* A clearly defined research question or hypothesis: The paper focuses on answering a specific question or testing a specific hypothesis.
* A literature review: The paper surveys existing scholarship relevant to the topic, demonstrating an understanding of the current state of knowledge.
* Methodology: The paper describes the methods used to gather and analyze data (if primary research is involved). This section is crucial for demonstrating the validity and reliability of the findings. For secondary research, it describes the methods used to analyze existing data or literature.
* Results or findings: The paper presents the results of the research, often using tables, graphs, and other visual aids.
* Discussion and conclusion: The paper interprets the results, discusses their implications, and offers conclusions based on the research. It also acknowledges limitations of the study.
* Citations and bibliography: The paper meticulously cites all sources used, ensuring academic integrity and allowing readers to verify information. A complete bibliography lists all cited sources.
* Formal structure and style: Research papers follow a specific format, including an abstract, introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. They adhere to specific stylistic guidelines (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
In short, a research paper is a formal presentation of original research or a critical analysis, demonstrating a scholarly approach to a subject. It goes beyond simply summarizing information and contributes new insights or perspectives to the field.