Factual Information is usually brief. It gives indisputable answers to specific questions. No explanation or analysis is needed. Examples of sources for factual information are encyclopedias, statistical compilations and almanacs.

A total of 1,670 general aviation accidents occurred during calendar year 2005. (National Traffic Safety Board. http://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/2009/ARG0901.htm)

Analytical Information analyzes and interprets facts to form an opinion or come to a conclusion. The primary questions answered with analytical information are why? or how? Examples of sources for analytical information are books and articles.

"Crash Risk in General Aviation" is an article hypothesizing about the risks of private air flights and why they crash, including bad weather conditions, pilot characteristics, environmental factors, airport features, terrain and role of alcohol.

Your research papers will usually provide analytical discussion and interpretation of a topic. But, you will most likely need facts to back up your ideas.