The fact that writing a research paper is a tedious and arduous task is undeniable and often one goes weak on his/her knees just by the idea of writing a research paper. To add to this, what if the University demands a review paper and one doesn’t have any clue about review paper and how to pen-down this paper?
Yes, though this sounds strange, but many research scholars out there are unaware about the basics & structure of the review paper and how is it different from research paper. To help such research scholars, we have included all the necessary details that can help them differentiate between research paper and review paper.
To start with,
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A research paper, sometimes referred to primary sources depicts the writer’s original research work. It explains the research methodology and clarifies the significant results of the study. On the other hand, review papers also known as secondary sources does not describe the writer's original research. Instead, it just gives an overview of the specific topic/subject by evaluating earlier studies on the same topic/subject.
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A research paper includes technical and empirical paper whereas review paper includes narrative, systematic review and meta-analysis.
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A research paper consists of:
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Abstract: Provides a description of the research problem under investigation, includes the participants, describes the research methods and summarizes key findings.
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Introduction: Describes the purpose of choosing the specific research problem.
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Methodology : Explains the methods, tools/software used for the purpose of investigation.
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Results: Explains the outcomes of the study.
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Discussion: Summarizes and discusses the implications of the results.
A review paper consists of:
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Introduction: Summarizes the research problem under investigation and participants included in the research.
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Literature review: Identifies the major findings of the previous studies, research gap and implications of the results of the previous research.
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Conclusion: Presents the significant conclusions, strengths & limitations of the study and future scope of the study.
Tip: Although you know the major difference between the purpose of both the papers and their structure, differentiating between the two papers can be quite a difficult task. To determine if the previous report in your field of study you have obtained is a research paper, you must evaluate its wording. I.e. check for words like “I measured,” “we tested,” or “we investigated.” Also, look for statements such as “the results indicate” or “the study found.”
Sections in a research paper as well as review paper should be written in an aptly and flawlessly, else it will be rejected by your University in no time. If you have already written the paper but need some help in polishing it, click here to take help from editors offering academic editing services in Sydney.