Types of Research Papers: Classify to Match Topic and Expertise

Why spend time discussing the various types of research papers? Actually, if your goal is a high quality paper, you need to classify your assignments in order to match style and approach appropriately. Let’s look at two main types of research papers and their distinctive features.

Types of research papers: Avoid the Confusion

Argumentative and analytical are two main types of research papers. Some sources mention seven or more types, but this represents confusion between research papers and essays.

To reiterate: The two varieties of research papers are:

• analytical
• argumentative.

By contrast, the main types of essays are:

• descriptive
• definition
• compare and contrast
• cause and effect
• narrative
• process
• argumentative
• critical.

Types of research papers: Argumentative

An argumentative research paper is based on your personal interpretation of a scholarly problem. You will need to take a stance in your thesis statement in the introductory paragraph or section, then persuade your reader that this is reasonable.

Sample thesis statement: Although fast food clearly contributes to health problems, its persistent popularity demonstrates both a chronic lack of public awareness of its dangers, and the addictive power of highly processed foods.

Characteristic features of this type of research paper:

• a debatable research question;
• adequate available knowledge, examples, documentation, or arguments to convince your reader of the soundness of your stance.

Types of research papers: Analytical

An analytical research paper is based on your critical analysis of the opinions of authorities. You need not take a position in this type of research paper, because you probably lack the expertise to suggest your own interpretation of the problem. Instead, explore what scholars have written on the issues, comparing and contrasting them. You can offer your own response to the authorities as well.

Sample thesis statement: Though Harper Lee’s childhood can be discerned in To Kill a Mockingbird, the novel reflects common characteristics of Southern communities.

Characteristic features:

• a research question can be debatable, but the debate is between the experts. Your role is to present all sides clearly. You probably don’t have the background to assert which is right;
• you avoid expressing your personal opinion, unless the assignment calls for you to do so.

Types of research papers: How to distinguish

If you need to pick between the types of research papers for an assignment, consider the subject area, the available supporting reference material, and your own familiarity with the issues. Obscure or complex topics for research papers may lend themselves better to an analytical approach. Current events about which you have substantial background information might permit an argumentative treatment. Also consider the types of your research papers you have completed in past semesters. With what types of research papers do you have prior (successful) experience? That is a good bet. Whichever category of research paper you choose, consider its characteristics and formulate an appropriate strong thesis statement.

Be realistic when evaluating your grasp of the issue in order to pick the best fit in research paper type. You might safely take a stand on marketing, but you might want to hang back on expressing a strong opinion regarding ancient history, or the authorship of Shakespeare’s sonnets.

Choose with discretion between the two research paper types (when you are given a choice in the assignment), and shape your composition to fit for best results.