I would argue that there is a distinction between different types of research papers and a classification as follows does make sense in most cases (this list is not exhaustive!):

Empirical paper:

An empirical paper is based on data (in most cases primary data) used to run one's own analysis to answer a specific research question/hypotheses.

Conceptual paper (not be confused with concept paper though):

A conceptual paper is primarily based on theoretical considerations, theories, frameworks, models, etc.. Such papers tend to use no empirical data (sometimes to support certain thoughts and conclusions). The conceptual paper has normally no intentions to run specific analytical procedures, due to the lack of empirical data.

Literature reviews:

Literature Reviews, similar to conceptual papers, normally tend to use no empirical data (unless it is taken from existing publications to make a case for a specific argument). The aim of the literature review lies in summarising, synthesising, discussing, criticising and, hopefully, showing research gaps. The letter normally yields in recommendations for future research.

Meta-analytical reviews of literature:

If authors of a publication use data published in other sources for analytical purposes, then this is called a "meta-analysis". This type of publication is similar to an empirical paper. The only difference lies in the source of data used. In a way it can sometimes be considered a hybrid of an empirical paper and a literature review.

@ Concept paper: In my research context, a concept paper often refers to a proposal for research (e.g. PhD thesis, etc.) were students create a "concept" for their empirical study. Also when applying for funding, you might require to write a proposal (a concept) on what kind of research you like to carry out.

@ Research paper: Tends to be the output of academic research (published or unpublished) and falls in one of the categories above (the majority).

Technical differences: Yes, with respect to the results sections of such papers. The concept paper (preceeding the research) normally has no results section, since there are no results to report.

The provided definitions might vary slightly from discipline to discipline and I certainly did not capture all features and variations, but it might be a good reference.

I hope this is of help.

Research paper is based on scientific reference study,quotes,theory etc and write up while concept paper is merely for idea/theme/concept understanding

thank you Jawed Sahib

The research article should report results, and offer a discussion or conclusion.

I would argue that there is a distinction between different types of research papers and a classification as follows does make sense in most cases (this list is not exhaustive!):

Empirical paper:

An empirical paper is based on data (in most cases primary data) used to run one's own analysis to answer a specific research question/hypotheses.

Conceptual paper (not be confused with concept paper though):

A conceptual paper is primarily based on theoretical considerations, theories, frameworks, models, etc.. Such papers tend to use no empirical data (sometimes to support certain thoughts and conclusions). The conceptual paper has normally no intentions to run specific analytical procedures, due to the lack of empirical data.

Literature reviews:

Literature Reviews, similar to conceptual papers, normally tend to use no empirical data (unless it is taken from existing publications to make a case for a specific argument). The aim of the literature review lies in summarising, synthesising, discussing, criticising and, hopefully, showing research gaps. The letter normally yields in recommendations for future research.

Meta-analytical reviews of literature:

If authors of a publication use data published in other sources for analytical purposes, then this is called a "meta-analysis". This type of publication is similar to an empirical paper. The only difference lies in the source of data used. In a way it can sometimes be considered a hybrid of an empirical paper and a literature review.

@ Concept paper: In my research context, a concept paper often refers to a proposal for research (e.g. PhD thesis, etc.) were students create a "concept" for their empirical study. Also when applying for funding, you might require to write a proposal (a concept) on what kind of research you like to carry out.

@ Research paper: Tends to be the output of academic research (published or unpublished) and falls in one of the categories above (the majority).

Technical differences: Yes, with respect to the results sections of such papers. The concept paper (preceeding the research) normally has no results section, since there are no results to report.

The provided definitions might vary slightly from discipline to discipline and I certainly did not capture all features and variations, but it might be a good reference.

I hope this is of help.

Hi Sahifa and everyone,

Concept papers are specifically fluid in terms of theory and are designed to generate further ideas and thinking. Their aim is to unpack the argument/ discussion further. They generally don't offer a definite outcome, such as a research article would do.

An example of a technical distinction between the two:

I'm writing a research article at the moment about the history of a new religious movement. It has clear data (original documentation/ content analysis/ interviews), supported by a specific theory (legitimation) and the scope and limitations of the research are clearly stated.

Three previous concept papers inform this article. The concept papers were exploratory in language, offered a range of ideas and were loosely connected to a variety of broad theories. I received feedback on them from the religious community I am working with, which helped guide my thinking.

The concept papers helped me see where I needed to develop my argument and strengthen my theory. Of course, the concept paper and research article don't necessarily have to be on the same theme. They can work together on developing and deepening your research. But they can just as well serve as stand-alone pieces of work. They both have a very important place.

Good luck with your work and all the best.

Hi all. I would like to add more categories suggested by Dr. Daniel. My suggestion is to first dividing papers into two basic categories, namely review papers and empirical papers. the latter is also known as research paper. however the former group of papers could be divided into more subcategories. these subcategories are:

1- Those papers which report results of citation analysis of all previous papers published in specific discipline or topic. Majority of these papers show how authorship and co-authorship activity is evolving and who are leading research in which direction?

2- Those papers which focus on content analysis of previous published papers. These papers normally show how the theoretical and methodological content of the field is evolving.

3- Those papers known as meta-analysis that use results of previous research as input and show to what extent previous research efforts have come to the same or different conclusions and why?

4- Systematic reviews that use predefined protocol to review the available literature.

5- Free style literature review which is not so strict in following a predefined protocol in reviewing literature.

6- Critical reviews of literature which contrary to the subcategories 4 and 5 have the predefined objective of challenging established believes within research community in terms of concepts and/or methodologies used.

Of course my categorization is solely based on my personal experiences and have not seen before any such categorization of review papers. Based on this personal experience, I think only the last category (6) could be truly considered as conceptual papers.

This depends on the discipline - if you are in science a REVIEW paper is very highly regards and rarely seen.

There are some scholars who would state there are two types of papers (here talking about social sciences)

(1) Empirical papers - which report on research

(2) Conceptual or Theoretical - which might include review - or content analysis, or critical reviews...

Regards

Theodora Issa

Thank you everybody.

.Both Paper are differenct and its writing style is also different. You can include many reference in research article and add also, But Concept paper releated with concept. limitition for concept. You would be write only your concept reletated matter, in concept paper.

Thankyou all, especially Daniel. You have really clarified the issue.

Thanks for the elaborative responses - appreciated. Learning as I go!

There are diffrences between two categories of Films ( commercial &author=concptual). There are also differences between classical and contemporary paintings. These Parabolas might be not very orthodox. However, they have something common. They want give you some kind of messages to realize Who you are?( or What is the meaning of our life?). Cartésianisme! Martha서

Thank you for everyone's comments. Do you all agree that in scientific disciplines a review paper is a type of conceptual paper? Or do you think these are different things?

A conceptual research paper is mainly based on theoretical thoughts and speculations about a topic provided and argued by a researcher who believes he/she has something new to say. This sort of paper is usually written by those who master in a specific area of study.

Thanks to everyone .It is really useful information

Very educative, indeed.

In biomedical/health sciences research, is it safe to publish the concept paper which contain our ideas and approach to do the research? I am thought of someone might want to steal the idea perhaps. 

I am really impressed with the clarity of thought of Mr. Daniel Dauber. congratulations you possess this ability. thanks as I enjoyed your answer. Maz.

i am satisfy

i am satisfy

i am satisfy

i am satisfy

How to convert a Ph.D. Research Proposal to an article for a conference? 

I have been helped by this discussion. I am intending to write a conceptual paper basing on constructivism paradigm and technology integration in teacher preparation programs, any ideas

What is the difference between a research article and a concept paper?

You can refer to the following RG link for some answers to the similar question.

https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_the_exact_difference_between_a_conceptual_paper_and_a_quantitative_research_paper

Hi Anisah,

Refer to your following question:

How to convert a Ph.D. Research Proposal to an article for a conference?

If you want to convert your PhD research proposal to conference proceeding / article, your article should include: research problem, research objective(s), research question(s), literature review on related theories & theoretical frameworks, your developed conceptual framework / research model, short explanation about your research methodology.

Normally when students just started their PhD & are submitting their research proposal, the quality of their research proposal might be less then ideal that need numerous rounds of improvement or assisted by their advisor / supervisor.  Moreover, some research proposal also required the students to develop their project timeline & budgeted costing on how they planned to complete their study in which these 2 components typically are not needed in conference proceeding / article.