7 Real Research Paper Examples to Get You Started

Writing a research paper can seem like an intimidating task for most college students, especially if this is your very first time. But don’t worry – there are plenty of good examples out there that can provide some much-needed guidance!

To give you a headstart on writing your own research paper, we’ve provided seven examples here for you to look at. This is probably the quickest way to get a good idea of what a research paper looks like.

With insightful topic ideas and well-written outlines as your source materials, you will be able to create an informative essay of the highest quality in no time.

What is a research paper?

A research paper is an academic essay in which you present your own interpretation and argument based on analysis and in-depth research.

The research paper is generally more detailed and longer than a normal assignment or an essay and requires you to have a good knowledge of the topic you are writing about. As you need to provide a piece of detailed information about the topic you are writing so you have to do in-depth research and try to get all the information possible about the topic.

Different format of a research paper

There are three different formats to use when it comes to writing a research paper:

• APA
• MLA
• Chicago

As every university has its own guidelines and format for writing research papers, you need to check your department or the faculty for the formatting and structure of your paper.

What is the structure of a research paper?

In general, there are ten main parts to a research paper:

1. Cover page
2. Acknowledgments (optional)
3. Table of contents
4. Thesis statement
5. Literature review
6. Research methodology
7. Data analysis
8. Results
9. Conclusion
10. Reference page

How to write a research paper with 5 simple steps:

Before you start, let’s make it super simple and break down the writing process into five simple steps you can follow:

1. Choosing a research topic.
2. Gathering research.
3. Form a hypothesis or research question.
4. Outlining.
5. Write and edit.

Here are some samples of research papers that are written on different topics:

Research Paper Example 1: Master’s Degree in Engineering

Research Paper Overview

This research paper helps to check the behavior of expanded metal plates compared to the conventional perforated plates in a pulse column extractor on the benzene water system. This research concludes that whether the strips are single or dual, they will never act as a bundle of stripes, especially when pulsed. Therefore, one should test the conventional plates in actual pulse column conditions.

Research Title: COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF EXPANDED-METAL PLATES IN A PULSE COLUMN EXTRACTOR
Paper Type: Research Paper
Major: Engineering Research
Writer/Author: J.C. Park
Year: 1956
University: North Carolina State University
Degree: Masters
Research Paper Link: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc872383/m2/1/high_res_d/4170500.pdf

Research Paper Example 2: Master’s Degree in Atomic Energy

Research Paper Overview

This research paper makes a theory that helps predict the radioactivity of cooling fluids in nuclear reactors. With the help of this research paper, one can measure the radioactivity of atomic reactors. This research involves an equation that helps to evaluate nuclear reactors’ radioactivity with minimum error.

Research Title: RADIOACTIVITY OF NUCLEAR REACTOR COOLING FLUIDS
Paper Type: Research Paper
Major: Atomic Energy
Writer/Author: J. C. Ward
Year: 1961
University: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Degree: Masters
Research Paper Link: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1059443/m2/1/high_res_d/4839433.pdf

Research Paper Example 3: Master’s Degree in Engineering

Research Paper Overview

Students performed the investigation for this research paper in Australia. Students initiated the research based on questions like what kind of nutrients the CS and brine water possess. The role of microbes in the nutrients of this water. This research paper is about the growth of microorganisms in CS water. This research states that water temperature under 25 degrees celsius is best to reduce the growth of microorganisms. Its investigations help remove initial microorganisms from CS and brine water in specific conditions.

Research Title: Assessment of microorganisms found in coal seam water holding ponds and in brine
Paper Type: Research Paper
Major: Engineering
Writer/Author: Gretchen Bos
Year: 2021
University: Queensland University of Technology
Degree: Masters
Research Paper Link: https://eprints.qut.edu.au/210585/1/Gretchen_Bos_Thesis.pdf

Research Paper Example 4: Master’s Degree in Health Science

Research Paper Overview

Research Title: The effects of outdoor learning environments on engagement levels of primary school children
Paper Type: Research Paper
Major: Health Science
Writer/Author: Jon Gemmell
Year: 2021
University: Queensland University of Technology
Degree: Masters
Research Paper Link: https://eprints.qut.edu.au/226152/1/Jon_Gemmell_Thesis.pdf

Research Paper Example 5: Master’s Degree in Physics and Mathematics

Research Paper Overview

 Students did this research to find out the measurement of flux distribution. That’s why they experimented with the flux distribution for different lattices. The lattices include the metal of uranium in a single tube. In contrast, other lattices contain the form of a double line. The flux distribution slowed down in the plastic tube for a uniform distribution. Students detected this distribution from the resonant detector with minimum error possibility.

Research Title: Neutron Flux Distributions in Natural Uranium Tubes
Paper Type: Research Paper
Major: Physics and Mathematics
Writer/Author: Thomas B. Ponder
Year: 1960
University: Savannah River Laboratory
Degree: Masters
Research Paper Link: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc867780/m2/1/high_res_d/4143804.pdf

Research Paper Example 6: Master’s Degree in Atomic Power

Research Overview

Students made this research paper to evaluate the method of energy released in the nuclear reactor. The melted core of the reactor also increases the reactivity at a constant rate. The structure of this research paper is different from others. You will find the addition of a preface at the start of this research paper.

Research Title: Methods for Determining the Energy Release in Hypothetical Reactor Meltdown Accidents
Paper Type: Research Paper
Major: Atomic Power
Writer/Author: Richard B. Nicholson
Year: 1962
University: University of Michigan
Degree: Masters
Research Paper Link: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc38363/m2/1/high_res_d/metadc38363.pdf

Research Overview

These are some examples of research papers that are written for Masters and Ph.D. degrees by students at different universities. You can check all the research papers and get some ideas about the format and structure of the research paper.

Research Paper Example 7: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Research Paper Overview

The experiment works for this research were performed at The Argonne National Laboratory. This research paper discusses the densities of boiling mixtures that depend on many variables. Here, intel temperature is a part of it. The researchers conducted boiling density experiments in channels of different heights like two and four feet. Students did this research to check the evaporation mechanism in tracks of various sizes.

Research Title: Boiling Density in Vertical Rectangular Multichannel Sections With Natural Circulation
Paper Type: Research Paper
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Writer/Author: William Howard Cook
Year: 1956
University: University of Chicago
Degree: Ph.D
Research Paper Link: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1023056/m2/1/high_res_d/4360035.pdf

Wrapping Up

The examples mentioned above will help you understand how to structure your research paper. These examples will help you know the research paper’s citing and formatting style in a better way. Morely, evaluating these research paper examples will encompass your mind about different ways of writing research papers.

FAQs

What are the different types of research paper formats?

In general, there are three main formatting for a research paper, namely APA format, MLA format, and Chicago format. These formatting guidelines govern elements in your paper like font choices, page layout, headings, and the format of the reference page.

What is a literature review section in a paper?

The literature review section takes scholarly articles or books out of the background section for a more focused investigation.

This research includes how outdoor education increases the engagement level of primary school students. The results of this research show that in outdoor learning, the methodology of teaching academics also plays an essential role in the students’ better and more engaging understanding. Outdoor education increases students’ exposure, and it’s good for their health and well-being.