Are you anxious about ‘how to write research paper?’ We understand you. Research paper writing is not simple thing. It will require you to do time consuming topic research, data collection, content articulation, formatting and standardization and more. For an average student, it will take weeks, if not months, to complete. This blog aims to empower you to approach it more confidently by guiding you through every step of the process. Some of the key points we cover in it include:
- What is a research paper?
- How to start a research paper
- Research paper writing process
What Is Research Paper?
A research paper is a written academic work which comprehensively discusses a specific research question. Alongside investigating a question, a research paper will supply its findings with sufficient analysis and interpretations. A research paper is valid only when it adds something new to an existing finding or tries to underscore the limitations of the current literature and propose something new.
What Is the Ideal Length of a Research Paper?
The length of your research paper needs to be determined in alignment with your program requirements. For a doctoral or PhD research paper, it is typically around 150-300 pages in length. In contrast, an undergraduate research paper is usually much shorter, ranging from 15 to 20 pages, while a postgraduate research paper typically spans 50 to 100 pages.
Importance Of Research Paper
Research papers play a significant role in the academic realm. While they help students fulfil their academic requirements and gain credit for course completion, in-depth research papers contribute even more by advancing knowledge in a particular field or industry. The findings from these papers are often used in strategic decision-making within the respective industries or domains to which they belong.
Key Qualities of a Superior Research Paper
When discussing how to make a research paper, a common question that arises is what qualities distinguish a good research paper from an average one. Here are the key qualities recommended for a superior research paper:
- A thesis statement that is concise and compelling
- Substantiation of major points with facts and examples
- Debating points against the author’s arguments and how they are addressed
- Use of standard language recommended for academic writing
- Logical organization of key points and arguments
- An elaborate bibliography showing the sources the writer referenced in the research
- Evidence of the author’s precise understanding of the topic through coverage of varied sources
- Clear documentation and recognition of sources referred to for research, presented in the appropriate citation style.
How To Write a Good Research Paper?
Now that we understand what a research paper is and what it entails, let’s delve into the step-by-step research paper writing process for drafting one effectively.
Review the requirements:
The first step of how to do research paper is to understand what you are supposed to achieve through it. You may go through the institute guidelines carefully to know the expectations and then set a clear roadmap for your project.
Finalize your research topic:
Choosing a topic that keeps you glued to the research and aligns with your academic strengths is necessary. Shortlist a few topics and then pick one that sounds more appealing and beneficial for your academic journey.
Investigate and gather points:
Once you have the topic finalized, investigate it. Finalize the sources you want to use for your research and data gathering. Through preliminary research collect important points so you can write your thesis statement.
Draft your thesis statement:
Your thesis statement embodies the essence of your research paper. In other words, it must be the boiled-down version of your entire research paper. Write a conclusive and concise thesis statement that clearly states what your research is about.
Develop an outline:
The outline of your research paper shows how you are structuring it and organising the parts of it such as the introduction, body paragraphs, methodology, conclusion, bibliography etc. This will help you stay focused and maintain the recommended length in each.
Write your research paper:
With the outline ready, you are good to start your research paper writing. Start with the research introduction and develop the rest of the part step by step. Present your points with clarity and supported by evidence.
Add citations and references:
Once the research paper is ready, identify the areas where you have relied on external sources for insights and add in-text citations as well as a bibliography as per a recommended citation style. For example, APA or MLA.
Proofread for errors:
For a sound research paper, it needs to be free from all kinds of errors – typos, grammar mistakes, punctuation errors and more. Proofread carefully to identify and eliminate all errors. It is recommended to run at least three to four proofreads before you finalize.
Edit and format:
Make necessary changes in the research paper as per the requirements. Ensure that each part of the research paper flows naturally and smoothly and also ensure that there is agreement between each part. Also, format your paper for better readability.
Different Formats Used in Research Paper Writing
When it comes to research paper formatting, a crucial aspect to consider is the citation style you want to use. While there are several styles to choose from, the two most commonly used styles are APA and MLA. Let’s delve into the details of each style below.
APA Research Paper Format:
An APA-style research paper typically includes a title page, abstract, in-text citations, and a reference list. Headings, subheadings, and indentations are used to organize the content. Times New Roman, 12-point font is recommended. Maintain one-inch margins on all sides with double line spacing.
MLA Research Paper Format:
MLA style has a title page, in-text citations, and a Works Cited page to recognise the sources referred to. It uses headings and indentation for content organization. Font style and size are 12-point Times New Roman along with double-spacing and 1-inch margins. It does not require an abstract or reference list.
How To Start a Research Paper – Pro Tips from Our Experts
Got stuck with your research paper writing? Here are some pro tips from our experts to help you get going.
Read, read and read: Reading voraciously is the best exercise to get started with your research paper writing. The more you read and investigate a topic, the better clarity you will gain.
Get organized: Keep your research on track by keeping all materials, notes, and drafts in one place, whether physical or digital. This makes their access easier and your work faster.
Start early: The earlier you have your research paper ready, the better it is to refine it and integrate it into your academic preparation and ensure timely submission.
Don’t copy: While it may be tempting to rephrase an existing research paper, remember that it is not difficult to trace plagiarism. Produce an original research paper.
Seek feedback: If you are writing a research paper for the first time, you may have a lot of doubts and uncertainties. Seeking feedback from a colleague or a professor is recommended.
Research Paper Writing Checklist
Here is a comprehensive checklist to help you ensure that your research paper is solid and as per the expectations. Following these checklists carefully will help you overcome the challenge of how to start writing a research paper.
Before Starting to Write
- Have you clearly defined your research topic with a focused area of investigation?
- Have you conducted a thorough literature review to understand current research and identify knowledge gaps?
- Have you chosen an appropriate research method that best suits your project?
- Have you developed a research plan specifying your data collection approach and ethical considerations?
During Data Collection and Analysis
- Have you collected your data systematically in a well-organized and consistent manner?
- Have you analysed the data effectively utilizing appropriate methods to extract meaning and identify patterns in it?
While Writing and Referencing
- Have you ensured accurate and consistent in-text citations, conforming to your selected style guide (APA, MLA, etc.)?
- Have you evaluated source credibility?
For a Proper Structure and Presentation
- Have you crafted a research outline with a clear and logical structure for your paper?
- Have you ensured that your writing is well-organized, easy to follow, and grammatically sound?
- Have you proofread and edited your content thoroughly focusing on grammar, spelling, and clarity?
- Have you checked that your paper adheres to the style guide’s formatting requirements, including font, margins, and spacing?
For Quality Control
- Have you checked your content for plagiarism ensuring that it is original and properly cited?
- Have you sought feedback from peers, experts, or faculty to refine your work?
- Have you cross-checked your paper with the review guidelines and requirements, ensuring that you have fulfilled all the necessary criteria?
- Have you conducted a final review to ensure the overall quality and accuracy of your research paper?
Conclusion
A good research paper is well-defined, properly researched, and carefully constructed. It not only helps a student achieve a great score but also adds value to an existing field of study. We hope you have learned ‘how to write research paper’ from this detailed blog.
At Infig Assignment Help, we have experienced PhD scholars, language experts and writing professionals for all levels of higher studies and research paper writing. If you are unsure how to create a research paper or need expert assistance, rest assured we can help make your journey easier.
