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The 7 Types of Academic Papers and Journal Articles

In the vast universe of journal articles, writers are tasked with creating many different kinds of papers, all with specific purposes and audiences in mind. If you're just stepping into this fascinating world, take a minute or two to familiarize yourself with the types of papers you might need to write – understanding all of these different types can turbocharge your writing journey. While academic papers could fit into an endless list of categories, it's helpful to get started with a few common types you're likely to encounter (and write!) in the academic community.

1. Original research

You know a text is original research if the report is written by the researchers who ran the study. Written by experts for other experts, original research articles usually undergo the peer review process before submission to an academic journal.

In an original article, the authors outline their research by first presenting their hypothesis and research questions . Here they describe the purpose of their study. They detail the research methods they applied, lay out the results of their research, and present the results. Original research also includes implications and interpretations of the study to give other experts in the field new information on all of the subjects. What's really interesting about original research is that, upon reading a study, future researchers will generate ideas to build on articles with their own original research and keep the advancement of knowledge acquisition going. The possibilities are endless!

Within the category of original research, you will encounter some specific kinds of research articles. Some studies can include elements of more than one type:

• Exploratory research Exploratory studies involve a kind of thought experiment and don't often include actual testing of a theory. Without the funding (and the time, technology, and commitment) to actually travel to other planets, a physicist might propose a new method to find other planets that could support life beyond Earth.
• Constructive research A person undergoing constructive research builds something that will lead to new information and knowledge and solve a real-life problem. If a computer scientist creates a new algorithm and tests it out to see what it can show us, they are demonstrating constructive research.
• Controlled experiments This type of research is usually conducted in a lab under controlled conditions. The benefit of isolating one aspect of a study is that it provides a clear result of an experiment without the need to discount your findings in the presence of other factors that could skew the outcome. For example, a medical researcher might use this type of study to determine how a virus responds to an antiviral drug in development.
• Field research An experiment in which some, but not all, aspects can be controlled is an example of field research. For example, a study on the effects of a pesticide on outdoor flowering plants involves a few outside forces that researchers might not be able to successfully manage. A researcher could compare the plants exposed to the pesticide with a plant without pesticide exposure, but they would have little control over the seed quality, sun exposure, rain amounts, or other natural factors.
• Natural study Under a natural experiment, a researcher takes a purely observational role and has little to no control over the factors involved. For example, a natural experiment could measure the effects of a free lunch program piloted in multiple schools over a period of time.
• Cohort study A cohort study offers an observational study design in which researchers follow a group of individuals over time and observe common characteristics or exposure to a specific element. The researchers then examine within that cohort of people the outcomes related to a particular factor, compared to people in a similar group without that factor. For example, a study might examine the long-term health effects of smoking and identify a group of individuals who smoke. The study would look at the development of lung cancer or other diseases within that group of smokers and compare the prevalence of disease compared to a group of non-smokers.

2. Retrospective study

A retrospective study looks back through time to observe the relationship between a characteristic or level of exposure and a health outcome that arises in individuals. This type of study uses existing records and data sources for its observations. An example of a retroactive study is one that examines the connection between the use of a medication and the prevalence of a specific side effect.

3. Case study

A research case study involves an in-depth investigation of a particular individual, group, or situation with a goal to understand the effect of complex factors. A researcher performing a case study collects a variety of data on a case, including interviews, observations, and documents, and analyzes them to identify patterns, themes, and insights that can help to understand the case in greater depth.

Research case studies are often used in fields such as psychology, sociology, and education to explore complex human behaviors and experiences. Researchers in various fields can apply this type of study to investigate the effects of a particular intervention on a specific individua or group or the factors that contribute to successful outcomes in a particular setting. For example, a case study could examine a successful company known for its innovative management practices. The researcher could conduct interviews with employees and managers, review company documents and reports, and observe the company's operations to uncover the factors that contribute to its success.

Research case studies provide a rich and detailed understanding of a particular situation, which supplies the researcher with powerful tools and insights for future research.

4. Methodology study

A methodology study focuses on evaluating and improving research methods and techniques for application to a research question or field of study. This type of study can examine the validity and reliability of a particular research instrument, such as a survey or questionnaire. In such an analysis, researchers can collect data from a sample of participants using a specific research instrument and then examine the data to assess the validity and reliability of the instrument. They could also compare the results obtained with the instrument to the results obtained using other research methods.

Methodology studies advance the research field by developing more effective methodologies and improving the quality of research conducted.

5. Opinion article

An opinion article expresses the author's personal viewpoint on a topic. Unlike a research article, an opinion article is not based on objective reporting or research but offers the author's subjective analysis without the need for evidence or peer review. Opinion articles can be found in newspapers, magazines, and online publications, often written by journalists or experts in a field who want to share their views.

An example of an opinion article is an op-ed piece in a newspaper or online publication. Op-eds are typically published on the editorial page of a newspaper or magazine and are written by individuals who are not affiliated with the publication. An op-ed article might argue in favor of or against a particular policy, offer a personal reflection on a current event, or provide commentary on a controversial issue. The author would use persuasive language and evidence to support the argument and try to convince readers to adopt the same viewpoint.

Opinion articles provide individuals with a way to share their ideas with a broader audience and to contribute to public debate and discourse.

6. Review article

A review article summarizes and synthesizes existing research. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview and identify gaps in the current knowledge to see what further research should be done. Review articles are typically published in academic journals by researchers or experts in a field. They can take the form of narrative reviews, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses.

An example of a review article is a narrative review of the literature on the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of anxiety disorders. The author might summarize and analyze randomized controlled trials and observational studies on the use of CBT, providing an overall assessment of the effectiveness of CBT for anxiety disorders and pointing out any yet unanswered questions about its application.

7. Short report

A short report presents the findings of a particular study or investigation. Named for its brevity, it is typically shorter in length than a full research paper or report and is intended to serve as a summary of the study's main findings.

Short reports include an introduction that provides background information on the study, a summary of the research methodology, a presentation of the key findings, and a conclusion that summarizes the main implications of the study. Short reports help researchers communicate their findings in a clear and concise manner and provide a summary of key information for different audiences.

If you're dipping your toes into academic writing or scholarly publishing, you'll find a world of different paper types, each with its own style, aim, and intended readers. It might seem like a lot to take in at first, but understanding these formats can seriously boost your ability to share your research and ideas. Plus, knowing the ins and outs of these various types means you can sift through published works more effectively, picking out the best sources for your own work. At the end of the day, this rich variety of academic papers and journal articles is what keeps the conversation lively in the scientific community, helping us all to keep learning and growing.

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Types of Research Papers: Overview

• Types of Research Questions

A research paper is simply a piece of writing that uses outside sources. There are different types of research papers with varying purposes and expectations for sourcing. While this guide explains those differences broadly, disciplines and assignments vary.

Ask your professor for clarification on the purpose,  types of appropriate research questions , and expectations of sources for your assignment.

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Although research paper assignments may vary widely, there are essentially two basic types of research papers. These are argumentative and analytical .

Argumentative

In an argumentative research paper, a student both states the topic they will be exploring and immediately establishes the position they will argue regarding that topic in a thesis statement . This type of paper hopes to persuade its reader to adopt the view presented.

 Example : a paper that argues the merits of early exposure to reading for children would be an argumentative essay.

An analytical research paper states the topic that the writer will be exploring, usually in the form of a question, initially taking a neutral stance. The body of the paper will present multifaceted information and, ultimately, the writer will state their conclusion, based on the information that has unfolded throughout the course of the essay. This type of paper hopes to offer a well-supported critical analysis without necessarily persuading the reader to any particular way of thinking.

Example : a paper that explores the use of metaphor in one of Shakespeare's sonnets would be an example of an analytical essay.

*Please note that this LibGuide will primarily be concerning itself with argumentative or rhetorical research papers.

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What are the Different Types of Research Papers?

There is a diverse array of research papers that one can find in academic writing. Research papers are a rigorous combination of knowledge, thinking, analysis, research, and writing. Early career researchers and students need to know that research papers can be of fundamentally different types. Generally, they combine aspects and elements of multiple strands or frameworks of research. This depends primarily on the aim of the study, the discipline, the critical requirements of research publications and journals and the research topic or area. Specifically, research papers can be differentiated by their primary rationale, structure, and emphasis. The different types of research papers contribute to the universe of knowledge while providing invaluable insights for policy and scope for further advanced research and development. In this article, we will look at various kinds of research papers and understand their underlying principles, objectives, and purposes.  

Different types of research papers

• Argumentative Research Paper:  In an argumentative paper, the researcher is expected to present facts and findings on both sides of a given topic but make an extended and persuasive argument supporting one side  over  the other. The purpose of such research papers is to provide evidence-based arguments to support the claim or thesis statement taken up by the researcher. Emotions mustn’t inform the building up of the case. Conversely, facts and findings must be objective and logical while presenting both sides of the issue. The position taken up by the researcher must be stated clearly and in a well-defined manner. The evidence supporting the claim must be well-researched and up-to-date, and the paper presents differing views on the topic, even if these do not agree or align with the researcher’s thesis statement. 
• Analytical Research Paper:  In an analytical research paper, the researcher starts by asking a research question, followed by a collection of appropriate data from a wide range of sources. These include primary and secondary data, which the researcher needs to analyze and interpret closely. Critical and analytical thinking skills are therefore crucial to this process. Rather than presenting a summary of the data, the researcher is expected to analyze the findings and perspectives of each source material before putting forward their critical insights and concluding. Personal biases or positions mustn’t influence or creep into the process of writing an analytical research paper. 
• Experimental Research Paper:  Experimental research papers provide a detailed report on a particular research experiment undertaken by a researcher and its outcomes or findings. Based on the research experiment, the researcher explains the experimental design and procedure, shows sufficient data, presents analysis, and draws a conclusion. Such research papers are more common in fields such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Experimental research involves conducting experiments in controlled conditions to test specific hypotheses. This not only allows researchers to arrive at particular conclusions but also helps them understand causal relationships. As it lends itself to replicating the findings of the research, it enhances the validity of the research conducted. 

Some more types of research papers

In addition to the above-detailed types of research papers, there are many more types, including review papers, case study papers, comparative research papers and so on.  

• Review papers   provide a detailed overview and analysis of existing research on a particular topic. The key objective of a review paper is to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the latest research findings on a specific subject. 
• Case study papers  usually focus on a single or small number of cases. This is used in research when the aim is to obtain an in-depth investigation of an issue.  
• Comparative research papers  involve comparing and contrasting two or more entities or cases that help to identify and arrive at trends or relationships. The objective of relative research papers is to increase knowledge and understand issues in different contexts. 
• Survey research papers  require that a survey be conducted on a given topic by posing questions to potential respondents. Once the survey has been completed, the researcher analyzes the information and presents it as a research paper. 
• Interpretative paper s  employ the knowledge or information gained from pursuing a specific issue or research topic in a particular field. It is written around theoretical frameworks and uses data to support the thesis statement and findings.  

Research papers are an essential part of academic writing and contribute significantly to advancing our knowledge and understanding of different subjects. The researcher’s ability to conduct research, analyze data, and present their findings is crucial to producing high-quality research papers. By understanding the different types of research papers and their underlying principles, researchers can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields and provide invaluable insights for policy and further research.

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What is a research paper?

A research paper is a paper that makes an argument about a topic based on research and analysis.

Any paper requiring the writer to research a particular topic is a research paper. Unlike essays, which are often based largely on opinion and are written from the author's point of view, research papers are based in fact.

A research paper requires you to form an opinion on a topic, research and gain expert knowledge on that topic, and then back up your own opinions and assertions with facts found through your thorough research.

➡️ Read more about  different types of research papers .

What is the difference between a research paper and a thesis?

A thesis is a large paper, or multi-chapter work, based on a topic relating to your field of study.

A thesis is a document students of higher education write to obtain an academic degree or qualification. Usually, it is longer than a research paper and takes multiple years to complete.

Generally associated with graduate/postgraduate studies, it is carried out under the supervision of a professor or other academic of the university.

A major difference between a research paper and a thesis is that:

• a research paper presents certain facts that have already been researched and explained by others
• a thesis starts with a certain scholarly question or statement, which then leads to further research and new findings

This means that a thesis requires the author to input original work and their own findings in a certain field, whereas the research paper can be completed with extensive research only.

➡️ Getting ready to start a research paper or thesis? Take a look at our guides on how to start a research paper or how to come up with a topic for your thesis .

Frequently Asked Questions about research papers

Take a look at this list of the top 21 Free Online Journal and Research Databases , such as ScienceOpen , Directory of Open Access Journals , ERIC , and many more.

Mason Porter, Professor at UCLA, explains in this forum post the main reasons to write a research paper:

• To create new knowledge and disseminate it.
• To teach science and how to write about it in an academic style.
• Some practical benefits: prestige, establishing credentials, requirements for grants or to help one get a future grant proposal, and so on.

Generally, people involved in the academia. Research papers are mostly written by higher education students and professional researchers.

Yes, a research paper is the same as a scientific paper. Both papers have the same purpose and format.

A major difference between a research paper and a thesis is that the former presents certain facts that have already been researched and explained by others, whereas the latter starts with a certain scholarly question or statement, which then leads to further research and new findings.

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Types of Research – Explained with Examples

• By DiscoverPhDs
• October 2, 2020

Types of Research

Research is about using established methods to investigate a problem or question in detail with the aim of generating new knowledge about it.

It is a vital tool for scientific advancement because it allows researchers to prove or refute hypotheses based on clearly defined parameters, environments and assumptions. Due to this, it enables us to confidently contribute to knowledge as it allows research to be verified and replicated.

Knowing the types of research and what each of them focuses on will allow you to better plan your project, utilises the most appropriate methodologies and techniques and better communicate your findings to other researchers and supervisors.

Classification of Types of Research

There are various types of research that are classified according to their objective, depth of study, analysed data, time required to study the phenomenon and other factors. It’s important to note that a research project will not be limited to one type of research, but will likely use several.

According to its Purpose

Theoretical research.

Theoretical research, also referred to as pure or basic research, focuses on generating knowledge , regardless of its practical application. Here, data collection is used to generate new general concepts for a better understanding of a particular field or to answer a theoretical research question.

Results of this kind are usually oriented towards the formulation of theories and are usually based on documentary analysis, the development of mathematical formulas and the reflection of high-level researchers.

Applied Research

Here, the goal is to find strategies that can be used to address a specific research problem. Applied research draws on theory to generate practical scientific knowledge, and its use is very common in STEM fields such as engineering, computer science and medicine.

This type of research is subdivided into two types:

• Technological applied research : looks towards improving efficiency in a particular productive sector through the improvement of processes or machinery related to said productive processes.
• Scientific applied research : has predictive purposes. Through this type of research design, we can measure certain variables to predict behaviours useful to the goods and services sector, such as consumption patterns and viability of commercial projects.

According to your Depth of Scope

Exploratory research.

Exploratory research is used for the preliminary investigation of a subject that is not yet well understood or sufficiently researched. It serves to establish a frame of reference and a hypothesis from which an in-depth study can be developed that will enable conclusive results to be generated.

Because exploratory research is based on the study of little-studied phenomena, it relies less on theory and more on the collection of data to identify patterns that explain these phenomena.

Descriptive Research

The primary objective of descriptive research is to define the characteristics of a particular phenomenon without necessarily investigating the causes that produce it.

In this type of research, the researcher must take particular care not to intervene in the observed object or phenomenon, as its behaviour may change if an external factor is involved.

Explanatory Research

Explanatory research is the most common type of research method and is responsible for establishing cause-and-effect relationships that allow generalisations to be extended to similar realities. It is closely related to descriptive research, although it provides additional information about the observed object and its interactions with the environment.

Correlational Research

The purpose of this type of scientific research is to identify the relationship between two or more variables. A correlational study aims to determine whether a variable changes, how much the other elements of the observed system change.

According to the Type of Data Used

Qualitative research.

Qualitative methods are often used in the social sciences to collect, compare and interpret information, has a linguistic-semiotic basis and is used in techniques such as discourse analysis, interviews, surveys, records and participant observations.

In order to use statistical methods to validate their results, the observations collected must be evaluated numerically. Qualitative research, however, tends to be subjective, since not all data can be fully controlled. Therefore, this type of research design is better suited to extracting meaning from an event or phenomenon (the ‘why’) than its cause (the ‘how’).

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research study delves into a phenomena through quantitative data collection and using mathematical, statistical and computer-aided tools to measure them . This allows generalised conclusions to be projected over time.

According to the Degree of Manipulation of Variables

Experimental research.

It is about designing or replicating a phenomenon whose variables are manipulated under strictly controlled conditions in order to identify or discover its effect on another independent variable or object. The phenomenon to be studied is measured through study and control groups, and according to the guidelines of the scientific method.

Non-Experimental Research

Also known as an observational study, it focuses on the analysis of a phenomenon in its natural context. As such, the researcher does not intervene directly, but limits their involvement to measuring the variables required for the study. Due to its observational nature, it is often used in descriptive research.

Quasi-Experimental Research

It controls only some variables of the phenomenon under investigation and is therefore not entirely experimental. In this case, the study and the focus group cannot be randomly selected, but are chosen from existing groups or populations . This is to ensure the collected data is relevant and that the knowledge, perspectives and opinions of the population can be incorporated into the study.

According to the Type of Inference

Deductive investigation.

In this type of research, reality is explained by general laws that point to certain conclusions; conclusions are expected to be part of the premise of the research problem and considered correct if the premise is valid and the inductive method is applied correctly.

Inductive Research

In this type of research, knowledge is generated from an observation to achieve a generalisation. It is based on the collection of specific data to develop new theories.

Hypothetical-Deductive Investigation

It is based on observing reality to make a hypothesis, then use deduction to obtain a conclusion and finally verify or reject it through experience.

According to the Time in Which it is Carried Out

Longitudinal study (also referred to as diachronic research).

It is the monitoring of the same event, individual or group over a defined period of time. It aims to track changes in a number of variables and see how they evolve over time. It is often used in medical, psychological and social areas .

Cross-Sectional Study (also referred to as Synchronous Research)

Cross-sectional research design is used to observe phenomena, an individual or a group of research subjects at a given time.

According to The Sources of Information

Primary research.

This fundamental research type is defined by the fact that the data is collected directly from the source, that is, it consists of primary, first-hand information.

Secondary research

Unlike primary research, secondary research is developed with information from secondary sources, which are generally based on scientific literature and other documents compiled by another researcher.

According to How the Data is Obtained

Documentary (cabinet).

Documentary research, or secondary sources, is based on a systematic review of existing sources of information on a particular subject. This type of scientific research is commonly used when undertaking literature reviews or producing a case study.

Field research study involves the direct collection of information at the location where the observed phenomenon occurs.

From Laboratory

Laboratory research is carried out in a controlled environment in order to isolate a dependent variable and establish its relationship with other variables through scientific methods.

Mixed-Method: Documentary, Field and/or Laboratory

Mixed research methodologies combine results from both secondary (documentary) sources and primary sources through field or laboratory research.

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Different Types Of Research Papers

Table of contents

• 1 Analytical Research Papers
• 2 Argumentative or Persuasive Research Papers
• 3 Definition Research Papers
• 4 Compare and Contrast Papers
• 5 Cause and Effect Papers
• 7 Survey Research Papers
• 8 Interpretative Paper
• 9 The Main Points When Writing Research Papers

Academic time is a period of great challenges. The most difficult ones concern the production of creative, sizeable, and meaningful works. To do so, the student must find the necessary information and choose the key thoughts to develop in their text. The most responsible thing is to put all the data together logically, consistently, and concisely. Moreover, each university (college) puts forward unique formatting requirements.

First, the subject of the document subject determines the basic points. Thus, lawyers necessarily refer to the norms of laws in their work. Mathematicians operate with formulas and calculations. Philosophers are freer and rely on their own conclusions and thoughts. Depending on the types of research papers, this affects the structure, format, and narration style. Preparing a student paper seems complicated, long, and boring. However, this process can bring pleasure! In this article, we will share information about different types of research projects to help students easily create academic papers.

Analytical Research Papers

The main task of writing a paper is teaching the student how to think. Thus, the two main types of research papers ─ analytical and argumentative ─ rely on facts to process. The differences between these academic papers seem non-obvious at first. Therefore, we will consider each of them in turn. Analytical type of work work assumes the deepest possible immersion in the subject (topic). Here are the main components of analytical research papers:

• The main concept can be broken down into additional topics (categories).
• Critical thinking becomes the basis for interpreting the data obtained.
• They are a mix of information: scientific data and literature are intertwined with contemporary ones.

No wonder students frequently need academic paper assistance when preparing such texts for the first time. A specialist can quickly and accurately gather and present the necessary information according to the requirements. If you are struggling with what is an analytical research paper, we`ll give you simple advice. Consistency is what will help add readability to your paper. Keeping in mind the principle of “one paragraph / one thought” , you will not get confused by the information. This approach helps to keep the story logical while you are not as familiar with the different types of research articles. When you master working with analytics, writing college papers will become easier.

Argumentative or Persuasive Research Papers

Actually, there are multiple genres of scientific papers with mixed formats. We will now examine argumentative (persuasive), often confused with analytical texts. However, this type of research paper has notable features:

• They are based strictly on facts.
• Each statement is reasoned.
• Several sources support statements.

In contrast to the previous one, the focus is on conveying a thought and convincing the reader of it. If you are a medical student, you know biology research papers rely on survey data, statistics, and professors’ opinions. A quality medical paper excludes theories and speculations. For example, they rely on successful cases when they want to convey the effectiveness of a new drug or treatment regimen. You can read transcripts of legal proceedings: it gives a great insight into how argument structure works. For example, some parts of the sensational court hearings of actor Johnny Depp were published online. And later, they became part of the student papers of future lawyers.

The main thing to realize is that different types of research papers also have different purposes. The format should not be perceived as a limitation. Following the structure and key principles allows one to convey the key messages. For example, argumentation is especially good when conveying a controversial or unpopular idea. You are sort of practicing objections with the reader by factualizing them.

Definition Research Papers

During the studies, you may meet opposing types of academic papers. One kind may give more freedom for thoughts and manifestations. The other requires the author to be as objective as possible. This type of document, as the name implies, emphasizes informativeness. To understand the concept of such texts, note the following research paper topics . The title often already contains the main idea:

• “Fundamentals of pathogenic bacterial development”;
• “Principles of artificial intelligence”;
• “Legal aspects of relationship regulation”.

The main author’s task here is to transfer information. Usually, here comes the difficulty of choosing interesting and relevant data. That is why you can often ask yourself: who can write my research paper per all guidelines and professor’s expectations?

People who have not faced the need to prepare a text consider this task simple. First and foremost, writing a plan makes composing study papers easier. Depending on the requirements, highlight 5-7 main facts that need to be described. When you have a draft ready, adding additional information becomes less challenging.

Compare and Contrast Papers

Success is close when you understand how to use distinct types of research articles. Interestingly. students lament they lack writing skills. However, this will only be an advantage in some academic papers. One of the options worth mastering is texts based on comparison/contrast, e.g., to describe colors or texture. How do you explain the difference between green and lettuce colors?

Let’s explain this type of research papers with a simple example. You have two monitors in front of you. You can describe all the charms using beautiful epithets. But the reader will not understand: which one is better? Rely on technical characteristics: size, performance, battery, matrix. When discussing visual objects, use images: they often speak better than words.

It’s a principle that applies to scientific research work creation. Excessive emotionality of the author may indicate interest / attempted manipulation. Otherwise, the cold and dry facts create the very contrast and comparison that allow the reader to draw personally appropriate conclusions. If you are pursuing a specific thought, you need to know which comparisons are relevant to your topic.

Cause and Effect Papers

As students learns, they master different types of research texts. Often, teachers request informative and analytical materials at the beginning of the training. However, by the middle of the training, one cannot do without more complex formats of research papers. This type of work assumes a deep immersion in the subject and topic. The author must describe the causes and consequences of the events or phenomena.

The very mechanism of creating a paper differs. The author mainly collects information from the previous varieties, having a key thought. To conclude, you must first understand all the data received. And only after that, it is possible to separate the main idea. At the same time, such a process shows how types of scientific papers are created, claiming to be experts in the future. The most interesting thing is that the original theory and the author’s opinion can change dramatically. This is the value: the student enriches the knowledge and adds important research to the world library.

It is a mistake to assume that reports are dry statistics. You will likely find cautious theories in different types of scientific papers, even if the author is an experienced scientist. In medicine, for example, you don’t rely on the one-time success of a vaccine. You can only talk about the effectiveness of a treatment after years of confirmed positive research.

Reports are especially often used to present data in medicine, biology, and physics. To confirm dogmatic claims, the same experiment is performed thousands of times. Discoveries are often spontaneous and accidental. At the same time, science tries to explain and confirm that even errors are part of the fact.

In these types of research papers, it is especially important to maintain accuracy. Researchers must adhere to citation and ethical rules to ensure the validity and reproducibility of their work. Indeed, effective communication of experimental results promotes scientific knowledge and informed debate in the academic community.

Survey Research Papers

All types of academic paper have a place for data obtained by talking to people. Consequently, qualitative student work involves a combination of methods for better research. Surveys, when used properly, become an important source of obtaining information.

The key aspect is to obtain a relevant sample. For example, if your paper focuses on the difficulties of young mothers, it is unlikely to be wise to reach out to child-free men aged 50+. There are also several other important factors to consider: each respondent’s place of residence, social status, and education. Example topics could range from public opinion on social issues to consumer preferences in marketing. Reporting survey research requires transparency, statistical accuracy, and consideration of potential biases. Effective survey research contributes valuable insights into human behavior and societal trends, offering a quantitative foundation for academic inquiry and decision-making in various fields.

This is one of the types of research reports with which social work students and future political scientists are particularly likely to come into contact. In the process, students learn to see the relationship between behavioral patterns and demographic factors of different categories of people.

Interpretative Paper

An interpretative paper involves a subjective analysis of a given subject matter. Unlike purely factual or objective approaches, this type of paper delves into a topic’s deeper meanings, implications, and nuances. In simple words, it is more of the author’s freedom. The structure typically includes an introduction that outlines the context and significance of the subject, a literature review to provide background and context, a detailed analysis incorporating the writer’s interpretations, and a conclusion summarizing key insights.

Essential components of interpretative papers include a clear thesis statement, a comprehensive examination of relevant literature or sources, and a well-articulated argument supported by evidence. Example topics for interpretative papers might include the analysis of symbolism in literature, the interpretation of cultural phenomena, or examining historical events from a particular perspective. Writing such papers demands critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to present a coherent narrative that reflects the author’s insights and perspectives.

The Main Points When Writing Research Papers

All types of papers in research matters for different academic purposes. To successfully complete your assignment, remember the most important thing: you are a researcher. The best student papers are born out of their sincere interest. Focus not on the beauty or imagery of speech will come later.

Are you studying a discipline and have questions about certain topics? Take that question for research: it will motivate you to learn more information. The more literature and sources you plug in, the more thoughts you will have. This already provides unconventional conclusions, and you might be the one to voice a new perspective on familiar things. Thus, you succeed in academic learning and contribute to the development of science!

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Types of Research Papers

There are different kinds of research papers that need a special approach. No matter if you are assigned to write a research paper of a particular type or need to pick it on your own, you need to know what accents you should make and how to present information. The tone of the entire paper should correspond with the chosen type of research paper. But before proceeding to the types of research papers, let’s consider what actually is a research paper and what is not.

What is a research paper?

A research paper is a written work which involves the processes of researching, critical thinking, source evaluation, composition, and organization. Research is based on already known results, so students need not only to carefully read them, but also be able to analyze them.

What is not a research paper?

With this list of ideas you will probably have a better understanding of what a research paper is:

• It is not merely a depository of quotations. Quotations take place only to document or clarify findings.
• It is not a rewriting of someone’s thoughts or ideas. A research paper is not a description or summary of the facts from textbooks or the Internet.
• It is not a defense of your opinion. The aim of every research paper is to reveal the truth. Avoid fighting the opposite opinion (unless you need to write a persuasive paper.)
• It is not a simple presentation of one’s point of view. Research papers demand facts, information, and data which support a certain opinion or idea.
• It is not emotional persuasion. Vocabulary that is used in research papers should be neutral and free of emotional language and superlatives.

At the college level, students are expected to make a deep analysis of existing information about the topic and draw personal conclusions and solutions for a particular problem. Analysis is about dividing the idea into several parts and organizing them into appropriate logical “boxes.”

What are the two main types of research papers?

Analytical research paper

Describe multiple points of view → Analyze all points → Draw a conclusion

This paper is about posing a question, and the thinking involved in answering this question. Usually this paper starts with the description of the question and finds an element to analyze throughout the work. For this paper you need to collect relevant data from other researchers and make a personal conclusion about the topic.

For an analytical paper, it is important to keep neutrality. An analytical research paper should not show your negative or positive position on the matter. If you want to define something as better or disagree with some aspects of your topic, switch to a persuasive research paper (but consult your tutor on whether it is acceptable).

Persuasive/argumentative research paper

Describe the problem from two view points → Propose pros and cons → Give preference to one

This research paper is aimed to get the reader to the side of your point of view. Unlike an analytical research paper, this kind is more emotional, but still should be supported with logical facts and statistical data. Usually a researcher describes the object or event from two opposite viewpoints, analyzing pros and cons. It is expected that the researcher will give preference to a certain opinion: for or against, better or worse, etc.

Along with these two types, there are other kinds of research paper types, such as: cause and effect, experimental, survey, problem-solution, and report types.

Cause and effect research paper

Describe situation → Present causes/effects → Draw a conclusion

This paper is usually assigned to freshmen both in high school and college. It’s aimed to teach students to write research papers. This usually includes a thorough study of a researched topic, organization of the writing process, learning how to apply certain styles to text, and citations and references. Simply, a cause and effect paper answers two main questions: “Why?” and “What?” which reflect effects and causes. It is not applicable to mix several causes and effects, as it may lose the main focus.

In further studies like business and education, cause and effect research papers will help with tracing a relationship of probable results from particular actions.

Experimental research paper

Conduct the experiment → Share useful experience → Provide data and sum up

Describe a particular experimental case in detail. It is commonly written for biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology. Experiments are aimed to explain some causation or predict a phenomenon with certain actions. In this paper you need to describe your experiment with supporting data and an analysis of the experiment.

Survey research paper

Conduct a survey → Analyze findings → Draw conclusions

This research is frequently used in sociology, psychology, marketing, public health, business, and advertising. It demands the conduction of a survey that includes asking questions to respondents. Survey research collects certain information about opinions, knowledge, and social facts through interaction with respondents to analyze their behavior in certain conditions.

Problem-solution research paper

Describe the problem → Propose a solution → Defend it

Problem-solution research papers are written both by students and scholars. It is aimed to solve certain problems that have some challenges with proposed methods. The researcher should analyze the existing information about the problem, identify possible solutions, and prove its effectiveness with evidence (examples, details, statistical data, and everything on why this solution is the best.)

Report paper

Outline the work done on particular topic –> Sum up findings

This type of research paper may seem the easiest. The researcher needs to look through information about a particular object or event and describe data and the most valuable characteristics. The main aim of this research paper is to inform readers on the main facts about a particular topic based on research of existing information.

If you face difficulties with writing, apply for research papers for sale from EssayShark writers to improve your writing skills and be on time with homework assignments.

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Types of Research Papers

In this blog, we will discuss types of research papers. So, let’s get started.

When you study in university or college, you will have to write a research paper because it is an important part of the curriculum. In general, when you will produce this academic paper, you will have to do research on numerous technical, scientific, or social components of a phenomenon, and then organize the results. It is not simple. If you have never done academic writing before, the task may be difficult or even impossible. What makes it challenging?

There are numerous problems that make the process more difficult, and the majority of people get stopped at the initial stage – selecting appropriate research paper topics. Others are unable to complete the assignment on their own.  Fortunately, there is an easy answer for the second problem, as there are numerous professional essay writer services that can assist you with your paper. All you have to do is ask them to “ write my research paper .” For some of you, it might be a good option.

What is Research Paper?

• Table of Contents

A Research paper is a piece of academic writing or a long essay that presents the original and independent research of the author on any topic and the analysis and interpretation of the research findings. The research paper must be clear, concise, focussed, structured and backed up by evidence. It has a formal tone and style, but it is not complex and does not require the use of long sentences and complicated vocabulary because its purpose is to aid the reader’s understanding. Here we will be knowing about the “Types of Research papers”.

Research papers are of different types and identifying what type of research paper to use is a way critical task. The most suitable research paper type is always chosen to keep in mind your research paper topics, your research methodologies and the manner by which you analyze your data.

Top 10 Different types of Research Papers

Analytical Research Paper

Argumentative research paper.

• Cause and Effect Research Paper

Experimental Research Paper

Problem-solution research paper, report paper, survey research paper.

• Definition Research papers
• Compare and contrast Research papers
• Interpretative

Describe multiple points of view → Analyze all points → Conclude.

Analytical Research Papers imply an analysis of facts, events, issues, and ideas. In this, the researcher first describes multiple points of view pertaining to the research problem, then analyze all the described points by collecting relevant information from various other researchers, and finally concludes. During Analytical Research, the researcher must remain neutral i.e. paper should not favor one point and oppose another.

In Analytic Research Paper, the researcher does not face difficulty in describing multiple points of view but in analyzing them. There are many Homework Help websites available to ease your work. It is the first type of research paper.

Describe the problem from two different viewpoints → Propose pros and cons → Give preference to one.

An argumentative Research Paper, as the name suggests, involves arguments about the research topic from two viewpoints. In this type, the researcher must describe the problem with two opposing viewpoints, analyze them to propose their pros and cons, and finally supports one viewpoint. This research paper mainly focuses on getting the readers to favor your point of view. It is the second type of research paper.

Cause and effect research papers

Describe situation → Present causes/effects → Draw a conclusion

This paper is usually assigned to the freshers. The main aim of this paper is to teach the researcher on how to write a research paper. This paper includes

• A detailed study of various research topics
• Organization of the writing process
• Application of certain styles to text
• Citations and references

In this research paper, the researcher first describes the problem, then explain its causes and effects and finally gives the conclusion. It is the third types of research papers.

Experiment → Share useful experience → Provide data and sum up.

While writing an Experimental research paper, the researcher must describe the whole experimental process in detail. In this, the researcher conducts the experiment, then shares his useful experiences, and then finally provides the relevant data and sums up his research. These research papers are usually written for biology , chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology. In this research paper, the researcher must describe his experiment with supporting data and experimental analysis.

Describe the problem → Propose a solution → Defend it

As the name suggests, the Problem-Solution Research Paper aims at finding solutions to certain problems. In this research paper, the researcher describes the problem, analyze the available information, find some possible solutions and prove their effectiveness by giving examples, details, statistical data etc.

Outline the work done on a particular topic –> Sum up findings

In the Report Paper, the researcher needs to gather all the information about the research topic, describes the most valuable characteristics of data and finally sum up his findings. This paper aims at providing all the facts and necessary information about the research topic.

Quick Links

• An Absolute Guide On How To Write A Research Paper Outline
• Best Tips On How To Write An Introduction In A Research Paper

Conduct a survey → Analyze findings → Draw conclusions

In this paper, the researcher has to do the research, interpret data, analyze findings and then finally draw conclusions. In this, the survey is conducted by asking questions to respondents. This analyzes behavior in different conditions.

8. Definition Research papers

It is known as self–an explanatory research paper because, in this kind of research paper, you aren’t required to stay neutral or support one side. The foremost objective is to deliver details about the topic offered without researching and reviewing the studies of further researchers at all. You can contain additional data from additional sources even without analyzing them entirely.

9. Compare and contrast Research papers

It is another type of research paper. These are used to compare two distinct researchers or writers with different perspectives. For example, two businessmen are compared to where their position is researched. The most crucial thing is that you have to represent both sides’ opinions in your research paper, but don’t forget to compare and contrast both sides and, in the end, support one side.

10. Interpretative

Students mostly write these research papers to share their ideas and knowledge from researching a certain field or case. For example, a literature student is invited to report a research paper on the poetry they have read, and then they have to compose this research paper. Or a company case in any analysis course. The most significant thing in this kind of research paper is that the points the student has written based on it and has supported the data should be reasonable.

What are the 3 types of research reports?

The research report is the report which records all collected data. Statisticians or researchers organize it. They analyze the data and then collect it to make a company report. All data collected by analyzers is reliable and original because it is organized with proper research and analysis. Moreover, the data is contained in two forms: it may be in the form of qualitative or whether it is in the form of survey.

1. Original Research Report

It is a primary source research report. Original research is based on the researchers because they have written it themselves. They did the proper study to write an original research report data. These are the following points that researchers describe in their report.

• Research question.
• Purpose of the study.
• Describe their hypothesis.
• Also, they give the details of their research methods. 
• Follow the IMRAD structure.

2. Methodologies Research Report Method

It provides the following data;

• how to conduct the research.
• Various research methods.
• Reasons for choosing those methods.

3. Short Reports or Letters

These consist of vital details about a topic to report to a reader. A short report may either be written or oral in the report structure of a letter or memo. It typically consists of an overview of the report, a defined goal, a brief background, and a determination.

What Are The 4 Types Of Report?

A good report is a report that fully avoids unclear words, is written in simple language, and also avoids vagueness. Its main message should be self-explanatory. The following are the types of external reports.

What Is The Format Of Common Research Paper?

10 Parts Of A Common Research Paper Format

• The Cover page/Title page
• Introduction
• Body paragraphs (research description and methods)
• Bibliography/reference list
• Appendix (if any add-ons were available)

Conclusion (Types Of Research Papers)

These all are different types of research paper. If you have any queries or want any other information regarding research papers, please do tell us in the comment section. If you are having any difficulty in determining the type of research paper or in making a research paper feel free to take Research Paper help from our experts

Types Of Research Papers FAQ

What is a good research title.

A good research title should give an idea of the content of the research and should be interesting.

Where can I find reliable sources for research Papers?

Trusted and well-known Journals and books that are written by researchers are the most reliable sources for writing research papers.

What are the 4 goals of research?

Description, prediction, explanation, and application are four goals of the research.

What are the most common errors made in research papers?

Usage of irrelevant tables and figures, lack of strong thesis statements, lack of planning, weak supporting statements are the most common errors in research papers.

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• UConn Library
• Scientific Research and Communication
• Types of Scientific Papers

Scientific Research and Communication — Types of Scientific Papers

• Essential Resources
• The Scientific Method
• Organization of a Scientific Paper
• Peer Review & Academic Journals
• Primary and Secondary Sources
• Scientific Information Literacy
• Critical Reading Methods
• Scientific Writing Guidebooks
• Science Literature Reviews
• Searching Strategies for Science Databases
• Engineering Career Exploration
• Qualitative Research: What is it?
• Quantitative Research: What Is It?
• AI Tools for Research
• Avoiding Plagiarism

What types of articles are published in scientific journals?

Journal articles in the sciences are almost always a write-up of grant-funded laboratory or field research. Each article provides a brief overview of the research study, a description of methods used, results, and a conclusion. A small portion of science articles are 'review' articles; these are articles that summarize research studies. Journal articles are peer-reviewed. A growing number of so-called "pre-prints" are beginning to be published in science fields.

Source of slide above: Research4Life.org 

Link to Slideshow, "How to Read A Scientific Research Paper" from Reseach4Life

• Anatomy of an Article
• How to Seriously Read a Scientific Paper A useful article from Science magazine on how to read a scientific journal article.
• How to Read a Scientific Paper Powerpoint from Research 4 Life about reading scientific journal articles
• Purdue University Library Guide to Reading Sci Papers Useful tutorial from Purdue University Libraries
• << Previous: The Scientific Method
• Next: Organization of a Scientific Paper >>
• Last Updated: Aug 7, 2024 10:00 AM
• URL: https://guides.lib.uconn.edu/sciencecommunication

Different types of research articles

A guide for early career researchers.

In scholarly literature, there are many different kinds of articles published every year. Original research articles are often the first thing you think of when you hear the words ‘journal article’. In reality, research work often results in a whole mixture of different outputs and it’s not just the final research article that can be published.

Finding a home to publish supporting work in different formats can help you start publishing sooner, allowing you to build your publication record and research profile.

But before you do, it’s very important that you check the  instructions for authors  and the  aims and scope  of the journal(s) you’d like to submit to. These will tell you whether they accept the type of article you’re thinking of writing and what requirements they have around it.

Understanding the different kind of articles

There’s a huge variety of different types of articles – some unique to individual journals – so it’s important to explore your options carefully. While it would be impossible to cover every single article type here, below you’ll find a guide to the most common research articles and outputs you could consider submitting for publication.

Book review

Many academic journals publish book reviews, which aim to provide insight and opinion on recently published scholarly books. Writing book reviews is often a good way to begin academic writing. It can help you get your name known in your field and give you valuable experience of publishing before you write a full-length article.

If you’re keen to write a book review, a good place to start is looking for journals that publish or advertise the books they have available for review. Then it’s just a matter of putting yourself forward for one of them.

You can check whether a journal publishes book reviews by browsing previous issues or by seeing if a book review editor is listed on the editorial board. In addition, some journals publish other types of reviews, such as film, product, or exhibition reviews, so it’s worth bearing those in mind as options as well.

Get familiar with instructions for authors

Be prepared, speed up your submission, and make sure nothing is forgotten by understanding a journal’s individual requirements.

Publishing tips, direct to your inbox

Expert tips and guidance on getting published and maximizing the impact of your research. Register now for weekly insights direct to your inbox.

Case report

A medical case report – also sometimes called a clinical case study – is an original short report that provides details of a single patient case.

Case reports include detailed information on the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient. They remain one of the cornerstones of medical progress and provide many new ideas in medicine.

Depending on the journal, a case report doesn’t necessarily need to describe an especially novel or unusual case as there is benefit from collecting details of many standard cases.

Take a look at  F1000Research’s guidance on case reports , to understand more about what’s required in them. And don’t forget that for all studies involving human participants, informed written consent to take part in the research must be obtained from the participants –  find out more about consent to publish.

Clinical study

In medicine, a clinical study report is a type of article that provides in-depth detail on the methods and results of a clinical trial. They’re typically similar in length and format to original research articles.

Most journals now require that you register protocols for clinical trials you’re involved with in a publicly accessible registry. A list of eligible registries can be found on the  WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) . Trials can also be registered at  clinicaltrials.gov  or the  EU Clinical Trials Register . Once registered, your trial will be assigned a clinical trial number (CTN).

Before you submit a clinical study, you’ll need to include clinical trial numbers and registration dates in the manuscript, usually in the abstract and methods sections.

Commentaries and letters to editors

Letters to editors, as well as ‘replies’ and ‘discussions’, are usually brief comments on topical issues of public and political interest (related to the research field of the journal), anecdotal material, or readers’ reactions to material published in the journal.

Commentaries are similar, though they may be slightly more in-depth, responding to articles recently published in the journal. There may be a ‘target article’ which various commentators are invited to respond to.

You’ll need to look through previous issues of any journal you’re interested in writing for and review the instructions for authors to see which types of these articles (if any) they accept.

Conference materials

Many of our medical journals  accept conference material supplements. These are open access peer-reviewed, permanent, and citable publications within the journal. Conference material supplements record research around a common thread, as presented at a workshop, congress, or conference, for the scientific record. They can include the following types of articles:

Poster extracts

Conference abstracts

Presentation extracts

Find out more about submitting conference materials.

Data notes  are a short peer-reviewed article type that concisely describe research data stored in a repository. Publishing a data note can help you to maximize the impact of your data and gain appropriate credit for your research.

Data notes promote the potential reuse of research data and include details of why and how the data were created. They do not include any analysis but they can be linked to a research article incorporating analysis of the published dataset, as well as the results and conclusions.

F1000Research  enables you to publish your data note rapidly and openly via an author-centric platform. There is also a growing range of options for publishing data notes in Taylor & Francis journals, including in  All Life  and  Big Earth Data .

Read our guide to data notes to find out more.

Letters or short reports

Letters or short reports (sometimes known as brief communications or rapid communications) are brief reports of data from original research.

Editors publish these reports where they believe the data will be interesting to many researchers and could stimulate further research in the field. There are even entire journals dedicated to publishing letters.

As they’re relatively short, the format is useful for researchers with results that are time sensitive (for example, those in highly competitive or quickly-changing disciplines). This format often has strict length limits, so some experimental details may not be published until the authors write a full original research article.

Brief reports  (previously called Research Notes) are a type of short report published by  F1000Research  – part of the Taylor & Francis Group. To find out more about the requirements for a brief report, take a look at  F1000Research’s guidance .

Method article

A method article is a medium length peer-reviewed, research-focused article type that aims to answer a specific question. It also describes an advancement or development of current methodological approaches and research procedures (akin to a research article), following the standard layout for research articles. This includes new study methods, substantive modifications to existing methods, or innovative applications of existing methods to new models or scientific questions. These should include adequate and appropriate validation to be considered, and any datasets associated with the paper must publish all experimental controls and make full datasets available.  

Posters and slides

With F1000Research, you can publish scholarly posters and slides covering basic scientific, translational, and clinical research within the life sciences and medicine. You can find out more about how to publish posters and slides  on the F1000Research website .

Registered report

A  Registered Report  consists of two different kinds of articles: a study protocol and an original research article.

This is because the review process for Registered Reports is divided into two stages. In Stage 1, reviewers assess study protocols before data is collected. In Stage 2, reviewers consider the full published study as an original research article, including results and interpretation.

Taking this approach, you can get an in-principle acceptance of your research article before you start collecting data. We’ve got  further guidance on Registered Reports here , and you can also  read F1000Research’s guidance on preparing a Registered Report .

Research article

Original research articles are the most common type of journal article. They’re detailed studies reporting new work and are classified as primary literature.

You may find them referred to as original articles, research articles, research, or even just articles, depending on the journal.

Typically, especially in STEM subjects, these articles will include Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion sections. However, you should always check the instructions for authors of your chosen journal to see whether it specifies how your article should be structured. If you’re planning to write an original research article, take a look at our guidance on  writing a journal article .

Review article

Review articles provide critical and constructive analysis of existing published literature in a field. They’re usually structured to provide a summary of existing literature, analysis, and comparison. Often, they identify specific gaps or problems and provide recommendations for future research.

Unlike original research articles, review articles are considered as secondary literature. This means that they generally don’t present new data from the author’s experimental work, but instead provide analysis or interpretation of a body of primary research on a specific topic. Secondary literature is an important part of the academic ecosystem because it can help explain new or different positions and ideas about primary research, identify gaps in research around a topic, or spot important trends that one individual research article may not.

There are 3 main types of review article

Literature review

Presents the current knowledge including substantive findings as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic.

Systematic review

Identifies, appraises and synthesizes all the empirical evidence that meets pre-specified eligibility criteria to answer a specific research question. Researchers conducting systematic reviews use explicit, systematic methods that are selected with a view aimed at minimizing bias, to produce more reliable findings to inform decision making.

Meta-analysis

A quantitative, formal, epidemiological study design used to systematically assess the results of previous research to derive conclusions about that body of research. Typically, but not necessarily, a meta-analysis study is based on randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Take a look at our guide to  writing a review article  for more guidance on what’s required.

Software tool articles

A  software tool article  – published by  F1000Research  – describes the rationale for the development of a new software tool and details of the code used for its construction.

The article should provide examples of suitable input data sets and include an example of the output that can be expected from the tool and how this output should be interpreted. Software tool articles submitted to F1000Research should be written in open access programming languages. Take a look at  their guidance  for more details on what’s required of a software tool article.

Further resources

Ready to write your article, but not sure where to start?

For more guidance on how to prepare and write an article for a journal you can download the  Writing your paper eBook .

What Is a Research Paper?

• An Introduction to Punctuation

Olivia Valdes was the Associate Editorial Director for ThoughtCo. She worked with Dotdash Meredith from 2017 to 2021.

• B.A., American Studies, Yale University

A research paper is a common form of academic writing . Research papers require students and academics to locate information about a topic (that is, to conduct research ), take a stand on that topic, and provide support (or evidence) for that position in an organized report.

The term research paper may also refer to a scholarly article that contains the results of original research or an evaluation of research conducted by others. Most scholarly articles must undergo a process of peer review before they can be accepted for publication in an academic journal.

Define Your Research Question

The first step in writing a research paper is defining your research question . Has your instructor assigned a specific topic? If so, great—you've got this step covered. If not, review the guidelines of the assignment. Your instructor has likely provided several general subjects for your consideration. Your research paper should focus on a specific angle on one of these subjects. Spend some time mulling over your options before deciding which one you'd like to explore more deeply.

Try to choose a research question that interests you. The research process is time-consuming, and you'll be significantly more motivated if you have a genuine desire to learn more about the topic. You should also consider whether you have access to all of the resources necessary to conduct thorough research on your topic, such as primary and secondary sources .

Create a Research Strategy 

Approach the research process systematically by creating a research strategy. First, review your library's website. What resources are available? Where will you find them? Do any resources require a special process to gain access? Start gathering those resources—especially those that may be difficult to access—as soon as possible.

Second, make an appointment with a reference librarian . A reference librarian is nothing short of a research superhero. He or she will listen to your research question, offer suggestions for how to focus your research, and direct you toward valuable sources that directly relate to your topic.

Evaluate Sources

Now that you've gathered a wide array of sources, it's time to evaluate them. First, consider the reliability of the information. Where is the information coming from? What is the origin of the source? Second, assess the  relevance  of the information. How does this information relate to your research question? Does it support, refute, or add context to your position? How does it relate to the other sources you'll be using in your paper? Once you have determined that your sources are both reliable and relevant, you can proceed confidently to the writing phase. 

Why Write Research Papers? 

The research process is one of the most taxing academic tasks you'll be asked to complete. Luckily, the value of writing a research paper goes beyond that A+ you hope to receive. Here are just some of the benefits of research papers. 

• Learning Scholarly Conventions:  Writing a research paper is a crash course in the stylistic conventions of scholarly writing. During the research and writing process, you'll learn how to document your research, cite sources appropriately, format an academic paper, maintain an academic tone, and more.
• Organizing Information: In a way, research is nothing more than a massive organizational project. The information available to you is near-infinite, and it's your job to review that information, narrow it down, categorize it, and present it in a clear, relevant format. This process requires attention to detail and major brainpower.
• Managing Time: Research papers put your time management  skills to the test. Every step of the research and writing process takes time, and it's up to you to set aside the time you'll need to complete each step of the task. Maximize your efficiency by creating a research schedule and inserting blocks of "research time" into your calendar as soon as you receive the assignment. 
• Exploring Your Chosen Subject:  We couldn't forget the best part of research papers—learning about something that truly excites you. No matter what topic you choose, you're bound to come away from the research process with new ideas and countless nuggets of fascinating information. 

The best research papers are the result of genuine interest and a thorough research process. With these ideas in mind, go forth and research. Welcome to the scholarly conversation!

• Documentation in Reports and Research Papers
• Thesis: Definition and Examples in Composition
• An Introduction to Academic Writing
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Types of Research Papers

Table of Contents

Writing a research paper requires a special approach, depending on its type. Students associate completing this type of academic assignment with spending long hours on difficult writing. But writing academic work can be less challenging if you know how to distinguish different paper types. You will better understand what aspect to emphasize and how to present the information the right way. The paper type determines the tone of your work.

Let’s find what popular research work types and their main features to make your academic writing journey captivating and flawless are.

What Is a Research Paper?

Before moving to paper-type details, let’s find out what research work is and how it differs from other written assignments. A research article is a form of academic writing providing analysis, evaluation, or interpretation of a topic based on empirical evidence. Research papers use statistical data and a strict code for citations. The structure of a research paper depends on assignment requirements. However, generally, it consists of:

• Introduction
• Literature review
• Recommendations
• Limitations
• Acknowledgements
• Figures and Tables

The language of your article should be formal, objective, hedged, and responsible. Plan and organize your writing carefully and precisely. It is required to use complex sentence structures and impersonal pronouns. When writing your research work, avoid wordiness, a vague thesis statement, informal language, description without analysis, and not citing sources. Use one style manual (MLA, APA, or Chicago) to cite them consistently.

Features of research articles are clear focus established by the thesis statement, straightforward structure, statements supported by evidence, and impersonal tone. The length of a research paper ranges from 4,000 to 6,000 words. However, depending on the assignment, your work can be 2,000 words or even 10,000 words. Your academic level and the assignment complexity influence the essay length.

Simple Steps for Writing Different Types of Research Papers

There are nine simple steps you should follow if you wonder: “how can I write my research paper?”

• Carefully read the assignment guidelines.
• Select an engaging article topic.
• Do early research.
• Create a powerful thesis statement.
• Find reliable sources.
• Write a paper outline.
• Create an essay draft.
• Follow citation and formatting rules.
• Thoroughly edit and proofread your work.

When you need research paper help for some reason, you can find a lot of professional writing services and buy research work.

Different Types of Research Article

There are seven main research work types. Explore them to know what approach to take to create a high-quality paper in the future. Here you can find each type’s specifics and differences to prepare for your assignment the best way. If you have some issues with task completion, choose a reliable service and buy a research paper.

#1 Argumentative Research Papers

Creating an argumentative paper requires a writer to present arguments related to the topic from different points of view. They should analyze the two sides and propose their pros and cons. After that, an author should choose one viewpoint and prove its correctness using evidence from primary sources. There is a special argumentative paper structure that is aimed at persuading the reader to support the writer’s opinion. Thus, describe the problem from two different viewpoints, suggest their pros and cons, and give preference to one.

#2 Analytical Research Papers

It may seem challenging to write an analytical work, but once you find its features, structure, and guidelines, there’s nothing to worry about. A writer should analyze in their paper ideas, facts, events, or issues. It requires an objective analysis and critical thinking to provide strong arguments. You should not take any viewpoint and neutrally describe every point supporting them with relevant information. The analytical paper is based on describing multiple points of view, analyzing all points, and drawing a general conclusion.

#3 Cause and Effect Research Papers

These papers are created to find what is the cause of the expected result. Students without much writing experience are generally assigned to complete such research works. In their papers, they have to describe a situation, present effects, and causes, and draw a conclusion. But this paper type is not as simple as it seems at first sight. Depending on your academic level and subject, a professor may ask you to determine the possible result if conditions change.

#4 Problem-Solution Research Papers

Dealing with this paper type, a writer should describe the problem, present their solution to it, and prove why it is correct. Your task is to find a relevant issue that will be interesting to solve and to engage the readers to explore your solution. Provide reliable data to support your opinion. Consider adding some examples, statistics, and data.

#5 Experimental Research Papers

If you study biology, physics, chemistry, or sociology, this paper type is right for you. When creating an experimental work, a writer should describe their experimental process. This paper provides useful experience and relevant data. Conclude the paper proving that your experiment makes a great contribution to the field.

#6 Report Research Papers

A report paper provides a logical and detailed summary of a case study. A researcher outlines what has been done for the research. The paper includes information, data characteristics, and necessary facts to summarize the findings.

#7 An Interpretive Essay

Such essays are assigned to social science and literature students to show their theoretical knowledge of the subject. Interpret someone’s piece of writing and identify their methods. It is required to support the thesis statement and findings with relevant data.

Types of a Research Article

Research articles are often associated with research articles, and there is no difference between them. Some scholars suggest that works are longer and more detailed. So let’s see what six types of research articles are:

• The original research article is a manuscript for a journal.
• A review article is a comprehensive research summary consisting of a systematic review, literature review, and meta-analysis.
• Short communications are a type of research article that provides a summary of research data.
• A book chapter is a separate section of a book.
• The book review is a brief report of a book consisting of an introduction, author profile, book format, and content.
• Conference materials are article types that can be presented as conference abstracts, posters, and presentation extracts.

Research Paper Styles

If you need research work help, check out the main research article styles. Educational institutions worldwide require their students to adhere to one of the following paper formats or styles:

American Medical Association (AMA) Style

AMA style is commonly used in medical publications. It has a special citation format with in-text references cited numerically in consecutive order using Arabic numerals. Double-space and 12-point font are preferable.

Associated Press Style

The AP style is used mainly for writing news. It’s characterized by consistency, logic, and brevity. Writers avoid offensive and stereotypical language in their works. This style is essential for print journalism.

Chicago Manual of Style

Chicago format style is used in history, physical, natural, and social sciences by many writers and scientists. It is crucial to know about this style that the note numbers are placed within the text, and the sources are found at the end of the chapter.

American Psychological Association (APA) Style

This format is one of the most widely used in academic writing. Students benefit from the APA style frequently in the social sciences. It is also easy to read due to its 12-point font. There are many features of this style, but you should remember that it differs by a left-aligned running header with the title of your study on each page.

Modern Language Association (MLA) Style

MLA style is one of two of the most popular article formats. It is widely used for writing papers on humanities, literature, and English. This style is simple and easy; just use double-spaced throughout the paper and a 12-point font.

Can Research Papers Have Opinions?

Giving your opinion on the issue presupposes subjective evaluation, and in the article, we found that a research paper should be written in an impersonal, objective tone. That’s a controversial question, and we’ll try to handle it.

You can include opinions of prominent scholars in the field and give citations and references to their works. An author should show in their work that they have a personal view on the question and can substantiate it by research and literature. Persuade readers in your paper that your opinion is worth considering using arguments.

Besides, there is an opinion research paper type that aims at presenting the writer’s opinion on a specific topic. Here you are welcome to express your viewpoint but support it with reliable sources and documents.

Writing a research paper seems an insurmountable task with many aspects to consider. Determine your paper type, and your writing process will be much easier as you will have special guidelines.

Contact a research paper writer if you require academic assistance.

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An acid rain research paper free sample

How to find Research Papers: A Cheat Sheet for Graduate Students

• July 23, 2022
• PRODUCTIVITY

“I will read this paper later.” I thought to myself before adding another paper to my overflowing internet browser.

Of course, I didn’t read it later.

Since my workflow was unorganized, I missed out on reading many important papers.

This was a crucial period in my undergraduate career. I had been working with a company for my final year project and knew success would require a solid intellectual foundation. For many hours, I read papers, determined to master the literature in my field.

“How to find research papers quickly?” has been a never-ending question for me.

However, I was unable to succeed despite my best intentions, largely due to inefficiency. In addition, I did not have a system in place for keeping track of new papers being published daily in my topic area or checking if I had missed key studies.

Nothing is worse than forgetting where you saved an important research paper. If I couldn’t find that specific paper, I couldn’t do anything else, and sometimes a day would pass before I found it.

As I was about to begin my PhD, I convinced myself that I should be more organized.

This is the first post of the four-part blog series:  The Bulletproof Literature Management System . Follow the links below to read the other posts in the series:

• How to How to find Research Papers (You are here)
• How to Manage Research Papers
• How to Read Research Papers
• How to Organize Research Papers

My workflow has evolved through many iterations, and I have finally found a system that suits my needs after lots of trial and error.

These tips will help you how to find research papers quickly and more efficiently.

Get recommendations from your supervisor

You may have already received a folder of information from your supervisor regarding your thesis topic. Your supervisor should have already been working on the proposal before you were hired for a funded project.

My supervisor, for example, has a folder named “Literature” for each project folder that contains all the important papers one might need to complete that project.

Therefore, asking your supervisor is one of the most straightforward ways to find research papers.

Even though your supervisor has not put up a folder like that, you can still ask them for recommendations, and they can point out a couple of pertinent articles. From there, you can find the references in the papers they recommended.

Use feed aggregators

Feed aggregators, such as Feedly , Inoreader , and NewsBlur , help me organize my feeds. In the morning, I dedicate five minutes to scanning my feed. For most papers, I just glance at the title and scroll past. Whenever I come across something interesting, I add it to my ‘Read Later’ folder.

Instead of storing papers in an unsecured location, my papers are more secure. As a result, it is much easier for me to look at that folder later on.

Use literature mapping tools

ResearchRabbit , Inciteful , Litmaps , and Connected Papers are literature-mapping tools you can use to dig deeper into a topic. It lets you see which papers are the most groundbreaking in a given field based on their citation networks.

This might not be very helpful if you’re doing research in a relatively new area. Finding relevant research papers in such cases may be more challenging.

This is why checking research databases would be a better option.

Use standard research databases

Scopus has strong searching capabilities and publishes metrics that can measure the relative importance of papers in their fields. However, it may take up to 2 years before an article is included in Scopus.

It has more features for sorting and filtering, so you might not feel overwhelmed when searching.

Therefore, if you are just starting your research, SCOPUS might be an excellent option for finding research papers.

ResearchGate

In addition to traditional searching for publications, ResearchGate offers the following features:

• Follow researchers in your field, so you can keep up with their work.
• Keep up-to-date with the research projects of other researchers by following their research projects, and
• Comment on publications, ask questions, and send direct messages to interact with others.

As most of the comments on ResearchGate are coming from experts in their respective fields, the QnA section may be a great resource for finding the right paper for your research.

An RSS(Really Simple Syndication) feed, as the name implies, is a straightforward solution. By subscribing to RSS, users can access content from specific websites.

You can find RSS feeds for nearly every major journal and preprint server on their home pages – just look for the orange icon. As new articles are added to PubMed or Google Scholar, you can even subscribe to specific keywords.

Use academic textbooks the right way

If you are new to a particular research area, it would be best to start by reading textbooks to understand the topic better.

Despite the lack of depth and detail in a textbook, it can provide you with the basic concepts you need to read further. Furthermore, textbooks often include extensive lists of references as well as this information to get you started . Download the relevant articles from these references.

You might feel overwhelmed if you try to read an academic textbook from beginning to end. For this reason, read only the sections which contain the information you need for your project.

Review papers are game changers

A review paper on your topic is a great starting point for finding good references and getting a broad overview of your research topic.

After reading the review paper, you can read the references cited therein.

You are reading a much more comprehensive summary of the topic than you would have found reading ten individual research papers on the same topic if you found a highly relevant review paper for your research.

Look for technical reports and theses

Make sure you don’t limit yourself to research papers when looking for references. A technical report or code document on your topic may contain important citations (as well as practical information).

There is nothing that compares to a PhD thesis when it comes to the depth and extent of analytical work. See which references students have cited in their theses on your topic.

If you find a relevant thesis for your literature review, you will have extensive information about the research topic in one place, saving you a ton of time.

Google Scholar

The best for the last!

Due to its versatility and efficiency in finding academic papers, I decided to include Google Scholar separately from the database section.

I enjoy using Google Scholar among all the fancy databases available. One drawback to Google Scholar is that it lacks the ability to search for keywords and filter results.

Therefore, if you are just starting your research and aren’t sure what “keywords” to search for, Google Scholar might not be your first choice.

The advantage of Google Scholar is that if you are already familiar with your field of study and already know what you are doing, you will be able to find relevant research papers more quickly.

Use Google Scholar’s search function to locate relevant articles. Furthermore, you can subscribe to updates from colleagues in your field to access the latest references. The publisher of a journal paper may also report an article faster to Google Scholar than another database, which can take up to two years to include an article.

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Aruna Kumarasiri

Founder at Proactive Grad, Materials Engineer, Researcher, and turned author. In 2019, he started his professional carrier as a materials engineer with the continuation of his research studies. His exposure to both academic and industrial worlds has provided many opportunities for him to give back to young professionals.

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• Knowledge Base

Methodology

Research Methods | Definitions, Types, Examples

Research methods are specific procedures for collecting and analyzing data. Developing your research methods is an integral part of your research design . When planning your methods, there are two key decisions you will make.

First, decide how you will collect data . Your methods depend on what type of data you need to answer your research question :

• Qualitative vs. quantitative : Will your data take the form of words or numbers?
• Primary vs. secondary : Will you collect original data yourself, or will you use data that has already been collected by someone else?
• Descriptive vs. experimental : Will you take measurements of something as it is, or will you perform an experiment?

Second, decide how you will analyze the data .

• For quantitative data, you can use statistical analysis methods to test relationships between variables.
• For qualitative data, you can use methods such as thematic analysis to interpret patterns and meanings in the data.

Table of contents

Methods for collecting data, examples of data collection methods, methods for analyzing data, examples of data analysis methods, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research methods.

Data is the information that you collect for the purposes of answering your research question . The type of data you need depends on the aims of your research.

Qualitative vs. quantitative data

Your choice of qualitative or quantitative data collection depends on the type of knowledge you want to develop.

For questions about ideas, experiences and meanings, or to study something that can’t be described numerically, collect qualitative data .

If you want to develop a more mechanistic understanding of a topic, or your research involves hypothesis testing , collect quantitative data .

You can also take a mixed methods approach , where you use both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Primary vs. secondary research

Primary research is any original data that you collect yourself for the purposes of answering your research question (e.g. through surveys , observations and experiments ). Secondary research is data that has already been collected by other researchers (e.g. in a government census or previous scientific studies).

If you are exploring a novel research question, you’ll probably need to collect primary data . But if you want to synthesize existing knowledge, analyze historical trends, or identify patterns on a large scale, secondary data might be a better choice.

Descriptive vs. experimental data

In descriptive research , you collect data about your study subject without intervening. The validity of your research will depend on your sampling method .

In experimental research , you systematically intervene in a process and measure the outcome. The validity of your research will depend on your experimental design .

To conduct an experiment, you need to be able to vary your independent variable , precisely measure your dependent variable, and control for confounding variables . If it’s practically and ethically possible, this method is the best choice for answering questions about cause and effect.

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Your data analysis methods will depend on the type of data you collect and how you prepare it for analysis.

Data can often be analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. For example, survey responses could be analyzed qualitatively by studying the meanings of responses or quantitatively by studying the frequencies of responses.

Qualitative analysis methods

Qualitative analysis is used to understand words, ideas, and experiences. You can use it to interpret data that was collected:

• From open-ended surveys and interviews , literature reviews , case studies , ethnographies , and other sources that use text rather than numbers.
• Using non-probability sampling methods .

Qualitative analysis tends to be quite flexible and relies on the researcher’s judgement, so you have to reflect carefully on your choices and assumptions and be careful to avoid research bias .

Quantitative analysis methods

Quantitative analysis uses numbers and statistics to understand frequencies, averages and correlations (in descriptive studies) or cause-and-effect relationships (in experiments).

You can use quantitative analysis to interpret data that was collected either:

• During an experiment .
• Using probability sampling methods .

Because the data is collected and analyzed in a statistically valid way, the results of quantitative analysis can be easily standardized and shared among researchers.

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If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• Chi square test of independence
• Statistical power
• Descriptive statistics
• Degrees of freedom
• Pearson correlation
• Null hypothesis
• Double-blind study
• Case-control study
• Research ethics
• Data collection
• Hypothesis testing
• Structured interviews

Research bias

• Hawthorne effect
• Unconscious bias
• Recall bias
• Halo effect
• Self-serving bias
• Information bias

Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings.

Quantitative methods allow you to systematically measure variables and test hypotheses . Qualitative methods allow you to explore concepts and experiences in more detail.

In mixed methods research , you use both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods to answer your research question .

A sample is a subset of individuals from a larger population . Sampling means selecting the group that you will actually collect data from in your research. For example, if you are researching the opinions of students in your university, you could survey a sample of 100 students.

In statistics, sampling allows you to test a hypothesis about the characteristics of a population.

The research methods you use depend on the type of data you need to answer your research question .

• If you want to measure something or test a hypothesis , use quantitative methods . If you want to explore ideas, thoughts and meanings, use qualitative methods .
• If you want to analyze a large amount of readily-available data, use secondary data. If you want data specific to your purposes with control over how it is generated, collect primary data.
• If you want to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables , use experimental methods. If you want to understand the characteristics of a research subject, use descriptive methods.

Methodology refers to the overarching strategy and rationale of your research project . It involves studying the methods used in your field and the theories or principles behind them, in order to develop an approach that matches your objectives.

Methods are the specific tools and procedures you use to collect and analyze data (for example, experiments, surveys , and statistical tests ).

In shorter scientific papers, where the aim is to report the findings of a specific study, you might simply describe what you did in a methods section .

In a longer or more complex research project, such as a thesis or dissertation , you will probably include a methodology section , where you explain your approach to answering the research questions and cite relevant sources to support your choice of methods.

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Molecular GBM versus Histopathological GBM: Radiology-Pathology-Genetic Correlation and the New WHO 2021 Definition of Glioblastoma

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Given the recent advances in molecular pathogenesis of tumors, with better correlation with tumor behavior and prognosis, major changes were made to the new 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of CNS tumors, including updated criteria for diagnosis of glioblastoma (GBM). Diagnosis of GBM now requires absence of isocitrate dehydrogenase and histone 3 mutations (IDH-wild-type and H3-wild-type) as the basic cornerstone, with elimination of the IDH-mutant category. The requirements for diagnosis were conventionally histopathological, based on the presence of pathognomonic features such as microvascular proliferation and necrosis. However, even if these histologic features are absent, many lower-grade (WHO grade 2/3) diffuse astrocytic gliomas behave clinically similar to GBM (grade 4). The 2021 WHO classification introduced new molecular criteria that can be used to upgrade the diagnosis of such histologically lower-grade, IDH-wild-type, astrocytomas to GBM. The 3 molecular criteria include: concurrent gain of whole chromosome 7 and loss of whole chromosome 10 (+7/–10); telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutation; and epidermal growth factor receptor amplification. Given these changes, it is now strongly recommended to have molecular analysis of WHO grade 2/3 diffuse astrocytic, IDH-wild-type, gliomas in adult patients, as identification of any of the above mutations allows for upgrading the tumor to WHO grade 4 (“molecular GBM”) with important prognostic implications. Despite an early stage, there is active ongoing research on the unique MR imaging features of molecular GBM. This paper highlights the differences between “molecular” and “histopathological” GBM, with the aim of providing a basic understanding about these changes.

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Research on the impact of technology mergers and acquisitions on corporate performance: an empirical analysis based on china’s pharmaceutical industry.

• 1 School of Business Administration, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
• 2 Drug Regulatory Research Base of NMPA, Research Institute of Drug Regulatory Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China

There is intense competition among pharmaceutical companies with the rapid growth of the global pharmaceutical industry. In recent years, China has continuously increased the reform of the medical system. Technology mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in China’s pharmaceutical industry have emerged in this complex policy and economic background. This paper conducts an empirical study from the dual perspectives of financial performance and innovation performance, based on unbalanced panel data of Chinese listed pharmaceutical firms from 2012 to 2022. The impact of technology M&A on firm performance is analyzed in terms of the heterogeneity of firm characteristics. Meanwhile, the relationship between R&D investment in technology M&A and firm performance is examined. The results show that technology M&A can promote the performance of pharmaceutical companies, and R&D investment has a mediating effect on the impact of technology M&A on corporate performance. Based on the above findings, this study enriches the relevant literature on technology M&A in the pharmaceutical industry, provides warnings and suggestions for pharmaceutical companies to improve corporate performance through technology M&A, and provides reference materials for future policy formulation.

1 Introduction

Competition among enterprises is intensifying in the context of global economic integration ( 1 ). Governments have intensified their scientific and technological innovation backing to gain a competitive edge. It is an important indicator that the innovation capacity of pharmaceutical companies can measure a country’s strength in science and technology innovation ( 2 ). The pharmaceutical market has opportunities and challenges when China is economically transforming and upgrading ( 3 ). Pharmaceutical companies can improve their innovation performance in two ways: internal research and development (R&D) and external mergers and acquisitions (M&A). It is relatively slow to depend on internal R&D to enhance technology because of limitations in technical resources and research and development professionals ( 4 ). Therefore, there is a growing tendency among pharmaceutical companies to pursue advanced pharmaceutical development technologies to acquire specialized technological resources from external sources and to use technology mergers and acquisitions to achieve leapfrog innovation ( 5 ).

In recent years, China has been increasing its efforts to reform the pharmaceutical system and to develop technological innovations in pharmaceutical enterprises ( 6 ). There have been mergers and acquisitions of companies in the pharmaceutical industry in China’s complex policy and economic background. It is increasingly recognized among pharmaceutical companies that they can gain access to advanced technologies and products by engaging in technological mergers and acquisitions, which allows them to establish an advantageous market position ( 7 ). However, China’s pharmaceutical industry is relatively dispersed regarding industrial structure. Although the number of pharmaceutical enterprises is large, the scale is generally small, and the innovation ability is relatively weak. There is an apparent gap between Chinese pharmaceutical companies and large multinational pharmaceutical companies in developed countries regarding research and development capabilities, innovation capabilities, financial strength, etc. ( 8 ). China has implemented many measures to promote and facilitate the technological advancement of pharmaceutical companies in recent years. As an illustration, the government will offer tax advantages, financial assistance, and other policy measures to stimulate firms to enhance their investment in research and development. These policies create a favorable external environment and conditions for Chinese pharmaceutical businesses to engage in technology mergers and acquisitions, making such mergers and acquisitions an essential means to boost the development of the pharmaceutical industry.

The earliest concept of technology mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is Williamson’s 1975 proposal that technology M&A is a mergers and acquisitions activity with the primary goal of acquiring the target’s technological resources ( 9 ). Technology M&A is a highly effective technique for companies to quickly get innovative resources and strengthen their ability to innovate technologically in response to changes in their business models ( 10 ). Mergers and acquisitions among enterprises originated in the United States and have since expanded worldwide ( 11 ). Scholars from various countries have researched technology mergers and acquisitions, with the most influential researchers appearing in Sweden and the United States. Jacobsson and Granstrand revealed in 1983 and 1984, respectively, that small firms in technology M&As have seller characteristics in deal offers in the M&A market due to their advanced technology patents. Granstrand ( 12 ) discussed the role of technology M&A in the mergers and acquisitions process using the “theory of technology-based enterprises.” Wang and Han ( 13 ) examined how the absorptive capacity of American companies might influence technological innovation as a moderator. Enterprises’ absorptive capacity enables them to incorporate and utilize external technological information as internal knowledge effectively. It is a relatively late research on technology mergers and acquisitions in China. Wu et al. ( 14 ) examined the developmental trajectory of China’s firms’ technological prowess, as demonstrated through their adoption of new technologies, expansion of production capacity, and ability to innovate. The primary purpose of leading companies engaging in M&A is to address their deficiencies in specific areas, enhance the diversified growth of their technology research and development, and lay the foundation for comprehensive technological innovation in the future. Based on existing research on technology M&A, one view is that technology mergers and acquisitions can efficiently address R&D disadvantages and enhance the knowledge capacities of acquiring organizations ( 15 ). Simultaneously, technology M&A provides exit channels other than IPOs for the founders of target firms, thus reducing their entrepreneurial risk ( 16 ). This initiative aims to incentivize target firms to enhance their investment in research and development and intensify their efforts in technological knowledge innovation ( 7 ). Furthermore, Ghosh et al. ( 8 ) propose that technology M&A offers a faster way to obtain external technological resources than internal research and development. It is an effective way for enterprises to master the technical knowledge of the target enterprise and absorb high-tech talents. Another view is that technology M&A may hinder the improvement of internal research and development capabilities if firms rely too much on external technological resources. The enterprise’s intangible resources are not effectively accumulated, and the absorption of external knowledge resources will be negatively affected ( 17 ). Szucs ( 18 ) argues it will diminish the enterprise’s ability to innovate independently if the primary objective of technological mergers and acquisitions is to evade market competition rather than efficiently incorporate and utilize the acquired technology.

To sum up, the extant literature on technological M&A and enterprise performance lacks consensus and is confined to a singular perspective. Only a few numbers of researchers have empirically investigated technological M&A in the pharmaceutical industry. Different firms are affected differently by undertaking technology M&As. It is essential to consider the diversity of innovation subjects, whose characteristics such as property rights, size, and geographical location should also not be ignored. Therefore, it is important to further investigate the effect of technology M&A on firm performance and understand the mechanisms by which technology M&A enhances firm performance. This paper empirically analyses the impact of technology M&A on firm performance using a fixed-effects approach based on unbalanced panel data of listed pharmaceutical firms in China from 2012 to 2022. In addition, it comprehensively examines the diversity among enterprises with varying ownership characteristics, sizes, and geographic locations. It then further analyses the role of R&D investment as a mediator between technology M&A and firm performance. It offers rich materials for China’s pharmaceutical industry to launch technology M&As, aiding firms in gaining a deeper understanding of technological expansion through M&A to enhance their innovation capabilities. Furthermore, this article analyzes the outcomes of the present government’s strategy to encourage technological advancement in China and offers pertinent information for future policy development using the most recent sample data.

Compared with the existing results, this research offers possible contributions as follows: Firstly, it is the inaugural empirical study that examines financial performance and innovation performance from a dual perspective. The extensive literature on company performance mostly concentrates on individual performance indicators. This paper integrates the two variables into a single variable for research and analysis to systematically evaluate the influence of technological mergers and acquisitions on the performance of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. It complements the limited theory and empirical evidence available in this field. Secondly, this paper explores the relationship between technology M&A and firm performance and frames the study of R&D inputs to explore its mechanism as a mediating variable. Existing literature has conducted a great deal of research and studies from the perspective of the respective impact of R&D inputs and technology M&A on firm performance, and some scholars have made several studies from the relevant aspects of individual firms. This paper will provide R&D inputs into the study of technology M&A and its impact on company performance, enriching the relevant literature. Thirdly, there are fewer studies on technology M&A in China’s pharmaceutical companies. This paper specifically studies the impact of technology M&A on firm performance in the pharmaceutical industry with Chinese characteristics (heterogeneity) to provide a realistic reference for the current innovation practice of pharmaceutical enterprises.

The rest of the paper is organized as follows. In the “Literature Review and Research Hypotheses” section, this paper reviews the previous literature and puts forward the hypotheses of this paper. The “Research Design” section provides data sources, variable selection, and model setup. The “Empirical Analysis” and “Heterogeneity Analysis” sections discuss the results. Finally, “Conclusions and Recommendations, Shortcomings and Prospects” is given.

2 Literature review and research hypothesis

2.1 technology mergers and acquisitions and firm performance.

With the growing requirement for enterprise innovation, obtaining external technical resources has become a major incentive for companies to combine and acquire. In theory, the mechanism by which companies rely on acquisitions to enhance innovation output is mainly reflected in two aspects. One is the selection mechanism; it is more efficient for companies with poor innovation capabilities to acquire innovation by acquiring companies with substantial expertise or ready-made patents than a direct investment in independent innovation ( 19 ). Cassiman et al. ( 20 ) argues that the principal merger party will purposefully select target firms that possess their missing technological knowledge so that they can update their existing knowledge after the technology acquisition. The study conducted by Chen ( 21 ) shows that there is a very important role in the development of new ideas and the existing knowledge base of firms in enhancing innovation core competitiveness after M&A. The second is synergy; it will be enlarged to cover the knowledge stock of the leading merging company after a technology M&A. It is beneficial for enterprises with a deep stock of knowledge to absorb external technological resources, which enhances their innovation capacity and increases the firm’s innovation output ( 22 ). Zhang et al. ( 23 ) showed that technology M&A can avoid the knowledge cocoon trap and innovation path dependence generated by long-term independent research and development, which can rapidly update and expand the existing knowledge stock of enterprises. Enterprises have complementary technological resources to enhance innovation power because of the synergistic effect.

Technology mergers and acquisitions are an effective strategy for enterprises to acquire innovative resources and enhance corporate performance rapidly. According to Zhao ( 24 ), an analysis of M&A cases across various industries in the United States between 1984 and 1997 revealed that M&A transactions driven by the goal of technology innovation are a common phenomenon. It is through technology M&As that companies, especially those with a weak innovation capacity before the M&A, will increase the number of patents obtained. Entezarkheir and Moshiri ( 25 ) argues that M&A significantly positively affects corporate innovation, and heterogeneity will exist across industries. Chinese scholars have shown that technology mergers and acquisitions clearly influence firms’ innovation performance ( 26 ). Qu ( 27 ) analyzed the intrinsic link between a company’s technology M&A and innovation performance and found that complementary and substitutive technology M&As significantly boost the firm’s innovation performance. Also, the study conducted by Yang and Zhou ( 28 ) demonstrated that the impact of technical innovation resulting from technology M&As becomes more evident when the acquired firm experiences significant growth. Wu et al. ( 29 ) investigated the effect of knowledge integration on firms’ innovation performance based on different technology M&A modes. Enterprises will change their knowledge base regarding width and depth when they carry out two modes of technology M&A. Therefore, the performance of innovation in enterprises will yield varying outcomes.

Additionally, Nesta and Saviotti ( 30 ) conducted an empirical study on the pharmaceutical industry and concluded that the higher the acquired firm’s technological R&D base, the more effective it is in improving the R&D capability of the primary acquiring firm after the merger. Also, it is more conducive for firms with a solid long-term technological R&D base to enhance post-merger innovation performance. Lin and Jang ( 31 ) examined merger and acquisition data from the United States pharmaceutical industry and argued that complementarities between firms can improve technological development and innovation. Firms should find companies in the same industry as theirs that match their size and technology for strategic integration. Hao and Ren ( 32 ) studied the evolution of issues related to technology M&A in high-tech enterprises. They proposed that the impact of technology M&A on the technological integration of enterprises varies depending on the industry. Technology M&A particularly promotes R&D in the pharmaceutical industry and suggests relevant countermeasures for enterprises and authorities. Yu and Wang ( 33 ) used a double-difference method to compare the innovation performance of technology M&As between firms that executed M&As and firms that did not perform M&As throughout different policy stages. The study results showed that firms engaging in technology M&As could improve their innovation performance in the short run before implementing the policy. Still, the innovation effect was negative in the long run. After implementing the policy, firms that engage in technology M&As show adverse innovation effects in the short term. The study results provide a realistic reference for the future decision-making of enterprises and the establishment of national policies.

Based on the combination of the above theories and literature, this paper proposes the following research hypotheses:

H1 : Technology mergers and acquisitions positively affect firm performance.

2.2 The mediating role of R&D investment

There are two basic approaches to innovation for enterprises: closed innovation and open innovation. Closed innovation is mainly based on internal R&D, and R&D investment is the core bloodline of firms’ innovation activities ( 22 ), and firm performance is closely related. It can enhance the enterprise’s independent R&D capability, which starts from within the enterprise to invest enterprise resources in R&D activities. Enterprises can master the core technology and form their core competitiveness through independent R&D to occupy a favorable position in the market ( 34 ). One of the most important avenues for open innovation is technology M&A, which allows for rapid access to external technological resources and core knowledge capabilities and improves the firm’s innovation ability ( 35 ). Compared with the long time, high risk, and high investment required for independent R&D, technology M&A can more rapidly acquire the technological knowledge the target firm holds ( 4 ). Firms relying solely on internal R&D to realize innovation can increase riskiness in the context of the increasing speed of innovation iteration ( 36 ). There is a growing realization in enterprises that innovation does not only come from within the enterprise; external resource integration is also an essential part ( 37 ).

Williamson’s Transaction cost theory (9) states that external technological resource acquisition replaces internal R&D skills. Companies experience transaction costs when they acquire external technology resources, which impact the incorporation of these resources within the company. Cohen and Levinthal ( 6 ) contend that the firm’s internal R&D capacity plays a significant role in assimilating and innovating external resources. However, it will negatively impact the company’s performance due to an excessive dependence on external technology resources and a lack of logical incorporation of externally acquired technological resources. Hitt et al. ( 38 ) and Jensen ( 39 ) propose that the reduction in R&D spending by innovative companies following mergers and acquisitions diminishes their level of R&D intensity. Firms interrupt their existing development plans to use the target company’s resources better and spend a lot of time on strategic adjustments at the managerial level, slowing down technological innovation in the company. It has also been argued that inadequate integration measures are not taken after a merger or acquisition, or if there is inertia in autonomous innovation due to technology purchase, this can negatively impact a firm’s innovation performance ( 40 ). In addition, Wang and Ma ( 36 ) discovered that the R&D expenditure of the dominant party involved in a merger and acquisition has a moderating effect on the process using a multiple regression model. This moderation promotes the combination of resources and collaborative innovation. Gandal and Scotchmer ( 41 ) highlighted that corporate governance issues influence the optimal selection of R&D investment by decision-makers, which subsequently impacts the efficiency of using external technological resources.

In summary, this paper argues that after technology mergers and acquisitions, adequate integration measures are taken on acquired technological resources by increasing R&D investment, which leads to a growth trend in firm performance. Based on this analysis, this paper proposes the hypothesis:

H2 : R&D investment mediates the effect of technology mergers and acquisitions on firms’ innovation performance.

3 Materials and methods

3.1 sample selection and data source.

This paper selects the information on M&A events of Chinese A-share listed pharmaceutical companies from 2012 to 2022 as the research sample. Based on data availability and accuracy, this paper excludes ST and *ST, PT, and companies with missing relevant data. For multiple M&A events of the same company in the same year, the first M&A event in a year is selected. Finally, 1,418 unbalanced panel observations for 145 firms that meet the requirements are obtained. To eliminate the impact of outliers on the study, this paper uses Stata16.0 software to perform bilateral shrinkage of the relevant variables. The financial data of listed companies are mainly obtained from the China Stock Market and Accounting Research Database (CSMAR, https://data.csmar.com/ ) and Juchao Information Network 1 to find the annual reports of enterprises. Patent data comes from the China Research Data Service Platform (CNRDS, https://www.cnrds.com/ ).

3.2 Variable selection and definition

3.2.1 explained variable.

The paper studies the effects of technology mergers and acquisitions on enterprise performance by thoroughly analyzing innovation and financial performance variables. It refers to the study by Gu and Xie ( 42 ) which selects return on assets (ROA) as the metric to evaluate corporate financial performance. Patents are highly effective in measuring innovation performance, as they provide significant exclusivity and can explain the rise in performance output resulting from technological innovation. A greater quantity of patent applications typically signifies a higher degree of innovation performance exhibited by a company. Experts commonly assert that the quantity of patent applications provides a more accurate indication of the extent of innovation compared to the number of grants. This is due to the fact that patent approvals necessitate evaluation and payment of yearly fees, leading to greater unpredictability and volatility. Thus, this study uses the total number of patent applications increased by one as the logarithm of the innovation performance indicator for measurement.

3.2.2 Explanatory variables

Technology mergers and acquisitions (Tma) is a dummy variable, assigned a value of 1 if a technology merger or acquisition occurs in an enterprise. Otherwise, it is assigned a value of 0. Technology mergers and acquisitions provide a direct means of accessing the technological resources of the target firm and achieving the substitution and complementation of production technology. This paper defines technology M&A according to Ahuja and Katila ( 43 ). Technology M&A refers to M&A events involving listed businesses that meet one of the following three criteria: (i) the announcement of the M&A by the businesses listed clearly states that the goal of the M&A is to get technology. (ii) The target company possesses patented technology within 5 years prior to the date of the M&A announcement. (iii) The listed companies are classified as high-tech enterprises. This study utilizes the CSMAR database to extract the 2012–2022 M&A information table of listed businesses. We next manually examine the relevant papers to ascertain if the M&A events fall under the category of technological M&A. After applying the aforementioned criteria, we obtained a total of 293 samples of M&A events that satisfy the specified conditions.

3.2.3 Mediating variable

Research and development (RD) investment. To measure R&D investment, the empirical practice of Guo ( 44 ) measures the R&D intensity of enterprises by the proportion of R&D expenditure to operating revenue.

3.2.4 Control variable

The magnitude of a company’s assets directly impacts its capacity to effectively incorporate post-merger technology. Information asymmetry can create market flaws that lead to financing limits for organizations. Companies with large levels of debt typically incur more risks, which in turn restrict their involvement in technological mergers and acquisitions. Companies that experience higher rates of growth in their operating revenue typically possess stronger skills for achieving growth. They are more likely to be preferred by the capital market in mergers and acquisitions. In this paper, we cite the works of Hui et al. ( 45 ), Wang and Huang ( 46 ), and Hong ( 47 ) to regulate the variables of firm size, asset-liability ratio, financing constraints, operating income growth rate, and total asset turnover. This is done to enhance the scientific rigor and dependability of the study by managing other potential confounding factors. See Table 1 for specific measurements.

Table 1 . Variables and their definitions.

3.3 Model construction

3.3.1 fixed effects model.

To test the impact of technology mergers and acquisitions on corporate performance, this paper refers to the research of Hou ( 48 ). It combines theoretical analyses and the design of research indicators to construct the following econometric model:

Where i denotes individual firms, t denotes the year, and Y it s dependent variables are financial performance (Roa) and innovation performance (Invia). The independent variables are technology mergers and acquisitions (Tma) and all other possible control variables (controls), respectively. firmi and year t denote individual and time-fixed effects, respectively, and ε i , t is a random error term. Considering that the individual perspective of pharmaceutical enterprises is not affected by time (enterprise ownership, high-tech enterprise qualification) and the time perspective is not affected by individual changes in the enterprise (industrial structure, GDP growth, years of education of the provincial population, and the macroeconomic environment), and thus the empirical design includes the enterprise individual fixed effects and the year fixed effects, the constructed model (1) is a bidirectional fixed effects model.

3.3.2 Mediating effect model

To explore the relationship between technology mergers and acquisitions, R&D investment, and enterprise performance, according to the three-step mediating effect model proposed by Wen et al. ( 49 ), this paper adds the mediating variable R&D investment (Rd) based on the above-fixed effect model (1), and constructs the model as follows:

In Equation (2) , RD it is the mediating variable R&D input, and the rest of the symbols have the same meaning as in Equation (1) above Equation (3) , is based on Eq. (1) , with the addition of the variable of R&D investment, which is used to test the effect of technology mergers and acquisitions and R&D investment on corporate performance.

4 Empirical analyses

4.1 descriptive statistics analysis.

The descriptive statistics of each variable are shown in Table 2 . It can be seen that the return on assets (Roa) of enterprises ranges from −0.154 to 0.226, with an average value of 0.061, indicating that the financial status of enterprises varies greatly. The number of invention patent applications (Invia) ranges from 0 to 1.857, with an average of 0.893, indicating some variation in firms’ innovation performance and that most pharmaceutical firms have low innovation performance. For the explanatory variables, the mean value of Technology Mergers and Acquisitions (Tma) is 0.207, and the variance is 0.405. The range of Research and Development (RD) is 0.32 ~ 23.06, and the variance is 3.892, which is a significant difference, indicating a great difference in Research and Development (RD) among enterprises. There is a great fluctuation in R&D investment in each company and each year. The maximum value of the capital debt ratio (Lev) is 0.815, and the minimum value is 0.042, indicating that the debt capacity of listed companies is not uniform. The minimum value of enterprise growth (Gro) is -0.46, and the maximum value is 1.162, indicating that listed companies’ development ability and growth opportunities in China’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry vary more significantly. The value of financing constraint (SA) ranges from -4.747 to-3.233, and the larger the value of SA, the larger the financing constraint. The average value of financing constraint is-3.887, which shows that enterprises generally face the dilemma of financing constraint.

Table 2 . Descriptive statistics.

4.2 Correlation analysis

The results of the Pearson correlation analysis between the variables are shown in Table 3 . It can be seen that the correlation coefficient between technology mergers and acquisitions (Tma) and enterprise financial performance (Roa) is 0.351, and the coefficient with innovation performance (Invia) is 0.336; there is a significant positive correlation. This indicates that with the increase in technology mergers and acquisitions, enterprise performance will also improve, which initially verifies H1. Research and development investment (RD) also has a significant positive correlation with enterprise performance (Roa) and innovation performance (Invia), which initially verifies H2. The study results show that the variance inflation factor VI F value is less than 10, and the absolute value of correlation coefficients between the rest of the variables is less than 0.8, indicating that the variables passed the multiple covariance test.

Table 3 . Correlation analysis.

4.3 Benchmark regression results

A fixed effects model is used to test the impact of technology mergers and acquisitions on pharmaceutical firms’ performance, and the regression results of model (1) are shown in Table 4 . Column (1)–Column (4) regressions are all controlled for individual and time effects. Columns (1) and (2) are the effects of technology mergers and acquisitions on the financial performance of enterprises. In column (1), the regression coefficient of technology mergers and acquisitions (Tma) on Roa is 0.0552, which is significant at the 1% statistical level. In column (2), after adding control variables, the coefficient is 0.0149 and still significant at the 1% level, which means that technology mergers and acquisitions can significantly contribute to the enhancement of the financial performance of pharmaceutical enterprises. This implies that technology mergers and acquisitions can significantly promote the financial performance of pharmaceutical companies. Columns (3) and (4) show the effect of technology M&A on innovation performance. Column (3) does not include control variables, and column (4) adds control variables. The regression coefficients of technology M&A are 0.3885 and 0.0881, respectively, which are significant at the 1 percent confidence level, indicating that technology M&A can also enhance the innovation performance of pharmaceutical enterprises; this validates H1. Based on theoretical analysis, enterprises that acquire technology resources for M&As pay more attention to integrating technology and knowledge to quickly absorb the acquired enterprise’s technical knowledge. It can better enhance corporate performance by expanding the scale of their basic knowledge. In addition, by comparing the regression findings in columns (2) and (4), it is evident that technology M&A has a more pronounced impact on pharmaceutical firms’ innovation performance than its effect on financial performance. It could be because technology mergers and acquisitions may prompt firms to adjust their patent policies. Companies can evaluate and modify their patent portfolios based on market demand and technological advancements throughout the merger and acquisition process. As a result, companies may choose to augment their patent applications to align with the changing market conditions and competitive forces.

Table 4 . Benchmark regression results.

4.4 Mediating effects of R&D inputs

Table 5 shows the regression results of research and development investment (RD) as a mediating variable. According to the three-step method of mediating effect, columns (1) and (4) are the results of the benchmark regression of Tma on firm performance, consistent with the above results. Column (2) shows the effect of technology mergers and acquisitions on RD, and the regression coefficient of RD is 1.134 and is significantly positive at the 1% level. It indicates that technology mergers and acquisitions positively impact enterprise R&D investment, and enterprise R&D investment is significantly improved after the enterprise carries out technology mergers and acquisitions. Firms obtain new R&D capabilities and technological knowledge through technology mergers and acquisitions. To fully use these new R&D capabilities, firms increase their R&D investment to develop more innovative products and technologies. Columns (3) and (5) show the effects of technology M&A on firms’ financial performance and innovation performance after adding the mediating variable of RD, respectively. The coefficients of Tma on Roa are 0.00999, which is significantly positive at a 10% statistical level, respectively. The coefficient of Tma on Invia is 0.0673, which is significantly positive at a 5% statistical level. This indicates that R&D investment mediates the effect of technology mergers and acquisitions on enterprise performance, thus verifying the above H2. After a technological merger and acquisition, boosting R&D investment can expedite the company’s integration and assimilation of external technology resources and core knowledge skills. Enterprises can enhance their level of technological innovation by bolstering internal research and development efforts and aggressively leveraging them. Simultaneously, the surge in research and development spending resulting from technological M&A aids firms in effectively adapting to shifts in market demand, thereby enhancing their performance.

Table 5 . Regression results mediated by R&D investment.

In addition, the model passed the Sobel test and Bootstrap test (drawing self-help samples 1,000 times), and the test results are shown in Table 6 . When the explanatory variable is Roa, the direct effect coefficient is 0.009992, and the indirect effect coefficient is 0.00492, which is significantly positive at 1%. When the explanatory variable is Invia, the direct effect coefficient is 0.06782, and the indirect effect coefficient is 0.20802, both of which are significant at 1%. It indicates that research and development investment (RD) as a mediating variable promotes the positive effect of technology mergers and acquisitions on firms’ financial performance, further validating H2.

Table 6 . Mediating effect model Sobel and Bootstrap test.

4.5 Robustness tests

4.5.1 replacement of variable indicators.

Referring to the study of Wang and Huang ( 46 ), this paper replaces the dummy variable of whether the explanatory variable is mergers and acquisitions (Tma) with the ratio of the sum of the amount of all technology merger and acquisition deals initiated by listed companies in the year to the total assets (Ta) to conduct the regression again, and the results are shown in columns (1) and (2) of Table 7 . The coefficient of Roa is 0.1517, the coefficient of Invia is 0.2078, and the regression coefficients of firm performance are all significantly positive at the 1% level. This indicates that technology mergers and acquisitions positively impact firm performance, and the regression results are consistent with the benchmark regression results. The explanatory variable return on assets (Roa) is replaced by return on equity (Roe), and the regression results are shown in column (3) of Table 7 . The coefficient of Roe is 0.0159, which is significantly positive at the 10 percent level. The regression results are consistent with those of the benchmark regression results, which indicates that this paper’s conclusion on the promotional effect of technology mergers and acquisitions on corporate performance is robust.

Table 7 . Robustness test.

4.5.2 Reconstructing the sample

Referring to the empirical research method of Li and Yang ( 50 ), this paper transforms the unbalanced panel data into balanced panel data for regression to ensure sample integrity. The regression results are shown in columns (4) and (5) of Table 7 . The coefficient of Roa is 0.0244, the coefficient of Invia is 0.3121, and the coefficient of technology M&A on firm performance is still significantly positive and significant at the 1% level, indicating that the benchmark regression results are robust and reliable.

4.5.3 Replacement of measurement model

To avoid the influence of problems such as autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity, this paper refers to the study of Zhang et al. ( 51 ), adjusts the heteroskedasticity and clustering of the standard errors, and shows the results in Table 7 . From the regression results in Columns (6) and (7), it can be seen that, after the adjustments to the standard errors, the promotional effect of technology M&As on firm performance is still significant, which once again verifies the robustness of the conclusions of the paper’s study.

4.6 Endogeneity test

The endogeneity problem is usually a 3-pronged problem of omitted variables, bi-directional causality, and measurement error in the variables. To eliminate the possibility of endogeneity problems, this paper adopts instrumental variables and the dynamic panel system generalized moment estimation (SYS-GMM) method for testing. This paper refers to the study of Li et al. ( 52 ) and adopts the explanatory variables (Tma) lagged term (L.Tma) as an instrumental variable, which can keep the obvious correlation between it and the explanatory variables, and also avoid the problem of weak instrumental variables. In addition, the current period’s disturbance terms cannot affect these lagged indicators. Therefore, the instrumental variables are selected to lag the lagged terms of the explanatory variables, which can satisfy the constraints of correlation and homogeneity.

Table 8 shows the results of the instrumental variable test. After controlling for possible endogeneity issues by choosing this instrumental variable, the Roa and Invia coefficients are still positive, the level of significance remains unchanged, and technological M&A still present significant positive incentives for firm performance. The results of this test once again maintain the findings of the previous study, indicating that the results are robust and credible.

Table 8 . Endogeneity test (instrumental variable approach).

In addition, this paper incorporates the lagged one-period of the explanatory variables into the regression model to further address possible endogeneity issues through the SYS-GMM approach. In the SYS-GMM estimation, we consider the lagged one period of the explanatory variables and technology mergers and acquisitions as endogenous variables and use the lagged terms of the explanatory variables as instrumental variables. Roodman ( 53 ) emphasizes that the HansenTest is more robust than the SarganTest regarding heteroskedasticity problems in the model. Hence, this paper reports the results of the HansenTest. The results of the endogeneity test are shown in Table 9 , where we find that the regression coefficients of the explanatory variables return on total assets (Roa) lagged one period is 0.1442, which is significantly positive at the 10% level. The coefficient of the number of invention patent applications (Invia) is 0.2269, which is significantly positive at the 5% level. This indicates that there is an inertia in the firms’ technology M&A decisions and that the outcome of the decision in the previous period significantly affects the technology M&A decisions in the next period. The regression coefficients of the explanatory variable technology mergers and acquisitions (Tma) are 0.0315 and 0.3621, respectively, which are still significantly positive at the 1 percent confidence level. To enhance the reliability of the SYS-GMM estimation results, the rationality of the model setup and the validity of the instrumental variable selection are examined in this paper, respectively. Among them, the test results of AR(2) for second-order serial correlation show that the original hypothesis cannot be rejected, indicating that there is no second-order serial correlation in the residual terms of the dynamic panel. Also, the results of the HansenTest for the test of whether there is over-identification of instrumental variables indicate that the instrumental variables used in the model are appropriate.

Table 9 . Endogeneity test (SYS-GMM).

5 Heterogeneity analysis

5.1 heterogeneity in the nature of corporate equity.

Organizational structures and management styles may vary between firms due to equity variances. This paper examines the nature of equity based on information from the actual controller of listed companies in the Cathay Pacific database. The sample is divided into state-owned enterprises and non-state-owned enterprises, including private, foreign, and other types of enterprises. The data is then analyzed using a fixed effects model for regression to determine the difference in the impact of technology mergers and acquisitions on enterprise performance.

Table 10 shows the results of the equity heterogeneity test. Overall, for both state-owned and non-state-owned enterprises, technology mergers and acquisitions significantly impact enterprise performance, which verifies the robustness of the benchmark regression results. Specifically, compared to state-owned firms, technological M&As have a higher positive impact on the performance of non-state-owned enterprises. According to the theoretical study, this could be because state-owned firms have a more comprehensive range of reasons for engaging in technological mergers and acquisitions, and they prioritize objectives other than innovation performance. Non-state-owned enterprises typically encounter heightened market competition and prioritize assimilating technology and knowledge following technology mergers and acquisitions. It enables the enterprises to swiftly incorporate the acquired company’s technological expertise, enhancing benefits. In addition, non-state-owned firms exhibit greater adaptability and prowess in innovation than state-owned counterparts. State-owned firms could face additional legislative limitations and regulations, which could impede their ability to innovate. Technology M&As can offer non-state-owned companies access to fresh technology and expertise, enabling them to enhance efficiency, save expenses, and innovate new products.

Table 10 . Equity heterogeneity regression results.

5.2 Firm size heterogeneity

The size of a firm is a crucial aspect that affects how technology mergers and acquisitions impact the performance of the firm. This paper categorizes the enterprise’s total assets at the end of the period into two groups: the first group includes large-scale enterprises with total assets in the first three quartiles of the size distribution, while the second group includes small and medium-sized enterprises with the remaining total assets.

Table 11 shows the regression outcomes for various company sizes, indicating that technological M&As have a substantial impact on the performance of both large-scale and small-and medium-sized pharmaceutical companies. Specifically, technology M&As have a more significant impact on enhancing innovation performance in small and medium-sized companies than in large-scale organizations. This is because small-scale enterprises typically possess a more uniform business plan, product assortment, and a very uncomplicated management structure. They can respond and take action with incredible speed and adaptability when confronted with technology mergers and acquisitions. Furthermore, they are eager to capitalize on the opportunity presented by technology M&As to enhance technological innovation. However, the inflexibility inherent in the hierarchical structure of large-scale corporations, as opposed to small-scale enterprises, diminishes the motivation for technical innovation. In addition, large corporations own more advanced infrastructure, typically have more sophisticated innovation frameworks, and may require less emphasis on innovation. Technology mergers and acquisitions are more effective in fostering the growth of large-scale enterprises in terms of financial performance. Based on the theoretical analysis, this may be attributed to variations in the knowledge resources, the ability to integrate and absorb new information, and the capability to finance research and development among firms of varying sizes. Technology M&As frequently necessitate a significant financial commitment to support ongoing research and development spending and the integration of resources. Major corporations consistently secure additional research and development funding following a technology merger and acquisition, whereas smaller companies may encounter financial limitations shortly after completing a technology merger and acquisition. Small-sized enterprises may lack the financial resources to cover the increased expenses of mergers and acquisitions and the consequent investment in research and development. Furthermore, small-scale firms often have limited research and development capabilities and struggle to effectively integrate resources, which contrasts with the more robust capabilities of large-scale enterprises. This disparity can result in inadequate technical integration and innovation following a merger or acquisition, ultimately impacting the financial performance of the enterprises.

Table 11 . Regression results of size heterogeneity.

5.3 Regional heterogeneity

The geographical distribution of pharmaceutical firms in China is divided into several regions. Therefore, we categorize the listed pharmaceutical companies in our sample into three groups: East, Central, and West. The sample consists of 648 pharmaceutical enterprises in the East area, 279 in the Central region, and 208 in the West region. Subsequently, we assess the influence of technological mergers and acquisitions on the corporate performance of pharmaceutical firms in these three geographical areas.

Table 12 shows the outcomes of the examination of regional heterogeneity. The regression analysis indicates that technological M&As have a substantial impact on the performance of pharmaceutical companies in the central, eastern, and western areas. More precisely, the impact of technological M&As on the performance of companies is more noticeable in the eastern region than in the central and western areas. The reason for this could be attributed to the fact that the east part of China is primarily located along the coastline, characterized by a flat topography, efficient transportation infrastructure, and the presence of numerous prominent domestic pharmaceutical companies. Consequently, this region has become a magnet for drawing many highly skilled professionals ( 54 ). Pharmaceutical businesses in the eastern area are increasing their collaboration and engagement with major multinational pharmaceutical corporations, displaying greater agility in responding to industry dynamics and adopting a more proactive strategy toward mergers and acquisitions. Relatively speaking, China’s central and western areas began to engage with the international community later, and their infrastructure development is comparatively less advanced. The natural environmental conditions in this area are subpar, and its economic progress is sluggish, characterized by a scarcity of technology, skilled individuals, and financial resources. In addition, according to the theoretical aspect of the preceding analysis, the central and western regions exhibit a generally low level of technology, resulting in limited capacity for digestion and absorption and a comparatively poor technological knowledge base. Consequently, it is difficult to bring about major technological breakthroughs for remote regions because they may struggle to completely comprehend and integrate the company’s technological advancements following the merger and acquisition.

Table 12 . Geographical heterogeneity regression results.

6 Conclusion and recommendations

6.1 conclusion.

The macro background of China’s economic structural transformation requires enterprises to have more robust technological innovation capabilities. Technology mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are ineffective strategies to occupy a favorable market position. This paper empirically analyses the impact of technology mergers and acquisitions (M&A) on enterprise performance with the sample data of Chinese pharmaceutical-listed enterprises from 2012 to 2022. The conclusions are as follows: (i) Benchmark regression results show that technology mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have a significant positive impact on the performance of pharmaceutical enterprises. (ii) Based on the mediation effect model, it is found that there is a mediation effect of R&D investment in the impact of technology M&As on enterprise performance. (iii) Through subgroup regression, the effect of technology M&A on pharmaceutical firm performance is heterogeneous regarding the nature of equity, firm size, and geographic region. Regarding different equity natures, technology M&A has a more vital role in promoting the performance of non-state-owned enterprises than state-owned enterprises. Regarding firm size, technology M&As have a more substantial effect on the innovation performance of small and medium-sized enterprises than large firms and a stronger effect on the financial performance of large firms than small and medium-sized enterprises. Regarding different regions, technology M&As are more effective in promoting the performance of pharmaceutical enterprises in the eastern region.

6.2 Recommendations

Based on the above theoretical and empirical results, combined with the status quo of technology M&A activities and R&D investment of China’s listed pharmaceutical companies, this paper proposes suggestions from both the government and enterprise levels.

At the governmental level, it is imperative for the government to enhance the focus on technology M&As to foster enterprise innovation. Additionally, the government should provide guidance and incentives to pharmaceutical companies to improve their performance using technology M&A. Acknowledging the diversity of technology M&As in enhancing innovation performance across organizations with varying ownership structures, sizes, and geographical locations is essential. When implementing the policy, it is crucial to prioritize efficiency and balance to expedite achieving the goal of supporting technological innovation and enterprise development. It will ensure that technology mergers and acquisitions activities provide the most favorable outcomes. Specifically, the government should consider the different behavior of enterprises with different property rights in the face of technology mergers and acquisitions. The government should provide state-owned firms a permissive environment for technology mergers and acquisitions. It is recommended that the current obstacles preventing state-owned firms from participating in technology M&A be removed by streamlining the administrative license and approval processes. Enterprise innovation necessitates substantial cash; the government can implement policies such as providing financial subsidies and tax incentives. It can alleviate the difficulties encountered by enterprises in the process of technology mergers and acquisitions by strengthening the government’s financial support. Secondly, in the face of the differences between pharmaceutical production enterprises of different sizes. The Government should provide guidance and support to foster the growth of innovative and competitive small and medium-sized firms in the industry. It will modify its policy’s flexibility to enhance the diverse market demand by setting aside a specific market share for qualified businesses. The Government also stimulates large-scale enterprises to merge and acquire overseas high-tech enterprises and integrate domestic resources by establishing special funds and technical support measures to promote competitiveness and innovation in the pharmaceutical market. Finally, the government should fully consider the actual differences in the situation of pharmaceutical production enterprises in the eastern, central, and western regions. It should strengthen support for the M&A and innovation system in those areas and facilitate technical mergers and acquisitions by bringing in talent and bolstering infrastructure to boost innovation in the central and western regions. Simultaneously, the government should establish a cross-regional collaboration platform for enterprises in the eastern, central, and western areas to facilitate the sharing of resources and foster collaborative innovation. This platform encourages the involvement of enterprises from the central and western regions in merger and acquisition activities to enhance their capability and success rate in M&A endeavors.

At the company level, it is crucial for companies to recognize the significance of innovation to differentiate themselves in the competitive market. Technology M&A and investment in R&D are successful strategies for organizations to obtain innovative resources and improve their ability to innovate technologically in response to changes in their business models. State-owned enterprises should leverage their resources and fully capitalize on their strengths. They should demonstrate the bravery to expand internationally and actively engage in mergers and acquisitions to foster innovation. In addition, enterprises must comprehend cutting-edge market trends, consistently acquire and assimilate sophisticated technological expertise, and augment their consciousness of innovation and research and development capabilities. Non-state-owned enterprises must align with national strategies, persist in exploring and innovating, and enhance their investment in research and development. They should focus on innovation and quality and offer a wide range of items to cater to consumers’ diverse needs to gain a competitive edge in the market. It will help them avoid competing with similar products. Large enterprises should leverage their extensive technological expertise and consistently innovate by building upon their existing technology to improve the level of R&D and enhance the core competitiveness of firms in the industry. Small and medium-sized enterprises should evaluate their capacity for growth and determine if they can obtain external technological resources by engaging in technology mergers and acquisitions. It is essential to thoroughly assess the potential risks and advantages of technology M&As and develop a comprehensive M&A strategy that effectively incorporates technology and accelerates technology upgrading smoothly. Also, enhancing the accumulation of financial resources and human capital is imperative. They should exercise stringent control over the allocation of research and development funding, attract exceptionally skilled individuals to increase the scope of corporate knowledge, and strengthen the fundamental competitiveness of firms. In addition, it is crucial to be mindful of market trends and fully comprehend the cutting-edge advancements within the sector. Pharmaceutical enterprises in the central and western regions should enhance their collaboration with external firms that possess robust research and development capabilities, as well as universities and research institutes. By combining industry, academia, and research, they can enhance the existing technology level, breaking through the bottleneck and improving the success rate of technology M&A. At the same time, enterprises should consider improving the welfare treatment of talents and strengthening the training of talents to ensure the long-term development of enterprises.

7 Shortcomings and prospects

This study still has many shortcomings, which may also be worth further exploration. First, this paper only studied the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in China. Although pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises are typical representatives of the real economy and high-tech economy, the research object is still limited and can expand the scope of the study to other industries in other countries in the future. Second, due to the availability of data, this paper only considered listed pharmaceutical enterprises, and the phenomenon of technological mergers and acquisitions also exists in non-listed pharmaceutical enterprises. Future research can turn to unlisted companies to fully understand the relationship between technology M&A and firm performance. Third, this paper only analyzes the correlation from the relationship between technology M&A, R&D investment, and firm performance, but in practice, there may be other unobserved factors (such as market competition, managerial decision-making, etc.) affecting firm performance, so it is necessary to explore the correlation analysis more deeply in the future.

Data availability statement

The datasets presented in this study can be found in online repositories. The names of the repository/repositories and accession number(s) can be found in the article/supplementary material.

Author contributions

JY: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Validation, Writing – original draft. JL: Methodology, Validation, Writing – review & editing. SW: Supervision, Writing – review & editing. YC: Supervision, Writing – review & editing.

The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This study was supported by the Liaoning Provincial Department of Education’s 2024 Innovative Development Project for Scientific Research, the Liaoning Provincial Social Science Planning Fund Project (Approval No. L23BGL006), and the Philosophy and Social Science Research Base Project of Shenyang City Social Science Federation (Approval No. SYSK2024-JD-24).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Keywords: technology M&A, corporate performance, R&D, pharmaceutical industry, mediating effects

Citation: Yang J, Li J, Wang S and Chen Y (2024) Research on the impact of technology mergers and acquisitions on corporate performance: an empirical analysis based on China’s pharmaceutical industry. Front. Public Health . 12:1419305. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1419305

Received: 18 April 2024; Accepted: 19 July 2024; Published: 09 August 2024.

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Copyright © 2024 Yang, Li, Wang and Chen. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Su Wang, [email protected] ; Yuwen Chen, [email protected]

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.