion. You must know how to write a research paper to achieve academic success. You should select a topic that resonates with your passion and interest to gain motivation in research and writing. Use the guide provided in this blog to write a compelling research paper.