Hess and Reyes states that"a research paper is not simply a summary of a topic"how do you think it is different than a summary?

A research paper goes beyond summarizing a topic by presenting an in-depth analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of the information gathered. It involves synthesizing existing knowledge, presenting new insights or arguments, and drawing conclusions based on the research findings. A summary, on the other hand, typically provides a brief overview of the main points or key findings of a topic without delving into deeper analysis or critical evaluation. In essence, a research paper requires a more comprehensive and rigorous approach to exploring a topic compared to a simple summary.

Differences Between a Research Paper and a Summary

According to Hess and Reyes, a research paper is not merely a summary of a topic. It differs significantly in several aspects:

- Purpose:
- A summary aims to provide a condensed overview of existing knowledge on a specific topic.
- A research paper, on the other hand, seeks to contribute original findings to the existing body of knowledge.

- Structure:
- A summary typically follows a linear structure, presenting key points and supporting evidence concisely.
- A research paper employs a more complex structure, including an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion sections.

- Scope:
- A summary covers a narrow topic, providing a superficial understanding.
- A research paper investigates a specific problem or question in depth, exploring multiple perspectives and providing detailed analysis.

- Originality:
- A summary summarizes existing research, without presenting new findings.
- A research paper reports original data, insights, or interpretations that have not been previously published.

- Methodology:
- A summary does not require the use of specific research methods.
- A research paper relies on systematic data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques to support the findings.

- Audience:
- A summary is typically written for a general audience or students seeking a basic understanding of a topic.
- A research paper is written for a specialized audience, such as researchers, scholars, or professionals in the field.

In summary, a research paper is an original contribution to knowledge that goes beyond simply summarizing existing information. It involves a systematic investigation, presents new findings, and adheres to rigorous academic standards.