A research paper is simply a piece of writing that uses outside sources. There are different types of research papers with varying purposes and expectations for sourcing. While this guide explains those differences broadly, disciplines and assignments vary.
Ask your professor for clarification on the purpose, types of appropriate research questions, and expectations of sources for your assignment.
| Type | Purpose | Research question (see examples) | Use of sources |
| Academic argument essay | To persuade an audience of a single claim or thesis through logic with evidence and analysis. |
Typically answers descriptive or explanatory questions, but could address normative or prescriptive questions. Question is focused, answerable through research, debatable, and important. |
Evidence sources illustrate or exemplify points of argument. Includes primary sources such as empirical data, documents, or literature, or references to events and facts. Argument sources provide others' perspectives or interpretations that you discuss and synthesize in order to agree, clarify, qualify, or refute. Includes secondary sources such as journal articles, books, and opinion pieces. |
| Analytical essay | To break down an issue or idea into component parts and present an objective discussion of related perspectives. | Typically answers descriptive or explanatory questions. Question is focused, answerable through research, debatable, and important. |
Evidence sources illustrate or exemplify aspects of the topic. Includes primary sources such as empirical data, documents, or literature, or references to events and facts. Argument sources provide others' perspectives or interpretations that you discuss and synthesize without advocating for any one position. Includes secondary sources such as journal articles, books, and opinion pieces. |
| Opinion essay | To persuade an audience of a viewpoint through logic or appeals to emotion. | Could answer most kinds of questions. |
Evidence sources illustrate or exemplify points of argument. Includes primary sources such as empirical data, documents, or literature, or references to events and facts. Argument sources provide others' perspectives or interpretations that you discuss and synthesize in order to agree, clarify, qualify, or refute. Could also include personal or anecdotal experiences and reflections. |
| Literature review | To synthesize research related to your original study in order to provide context and demonstrate its originality. | Answers how a specific topic has been researched and what is known. | Cites and scholarly literature and possibly relevant grey literature. Cited sources are synthesized to demonstrate what is known within an area of study. |
| Annotated bibliography | To present a list of citations with annotations, typically as a precursor to an argument or analytical essay. | Depends on the assignment. | Depends on the assignment, but generally each annotation summarizes and evaluates the source and connects it to the research question and possibly to other sources. |
| Expository essay | To explain a topic. | Depends on the assignment. | Depends on the assignment, but could rely on background information and reference sources. Typically does not require extensive research. |