A scholarly paper, also known as a research paper, is a document that presents the results of original research or review of existing literature. It is typically written by academics or researchers and is intended for publication in a peer-reviewed journal or conference proceedings. A scholarly paper is characterized by its rigor and attention to detail, as well as its adherence to the standards and conventions of the academic discipline in which it is written.
There are many different types of scholarly papers, including empirical studies, literature reviews, theoretical papers, and case studies. Each type of paper has its own set of conventions and expectations, and it is important for authors to familiarize themselves with these before beginning their research and writing.
One example of a scholarly paper is an empirical study, which is a research paper that presents the results of a systematic investigation of a specific research question. Empirical studies may be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods in nature, and they typically involve collecting and analyzing data from a sample of participants or cases. Empirical studies are characterized by their use of rigorous research methods, including the development of clear research hypotheses, the selection of appropriate sampling and data collection techniques, and the use of statistical analysis to test the hypotheses.
A literature review is another type of scholarly paper that presents a summary and evaluation of the existing research on a particular topic. Literature reviews are often used to provide context for a new research project or to identify gaps in the existing research that need to be addressed. Literature reviews typically involve a comprehensive search of the literature, the selection of relevant studies, and the synthesis of the findings into a coherent narrative.
Theoretical papers are another type of scholarly paper that focus on the development and testing of new theories or the application of existing theories to new contexts. These papers may involve the synthesis of existing research, the development of new models or frameworks, or the application of theoretical concepts to a specific problem or phenomenon.
Finally, case studies are a type of scholarly paper that present in-depth analyses of specific cases or phenomena. Case studies may be qualitative or quantitative in nature, and they often involve the collection of rich, detailed data through multiple methods, including interviews, observations, and document analysis.
In conclusion, a scholarly paper is a document that presents the results of original research or a review of existing literature, and it is characterized by its rigor and attention to detail. There are many different types of scholarly papers, including empirical studies, literature reviews, theoretical papers, and case studies, each of which has its own set of conventions and expectations.