Lecture Introduction into the course. Types of research papers. Introduction

What is a research paper?
A research paper is a written work which involves the processes of researching, critical thinking, source evaluation, composition, and organization. Research is based on already known results, so students need not only to carefully read them, but also be able to analyze them.
What is not a research paper?
With this list of ideas you will probably have a better understanding of what a research paper is:

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  It is not merely a depository of quotations. Quotations take place only to document or clarify findings.
  
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  It is not a rewriting of someone’s thoughts or ideas. A research paper is not a description or summary of the facts from textbooks or the Internet.
  
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  It is not a defense of your opinion. The aim of every research paper is to reveal the truth. Avoid fighting the opposite opinion (unless you need to write a persuasive paper.)
  
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  It is not a simple presentation of one’s point of view. Research papers demand facts, information, and data which support a certain opinion or idea.
  
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  It is not emotional persuasion. Vocabulary that is used in research papers should be neutral and free of emotional language and superlatives.
  

At the college level, students are expected to make a deep analysis of existing information about the topic and draw personal conclusions and solutions for a particular problem. Analysis is about dividing the idea into several parts and organizing them into appropriate logical “boxes.”
What are the two main types of research papers?
1. Analytical Research Paper
Describe multiple points of view → Analyze all points → Draw a conclusion

This paper is about posing a question, and the thinking involved in answering this question. Usually this paper starts with the description of the question and finds an element to analyze throughout the work.
For this paper you need to collect relevant data from other researchers and make a personal conclusion about the topic.
For an analytical paper, it is important to keep neutrality. An analytical research paper should not show your negative or positive position on the matter. If you want to define something as better or disagree with some aspects of your topic, switch to a persuasive research paper (but consult your tutor on whether it is acceptable).