What Is a Research Paper and Why Am I Writing One?
Research papers are required in many college and university level courses. Research papers place an emphasis on the development of a student’s critical thinking and writing skills. To write an effective paper, students must be able to incorporate the ideas of others with their own ideas and analysis. A successful paper is logically organized, fully developed, and free of error. Outside sources should be used properly. There are several types of research papers. • A research paper may be argumentative in nature. In other words, the student may take a stand on an issue and then research others who agree and disagree with the stand and cite them (quote them in the paper). In this type of paper, it is generally expected that students will learn how to anticipate the objections of others and make concessions. • A research paper may also deal with a particular problem encountered in any field of study, such as health care or social and environmental issues. In this case, the student will sta
