How to Write a Research Paper

This guide explains how to plan, structure, write, and format a research paper at Vector Technology Institute (VTI). It applies to assignments, projects, capstones, and professional research outputs across ICT, Technology Management, Software Engineering, Business, and related programmes.

APA Style is the required citation and formatting standard for all academic research papers submitted at Vector Technology Institute.

How to Use This Guide Successfully

  • Start with a clear research question or problem statement.
  • Choose an appropriate research framework early.
  • Use peer-reviewed and institutional sources where required.
  • Follow the standard research paper structure.
  • Format and cite everything using APA Style.

Related guides: Research Skills • Find Research • A–Z Resources

1. What Is a Research Paper?

A research paper is a structured academic document that presents an original argument, analysis, or investigation supported by credible evidence.

  • It answers a specific research question.
  • It is grounded in existing scholarly literature.
  • It follows an accepted academic structure.
  • It uses formal academic language.

Research papers at VTI may be theoretical, applied, technical, analytical, or evaluative, depending on the programme and course.

2. Choosing a Research Topic

A strong topic is focused, researchable, and relevant to your programme.

  • Align the topic with your course outcomes.
  • Ensure sufficient scholarly sources are available.
  • Avoid topics that are too broad or too narrow.
  • Consider regional or applied relevance where appropriate.

Example (ICT): Instead of “Cybersecurity,” narrow to “Implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework in Small Jamaican Enterprises.”

3. Choosing the Appropriate Research Framework

A research framework guides how you collect, analyse, and interpret information. The framework you choose must align with your research question.

Common Research Frameworks

  • Literature Review Framework – Synthesises existing research (common in theory-based papers).
  • Qualitative Framework – Uses interviews, observations, or case studies.
  • Quantitative Framework – Uses numerical data, statistics, or experiments.
  • Mixed Methods – Combines qualitative and quantitative approaches.
  • Applied / Technical Framework – Focuses on implementation, systems, or solutions (common in ICT and Software Engineering).
  • Standards-Based Framework – Uses industry frameworks (e.g., NIST, ITIL, ISO, OWASP).

Always state and justify your framework in the methodology or introduction section.

4. Standard Research Paper Structure

Most research papers at VTI should follow this structure unless otherwise instructed.

  • Title Page (APA formatted)
  • Abstract – 150–250 words summary
  • Introduction – Background, problem statement, objectives
  • Literature Review – What existing research says
  • Methodology – Framework, methods, tools, data sources
  • Results / Findings – What you discovered
  • Discussion – Interpretation and implications
  • Conclusion – Summary and recommendations
  • References – APA formatted

Technical and applied papers may merge sections such as Results and Discussion.

5. Writing the Paper Effectively

  • Write clearly and objectively.
  • Support all claims with evidence.
  • Use headings and subheadings logically.
  • Avoid informal language and personal opinions.
  • Revise multiple times before submission.

Tip: Write the introduction last, once your argument is fully developed.

6. APA Style Requirement (VTI Standard)

All research papers at Vector Technology Institute must follow APA Style (7th edition) unless otherwise stated by the instructor.

  • In-text citations (author, year).
  • Reference list formatted according to APA rules.
  • 12-point font (Times New Roman recommended).
  • Double-spaced text.
  • 1-inch margins.
  • Proper headings and running head (where required).

Official APA resources:

7. Final Checklist Before Submission

  • Is the research question clearly stated?
  • Is the framework appropriate and explained?
  • Are sources credible and mostly peer-reviewed?
  • Is APA Style applied consistently?
  • Is plagiarism avoided and all sources cited?