In a research paper, you investigate a topic (often one that's been approved by an instructor or publisher) through consulting various sources, interpreting what the sources relate, developing ideas or conclusions, and citing the sources in your paper. A research paper might be one of the longest and (dare I say it?) most work-intensive pieces you'll ever have to write.

Research papers fall into two categories: analytical papers, which provide evidence that investigates and evaluates issues, or argumentative papers, which provide evidence to support your point of view and convince readers that you're right. Research papers can be written in many formats, and entire books are available to detail various styles. Before you jump into your topic, be sure you know whether you're supposed to use a specific documentation style. The two most popular are the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, detailed in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, and the American Psychological Association (APA) style, detailed in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Other books that you may be directed to use include:

• The American Medical Association Manual of Style: A Guide for Authors and Editors, by C. L. Iverson, A. Flanagin, P. B. Fontanarosa, et al. (Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1998).

• The Chicago Manual of Style: The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers, University of Chicago Press Staff, editor. (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2003).

• Effective Writing: Improving Scientific, Technical, and Business Communication, by Christopher Turk and John Kirkman. (New York, NY:E.& F.N. Spon, 1989).

• Form and Style: Research Papers, Reports, Theses, by Carole Slade. (Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2003).

• Good Style: Writing for Science and Technology, by John Kirkman.(New York, NY: Routledge, 2006).

• A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, by Kate L. Turabian. (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 1966).

• Scientific Style and Format: The CBE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers, by Edward J. Huth. (New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 1994).

Often, there's more to a research paper than meets the eye. Be sure you're aware of timelines about material you must turn in before your actual paper is due. Some instructors give grades on different phases of writing a research paper, such as:

• identification of your topic

• a preliminary proposal of your paper

• your notes (sometimes required to be on cards of a specific size)

• an outline of your paper

• various drafts of your paper

• identification of bibliographic information and footnote style