A research paper analysis has several distinct components. Unless otherwise specified by your instructor, the research paper analysis should include a short abstract just before the title page. Immediately after the title page is the introduction, which is followed by a review of currently published literature related to the topic. Next comes an in-depth description of your own research or case study and a detailed discussion of your findings. A discussion of your conclusions, a listing of the references used to write the paper, and an optional appendix are the final sections of your research paper, which should be properly formatted.
A 150-200 word abstract, which your instructor may not require, is necessary if you intend perhaps to publish your research paper analysis in a professional journal. The abstract is a brief statement of the main problem that the paper discusses and purpose of the research you undertook. The research methodology, a discussion of the findings, and the conclusion round out the abstract. A reader should be able to decide whether to read further just from the abstract.
The introductory of a research paper analysis provides the reader with the general background information and the aims of your paper. As the thesis statement is the backbone of your research paper, it must be very well thought out and expressed. Once your introductory paragraph is complete, the next section of the paper reviews the current academic literature and research on the topic.
The research paper next explains the exact methodology you used to arrive at the conclusions you will discuss later in the paper. It is most important that you set up your research in such a way that the data gleaned from it actually helps to answer questions that are unrepresented in the currently published literature. Tell the reader exactly what you are trying to find out from your own research, how you plan to find out, and why getting the answers to your questions can benefit the field.
In the next two sections of the research paper, explain your results and draw your final conclusions. Clearly explain to your reader exactly what your research revealed. You can discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your study, along with the implications of the results. In the conclusion, you should include possible questions for further research.
Your research paper analysis needs a properly formatted citation of all of the references used to write the paper and is followed by the appendix containing additional source material such as charts or tables, if necessary. Modern Language Association (MLA) or American Psychological Association (APA) ) style guides, for example, have their own requirements for citing references and for research paper layout generally. Which guide you use is determined by your research discipline; in general, humanities and follow MLA while the social sciences use APA. The final step before turning in your research paper analysis is carefully proofreading and editing for grammar, spelling, and content.