Answered By: Sarah Cox
Last Updated: May 27, 2025     Views: 33

research paper typically begins with a question or thesis statement. The writer uses existing research—and sometimes original research—to support, argue, or explore that idea in depth.

literature review, on the other hand, is a critical summary and analysis of existing, published material on a specific topic. It doesn’t present new arguments or original research, but instead evaluates and synthesizes what others have already written.

In short:

  • Research paper = builds an argument or explores a question
  • Literature review = surveys and analyzes existing research