A conceptual paper is a type of research paper that discusses one or more abstract or theoretical concepts or ideas. It usually includes a discussion of the relevant literature and a description of the concept(s) being addressed. Conceptual papers typically aim to propose new or enhanced theories or frameworks, or to suggest new directions for research.
On the other hand, a research paper typically involves empirical research or experimentation, in which data is collected and analyzed to test a hypothesis or answer a specific research question. Research papers often have a more rigid structure, with sections such as an introduction, literature review, methods, results, and discussion.
The main difference between conceptual papers and research papers is that the former focuses on abstract or theoretical concepts, while the latter involves empirical research or experimentation. However, it's important to note that there can be some overlap between the two types, as research papers may also include conceptual discussions, and conceptual papers may draw on empirical evidence to support their arguments or proposals.