A research paper is a detailed document that presents the results of a study or investigation on a specific topic. It typically includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and conclusion. Researchers use these papers to share their findings with others in the academic community, contributing to the overall body of knowledge in fields like science, history, or social studies. Writing a research paper involves gathering information from various sources, analyzing data, and presenting arguments clearly. It often requires proper citation of sources to give credit to original authors and avoid plagiarism. This process helps students and professionals develop critical thinking and writing skills essential for their careers.