What Is a Research Paper: Define, Defeat, Write Drop-Dead Works

General Writing Advice

Posted: February 14, 2012

what-is-a-research-paperWhat Is a Research Paper? Everything You’ve Ever Wondered about.
 
“It’s your responsibility,” teachers claim.”
“It’s your nightmare,” students moan.”
“It’s great fun!” professionals say.”

 
What is a research paper? Research paper writing can be as addictive as video games- in fact it is a scientific and creative game. With these few tips in your pocket, you’ll create your own splendid paper!
 
What Is a Research Paper? See a Really All-Embracing Definition!
 
There are only 3 things to remember. Follow along here:

  • It’s an analysis: E.g. Therefore, it can be concluded
  • of a certain topic: E.g. … that Vonnegut drove postmodernism to splendid absurdity
  • with reference to authoritative sources: E.g. … as Johnson (2000) says

 
That’s what a research paper is. That’s not painful at all – right?
 
What Is a Research Paper? Design Your Fascinating Papers Easily.
 
Care for a mini-quiz?
 
Place these elements in the correct order: facts, introduction, conclusion, analysis.
 
Done? Now you’ve answered your own question, “What is a research design framework?”
 
There are several approaches to paper design, however. Remember this shell:

“Beginning: Introduction.
All the other stuff
Ending: Conclusion.”

The remaining structure is largely up to you. For instance, you can:

  • Tell all the facts and pass on to the analysis;
  • Analyze each fact separately and summarize everything in the final chapter.

 
However, you can also introduce your own inimitable design!
 
What Is a Research Paper? Acquiring the Necessary Research Tools
 

“Shovel is for digging.
Pencil is for drawing.
Research tools are for exploring.”

Simple, isn’t it? A research tool is the device that helps you explore your topic. Here are the steps for research tools use:

  1. Define the question;
  2. Determine its elements;
  3. Single out the main ones;
  4. Pick the appropriate research tool;
  5. Locate, capture, and present in comprehensible form the data the research tool offers.


what-a-research-paper-isFrom this moment on, you won’t have to ask, “What is a research tool?” Now let’s move on to the next question: What is the topic?
 
What Is a Research Paper? Topics Deciphered: Wheels of Fortune.
 
Guess what question tops the charts? It’s “what is a good topic for a research paper.” Indeed, what is? A good topic.

  1. Refers to a burning issue/is universal (E.g. Should affirmative action be used in educational establishments?/Pedagogical issues in public schools)
  2. Presupposes searches for efficient solutions (E.g. Contemporary school discipline and the means to improve it.)
  3. Arrests the public’s attention immediately (E.g. Modern schools: complete pedagogical disaster, or efficient methods of learning?)

 
What Is a Research Paper? Construct Your Research Paper Proposal

“Knock, knock.”

A research paper proposal is like knocking on the door of scholarly world. State…

 
The answer? “Come in, please”.
 
You don’t have to ask anymore, “What is a research proposal?”
 
What Is a Research Paper? Making Your Abstract A Complete Triumph.
 
Your abstract is your greeting to the public. Give your audience the heartfelt welcome of a good abstract. It’s simple:

  1. Outline the topic;
  2. State the objective;
  3. Touch on the basic issues;
  4. Maintain intrigue – don’t tell the results straightaway.

 
Now that the notorious “what is an abstract in a research paper” question is done with, let’s solve another riddle.
 
What Is a Research Paper? How To Get Credible Sources
 
You should base all your assertions on either facts you have documented, or authorities on the subject. For facts, start out searching exclusively in scholarly publications, using GoogleScholar. You can often find understandable summaries of abstruse, dense articles originally appearing in peer-reviewed journals in respected publications such as Science, Nature, Barron’s, or the Atlantic Monthly. Powerhouse newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, or The Financial Times are good back-up sources. The attention to sources is key to what a research paper is.
 
What Is a Research Paper? The Puzzle Solution Finally Discovered
 
Voilà! Now you know what a research paper is. What’s more, you know it’s really simple to write.
However, you know that you’ll find the best here at the last. Here’s the final message:
Feel like a real writer! Write your first scholarly best-seller. You know you can.