What are the Different Types of Research Papers?

There is a diverse array of research papers that one can find in academic writing. Research papers are a rigorous combination of knowledge, thinking, analysis, research, and writing. Early career researchers and students need to know that research papers can be of fundamentally different types. Generally, they combine aspects and elements of multiple strands or frameworks of research. This depends primarily on the aim of the study, the discipline, the critical requirements of research publications and journals and the research topic or area. Specifically, research papers can be differentiated by their primary rationale, structure, and emphasis. The different types of research papers contribute to the universe of knowledge while providing invaluable insights for policy and scope for further advanced research and development. In this article, we will look at various kinds of research papers and understand their underlying principles, objectives, and purposes.  

Different types of research papers

1. Argumentative Research Paper: In an argumentative paper, the researcher is expected to present facts and findings on both sides of a given topic but make an extended and persuasive argument supporting one side over the other. The purpose of such research papers is to provide evidence-based arguments to support the claim or thesis statement taken up by the researcher. Emotions mustn’t inform the building up of the case. Conversely, facts and findings must be objective and logical while presenting both sides of the issue. The position taken up by the researcher must be stated clearly and in a well-defined manner. The evidence supporting the claim must be well-researched and up-to-date, and the paper presents differing views on the topic, even if these do not agree or align with the researcher’s thesis statement. 
2. Analytical Research Paper: In an analytical research paper, the researcher starts by asking a research question, followed by a collection of appropriate data from a wide range of sources. These include primary and secondary data, which the researcher needs to analyze and interpret closely. Critical and analytical thinking skills are therefore crucial to this process. Rather than presenting a summary of the data, the researcher is expected to analyze the findings and perspectives of each source material before putting forward their critical insights and concluding. Personal biases or positions mustn’t influence or creep into the process of writing an analytical research paper. 
3. Experimental Research Paper: Experimental research papers provide a detailed report on a particular research experiment undertaken by a researcher and its outcomes or findings. Based on the research experiment, the researcher explains the experimental design and procedure, shows sufficient data, presents analysis, and draws a conclusion. Such research papers are more common in fields such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Experimental research involves conducting experiments in controlled conditions to test specific hypotheses. This not only allows researchers to arrive at particular conclusions but also helps them understand causal relationships. As it lends itself to replicating the findings of the research, it enhances the validity of the research conducted. 

Some more types of research papers

In addition to the above-detailed types of research papers, there are many more types, including review papers, case study papers, comparative research papers and so on.  

1. Review papers provide a detailed overview and analysis of existing research on a particular topic. The key objective of a review paper is to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the latest research findings on a specific subject. 
2. Case study papers usually focus on a single or small number of cases. This is used in research when the aim is to obtain an in-depth investigation of an issue.  
3. Comparative research papers involve comparing and contrasting two or more entities or cases that help to identify and arrive at trends or relationships. The objective of relative research papers is to increase knowledge and understand issues in different contexts. 
4. Survey research papers require that a survey be conducted on a given topic by posing questions to potential respondents. Once the survey has been completed, the researcher analyzes the information and presents it as a research paper. 
5. Interpretative papers employ the knowledge or information gained from pursuing a specific issue or research topic in a particular field. It is written around theoretical frameworks and uses data to support the thesis statement and findings.  

Research papers are an essential part of academic writing and contribute significantly to advancing our knowledge and understanding of different subjects. The researcher’s ability to conduct research, analyze data, and present their findings is crucial to producing high-quality research papers. By understanding the different types of research papers and their underlying principles, researchers can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields and provide invaluable insights for policy and further research.

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