As an academician and researcher, you are expected to write various types of research manuscripts, and you are sure to come across a variety of them in your literature searches. In order to avoid any confusion in its usage and reference, it is essential to understand the distinctions among them. In this article, we discuss the differences between conference and journal papers.
What is a Conference Paper?
A conference paper is a short, written document submitted for an upcoming conference and later forms the basis for its oral presentation during the conference. While the papers go through a general review to decide on their acceptance, they do not go through a systematic peer review process like journal papers do. All or only selected conference papers may be published in the form of conference proceedings.
Types of conference papers
- Abstract: An abstract provides a synopsis of your research with a word count of 250 or less. It should contain the central idea, methodology, results, and significance or implications of your study. It should also include the necessary keywords. The abstract needs to be well thought out and presented as it is a primary basis for conference organizers to decide on the acceptance of your paper and for conference participants to assess the relevance of the study to their academic and research interests.
- Extended abstract: The extended abstract, which may be around two pages long, should briefly describe the gap or problem the study is addressing, discuss relevant literature as it relates to the study, and briefly discuss the methodology employed and any evidence-based results. In addition, it should also mention the title, author names and affiliations, acknowledgments, and references.
- Brief or short paper: The brief or short paper should be no more than four pages and summarize your research in the most effective way. Be sure to focus on the most important findings, methodology, and significance of the study.
- Full research paper: This should contain the complete details of your research, numbering around 6 to 8 pages. It should be well structured and consist of the title page, abstract, introduction, methodology, results, significance, acknowledgment, and references.
What are journal papers?
Journal papers are scientific or academic papers published in journals. All papers submitted to a journal are peer-reviewed to ensure the quality and significance of the study and form the primary basis for its acceptance or rejection. Publishing papers or articles in peer-reviewed and high-impact journals is crucial for the academic and professional growth of researchers and academicians.
Types of journal papers
- Original research paper: This is the most common type and contains a complete report of the research data. It will be analytical with clear and significant research findings. The paper will be well structured with an abstract, introduction, methodology, results, and discussion sections.
- Short report or communication: Here, short reports of original research or significant research findings are published because the subject or results may be time-sensitive or the journal editors feel that it will be of considerable interest to the readers.
- Review articles provide a detailed summary of the literature on a particular research topic. They normally cite around 100 primary research papers.
- Case study: Case studies describe a significant phenomenon in its actual form without altering the conditions. The main objective is to point out the emergence or occurrence of certain phenomena.
- Methods: Here, a totally new experimental method, test, or procedure is presented. It can also be an advanced version of an existing method.
Differences between Conference and Journal papers
| Difference | Conference paper | Journal paper |
| Definition | A conference paper is a paper that is presented as a written text and forms the basis for an oral presentation at a conference. | A journal paper is an academic or scientific paper resulting from a rigorous study and published in a peer reviewed journal. |
| Content | A conference paper is more open and flexible. It can include current and ongoing research and preliminary research findings. | A journal paper presents empirical research and its final findings. It follows a clear and standard structure. |
| Peer review | With few exceptions, conference papers are not peer-reviewed and only follow a general review. | Journal papers are subject to rigorous peer review process. Depending on the review feedback, authors may have to make several rounds of revisions before the paper is published. The quality of the papers is ensured through this process. |
| Length and structure | It is generally short in length | This is a detailed paper |
| Publication | These are generally published quickly in the form of conference proceedings. | These are published in journals and can take a longer time. |
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