what is a research brief paper

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How to write an effective research brief

Whether you’re launching a simple survey or planning a large-scale project the quality of your brief will hugely impact on the value you get from the research. While it can take a little time and effort creating a research brief, it will undoubtedly be time well spent – getting you better results and return on your investment and saving you valuable resources on further clarification. At best, a poor brief will be a time drain on you and your team. At worst, the findings will fail to meet your objectives, costing you time and money.

We’ve seen a lot of research briefs over the years. Some of which have been well thought through and clear, helping us prepare a detailed proposal and deliver an effective project and subsequent results. And others which have been not so good, lacking clarity or detail.

Using this experience, we’ve put together a ‘how to’ guide on writing an effective research brief, to help you ensure success on your next project.

1. Preparation is key

As with any project, before you start it’s crucial you think through what you want and need to deliver. Here are some things you should consider:

• Why are you conducting the research? What exactly are you looking to understand?
• Who are you looking to understand better? Who do you need to speak to answer your research questions?
• Who are your internal stakeholders? Have you discussed the project needs with the people in your organisation who will use the findings or who are invested in the research?
• How will the findings be used?
• When do you need the findings?
• Have you agreed a budget with either your procurement team, or the relevant person in your organisation?

2. Be clear on your objectives

This is one of the most important parts of your brief to convey to the reader what you want out of the project and ensure you get results which deliver.

Projects should have around three or four overarching aims which set out what the project ultimately wants to achieve.

These might be things like:

• Assess the impact of……
• Examine views of…..
• Evaluate the effectiveness of….

In addition to project objectives, you should also include the key questions you want the research to answer. These should support you in meeting the aims of the research.

For example, if the project aim is to assess the impact of an intervention, your research questions might include:

• Who did the intervention target?
• What did the project deliver?
• What elements were successful, and why?
• What were the main enablers and barriers?

3. Remember your audience

Research agencies or organisations who will be responding to your brief might not know anything about your business. So, make sure you include enough background information in your brief to enable them to understand your needs and deliver effectively. And avoid use of jargon or acronyms which could lead to errors or confusion.

4. Structure your research brief

Before you start to populate your brief it’s worth considering all the information and sections you need to include, to structure your thinking and ensure you don’t miss anything important.

This might include some, or all, of the following:

• Background info
• Introduction
• Aims and objectives
• Research Question(s)
• Issues / Risks
• Methodology
• Timing and Outputs
• Project Management

5. Make it thorough, yet succinct

While it’s crucial to include all the relevant information to enable bidders to respond effectively, no one wants to read reams and reams of information. To avoid the key information getting lost in the details use annexes to add supplementary information which could be useful.

6. Consider how prescriptive you want to be on the methodology

The extent to which you want to specify the methodology will depend on the project you aim to deliver. There are benefits and risks to being overly prescriptive or offering free reign. If you outline in precise detail how you want the research to be conducted, you will hamper any original ideas from those invited to tender and might limit the impact on the research. Whereas, if you’re less prescriptive, allowing room for creativity, you risk not getting the project or results you want, or receiving proposals on a scale which you can’t resource.

Generally, it is useful to allow those invited to tender some scope to develop the methodology they propose to use. Exceptions might be where previous work has to be very precisely replicated or some other very precise commitment about the nature of findings has been given to stakeholders.

7. Define your timelines

As a minimum, you need to include when you want the project to start and end. But you should also include the timetable for procurement. When planning this, don’t underestimate the time and resource needed to run a procurement exercise. Make sure your evaluators are available when you need them and have enough time blocked out in their diary.

You’ll likely also want to include milestones for when you expect outputs to be delivered, such as deadlines for a draft report (providing opportunity for review and feedback) and the final report; allowing sufficient time between the two to enable your stakeholders to consult, for you to feedback and for the contractor to revise the report.

8. Set expectations on cost

You will most likely have budgetary constraints, with a figure for what you are prepared to spend. To save you and your bidders time, and to set realistic expectations, you should include an indication within your brief. This will prevent you receiving proposals which are way out of the ballpark; enable bidders to plan a project which delivers on (or at least close to) budget; and will prevent any nasty surprises, further down the line.

By following these tips you’ll be well on your way to creating an effective research brief which delivers on time and on budget.

If you’d like more guidance download our “step-by-step” guide, which includes a template and information for what to include in each section to ensure success.

Download the guide now.

How to Write a Research Brief

• July 4, 2024

Dr. Marvin L. Smith

Research briefs are essential tools for communicating complex findings in a clear, accessible format. This article will guide you through the process of crafting effective research briefs, whether you’re an academic, student, or professional.

We’ll explore the key components of a well-structured brief, techniques for presenting data clearly, and strategies for tailoring content to your audience. By mastering these skills, you’ll enhance the impact of your research and ensure your findings reach those who can act upon them.

Ready to transform your approach to research communication? Let’s dive into the art of creating powerful research briefs!

What is a research brief?

A research brief is a concise document that outlines the key aspects of a research project or study.  

It typically includes:

• The main research question or objective
• Background information on the topic
• The proposed methodology
• Expected outcomes or deliverables
• Timeline and resources required

Research briefs serve as a quick reference for stakeholders, providing an overview of the research without delving into extensive details. They are often used to communicate research plans to clients, supervisors, or funding bodies, and to ensure alignment on the project’s scope and goals.

Related reading: How to write a research proposal

Importance of an effective research brief

An effective research brief is crucial for several reasons:

• Clear communication: It ensures all stakeholders have a shared understanding of the research project’s goals and scope.
• Focus and direction: It helps keep the research team aligned and focused on the primary objectives throughout the project.
• Resource allocation: It allows for better planning and allocation of time, budget, and personnel resources.
• Stakeholder buy-in: A well-crafted brief can help secure support and funding from decision-makers or clients.
• Efficiency: It reduces misunderstandings and the need for repeated explanations, saving time and effort.
• Quality control: It serves as a reference point to evaluate the research progress and outcomes against initial objectives.
• Adaptability: It provides a foundation for adjusting the research approach if needed, while maintaining the core objectives. 

By clearly defining the research parameters and expectations, an effective brief sets the stage for a successful and impactful research project.

Key elements of an effective research brief

An effective research brief typically includes the following key elements:

• Project title: A concise, descriptive name for the research project.
• Background: Brief context explaining why the research is necessary and any relevant prior work.
• Research objectives: Clear, specific goals the research aims to achieve.
• Research questions: The primary questions the study seeks to answer.
• Target audience: Description of who will benefit from or use the research findings.
• Methodology: An overview of the proposed research methods and data collection techniques.
• Timeline: Key milestones and deadlines for the project.
• Budget: Estimated costs and resource requirements.
• Deliverables: Expected outputs, such as reports, presentations, or datasets.
• Stakeholders: Identification of key individuals or groups involved in or affected by the research.
• Constraints and limitations: Any known restrictions or challenges that may impact the research.
• Ethical considerations: Any potential ethical issues and how they will be addressed.
• Dissemination plan: How the research findings will be shared or published.

These elements provide a comprehensive overview of the research project, ensuring all crucial aspects are considered and communicated effectively to relevant parties.

Writing an effective research brief

Writing an effective research brief requires careful consideration and clear communication. Here’s a detailed guide on how to craft a compelling research brief:

Start with a clear title and introduction:

Begin with a concise, descriptive title that captures the essence of your research project. Follow this with a brief introduction that sets the context for your research, explaining why it’s important and relevant.

Define the research objectives:

Clearly state the primary goals of your research. Use specific, measurable terms to describe what you aim to achieve. 

For example, “To identify the key factors influencing consumer adoption of electric vehicles in urban areas.”

Articulate the research questions:

Formulate precise questions that your research will answer. These should align directly with your objectives and guide the entire research process. 

For instance, “What are the main barriers preventing urban consumers from purchasing electric vehicles?”

Provide background information:

Offer a concise overview of existing knowledge on the topic. Highlight any gaps in current research that your study aims to address. This demonstrates the relevance and potential impact of your project.

Related reading: How to find research articles?

Describe the methodology:

Outline the research methods you plan to use. Explain why these methods are appropriate for addressing your research questions . Include information on data collection techniques, sample size, and analysis methods.

Specify the target audience:

Clearly identify who will benefit from or use the research findings. This could include policymakers, industry professionals, academics, or the general public. Understanding your audience helps tailor the research approach and outputs.

Detail the timeline and milestones:

Create a realistic schedule for your research project. Break it down into key phases or milestones, such as literature review , data collection, analysis, and report writing. Include specific deadlines for each stage.

Outline the budget and resources:

Provide a comprehensive breakdown of the estimated costs associated with the research. Include personnel costs, equipment, travel expenses, and any other relevant expenditures. Also, specify any additional resources required, such as access to databases or specialized software.

Define the deliverables:

Clearly state what outputs will be produced from the research. This might include a final report, executive summary, presentation, dataset, or academic paper. Be specific about the format and content of each deliverable.

Identify key stakeholders:

List all individuals or groups who have a vested interest in the research or its outcomes. This might include funders, collaborators, research subjects, or end-users of the findings.

Address ethical considerations:

Discuss any potential ethical issues that may arise during the research process. Explain how these will be managed, including plans for obtaining informed consent, protecting participant privacy, and ensuring data security.

Acknowledge limitations and constraints:

Be upfront about any known limitations or constraints that might affect the research. This could include time constraints, budget limitations, or challenges in accessing certain data or populations.

Outline the dissemination plan:

Explain how you intend to share the research findings. This might involve academic publications, presentations at conferences, policy briefs, or media engagement. Consider how to maximize the impact and reach of your research.

Use clear, concise language:

Write in a straightforward, jargon-free style that can be easily understood by all stakeholders, not just subject matter experts. Use bullet points or numbered lists where appropriate to enhance readability.

Review and refine:

After drafting your brief, review it critically. Ensure all elements are present, logically organized, and clearly explained. Consider having colleagues or stakeholders review the brief and provide feedback.

Include contact information:

Provide contact details for the lead researcher or project manager. This allows stakeholders to easily reach out with questions or clarifications.

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Best practices for creating a research briefing

Creating an effective research briefing requires careful planning and execution. Here are some best practices to ensure your briefing is clear, comprehensive, and impactful:

Know your audience:

Tailor your briefing to the specific needs and knowledge level of your audience. Consider their background, interests, and what they need to know about your research. This will help you determine the appropriate level of detail and technical language to use.

Start with a strong executive summary:

Begin your briefing with a concise overview that captures the key points of your research. This should include the main findings, implications, and recommendations. Many readers may only have time to review this section, so make it count.

Use clear, jargon-free language:

While your research may involve complex concepts, your briefing should be accessible to a broader audience. Avoid technical jargon where possible, and when it’s necessary, provide clear explanations or a glossary of terms.

Organize information logically:

Structure your briefing in a way that guides the reader through your research process and findings. Use headings and subheadings to break up the text and make it easier to navigate. Consider using a problem-solution format if appropriate.

Incorporate visual elements:

Use charts, graphs, infographics, or other visual aids to illustrate key points and data. Visual elements can make complex information more digestible and memorable. Ensure all visuals are clearly labeled and explained in the text.

Focus on key findings and implications:

While it’s tempting to include all your research details, a briefing should prioritize the most important findings and their implications. Highlight how your research contributes to the field or addresses specific problems.

Provide context:

Briefly explain the background and significance of your researc h. This helps readers understand why your work matters and how it fits into the broader landscape of knowledge in your field.

Be objective and balanced:

Present your findings objectively, acknowledging any limitations or areas of uncertainty. If there are conflicting viewpoints or data, present them fairly. This builds credibility and trust in your research.

Include actionable recommendations:

If appropriate, provide clear, practical recommendations based on your findings. These should be specific and feasible, giving readers a clear path forward.

Use consistent formatting:

Maintain a consistent style throughout your briefing. This includes font choices, heading styles, and citation formats. A polished, professional appearance enhances the credibility of your work.

Keep it concise:

A research briefing should be succinct. Aim for a length that can be read in 15-30 minutes. If more detail is needed, consider creating an appendix or linking to a full report.

Proofread and edit carefully:

Errors in grammar, spelling, or data can undermine your credibility. Take the time to thoroughly proofread your briefing, and consider having a colleague review it as well.

Provide a way for readers to reach out with questions or for more information. This could be an email address, phone number, or link to a project website.

Consider the format:

Think about how your briefing will be distributed and read. If it’s likely to be read on screens, ensure it’s formatted appropriately for digital viewing. If it will be printed, consider layout and readability on paper.

End with a strong conclusion:

Summarize the key takeaways and reiterate the importance of your research. Leave your audience with a clear understanding of what they should remember and what actions they might take.

Seek feedback:

Before finalizing your briefing, get input from colleagues or representatives of your target audience. Their perspectives can help you refine your message and ensure it resonates with readers. 

Examples of effective research briefs

These examples will illustrate how the key elements and best practices we’ve discussed can be applied in real-world scenarios.

Example 1: Public Health Research Brief

Title: “Impact of Social Media Interventions on Vaccine Hesitancy Among Young Adults”

Background:

Vaccine hesitancy remains a significant public health challenge, particularly among young adults. With the increasing influence of social media on health-related decisions, there’s a need to understand how social media interventions can address vaccine hesitancy.

Objectives:

• To assess the effectiveness of different social media intervention strategies in reducing vaccine hesitancy among 18-30 year-olds.
• To identify the most influential factors in social media content that positively impact vaccine attitudes.

Methodology:

A mixed-methods approach combining:

• Quantitative analysis of engagement metrics from social media campaigns
• Pre- and post-intervention surveys measuring vaccine attitudes
• Qualitative interviews with a subset of participants

Timeline: 12 months (July 2024 – June 2025)

Deliverables:

1. Comprehensive report detailing findings and recommendations

2. Executive summary for policymakers

3. Infographic for public dissemination

This brief effectively outlines a clear research question, methodology, and expected outcomes in a concise format suitable for public health stakeholders.

Example 2: Environmental Science Research Brief

Title: “Urban Green Spaces and Air Quality: A Multi-City Analysis”

Research Questions:

• How do urban green spaces impact local air quality in major metropolitan areas?
• What is the optimal distribution and type of green spaces for maximizing air quality improvements?

Target Audience: City planners, environmental policymakers, urban developers 

• Satellite imagery analysis to map green spaces in 10 major cities
• Air quality data collection using fixed and mobile sensors
• Statistical modeling to correlate green space characteristics with air quality metrics

Budget: $500,000 (including equipment, personnel, and data analysis costs)

Ethical Considerations:

• Ensuring data privacy when collecting localized air quality information
• Addressing potential socioeconomic disparities in green space distribution

This brief provides a clear overview of an environmental research project, highlighting its relevance to urban planning and policy-making.

Example 3: Education Research Brief

Title: “Effectiveness of Gamification in Online Learning Environments for Secondary School Students”

The shift towards online learning has accelerated, but student engagement remains a challenge. Gamification has shown promise in increasing engagement in various contexts, but its effectiveness in online secondary education is not well understood.

• Evaluate the impact of gamification elements on student engagement and learning outcomes in online courses
• Identify which gamification strategies are most effective for different subject areas and student demographics
• Randomized controlled trial involving 1000 students across 20 schools
• Implementation of gamified and non-gamified versions of the same online courses
• Data collection through learning management system analytics, surveys, and focus groups
• Preparation and ethics approval: 2 months
• Implementation and data collection: 6 months
• Data analysis and report writing: 4 months
• Comprehensive research report
• Best practice guide for educators
• Academic journal article
• Presentation for educational technology conference

This brief outlines a structured approach to investigating a timely educational issue, with clear objectives and a well-defined methodology.

Tools and templates for creating research briefs

Creating effective research briefs can be significantly streamlined with the right tools and templates. These resources help ensure consistency, completeness, and clarity in your research communication. Here’s an overview of some useful tools and templates for creating research briefs:

 1. Word Processing Templates:

Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer customizable templates that can serve as excellent starting points for research briefs:

a) Microsoft Word:

• Navigate to the “New” document section
• Search for “Research proposal” or “Executive summary”
• Choose a template that fits your needs and customize it 

b) Google Docs:

• Go to the template gallery
• Look for “Research report” or “Project proposal” templates
• Modify the chosen template to suit your research brief requirements

These templates often include pre-formatted sections for key elements like objectives, methodology, and timeline. 

2. Specialized Research Management Software:

Several software platforms are designed specifically for managing research projects and creating associated documents:

a) Mendeley:

• Offers a “Projects” feature for organizing research
• Includes templates for various research documents, including briefs

 b) Paperpile:

• Provides a collaborative platform for research writing
• Offers customizable templates for different types of research documents

3. Online Design Tools:

For creating visually appealing research briefs, consider using online design tools:

 a) Canva:

• Offers numerous professional templates for research reports and briefs
• Allows easy customization with drag-and-drop features
• Provides a rich library of icons, charts, and images

 b) Venngage:

• Specializes in infographic and report creation
• Offers templates specifically designed for research communication

4. Project Management Tools:

While not specifically designed for research briefs, these tools can help in organizing and presenting research information:

• Can be used to create a visual outline of your research brief
• Allows for easy collaboration and task management
• Offers templates for project briefs that can be adapted for research
• Provides timeline and task management features

5.  Research Assistant

Blainy offers a suite of features tailored for creating impactful research briefs:

• AI Essay Writer: Helps draft initial content for your brief
• Essay Expander: Elaborates on key points to provide depth
• Sentence & Paragraph Expansion: Enhances clarity and detail
• AI Essay Outline Generation: Structure your brief effectively
• AI Summarizer: Condenses complex information
• Paragraph Generator: Creates cohesive sections
• Paraphrasing Tool: Ensures originality and clarity

By leveraging Blainy’s capabilities, you can streamline the creation of research briefs, ensuring your findings are presented clearly and persuasively. 

Creating effective research briefs is a crucial skill for communicating complex findings to diverse audiences. By following best practices, utilizing appropriate tools and templates, and drawing inspiration from successful examples, researchers can significantly enhance the impact and accessibility of their work. 

Tailoring briefs to the audience’s needs, focusing on clarity and visual appeal, and leveraging available resources streamlines the creation process.

A well-crafted research brief serves as a bridge between in-depth academic work and practical application, ensuring that valuable insights reach those who can act upon them. By mastering this skill, researchers can maximize the real-world impact of their studies and contribute more effectively to their fields.

Frequently asked questions

What is in a research brief.

A research brief typically includes:

• An introduction or background of the research topic
• Clear objectives or research questions
• A concise summary of the methodology used
• Key findings or results
• Implications or recommendations based on the findings
• A timeline or schedule for the research project
• Budget information (if applicable)
• Contact information for the lead researcher or team

The brief may also include visual elements such as charts, graphs, or infographics to illustrate key points.

How do you write a research report brief?

To write an effective research report brief:

• Start with a clear, concise title that reflects the main focus of the research
• Provide a brief background or context for the research
• State the objectives or research questions clearly
• Summarize the methodology used, keeping technical details to a minimum
• Present the key findings or results, focusing on the most significant outcomes
• Discuss the implications of the findings and any recommendations
• Use clear, jargon-free language accessible to your target audience
• Incorporate visual elements to enhance understanding
• Include a brief conclusion that ties back to the objectives
• Proofread and edited for clarity and conciseness

How long is a research brief?

The length of a research brief can vary depending on the complexity of the research and the needs of the audience. 

However, as a general guideline:

1. Short briefs: 1-2 pages (500-1000 words)

These are typically used for quick overviews or executive summaries.

2. Standard briefs: 3-5 pages (1500-2500 words)

This length allows for more detail while still maintaining brevity.

 3. Detailed briefs: 5-10 pages (2500-5000 words)

For complex research projects or when more in-depth information is required.

The key is to keep the brief as concise as possible while still conveying all necessary information. Remember, the purpose of a brief is to provide a quick, accessible overview of the research, so brevity is crucial. If more detailed information is needed, it’s often better to create a separate, more comprehensive report and use the brief as an introduction or summary.

About the Author:

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Research Brief Format: Essential Guide for Clear & Concise Reports

• Author Survey Point Team
• Published February 28, 2024

Research brief format are invaluable tools for distilling complex research findings into an easily digestible format for busy stakeholders. A well-structured research brief gets the most important information in front of decision-makers, policymakers, and other non-technical audiences.  This guide breaks down the essential elements that make a research brief impactful and easy to understand.

Delving into the world of research briefs requires finesse and a deep understanding of the essentials. In this guide, we unravel the intricacies of the [Research Brief Format: Essential Guide for Clear & Concise Reports]. From the foundation to advanced strategies, we’ve got you covered. Let’s embark on this journey to elevate your reporting skills.

Table of Contents

Research Brief Basics

Definition and Purpose: A research brief is a short, targeted summary of a research study or project.  Its primary purposes are to:

• Inform decision-makers who might not have time for in-depth reports.
• Influence policy by highlighting key research outcomes.
• Shape public opinion or action regarding a specific issue.

Target Audience: Research briefs are written for a non-specialist audience. This generally includes policymakers, stakeholders, or the general public without the technical background to decipher full research reports.

Key Differences from a Research Report:

Length: Research briefs are concise (often 2-4 pages), while reports are much longer.

Focus: Briefs highlight key conclusions and recommendations, while reports present detailed methodology, data, and in-depth analysis

Essential Elements of a Research Brief Format

Title: Concisely and accurately reflects the research focus.

Executive Summary: A few sentences or a short paragraph outlining the absolute essentials: problem, key findings, and main recommendations.

Background/Problem Statement: Briefly explain the issue the research addressed and why it matters.

Research Questions: State the specific questions your research sought to answer.

Methodology: A high-level summary of your research methods (e.g., surveys, experiments, etc.). Avoid excessive technical detail.

Key Findings: Present main findings as clear bullet points or short statements.

Recommendations: Offer actionable recommendations based directly on your findings.

Limitations: Briefly acknowledge factors that might limit the generalizability of your findings.

Visual Aids (Optional): A simple graph or chart can powerfully illustrate the most important finding.

Tips for Writing Clear & Concise Research Brief Format

Plain Language: Ditch the jargon and complex terminology!

Focused: Include only the most essential information for your target audience.

Action-oriented: Clearly emphasize the implications of your findings and provide practical recommendations. What is the ideal length for a research brief? A research brief’s length depends on the complexity of the topic. However, aiming for a concise document of 2-3 pages is often effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

How crucial are LSI keywords in a research brief? LSI keywords enhance the visibility and relevance of your research brief, making it a vital element for a successful report.

Can visual aids replace detailed explanations? While visual aids are impactful, they should complement, not replace, detailed explanations. Balance is key for an effective research brief.

Is there a specific structure to follow in a research brief? Yes, a well-structured research brief typically includes an introduction, methodology, findings, and conclusion. Adhering to this format ensures clarity.

How can I scope my research effectively? Define the scope by clearly stating the objectives, limitations, and expected outcomes of your research. This provides a clear roadmap for your study.

Should I include recommendations in my research brief? Yes, offering actionable recommendations adds value to your research brief, demonstrating its practical implications.

A well-formatted research brief is a powerful communication tool .  It can shape how your research is understood and applied by those in positions to make a difference. Use this guide to create briefs that are both informative and persuasive.

Survey Point Team

How To Write A Research Paper

Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples + FREE Template

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | March 2024

For many students, crafting a strong research paper from scratch can feel like a daunting task – and rightly so! In this post, we’ll unpack what a research paper is, what it needs to do , and how to write one – in three easy steps. 🙂 

Overview: Writing A Research Paper

What (exactly) is a research paper.

• How to write a research paper
• Stage 1 : Topic & literature search
• Stage 2 : Structure & outline
• Stage 3 : Iterative writing
• Key takeaways

Let’s start by asking the most important question, “ What is a research paper? ”.

Simply put, a research paper is a scholarly written work where the writer (that’s you!) answers a specific question (this is called a research question ) through evidence-based arguments . Evidence-based is the keyword here. In other words, a research paper is different from an essay or other writing assignments that draw from the writer’s personal opinions or experiences. With a research paper, it’s all about building your arguments based on evidence (we’ll talk more about that evidence a little later).

Now, it’s worth noting that there are many different types of research papers , including analytical papers (the type I just described), argumentative papers, and interpretative papers. Here, we’ll focus on analytical papers , as these are some of the most common – but if you’re keen to learn about other types of research papers, be sure to check out the rest of the blog .

With that basic foundation laid, let’s get down to business and look at how to write a research paper .

Overview: The 3-Stage Process

While there are, of course, many potential approaches you can take to write a research paper, there are typically three stages to the writing process. So, in this tutorial, we’ll present a straightforward three-step process that we use when working with students at Grad Coach.

These three steps are:

• Finding a research topic and reviewing the existing literature
• Developing a provisional structure and outline for your paper, and
• Writing up your initial draft and then refining it iteratively

Let’s dig into each of these.

Need a helping hand?

Step 1: Find a topic and review the literature

As we mentioned earlier, in a research paper, you, as the researcher, will try to answer a question . More specifically, that’s called a research question , and it sets the direction of your entire paper. What’s important to understand though is that you’ll need to answer that research question with the help of high-quality sources – for example, journal articles, government reports, case studies, and so on. We’ll circle back to this in a minute.

The first stage of the research process is deciding on what your research question will be and then reviewing the existing literature (in other words, past studies and papers) to see what they say about that specific research question. In some cases, your professor may provide you with a predetermined research question (or set of questions). However, in many cases, you’ll need to find your own research question within a certain topic area.

Finding a strong research question hinges on identifying a meaningful research gap – in other words, an area that’s lacking in existing research. There’s a lot to unpack here, so if you wanna learn more, check out the plain-language explainer video below.

Once you’ve figured out which question (or questions) you’ll attempt to answer in your research paper, you’ll need to do a deep dive into the existing literature – this is called a “ literature search ”. Again, there are many ways to go about this, but your most likely starting point will be Google Scholar .

If you’re new to Google Scholar, think of it as Google for the academic world. You can start by simply entering a few different keywords that are relevant to your research question and it will then present a host of articles for you to review. What you want to pay close attention to here is the number of citations for each paper – the more citations a paper has, the more credible it is (generally speaking – there are some exceptions, of course).

Ideally, what you’re looking for are well-cited papers that are highly relevant to your topic. That said, keep in mind that citations are a cumulative metric , so older papers will often have more citations than newer papers – just because they’ve been around for longer. So, don’t fixate on this metric in isolation – relevance and recency are also very important.

Beyond Google Scholar, you’ll also definitely want to check out academic databases and aggregators such as Science Direct, PubMed, JStor and so on. These will often overlap with the results that you find in Google Scholar, but they can also reveal some hidden gems – so, be sure to check them out.

Once you’ve worked your way through all the literature, you’ll want to catalogue all this information in some sort of spreadsheet so that you can easily recall who said what, when and within what context. If you’d like, we’ve got a free literature spreadsheet that helps you do exactly that.

Step 2: Develop a structure and outline

With your research question pinned down and your literature digested and catalogued, it’s time to move on to planning your actual research paper .

It might sound obvious, but it’s really important to have some sort of rough outline in place before you start writing your paper. So often, we see students eagerly rushing into the writing phase, only to land up with a disjointed research paper that rambles on in multiple

Now, the secret here is to not get caught up in the fine details . Realistically, all you need at this stage is a bullet-point list that describes (in broad strokes) what you’ll discuss and in what order. It’s also useful to remember that you’re not glued to this outline – in all likelihood, you’ll chop and change some sections once you start writing, and that’s perfectly okay. What’s important is that you have some sort of roadmap in place from the start.

At this stage you might be wondering, “ But how should I structure my research paper? ”. Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution here, but in general, a research paper will consist of a few relatively standardised components:

• Introduction
• Literature review
• Methodology

Let’s take a look at each of these.

First up is the introduction section . As the name suggests, the purpose of the introduction is to set the scene for your research paper. There are usually (at least) four ingredients that go into this section – these are the background to the topic, the research problem and resultant research question , and the justification or rationale. If you’re interested, the video below unpacks the introduction section in more detail. 

The next section of your research paper will typically be your literature review . Remember all that literature you worked through earlier? Well, this is where you’ll present your interpretation of all that content . You’ll do this by writing about recent trends, developments, and arguments within the literature – but more specifically, those that are relevant to your research question . The literature review can oftentimes seem a little daunting, even to seasoned researchers, so be sure to check out our extensive collection of literature review content here .

With the introduction and lit review out of the way, the next section of your paper is the research methodology . In a nutshell, the methodology section should describe to your reader what you did (beyond just reviewing the existing literature) to answer your research question. For example, what data did you collect, how did you collect that data, how did you analyse that data and so on? For each choice, you’ll also need to justify why you chose to do it that way, and what the strengths and weaknesses of your approach were.

Now, it’s worth mentioning that for some research papers, this aspect of the project may be a lot simpler . For example, you may only need to draw on secondary sources (in other words, existing data sets). In some cases, you may just be asked to draw your conclusions from the literature search itself (in other words, there may be no data analysis at all). But, if you are required to collect and analyse data, you’ll need to pay a lot of attention to the methodology section. The video below provides an example of what the methodology section might look like.

By this stage of your paper, you will have explained what your research question is, what the existing literature has to say about that question, and how you analysed additional data to try to answer your question. So, the natural next step is to present your analysis of that data . This section is usually called the “results” or “analysis” section and this is where you’ll showcase your findings.

Depending on your school’s requirements, you may need to present and interpret the data in one section – or you might split the presentation and the interpretation into two sections. In the latter case, your “results” section will just describe the data, and the “discussion” is where you’ll interpret that data and explicitly link your analysis back to your research question. If you’re not sure which approach to take, check in with your professor or take a look at past papers to see what the norms are for your programme.

Alright – once you’ve presented and discussed your results, it’s time to wrap it up . This usually takes the form of the “ conclusion ” section. In the conclusion, you’ll need to highlight the key takeaways from your study and close the loop by explicitly answering your research question. Again, the exact requirements here will vary depending on your programme (and you may not even need a conclusion section at all) – so be sure to check with your professor if you’re unsure.

Step 3: Write and refine

Finally, it’s time to get writing. All too often though, students hit a brick wall right about here… So, how do you avoid this happening to you?

Well, there’s a lot to be said when it comes to writing a research paper (or any sort of academic piece), but we’ll share three practical tips to help you get started.

First and foremost , it’s essential to approach your writing as an iterative process. In other words, you need to start with a really messy first draft and then polish it over multiple rounds of editing. Don’t waste your time trying to write a perfect research paper in one go. Instead, take the pressure off yourself by adopting an iterative approach.

Secondly , it’s important to always lean towards critical writing , rather than descriptive writing. What does this mean? Well, at the simplest level, descriptive writing focuses on the “ what ”, while critical writing digs into the “ so what ” – in other words, the implications . If you’re not familiar with these two types of writing, don’t worry! You can find a plain-language explanation here.

Last but not least, you’ll need to get your referencing right. Specifically, you’ll need to provide credible, correctly formatted citations for the statements you make. We see students making referencing mistakes all the time and it costs them dearly. The good news is that you can easily avoid this by using a simple reference manager . If you don’t have one, check out our video about Mendeley, an easy (and free) reference management tool that you can start using today.

Recap: Key Takeaways

We’ve covered a lot of ground here. To recap, the three steps to writing a high-quality research paper are:

• To choose a research question and review the literature
• To plan your paper structure and draft an outline
• To take an iterative approach to writing, focusing on critical writing and strong referencing

Remember, this is just a b ig-picture overview of the research paper development process and there’s a lot more nuance to unpack. So, be sure to grab a copy of our free research paper template to learn more about how to write a research paper.

Can you help me with a full paper template for this Abstract:

Background: Energy and sports drinks have gained popularity among diverse demographic groups, including adolescents, athletes, workers, and college students. While often used interchangeably, these beverages serve distinct purposes, with energy drinks aiming to boost energy and cognitive performance, and sports drinks designed to prevent dehydration and replenish electrolytes and carbohydrates lost during physical exertion.

Objective: To assess the nutritional quality of energy and sports drinks in Egypt.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study assessed the nutrient contents, including energy, sugar, electrolytes, vitamins, and caffeine, of sports and energy drinks available in major supermarkets in Cairo, Alexandria, and Giza, Egypt. Data collection involved photographing all relevant product labels and recording nutritional information. Descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests were employed to analyze and compare the nutritional values of energy and sports drinks.

Results: The study analyzed 38 sports drinks and 42 energy drinks. Sports drinks were significantly more expensive than energy drinks, with higher net content and elevated magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C. Energy drinks contained higher concentrations of caffeine, sugars, and vitamins B2, B3, and B6.

Conclusion: Significant nutritional differences exist between sports and energy drinks, reflecting their intended uses. However, these beverages’ high sugar content and calorie loads raise health concerns. Proper labeling, public awareness, and responsible marketing are essential to guide safe consumption practices in Egypt.

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