Research Paper vs. Thinking [Opinion] Piece
The purpose of a research paper is to synthesize existing scholarly research and, in many cases, analyze new data to shed new light on a particular topic and to, ideally, advance the state of knowledge. The focus of such a paper is the research question: what do we know about a particular topic, and what are we aiming to find out through the process of research? The audience for such papers is that of scholars interested in the topic, and thus the paper can use technical language and be fairly narrow in scope.
The purpose of an opinion piece is to convincingly argue for an author’s opinion on a controversial issue, i.e. an issue about which a range of opinions, usually conflicting, can be presented. Opinion pieces may be connected to current topics (e.g., politics, the environment, global issues), cultural and literary issues, historical issues, and more. The audience for opinion pieces is broader than that of research papers: the Laird Essay is aimed at people with interest in REES who may or may not be scholars of a particular topic. Where a research paper aims to advance the state of knowledge about a particular topic, an opinion piece seeks to inform and persuade its audience.
Both research papers and opinion pieces in REES are expected to use primary and secondary sources. Though the bibliographical requirements are somewhat more relaxed for an opinion piece, writers are encouraged to avoid inaccuracies and overgeneralizations. An opinion piece calls for more personal interpretation and perspective on the material and issues. Students are expected to develop their own thoughts and reflections in connection to the issue. A thinking piece that is meant to be thought-provoking can also contain elements of speculation.
An opinion [think] piece is also less structured than a term paper. Though, think piece need not follow a formal essay organization, clarity is still important. In the opinion piece, students can be more personal and conversational, but are still expected to provide insight, understanding, and educate the reader without being preachy.