Decide whether you are writing an argumentative or analytical research paper. An argumentative paper begins with you clearly giving an opinion on a topic and funnels into a thesis statement on your intended research. An analytical research paper, on the other hand, starts with an unbiased question which you explore and evaluate through research.
Introduce your research topic with an attention grabbing sentence. For instance, if you are writing an analytical research paper about the effects of learning dual languages as an infant or toddler, you may write, "A child who speak two languages has a head start in life because she can build vocabulary and learn grammar simultaneously in both languages."
Write the introductory paragraph like you would in an essay, with four or five strong sentences. Funnel the paragraph down to a thesis statement, a sentence which explains the purpose of your research. For example, "The points that follow will explain the advantages, disadvantages, difficulties and long-term effects of learning two languages at under 5 years of age."
Build the body paragraphs. Devote one paragraph to each of your research points, interests or arguments. For instance, if you concentrate on the advantages of early bi-lingual development, write one paragraph focusing on your research regarding that aspect.
Conclude your research paper like you would an essay. Summarize the information you have given readers, and synthesize the data in a meaningful way. Leave readers with an understanding of why the research is important or, in an argumentative paper, why your perspective on the topic is such a compelling way to approach the subject.