In order to understand what a good research paper is composed of, a look into the definition of the words will be helpful. The Cambridge Advanced Learners Dictionary Online defines research as a detailed study of a subject, especially in order to discover (new) information or reach a (new) understanding and a paper as a piece of writing on a particular subject written by an expert and usually published in a book or journal, or read aloud to other people.
Thus it is clear that there are four essential aspects to a research paper- a subject, detailed study, discovering new information/understanding and piece of writing.
“A research paper presents your analysis and interpretation of data and ideas found in a survey of the … literature relevant to the topic of your paper. Analysis is the process of organizing and summarizing data and ideas in order to answer a question. Interpretation refers to a discussion of the meaning and implications of your answers for the issues, ideas, and problems that your paper addresses.” (Parish, 1981: 2-3).
In order to write a good research paper, one should ” identify a broad area of research…, focus the topic through some general background reading, identify a clear research question, marshal primary and secondary resources to answer the question, and present the argument in a clear and creative manner, with proper citations”. (http://www9.georgetown.edu/ faculty/ kingch/ How_to_Write_a_Research_Paper.htm)
There are many definitions of a research paper. Most of them have certain elements which are common, which one may conclude are its basic characteristics. The common elements are the following (a) a presentation and/or (b) a point of view which is new or amplification of the old, of limited scope and of one specified subject based on a study of the existing work or on a survey or interview containing logical arguments to oppose, to support , to synthesize and to conclude using one of the accepted methods of presentation of facts, data, arguments, conclusions , footnotes, reference to sources, existing literature etc ( bibliography)
From what is understood and accepted as a research paper, it is obvious that there are basically two elements which are of critical importance. These are the subject of the paper and the presentation thereof. In terms of painting, these would be the soul of the painting and its technical perfection- without the other, each by itself is not complete. One may conclude and state what constitutes a good research paper on these two axes.
One axis is “Subject”. (a) The paper should have a clear objective and should state it clearly, (b) It should state what the existing work or literature have said on the subject and what it seeks to prove or establish, (c) It should also state the line of research, methodology and reasoning, (d) It should logically arrive at its findings unambiguously, and (e) Many times, it also talks about scope for further research on the matter.
The other axis is “Presentation” which is seen to have three aspects, namely, (a) the first relates to the style of the author in terms of language- easy to read, non complex, sentence lengths, etc. (Dr. Fletcher M. Green, ), (b) the second relates to the coherence which stems from the flow of the subject in logical sequencing of thoughts and arguments. This would include the step down from Introduction to Conclusion, and (c) the third aspect relates more to the structural documentation aspects such as putting down quotations, bibliography, footnotes.
References:-
Parish, S. M. 1981. The Overworked Student’s Practical Guide to Writing Term Papers for Anthropology (and related subjects). Regents, University of California.
http://www9.georgetown.edu/faculty/kingch/How_to_Write_a_Research_Paper.htm (How to Write a Research Paper- © Copyright 1999, Charles King)
