Hi Ajai,

in a conceptual paper you try to conceptualise something new, something where there may be limited theoretical frameworks available as of yet. You can, for example, use existing theories from other fields that you transfer onto your new field in order to construct your own framework. In short, you create a concept but you do not test it.

In a research paper, however, you test concepts/models/theories by means of empirical research (either through qualitative or quantitative research, or both). The aim is to validate existing concepts. Depending on your results, this can then even lead to a revision of the concepts/theories/models you tested.

Both stages are needed and relevant to develop and continuously improve our understanding of whatever concepts/models/theories we are looking at. They form a continuous cycle where each step helps adjust the other and over again.  

I hope this is helpful to you?

All the best,

Sophie

Hi Ajai,

in a conceptual paper you try to conceptualise something new, something where there may be limited theoretical frameworks available as of yet. You can, for example, use existing theories from other fields that you transfer onto your new field in order to construct your own framework. In short, you create a concept but you do not test it.

In a research paper, however, you test concepts/models/theories by means of empirical research (either through qualitative or quantitative research, or both). The aim is to validate existing concepts. Depending on your results, this can then even lead to a revision of the concepts/theories/models you tested.

Both stages are needed and relevant to develop and continuously improve our understanding of whatever concepts/models/theories we are looking at. They form a continuous cycle where each step helps adjust the other and over again.  

I hope this is helpful to you?

All the best,

Sophie

Dear Ajai,

Conceptual papers have their own importance. They are the starting point for many ideas, models, frameworks, theories etc. They may not face the rigor of a research paper yet their significance can not be overlooked. Concept papers are good breeding ground for research.

Shyam

Dear,

Just visit the profile of this gentle lady, 

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

she is also facing same problem and people are commenting on it.

you can also clarify you concept by reading those comments or by asking that lady directly.

What is the exact difference between a conceptual paper and a quantitative research paper?

Conceptual paper possibly only cover the following sections:

Quantitative research paper can includes the above plus the following sections:

There might be different motivation for researcher(s) / author(s) to write conceptual paper vs quantitative research paper.  Some authors prefer to split their research works & outcomes into 2 articles for publishing.  The 1st article might be conceptual paper, the 2nd article might be the complete quantitative research paper.  Some authors only want to write & publish as a conceptual paper because they have not completed their data collection & analysis, but yet they want the research community to know what they are doing or to solicit feedback from readers / reviewers for improvement etc.

Dear Sophie,

Do you have a sample Conceptual paper that you have already published in a journal?

thank you. much help