Email: omalley@msoe.edu
Phone:414-277-7115
Office: Walter Schroeder Library L201
If you're an instructor looking to set up a library searching session or specialized class please let me know. I'd be happy to work with you!
What is the difference between a research paper and an essay (or other type of paper)? This is a great question and one that can mean the difference between getting a good grade or failing an assignment. Chances are you will write at least one research or scientific paper during your tenure at MSOE. So let's talk about what makes for good research writing and what doesn't.
| Research | Essay | |
| Focus | Is an in-depth dive into a topic using sources to back up and illustrate points. This can also include conducting your own research and gathering data in conjunction with a hypothesis. | Can be a personal argument or perspective. Can be an observational description of events. |
| Research | Requires extensive information gathering, critical thinking, and evidence synthesis. Research should be gathered systematically - no personal opinions should be included. | Minimal research or personal observations are typically enough, depending on the assignment. |
| Length | These papers are much longer due to the depth of the research involved and can often exceed 2500 words. | Can vary in length depending on the assignment. Can be as short as 500 words or upwards of 1500 words. |
| Source | Sources should be credible and scholarly in nature. Primary and secondary sources may also be used. Some may have a minimum amount of sources required, but as many sources should be used as necessary. | Depending on the assignment these may not require many sources or even any sources at all. |
| Structure | Complex and well defined. Scientific papers should include sections such as: narrative review, methodology, results, and conclusions. This type of paper should strive to be as transparent as possible in order to help with repeatability. | Typically follows the basic essay structure: Introduction, Body, Conclusion. |
| Tone | Must be formal, objective, and written in the third-person. Be as professional and objective as possible. | Depending on the assignment, tone can be informal, subjective, or include a first-person perspective. |
For more guidance on the differences between essays and research papers - please see the links below.
If you are creating a capstone or thesis document to conclude your degree program at MSOE, you may, depending on your program, be required to use an official MSOE style guide. Please see the follow guides for more information.
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