empirical research paper format

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Empirical Paper Writing From A To Z

When asked to write an empirical paper, many learners don’t know where to start. That’s because most students don’t know much about this paper. Perhaps, you came across this article after searching for the meaning of this paper online. Well, you’ve come to the right place because this article will explain everything you want to know about this paper.

What is an Empirical Paper?

Importance of an empirical paper, how to write an empirical research paper, interesting empirical research topics to consider, useful tips and insights.

In most cases, humans decide based on evidence. Thus, most people decide based on what they can prove as valid or measure. When presented with plausible alternatives, most individuals tilt towards choices that have been proven effective. Empirical research adopts a similar approach.

In this study, researchers arrive at results by testing their empirical evidence. And they test the available evidence using quantitative and qualitative observation methods, as determined by the research nature. Perhaps, you’re torn between a theoretical paper vs. empirical paper. Just like the name suggests, a theoretical paper is largely based on theories. On the other hand, a paper whose basis is empirical research is largely based on evidence. Ideally, the features and methodology of empirical research set it apart from the other study approaches. Therefore, researchers must understand what constitutes this study.

An empirical research paper is a write-up that is based on verifiable evidence. Ideally, the conclusion of this paper is arrived at after analyzing verifiable evidence. In simple terms, it’s a paper that solely depends on evidence acquired via scientific methods of gathering data or observation.

Researchers can conduct empirical research using quantitative or qualitative observation methods, based on their data sample. That is non-numerical data or quantifiable data. As hinted, this is what differentiates empirical papers from theoretical papers. Ideally, theoretical papers depend on pre-conceived notions regarding research variables. On the other hand, empirical research entails engaging in a scientific investigation and measuring the experimental probability of those variables.

Perhaps, you’re wondering why you should engage in a scientific investigation to write this paper. Well, empirical research is very common because it’s used to perform systematic investigations. Researchers use this method to validate different research hypotheses in fields like law, anthropology, and medicine. Based on the empirical paper definition, this task is important for the following reasons:

• Authenticating traditional research via observations and experiments
• Providing more authentic and competent findings
• Understanding the dynamic changes that happen over time
• Studying rules, institutions, and procedures to understand their operations
• Testing and validating multiple hypotheses to improve human knowledge
• To study human cultures and behavioral patterns

For your paper to serve its purpose effectively, it should be carefully and thoroughly researched. All information included in your paper should be factual and supported with evidence.

As hinted, the basis of your paper should be verifiable research. Therefore, you must conduct extensive research before you write your paper.

Preparation

Start by preparing to write your paper. This step requires you to do several things as follows.

• Select a topic : Start by choosing a topic for your paper. Pick a topic you’re comfortable researching and writing about. Make sure that your topic is not too broad or too narrow. That’s because you won’t cover a too broad topic exhaustively. And if your topic is too narrow, you won’t meet the specified word count for your paper.
• Research the topic : Gather as much information as possible about the topic. Take your time to analyze the information and understand different aspects of your topic. That way, you will know the best angle to take when writing your paper.

Before you proceed to actual writing, you can find and read an APA empirical paper sample to understand what the educator expects from you.

 Actual Writing

Now that you have the topic and information that you need to write the paper, you can proceed to the actual writing step. Here’s a guide on how to write an empirical paper.

• Write the title page : This page should summarize your main point, question, or findings that you will present in the paper. It should also include your institutional affiliations and name. Make the title informative, professional, and interesting. That’s because the title is the first thing your readers will see.
• Write the abstract : In empirical research papers, the abstract can be written after completing the paper. That’s because it’s a paragraph that summarizes the paper for the readers. When writing this section, explain your research question briefly. You can also explain research methods, samples, and conclusions briefly.
• Write the introduction : When writing the introduction of empirical paper, include the research problem and then tell your readers why it’s important. Also, provide background information about your topic. Your introduction should explain specific hypotheses while demonstrating how your chosen research design corresponds with them.
• Methodology : In this section, describe the research methods you used to conduct your research. If writing an APA paper, label subsections like participants, sampling procedures, sample size, and study design. Don’t skip this section because you can easily some of the research methods.
• Results : Perhaps, this is the most important part of an empirical research paper structure. Here, you include statistics and data analysis. Report your findings consistently if you mention them in other sections. That way, your readers can easily follow and understand your findings.
• Discussion : Restate your study findings in this section using plain terms. Also, explain how your research findings relate to your hypotheses. Ideally, interpret results in this section while discussing their implications. And this should include practical and theoretical consequences . If you encountered research limitations, acknowledge them in this section.
• Reference : Use the APA guidelines to compose the reference section of your paper. This is an important part of the paper because it provides additional information on your topic.

The order of parts in empirical paper may vary but these are the most important sections of this write-up.

Proofreading

Once you’ve written your paper, take your time to go through it correcting all typo, spelling, grammatical, and factual errors. That’s because you could have brilliant ideas and findings but minor errors can damage the quality of your paper.

One of the most challenging parts of the process of writing this paper is choosing a topic. That’s because learners want to choose topics they will be comfortable researching and writing about. They also want unique topics that will impress educators to award them good grades. If struggling to find a topic for your paper, consider these ideas.

• An empirical analysis of foreign exchange management in developing economies
• An empirical analysis of liquidity problem in commercial banks
• How capital structure affects profitability- Empirical analysis of selected companies
• An empirical analysis of the effect of multi-national oil companies on an economy
• Conflicts management in financial institutions- Empirical analysis of the staff
• An empirical analysis of the impact of monetary policies on a country’s economy
• Impact of currency depreciation on a country’s economy- Empirical analysis
• An empirical analysis of the effect of political institutions on the development and economic growth
• How religion affects social development- Empirical analysis
• Effects of policies, institutions, and events on a society

You can pick any of these empirical paper topics, research extensively, and analyze your findings to compose a winning paper. Nevertheless, make sure only relevant and evidence-backed information goes into your paper.

Follow these tips and insights to write a brilliant paper:

• Check your educator’s guidelines and follow all the instructions, including word count and formatting.
• Create your empirical research paper outline to come up with a properly organized paper with logically flowing ideas.
• Be concise and clear by including important information only.
• Use headings and subheadings to make your paper easy to read.
• Cite multiple credible sources in your paper.
• Include figures and tables to convey information if you find it hard to discuss using paragraphs.
• Get our thesis writing help if you’re got stuck.

Always remember that your paper should be based on research. And the evidence in your paper should be verifiable. You can gather empirical evidence using qualitative and quantitative research methods. The above guidelines and tips should help you come up with a winning paper. However, follow the instructions provided by your educator when writing this paper. If unable to complete this assignment even with these tips and guidelines, get and read a good empirical research paper example first. That way, you will know the kind of information and presentation the educator expects from you.

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Home » Research Paper – Structure, Examples and Writing Guide

Research Paper – Structure, Examples and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Research Paper

Definition:

Research Paper is a written document that presents the author’s original research, analysis, and interpretation of a specific topic or issue.

It is typically based on Empirical Evidence, and may involve qualitative or quantitative research methods, or a combination of both. The purpose of a research paper is to contribute new knowledge or insights to a particular field of study, and to demonstrate the author’s understanding of the existing literature and theories related to the topic.

Structure of Research Paper

The structure of a research paper typically follows a standard format, consisting of several sections that convey specific information about the research study. The following is a detailed explanation of the structure of a research paper:

The title page contains the title of the paper, the name(s) of the author(s), and the affiliation(s) of the author(s). It also includes the date of submission and possibly, the name of the journal or conference where the paper is to be published.

The abstract is a brief summary of the research paper, typically ranging from 100 to 250 words. It should include the research question, the methods used, the key findings, and the implications of the results. The abstract should be written in a concise and clear manner to allow readers to quickly grasp the essence of the research.

Introduction

The introduction section of a research paper provides background information about the research problem, the research question, and the research objectives. It also outlines the significance of the research, the research gap that it aims to fill, and the approach taken to address the research question. Finally, the introduction section ends with a clear statement of the research hypothesis or research question.

Literature Review

The literature review section of a research paper provides an overview of the existing literature on the topic of study. It includes a critical analysis and synthesis of the literature, highlighting the key concepts, themes, and debates. The literature review should also demonstrate the research gap and how the current study seeks to address it.

The methods section of a research paper describes the research design, the sample selection, the data collection and analysis procedures, and the statistical methods used to analyze the data. This section should provide sufficient detail for other researchers to replicate the study.

The results section presents the findings of the research, using tables, graphs, and figures to illustrate the data. The findings should be presented in a clear and concise manner, with reference to the research question and hypothesis.

The discussion section of a research paper interprets the findings and discusses their implications for the research question, the literature review, and the field of study. It should also address the limitations of the study and suggest future research directions.

The conclusion section summarizes the main findings of the study, restates the research question and hypothesis, and provides a final reflection on the significance of the research.

The references section provides a list of all the sources cited in the paper, following a specific citation style such as APA, MLA or Chicago.

How to Write Research Paper

You can write Research Paper by the following guide:

• Choose a Topic: The first step is to select a topic that interests you and is relevant to your field of study. Brainstorm ideas and narrow down to a research question that is specific and researchable.
• Conduct a Literature Review: The literature review helps you identify the gap in the existing research and provides a basis for your research question. It also helps you to develop a theoretical framework and research hypothesis.
• Develop a Thesis Statement : The thesis statement is the main argument of your research paper. It should be clear, concise and specific to your research question.
• Plan your Research: Develop a research plan that outlines the methods, data sources, and data analysis procedures. This will help you to collect and analyze data effectively.
• Collect and Analyze Data: Collect data using various methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments. Analyze data using statistical tools or other qualitative methods.
• Organize your Paper : Organize your paper into sections such as Introduction, Literature Review, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion. Ensure that each section is coherent and follows a logical flow.
• Write your Paper : Start by writing the introduction, followed by the literature review, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and follows the required formatting and citation styles.
• Edit and Proofread your Paper: Review your paper for grammar and spelling errors, and ensure that it is well-structured and easy to read. Ask someone else to review your paper to get feedback and suggestions for improvement.
• Cite your Sources: Ensure that you properly cite all sources used in your research paper. This is essential for giving credit to the original authors and avoiding plagiarism.

Research Paper Example

Note : The below example research paper is for illustrative purposes only and is not an actual research paper. Actual research papers may have different structures, contents, and formats depending on the field of study, research question, data collection and analysis methods, and other factors. Students should always consult with their professors or supervisors for specific guidelines and expectations for their research papers.

Research Paper Example sample for Students:

Title: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health among Young Adults

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the impact of social media use on the mental health of young adults. A literature review was conducted to examine the existing research on the topic. A survey was then administered to 200 university students to collect data on their social media use, mental health status, and perceived impact of social media on their mental health. The results showed that social media use is positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. The study also found that social comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) are significant predictors of mental health problems among young adults.

Introduction: Social media has become an integral part of modern life, particularly among young adults. While social media has many benefits, including increased communication and social connectivity, it has also been associated with negative outcomes, such as addiction, cyberbullying, and mental health problems. This study aims to investigate the impact of social media use on the mental health of young adults.

Literature Review: The literature review highlights the existing research on the impact of social media use on mental health. The review shows that social media use is associated with depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health problems. The review also identifies the factors that contribute to the negative impact of social media, including social comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO.

Methods : A survey was administered to 200 university students to collect data on their social media use, mental health status, and perceived impact of social media on their mental health. The survey included questions on social media use, mental health status (measured using the DASS-21), and perceived impact of social media on their mental health. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis.

Results : The results showed that social media use is positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. The study also found that social comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO are significant predictors of mental health problems among young adults.

Discussion : The study’s findings suggest that social media use has a negative impact on the mental health of young adults. The study highlights the need for interventions that address the factors contributing to the negative impact of social media, such as social comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO.

Conclusion : In conclusion, social media use has a significant impact on the mental health of young adults. The study’s findings underscore the need for interventions that promote healthy social media use and address the negative outcomes associated with social media use. Future research can explore the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing the negative impact of social media on mental health. Additionally, longitudinal studies can investigate the long-term effects of social media use on mental health.

Limitations : The study has some limitations, including the use of self-report measures and a cross-sectional design. The use of self-report measures may result in biased responses, and a cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causality.

Implications: The study’s findings have implications for mental health professionals, educators, and policymakers. Mental health professionals can use the findings to develop interventions that address the negative impact of social media use on mental health. Educators can incorporate social media literacy into their curriculum to promote healthy social media use among young adults. Policymakers can use the findings to develop policies that protect young adults from the negative outcomes associated with social media use.

References :

• Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2019). Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Preventive medicine reports, 15, 100918.
• Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Escobar-Viera, C. G., Barrett, E. L., Sidani, J. E., Colditz, J. B., … & James, A. E. (2017). Use of multiple social media platforms and symptoms of depression and anxiety: A nationally-representative study among US young adults. Computers in Human Behavior, 69, 1-9.
• Van der Meer, T. G., & Verhoeven, J. W. (2017). Social media and its impact on academic performance of students. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 16, 383-398.

Appendix : The survey used in this study is provided below.

Social Media and Mental Health Survey

• How often do you use social media per day?
• Less than 30 minutes
• 30 minutes to 1 hour
• 1 to 2 hours
• 2 to 4 hours
• More than 4 hours
• Which social media platforms do you use?
• Others (Please specify)
• How often do you experience the following on social media?
• Social comparison (comparing yourself to others)
• Cyberbullying
• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
• Have you ever experienced any of the following mental health problems in the past month?
• Do you think social media use has a positive or negative impact on your mental health?
• Very positive
• Somewhat positive
• Somewhat negative
• Very negative
• In your opinion, which factors contribute to the negative impact of social media on mental health?
• Social comparison
• In your opinion, what interventions could be effective in reducing the negative impact of social media on mental health?
• Education on healthy social media use
• Counseling for mental health problems caused by social media
• Social media detox programs
• Regulation of social media use

Thank you for your participation!

Applications of Research Paper

Research papers have several applications in various fields, including:

• Advancing knowledge: Research papers contribute to the advancement of knowledge by generating new insights, theories, and findings that can inform future research and practice. They help to answer important questions, clarify existing knowledge, and identify areas that require further investigation.
• Informing policy: Research papers can inform policy decisions by providing evidence-based recommendations for policymakers. They can help to identify gaps in current policies, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and inform the development of new policies and regulations.
• Improving practice: Research papers can improve practice by providing evidence-based guidance for professionals in various fields, including medicine, education, business, and psychology. They can inform the development of best practices, guidelines, and standards of care that can improve outcomes for individuals and organizations.
• Educating students : Research papers are often used as teaching tools in universities and colleges to educate students about research methods, data analysis, and academic writing. They help students to develop critical thinking skills, research skills, and communication skills that are essential for success in many careers.
• Fostering collaboration: Research papers can foster collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers by providing a platform for sharing knowledge and ideas. They can facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships that can lead to innovative solutions to complex problems.

When to Write Research Paper

Research papers are typically written when a person has completed a research project or when they have conducted a study and have obtained data or findings that they want to share with the academic or professional community. Research papers are usually written in academic settings, such as universities, but they can also be written in professional settings, such as research organizations, government agencies, or private companies.

Here are some common situations where a person might need to write a research paper:

• For academic purposes: Students in universities and colleges are often required to write research papers as part of their coursework, particularly in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. Writing research papers helps students to develop research skills, critical thinking skills, and academic writing skills.
• For publication: Researchers often write research papers to publish their findings in academic journals or to present their work at academic conferences. Publishing research papers is an important way to disseminate research findings to the academic community and to establish oneself as an expert in a particular field.
• To inform policy or practice : Researchers may write research papers to inform policy decisions or to improve practice in various fields. Research findings can be used to inform the development of policies, guidelines, and best practices that can improve outcomes for individuals and organizations.
• To share new insights or ideas: Researchers may write research papers to share new insights or ideas with the academic or professional community. They may present new theories, propose new research methods, or challenge existing paradigms in their field.

Purpose of Research Paper

The purpose of a research paper is to present the results of a study or investigation in a clear, concise, and structured manner. Research papers are written to communicate new knowledge, ideas, or findings to a specific audience, such as researchers, scholars, practitioners, or policymakers. The primary purposes of a research paper are:

• To contribute to the body of knowledge : Research papers aim to add new knowledge or insights to a particular field or discipline. They do this by reporting the results of empirical studies, reviewing and synthesizing existing literature, proposing new theories, or providing new perspectives on a topic.
• To inform or persuade: Research papers are written to inform or persuade the reader about a particular issue, topic, or phenomenon. They present evidence and arguments to support their claims and seek to persuade the reader of the validity of their findings or recommendations.
• To advance the field: Research papers seek to advance the field or discipline by identifying gaps in knowledge, proposing new research questions or approaches, or challenging existing assumptions or paradigms. They aim to contribute to ongoing debates and discussions within a field and to stimulate further research and inquiry.
• To demonstrate research skills: Research papers demonstrate the author’s research skills, including their ability to design and conduct a study, collect and analyze data, and interpret and communicate findings. They also demonstrate the author’s ability to critically evaluate existing literature, synthesize information from multiple sources, and write in a clear and structured manner.

Characteristics of Research Paper

Research papers have several characteristics that distinguish them from other forms of academic or professional writing. Here are some common characteristics of research papers:

• Evidence-based: Research papers are based on empirical evidence, which is collected through rigorous research methods such as experiments, surveys, observations, or interviews. They rely on objective data and facts to support their claims and conclusions.
• Structured and organized: Research papers have a clear and logical structure, with sections such as introduction, literature review, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. They are organized in a way that helps the reader to follow the argument and understand the findings.
• Formal and objective: Research papers are written in a formal and objective tone, with an emphasis on clarity, precision, and accuracy. They avoid subjective language or personal opinions and instead rely on objective data and analysis to support their arguments.
• Citations and references: Research papers include citations and references to acknowledge the sources of information and ideas used in the paper. They use a specific citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Peer-reviewed: Research papers are often peer-reviewed, which means they are evaluated by other experts in the field before they are published. Peer-review ensures that the research is of high quality, meets ethical standards, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
• Objective and unbiased: Research papers strive to be objective and unbiased in their presentation of the findings. They avoid personal biases or preconceptions and instead rely on the data and analysis to draw conclusions.

Advantages of Research Paper

Research papers have many advantages, both for the individual researcher and for the broader academic and professional community. Here are some advantages of research papers:

• Contribution to knowledge: Research papers contribute to the body of knowledge in a particular field or discipline. They add new information, insights, and perspectives to existing literature and help advance the understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
• Opportunity for intellectual growth: Research papers provide an opportunity for intellectual growth for the researcher. They require critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, which can help develop the researcher’s skills and knowledge.
• Career advancement: Research papers can help advance the researcher’s career by demonstrating their expertise and contributions to the field. They can also lead to new research opportunities, collaborations, and funding.
• Academic recognition: Research papers can lead to academic recognition in the form of awards, grants, or invitations to speak at conferences or events. They can also contribute to the researcher’s reputation and standing in the field.
• Impact on policy and practice: Research papers can have a significant impact on policy and practice. They can inform policy decisions, guide practice, and lead to changes in laws, regulations, or procedures.
• Advancement of society: Research papers can contribute to the advancement of society by addressing important issues, identifying solutions to problems, and promoting social justice and equality.

Limitations of Research Paper

Research papers also have some limitations that should be considered when interpreting their findings or implications. Here are some common limitations of research papers:

• Limited generalizability: Research findings may not be generalizable to other populations, settings, or contexts. Studies often use specific samples or conditions that may not reflect the broader population or real-world situations.
• Potential for bias : Research papers may be biased due to factors such as sample selection, measurement errors, or researcher biases. It is important to evaluate the quality of the research design and methods used to ensure that the findings are valid and reliable.
• Ethical concerns: Research papers may raise ethical concerns, such as the use of vulnerable populations or invasive procedures. Researchers must adhere to ethical guidelines and obtain informed consent from participants to ensure that the research is conducted in a responsible and respectful manner.
• Limitations of methodology: Research papers may be limited by the methodology used to collect and analyze data. For example, certain research methods may not capture the complexity or nuance of a particular phenomenon, or may not be appropriate for certain research questions.
• Publication bias: Research papers may be subject to publication bias, where positive or significant findings are more likely to be published than negative or non-significant findings. This can skew the overall findings of a particular area of research.
• Time and resource constraints: Research papers may be limited by time and resource constraints, which can affect the quality and scope of the research. Researchers may not have access to certain data or resources, or may be unable to conduct long-term studies due to practical limitations.

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