The Difference Between Analytical Research Papers and Argumentative Research Papers

One of the earliest and most important steps in the process of writing a research paper is determing whether it is intended to be an analytical paper or an argumentative paper.
Analytical papers do not begin with a thesis, but with a reserch question, such as asking what the purpose of something is. These papers must begin without an opinion, as they are meant to research all aspects of a topic and to form an opinion based on the research. The body of the paper should be exploring the topic with primary sources like facts and statistics and secondary sources like the opinions of experts. It is in the conclusion of analytical papers, after all of the research has been stated, that a logical conclusion that ties everything together and answers or explains the research question is drawn.
Argumentative papers do not begin with research questions but with theses. While an analytical paper explores unresolved topics, argumentative papers take a stand on an issue and attempt to defend it. Papers like this would begin with the writer's opinion on a debatable or controversial matter. The body of fthe paper will explain why the writer believes what he does, and, if the goal is attained, convince the reader that the writer's opinion is true. (1)


Here is a map of the process of writing a research paper. Everything leads into the other processes. (2)

Thesis Statement Tips
-Don't make it very complex, and try to keep it simple. The bigger the subject, the harder it will be to work with.
-Help yourself by making your statement as narrow and specific as you can get it. If your topic's broad, your paper will wonder and won't be as convincing.
-Research ideads before committing to it as a thesis statement. Assuming an idea will work as expected could be risky if it becomes complicated as you do research.
-Make sure the statement is solid, and is interesting enough to draw a reader into it.
-Revise it as many times as necessary.

How to write a research paper:
1. pick a topic
2. research and find information
3. come up with a thesis
4. make an outline
5. organize notes and facts
6. first draft
7. make corrections to first draft
8. second and final paper

Example of a tentative outline:

I. INTRODUCTION - (Brief comment leading into subject matter -
Thesis statement on Shakespeare)
II. BODY - Shakespeare's Early Life, Marriage, Works, Later Years
A. Early life in Stratford
1. Shakespeare's family
a. Shakespeare's father
b. Shakespeare's mother
2. Shakespeare's marriage
a. Life of Anne Hathaway
b. Reference in Shakespeare's Poems
B. Shakespeare's works
1. Plays
a. Tragedies
i. Hamlet
ii. Romeo and Juliet
b. Comedies
i. The Tempest
ii. Much Ado About Nothing
c. Histories
i. King John
ii. Richard III
iii. Henry VIII
2. Sonnets
3. Other poems
C. Shakespeare's Later Years
1. Last two plays
2. Retired to Stratford
a. Death
b. Burial
i. Epitaph on his tombstone
III. CONCLUSION
A. Analytical summary
1. Shakespeare's early life
2. Shakespeare's works
3. Shakespeare's later years
B. Thesis reworded
C. Concluding statement
(4)

An important thing to keep in mind when writing a research paper is the audience. Many people write their paper with the wrong audience in mind. A common misconception is that the professor alone is the audience. Another misconception is that society in general is the audience. It is important to take into consideration the actual audience, or the person who is going to be reading the paper, but it should be written based on the intended audience. (5)

Tips for writer's block and procrastination
If you're having trouble figuring out the best way to write what you mean to, try talking out loud about the topic as if you were giving a speech about it. It may give you an idea to spark the rest of your essay. If your problem is more so procrastination and daydreaming than actual writer's block, try setting a time limit for yourself in which to write the paper, or else set deadlines for yourself for when each paragraph is due. By breaking up the work, it will be less all at once and you won't be staring at a blank screen at midnight the night before it's due. (6)

Getting Started

1. Understand the assignment
2. Consider the process you'll use
3. Set deadlines for each step of the assignment
4. Think about possible topics
5. Search for information
6. Relate topic to your own experience
7. Write down questions and ideas for possible topics (7)

References
(1) http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/ResearchW/types.html
(2) http://www.csuohio.edu/writingcenter/writproc.html
(3) http://www.academictips.org/acad/atipsforwritingresearchpaper.html
(4) http://www.aresearchguide.com/1steps.html
(5) http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/ResearchW/audience.html
(6) http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/ResearchW/procrast.html
(7) http://www.ipl.org/div/aplus/step1.htm