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.
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.
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.
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.