difference between review paper and research paper

Educational resources and simple solutions for your research journey

What is the Difference Between Research Papers and Review Papers?

Researchers often have to write different types of articles, from review papers to review papers and more, each with its own purpose and structure. This makes it critical for students and researchers to understand the nuances of good writing and develop the skills required to write various kinds of academic text. With so many different types of academic writing to pursue – scholarly articles, commentaries, book reviews, case reports, clinical study reports – it is common for students and early career researchers to get confused. So in this article, we will explain what is a review paper and what is a research paper, while summarizing the similarities and difference between review papers and research papers.

Table of Contents

What is a Review Paper ?

A review paper offers an overview of previously published work and does not contain any new research findings. It evaluates and summarizes information or knowledge that is already available in various published formats like journals, books, or other publications, all of which is referred to as secondary literature. Well-written review papers play a crucial role in helping students and researchers understand existing knowledge in a specific field or a research topic they are interested in. By providing a comprehensive overview of previous studies, methodologies, findings, and trends, they help researchers identify gaps in a specific field of study opening up new avenues for future research.

What is a Research Paper ?

A research paper is based on original research and primary sources of data. Unlike review papers, researchers writing research papers need to report new findings derived from empirical research or experimentation. It requires the author to draw inferences or make assumptions based on experiments, surveys, interviews, or questionnaires employed to collect and analyze data. Research papers also typically follow the recommended IMRAD format, which includes an abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Through research papers, authors address a specific research question or hypothesis with the aim of contributing novel insights to the field.

Similarities between research papers and review papers

Research papers and review papers share several similarities, which makes it understandable that it is this pair of academic documents that are often most confused.

• Research papers and review papers are written by scholars and intended for an academic audience; they’re written with the aim of contributing to the existing body of knowledge in a particular field and can be published in peer reviewed journals.
• Both research papers and review papers require a comprehensive understanding of all the latest, relevant literature on a specific topic. This means authors must conduct a thorough review of existing studies, theories, and methodologies in their own subject and related areas to inform their own research or analysis.
• Research papers and review papers both adhere to specific formatting and citation styles dictated by the target journal. This ensures consistency and allows readers to easily locate and reference the sources cited in the papers.

These similarities highlight the rigorous, scholarly nature of both research papers and review papers, which requires both research integrity and a commitment to further knowledge in a field. However, these two types of academic writing are more different than one would think.

Differences between research papers and review papers

Though often used interchangeably to refer to academic content, research papers and review papers are quite different. They have different purposes, specific structure and writing styles, and citation formats given that they aim to communicate different kinds of information. Here are four key differences between research papers and review papers:

• Purpose: Review papers evaluate existing research, identify trends, and discuss the current state of knowledge on a specific topic; they are based on the study of previously published literature. On the other hand, research paperscontain original research work undertaken by the author, who is required to contribute new knowledge to the research field.
• Structure: Research papers typically follow a structured format, including key sections like the introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. Meanwhile, review papers may have a more flexible structure, allowing authors to organize the content based on thematic or chronological approaches. However, they generally include an introduction, main body discussing various aspects of the topic, and a conclusion.
• Methodology: Research papers involve the collection of data, experimentation, or analysis of existing data to answer specific research questions. However, review papers do not involve original data collection; instead, they extensively analyze and summarize existing studies, often using systematic literature review methods.
• Citation style: Research papers rely on primary sources to support and justify their own findings, emphasizing recent and relevant research. Review papers incorporate a wide range of primary and secondary sources to present a comprehensive overview of the topic and support the evaluation and synthesis of existing literature.

In summary, it’s important to understand the key differences between research papers and review papers. By mastering the art of writing both research papers and review papers, students and researchers can make more meaningful contributions to their chosen disciplines. All the best!

R Discovery is a literature search and research reading platform that accelerates your research discovery journey by keeping you updated on the latest, most relevant scholarly content. With 250M+ research articles sourced from trusted aggregators like CrossRef, Unpaywall, PubMed, PubMed Central, Open Alex and top publishing houses like Springer Nature, JAMA, IOP, Taylor & Francis, NEJM, BMJ, Karger, SAGE, Emerald Publishing and more, R Discovery puts a world of research at your fingertips.  

Try R Discovery Prime FREE for 1 week or upgrade at just US$72 a year to access premium features that let you listen to research on the go, read in your language, collaborate with peers, auto sync with reference managers, and much more. Choose a simpler, smarter way to find and read research – Download the app and start your free 7-day trial today !  

Related Posts

What is Convenience Sampling: Definition, Method, and Examples 

What are the Best Research Funding Sources

Review Paper vs. Research Paper: Main Differences

Doing a paper is difficult, so learn the difference between a review paper vs. research paper, to determine which one is ideal for you.

A research paper and a review paper are two very specific types of papers. They have different motives, goals, and prerequisites. The elements found in research papers and review papers differ. The research paper is based on originality, therefore the paper takes into consideration the author’s original research, whereas the review paper is founded on an existing collection of knowledge. 

This article will walk you through the main differences between a review paper vs. research paper, allowing you to correctly determine which one is ideal for your work.

What is a review paper?

A review paper project tries to provide readers with an overview of an existing collection of knowledge by reviewing a book or an article and examining its content, structure , style, and statements. Reviews, such as peer reviews, can be used to examine and assess the work of other authors, rating the work by comparing it to the work of others. A review article is frequently written for a large readership, which is why it is usually brief. 

Review papers can be classified into three types:

• Narrative: a collection of and attempt to communicate all known information about a certain topic. It is based on research that has previously been completed and published. 
• Meta-analysis: a method of comparing and combining the findings of past research studies. It is done routinely to evaluate the efficacy of a particular initiative or method of treatment.
• Systematic : a search of all known scientific information on a topic to find a solution to a specific issue or problem. 

What is a research paper?

A research paper entails writing on research that has been performed by themselves, usually something new and done mostly from scratch since it has to be original research. It incorporates the research parameters, as well as the assessment, interpretation and important findings of the research. 

Writing a research paper involves several phases and different aspects, such as: selecting a topic, developing a hypothesis, conducting research, testing the hypothesis, drawing conclusions, and publishing a paper supporting or denying the hypothesis. 

Review paper vs. Research paper

Now that you have a basic understanding of both sorts of papers, it is time to compare and contrast the main differences between review paper vs. research paper.

These are the main differences, however, there may be others:

• A research paper is usually more detailed and thorough than a review paper.
• A research paper is usually peer-reviewed, but a review paper is not always.
• In general, a research paper is more formal than a review paper.
• A research paper’s tone is normally objective, but a review paper’s tone can be more subjective.
• A research paper is normally written in APA style, however, a review paper may be written in a different format.

Add visual impact to your posters with scientific illustrations and graphics

Using infographics and illustrations may assist to make dense information more accessible and understood, they can bring interest and engagement to a research study or presentation. Use Mind The Graph to turn your work into remarkable work.

Related Articles

Subscribe to our newsletter

Exclusive high quality content about effective visual communication in science.

Sign Up for Free

Try the best infographic maker and promote your research with scientifically-accurate beautiful figures

no credit card required

About Jessica Abbadia

Jessica Abbadia is a lawyer that has been working in Digital Marketing since 2020, improving organic performance for apps and websites in various regions through ASO and SEO. Currently developing scientific and intellectual knowledge for the community's benefit. Jessica is an animal rights activist who enjoys reading and drinking strong coffee.

Content tags

• Trending Categories

• Selected Reading
• UPSC IAS Exams Notes
• Developer's Best Practices
• Questions and Answers
• Effective Resume Writing
• HR Interview Questions
• Computer Glossary

Difference between Research Paper and Review Paper

A research paper is written by students in which they have to conduct research on a given topic and then write the content. A review paper consists of reviews related to different articles that are already published. In this article, we will discuss the difference between a research paper and a review paper.

Research Paper

A research paper is an academic writing in which students have to collect information related to a given topic. They have to make an organized report regarding the subject which can include the research they have conducted or the research already done by other students. A peer review has to be conducted before publishing.

Steps to Write a Research Paper

Students have to follow the steps below to write a perfect research paper. These steps are discussed here.

The given assignment should be perfectly understood

Choose a topic, look for the sources of information.

• The thesis statement should be developed
• An outline of the research paper should be created

Write the first draft

Write the paragraphs properly, write the introduction, body text should be compelling, conclude the research paper, revise the research paper.

Before writing a research paper you have to understand the given assignment and then decide the specific tasks that you have to do to complete it. Here are the things that you need to do −

• Read the assignment and look for the topics that can create confusion
• Decide the length of the paper along with the options of formatting
• Make a bulleted list of all headings that you will add and then write about them
• Consider the deadline and decide the length of the research paper

Choose a topic about which you can get a large amount of content. The topic should be of your interest. You can do your own research or take help from research done by other people.

The next thing that you have to do is look for the sources from where you can get the information about the topic. Some of these sources can be discussions, books, journals, and websites. Look for the following −

• Heated debates
• Unique ideas
• Recent developments
• Overlooked but important topics

All these things will help you in devising questions related to your research topic.

Thesis statement should be developed

The next step is to develop a thesis statement which is an answer to the research question. Your answer should be supported by reasoning and pieces of evidence. The length of the thesis statement should be short and summarized.

Outline of the research paper should be created

Create an outline for the research which should include key topics, evidence, and arguments. They should be further divided into headings. This division will be helpful in writing the paper efficiently.

Write the first draft of the research paper with proper order and formatting. Your ideas should be clearly described and paragraphs should be ordered logically. You can start with the easiest or the most difficult topic. There can be situations where you have written a large amount of content for a topic. Rather than deleting it, take some part of it and paste it into another document which can be used later.

The paragraphs should be properly organized and it is better if you write each idea in a small and single paragraph. Each paragraph should not be more than three to four lines.

Now the time has come to write the introduction which should answer three questions related to your topics and these questions are what, why, and how.

This is the major part of your research paper and you may face difficulties in writing it. If you have created an outline, writing will be easy. The body text should be compelling so that the reader gets engaged in reading.

Write the conclusion of your research paper which should give a final touch to the content. Readers should understand the ways that you have used to write the paper. You can also include questions which your readers can try to answer.

Read the whole research paper and find if there is any spelling, grammatical, or factual mistakes. Check the structure of the paragraph and sentences. If there is a very long sentence, try to break it as it may become confusing for the readers.

Length of the Research Paper

The length of the research paper can be between 4,000 to 8,000 words. The minimum word count can be 2,000 and the maximum can go beyond 10,000 depending on the topic.

Review Papers

A review paper is an article which consists of surveys of the articles that are already published. No new experimental results are included in these articles. Other names of the review paper are literature review or review of literature. New conclusions can be drawn from the existing article. Review articles can explore new areas of research from the existing studies.

Steps to Write a Review Paper

Here are the steps that you have to follow to write a review paper.

Look for the aim of the article for which the review is to be written

Scope should be defined, look for the sources, choose title and keywords, topic should be introduced, critical discussion should be included, conclude the review paper.

Read the article and know about the aim and scope. All the articles do not accept reviews so you need to be very careful while choosing the article for which the review is to be written.

Find the research question and answer it with the aim of adding something new to the topic. The review should neither be too small nor too large. It should be managed easily.

You can look for the sources through search engines, books, and others. The search engines will provide a lot of sources which you can use to write the review.

Choose a proper title for your review article along with the keywords. The title will help to improve the number of views online. It will get more views if the correct readers view your article. The title should be concise, clear, and accurate and provide good information.

Write the introduction about the topic giving the reason for providing the review. The introduction should reach a large number of people which should also include non-specialists.

A critical discussion should also be included in the review paper. If the research topic is contradictory, a debate can also be included which should consist of arguments from both sides. The review paper should have the ability of resolving the conflict between contradictory studies.

A conclusion should be included at the end of the review paper. This should include the things that you have understood after studying the topic for which the review has been written.

Difference between Research paper and Review Paper

There are many differences between a research paper and a review paper and the table below includes them −

• Related Articles
• Difference between Descriptive Research and Experimental Research
• Differences between E-paper and LCD
• Difference Between Correlational and Experimental Research
• Difference between Case Study and Action Research
• Make a list of various uses of papers. Observe currency notes carefully. Do you find any difference between currency paper and the paper in your notebook? Find out where currency paper is made.
• What do you mean by Blue litmus paper and Red litmus paper?
• Recycling of Paper
• Paper Chromatography - Principle, Procedure, and Applications
• If we tear the paper and then recycle it, it turns into paper again. So, is the tearing of paper a reversible change?
• Difference between Research Papers and Technical Articles for Journal Publication
• Which of the following will produce the maximum friction?(a) rubbing of sand paper on glazed paper(b) rubbing of sand paper on glass table top(c) rubbing of sand paper on aluminium frame(d) rubbing of sand paper on sand paper
• What is Litmus Paper?
• What is filter paper?
• The Value of Paper
• Rock Paper and Scissor Game Using Tkinter

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Differences Between Review Paper and Research Paper

A research paper includes original work while a review paper includes the summary of existing work which explains or solves a specific problem. 

An integral part of a PhD dissertation or thesis is writing a research and review article, besides writing a thesis, proposal and synopsis. In addition, one also has to publish an article in a peer-reviewed journal which is indeed a tougher task, right!

Writing is an indispensable part of the doctorate degree and has significant value in honoring the same degree. A student when becoming a PhD candidate has to write a thesis statement, research proposal, synopsis of the doctorate, thesis, research article and review article, in chronological order.

If one fails to do so, they can’t get a degree. And that’s why writing is important. Nonetheless, students face problems while writing either research or review articles. 

Supportive evidence suggests that students actually don’t know the basic and major differences between either so fail to publish both article types. 

In the present piece of content, I will explain the importance of a review and research article as well as the differences between both. I am hoping that this article will add value to your knowledge and help you in your PhD. 

Stay tuned. 

What is a Review Paper? 

What is a research paper, review vs research paper: differences, research article vs review article- similarities:, wrapping up: .

A review chapter or review articles add value to the thesis as well as existing knowledge. Universities are usually recommended to write and publish it. From students’ perspectives, review writing frightens them. 

However, from a supervisors’ perspective, it should be precise, concise and nearly perfect. 

Review writing is a tedious, frustrating and time-consuming process that needs special attention. The reason why it should be nearly perfect is that it supports researchers’ original work. 

Technically, the review article comprises a summary of the existing research in a structured manner. Normally, it addresses the original research work and solves the existing problem by literature. 

However, it can’t solve any existing problem, it doesn’t need wet-lab experimentation. It only shows the existing state of understanding of a topic. Notedly, an expert of the subject, experienced person, professor and professional scientist can usually write a review. 

A research paper/article contributes original research or work of a researcher on the present topic, usually includes web lab work. Much like the review, a research article should be published in a peer-reviewed journal too. 

Research article writing takes too much time as it includes research work additionally. Comprehensive writing is required to explain the materials & methods section and results & outcomes while the elaborative explanation is sufficient to introduce a topic. 

Structurally a typical research article or paper has an introduction or background, Materials & Methods, Results & discussion and conclusion. 

Depending upon the requirement of the journal and the depth or concentration of the research, the length of the article may vary, however, ordinarily is between 2 to 8 pages. 

Much like the review article, an abstract and a list of references must be included in the article. 

In summary, the research paper provides new knowledge in the relevant field and solves an existing problem by it. 

Now quickly move to the important part of this article, what are the differences between the review and research paper? 

A review article is certainly a comprehensive, in-depth and extensively well-written piece of information covering summaries of already present knowledge. While the research article constitutes an elaborative introduction of the topic and an in-depth explanation of how the research was conducted. It contributes new knowledge.

A review is written based on the already existing information and so considered as a secondary source of information, while the research paper has original research work supported by already existing sources. 

In terms of length, a review article has an in-depth explanation and so are longer, normally, 10 to 20 pages whilst the research article has an elaborative explanation and to the point information on the problem, usually ranging from 2 to 8 pages.

The review article addresses the problem whilst the research article solves the problem, certainly. 

The conclusion of the review article supports the already present findings while the result of the research article is supported by the existing research work. 

The purpose of writing a research paper is to critically analyze already existing or previous work in the form of short summaries. And restricted to a specific topic. 

On the other side, the research article includes the author’s own work in detail

Structurally, the review article has a single heading or sometimes a conclusion at the end of the article whilst the research article has sections like an introduction to the topic, materials & methods, results, discussion and final interpretation. 

Steps in review article writing are,

• Topic finding 
• Searching relevant sources
• Summarising each source 
• Correlating them with the topic or problem
• Concluding the research.

Steps in research article writing are,

• Choosing a problem or gap in present findings
• Sample collection, experimentation and wet lab work
• Finding, collecting and organizing the data
• Correlating it with the present knowledge
• Stating results 
• Final interpretation.

Normally, a subject expert or experienced person can write a review article while any student, or person having the original research work can write a research article.

The review article defines or clarifies a problem, explains it by compiling previous investigations and suggests problem-solving strategies or options. On the other hand, the research article has an original problem-solving statement supported by various chapters and previous research. 

So the review article suggests possible outcomes to fill the knowledge gap while the research article provides evidence and new knowledge on how to fill the gap. 

Summary: 

Either document has been written for a different purpose which solves almost the same objective. Fortunately, there are several similarities in writing a research or review article. Hera re some,

Both have in-text citations, a references page, an abstract and contributors. Both also need a final conclusion too in order to address or solve a problem. 

Research or review articles can be submitted or published in peer-reviewed journals. 

Both require educational, professional, informal and research writing skills. 

Importantly, both articles must be plagiarism-free, copying isn’t recommended. 

Every PhD student must have written at least a single review and research article during their research or doctoral tenure to get an award. Achieving a successful publication needs critical writing skills and original research or findings. 

The major difference between either is that the review article has summed information that directs one towards solving a problem and so does not include original work. 

Whilst the research article actually proposes a way to solve a problem and so has original work.  

Dr. Tushar Chauhan is a Scientist, Blogger and Scientific-writer. He has completed PhD in Genetics. Dr. Chauhan is a PhD coach and tutor.

Share this:

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on Linkedin
• Share via Email

About The Author

Dr Tushar Chauhan

Related posts.

Difference between M.D vs PhD

Doctorate vs PhD- differences and similarities

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Kalp Research Work

KRW A Product of Kalp Squad Group

Review Paper vs. Research Paper: Main Differences

Research papers and review papers are both types of academic writing, but they serve different purposes and follow different formats.

A research paper is a detailed report of a specific research study or experiment. It presents original research findings and conclusions, based on a systematic investigation of a research question or hypothesis. The paper typically includes a literature review, methods section, results section, and discussion section. The purpose of a research paper is to contribute new knowledge to a field of study and to provide evidence to support or refute a hypothesis.

On the other hand, a review paper is a summary and analysis of existing research on a particular topic or subject. It provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on a specific topic, critically evaluates the existing literature, and identifies gaps or inconsistencies in the research. Review papers can be broad or narrow in scope, depending on the research question being addressed. They may also include meta-analyses or systematic reviews of multiple studies.

The format of a review paper may vary, but it generally includes an introduction, a critical evaluation of the literature, and a conclusion. Unlike a research paper, a review paper does not present original research findings or draw its own conclusions based on data collected from experiments or studies.

In summary, the main difference between a research paper and a review paper is their purpose and format. A research paper presents original research findings and conclusions based on a systematic investigation of a research question or hypothesis, while a review paper summarizes and critically evaluates existing research on a particular topic. Both types of papers are important contributions to academic literature, but they serve different purposes and require different approaches to writing.

Add a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Difference Between | Descriptive Analysis and Comparisons

Search form, difference between research paper and review paper.

Key Difference: The primary difference between a research paper and a review paper is that a research paper is based on the author’s original research and their analysis and interpretation of their research finishing, whereas a review paper collects and collates information on a particular topic from various different written publications.

A research paper involves writing about research that one has conducted themselves. It includes the parameters involved in the research as well as their analysis and interpretation of the research.

Writing a research paper involves many different steps such as selecting a topic, creating a hypothesis, doing research, testing the hypothesis, making conclusions, and writing a paper supporting or disproving the hypothesis.

A review paper, on the other hand, involves collection information from a variety of different sources. These sources can be primary or secondary. Primary sources can be people who have conducted research and have first hand information, whereas secondary sources are papers and documents that have covered the topic on hand.

A review paper collects and combines information from these various sources and presents in all in one place. The benefit of this that it makes information regarding a particular topic easier to find and reference. A student may be asked to support an argument or a hypothesis in a review paper by citing various works and sources of information.

Review papers can be categorized into three different types: -

• Narrative – which collects and attempts to explain any and all existing knowledge on a particular topic. It is based on research that is already conducted and published by someone else.
• Systematic – in which one searches all existing scientific literature on a topic and tries to find an answer to a particular question or problem.
• Meta-analysis – which compares and combines the findings of previously published studies. It is usually done in order to assess the effectiveness of an intervention or mode of treatment.

The job of a research paper is for one to be able to present new ideas and new information which can hep move science ahead, whereas a review paper allows one to combine ideas by collecting information from various sources, which makes information easier to find and refer to.

Comparison between Research Paper and Review Paper:

Add new comment

Copyright © 2024, Difference Between | Descriptive Analysis and Comparisons

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

What is the difference between a review paper and a research paper?

I have been working on a review paper. After publication, how will it add on my academic research profile? When I will apply for MS or PHD admission, will it count as publication?

• publications
• review-articles

5 Answers 5

A review paper is likely also known as a "survey paper", where you read (i.e. survey) related works in the field and then comment on them. Usually, a review paper should be able to contribute a small amount of knowledge in its own right to the field by providing a taxonomy of work.

Another type of paper that reviews extensively related work but isn't actually a review paper is a "systematic review paper" in which you usually ask a meta-question about the field.

If it appears in a refereed, peer-reviewed journal, then yes, it is a publication. In fact, if done well, these works can often have pretty high impact and can be cited very frequently. However, as already noted, since they don't usually involve substantial original research they need to be augmented with traditional research papers. If a graduate student has only survey papers or systematic review papers, I'd wonder as a search committee reviewer if this student did nothing but read related work rather than working on research.

With respect to MS or PhD applications, I'd think that the fact that you have a publication at all is already a bonus point for you. Most students who apply to these programs don't have publications.

One important distinction should be made between papers in the humanities and the sciences. In the sciences, it would be much more important to have "original research" papers where new ground is broken. In the humanities, by contrast, the act of studying the existing literature and critically evaluating it may, in and of itself, be considered an act of research. (Similarly, in medicine, "meta-studies" in which the reports of various experiments are synthesized to produce overall results and recommendations may also be considered very important, although they augment direct clinical research, rather than substitute for it.)

I have limited experience regarding since I am still a graduate student but from what I understand, a review paper is also a research paper. However, unlike a piece of research, where you study the existing literature, develop research questions and hypotheses, collect data, run experiments/analysis and make inferences which accept or reject your hypotheses, a review article is a summarization and collation of existing articles in a given, specific research topic.

There has been some semi-formal writings on this already namely, this and this . The consensus, so far, seems to be that review articles make fine additions to your publication record but not as fine as articles where you actually did your own research.

I have little experience, because I am still an undergraduate student but from what I understand:

• Research paper: A paper in which results and discussion are derived from an experiment.
• Review paper: A paper in which results and discussion are not described.

• 4 Welcome to Academia SE. I have to disagree with your definitions. A research paper does not need to be based on an experiment (e.g., many mathematical papers). Also, a paper which does not describe (or derive) its results and discussions is just a very bad paper – this has nothing to do with the paper being a research or review paper. –  Wrzlprmft ♦ Commented Nov 26, 2014 at 15:19

I would describe a review paper as different from a research paper. A research paper is one's original work that may be researched scientifically or otherwise, but a review paper is where someone goes through work already done/researched and gives suggestions as per that field of research. The suggestions would be if the objective, goal, problem were met by the researcher. Whether the research is of value now or in future, solutions to the problem, what is interesting, etc.

• Welcome to Academia SE. You seem to be confusing a review paper with a peer review. The downvotes you are receiving are likely due to this, i.e., to indicate that your answer is wrong. Do not take them personally. –  Wrzlprmft ♦ Commented Oct 21, 2015 at 11:27

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for browse other questions tagged publications review-articles ..

• Featured on Meta
• Bringing clarity to status tag usage on meta sites
• We've made changes to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy - July 2024
• Announcing a change to the data-dump process

Hot Network Questions

• Why did Groves evade Robert Oppenheimer's question here?
• Is it possible to create a board position where White must make the move that leads to stalemating Black to avoid Black stalemating White?
• Antenna speed: slow and fast tracking( explanation of a parameter in comparison table)
• Uppercase “God” in translations of Greek plays
• Difference between 頁 and ページ
• Why are volumes of revolution typically taught in Calculus 2 and not Calculus 3?
• Aligning columns with multicolumn header
• My enemy sent me this puzzle!
• Soft links on Python
• Will fire still burn well in my atmosphere?: concentration vs partial pressure
• Will this be the first time that there are more people aboad the ISS than seats in docked spacecraft?
• Is there racial discrimination at Tbilisi airport?
• Is it OK to make an "offshape" bid if you can handle any likely response?
• If more collisions happen with more resistance, why less heat is generated?
• How to make a ParametricPlot3D into solid shape
• Cannot remove old solder
• Enable all snapping types in QGIS using Python
• A simplified Blackjack C++ OOP console game
• Hiding all UI elements within a blender window with the python API
• Form Builder: Create Contact and add to (static) group
• Is UNIQUE(N) Turing-recognizable?
• What food plants/algae are viable to grow 9,000 meters beneath the sea, if given plenty of light and air?
• Immutability across programming languages
• Polyline to polygon

• Study resources
• Calendar - Graduate
• Calendar - Undergraduate
• Class schedules
• Class cancellations
• Course registration
• Important academic dates
• More academic resources
• Campus services
• IT services
• Job opportunities
• Safety & prevention
• Mental health support
• Student Service Centre (Birks)
• All campus services
• Calendar of events
• Latest news
• Media Relations
• Faculties, Schools & Colleges
• Arts and Science
• Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
• John Molson School of Business
• School of Graduate Studies
• All Schools, Colleges & Departments.
• Directories
• My Library account Renew books and more
• Book a study room or scanner Reserve a space for your group online
• Interlibrary loans (Colombo) Request books from external libraries
• Zotero (formerly RefWorks) Manage your citations and create bibliographies
• Article/Chapter Scan & Deliver Request a PDF of an article/chapter we have in our physical collection
• Contactless Book Pickup Request books, DVDs and more from our physical collection while the Library is closed
• WebPrint Upload documents to print on campus
• Course reserves Online course readings
• Spectrum Deposit a thesis or article
• Sofia Discovery tool
• Databases by subject
• Course Reserves
• E-journals via Browzine
• E-journals via Sofia
• Article/chapter scan
• Intercampus delivery of bound periodicals/microforms
• Interlibrary loans
• Spectrum Research Repository
• Special Collections & Archives
• Additional resources & services
• Subject & course guides
• Borrowing & renewing
• Open Educational Resources Guide
• Instructional Services
• General guides for users
• Ask a librarian
• Research Skills Tutorial
• Quick Things for Digital Knowledge
• Critical Toolkit for Navigating Information
• Bibliometrics & research impact guide
• Concordia University Press
• Copyright guide
• Copyright guide for thesis preparation
• Digital scholarship
• Digital preservation
• Open Access
• ORCiD at Concordia
• Research data management guide
• Scholarship of Teaching & Learning
• Systematic Reviews
• Borrow (laptops, tablets, equipment)
• Connect (netname, Wi-Fi, guest accounts)
• Desktop computers, software & availability maps
• Group study, presentation practice & classrooms
• Printers, copiers & scanners
• Technology Sandbox
• Visualization Studio
• Webster Library
• Vanier Library
• Grey Nuns Reading Room
• Study spaces
• Floor plans
• Book a group study room/scanner
• Room booking for academic events
• Exhibitions
• Librarians & staff
• Work with us
• Memberships & collaborations
• Indigenous Student Librarian program
• Wikipedian in residence
• Researcher in residence
• Feedback & improvement
• Annual reports & fast facts
• Strategic Plan 2016/21
• Library Services Fund
• Giving to the Library
• Policies & Code of Conduct
• My Library account
• Book a study room or scanner
• Interlibrary loans (Colombo)
• Zotero (formerly RefWorks)
• Article/Chapter Scan & Deliver
• Contactless Book Pickup
• Course reserves

Review vs. Research Articles

How can you tell if you are looking at a research paper, review paper or a systematic review  examples and article characteristics are provided below to help you figure it out., research papers.

A research article describes a study that was performed by the article’s author(s). It explains the methodology of the study, such as how data was collected and analyzed, and clarifies what the results mean. Each step of the study is reported in detail so that other researchers can repeat the experiment.

To determine if a paper is a research article, examine its wording. Research articles describe actions taken by the researcher(s) during the experimental process. Look for statements like “we tested,” “I measured,” or “we investigated.” Research articles also describe the outcomes of studies. Check for phrases like “the study found” or “the results indicate.” Next, look closely at the formatting of the article. Research papers are divided into sections that occur in a particular order: abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references.

Let's take a closer look at this research paper by Bacon et al. published in the International Journal of Hypertension :

Review Papers

Review articles do not describe original research conducted by the author(s). Instead, they give an overview of a specific subject by examining previously published studies on the topic. The author searches for and selects studies on the subject and then tries to make sense of their findings. In particular, review articles look at whether the outcomes of the chosen studies are similar, and if they are not, attempt to explain the conflicting results. By interpreting the findings of previous studies, review articles are able to present the current knowledge and understanding of a specific topic.

Since review articles summarize the research on a particular topic, students should read them for background information before consulting detailed, technical research articles. Furthermore, review articles are a useful starting point for a research project because their reference lists can be used to find additional articles on the subject.

Let's take a closer look at this review paper by Bacon et al. published in Sports Medicine :

Systematic Review Papers

A systematic review is a type of review article that tries to limit the occurrence of bias. Traditional, non-systematic reviews can be biased because they do not include all of the available papers on the review’s topic; only certain studies are discussed by the author. No formal process is used to decide which articles to include in the review. Consequently, unpublished articles, older papers, works in foreign languages, manuscripts published in small journals, and studies that conflict with the author’s beliefs can be overlooked or excluded. Since traditional reviews do not have to explain the techniques used to select the studies, it can be difficult to determine if the author’s bias affected the review’s findings.

Systematic reviews were developed to address the problem of bias. Unlike traditional reviews, which cover a broad topic, systematic reviews focus on a single question, such as if a particular intervention successfully treats a medical condition. Systematic reviews then track down all of the available studies that address the question, choose some to include in the review, and critique them using predetermined criteria. The studies are found, selected, and evaluated using a formal, scientific methodology in order to minimize the effect of the author’s bias. The methodology is clearly explained in the systematic review so that readers can form opinions about the quality of the review.

Let's take a closer look this systematic review paper by Vigano et al. published in Lancet Oncology :

Finding Review and Research Papers in PubMed

Many databases have special features that allow the searcher to restrict results to articles that match specific criteria. In other words, only articles of a certain type will be displayed in the search results. These “limiters” can be useful when searching for research or review articles. PubMed has a limiter for article type, which is located on the left sidebar of the search results page. This limiter can filter the search results to show only review articles.

© Concordia University

Maxwell Library | Bridgewater State University

Today's Hours: 

• Maxwell Library
• Scholarly Journals and Popular Magazines
• Differences in Research, Review, and Opinion Articles

Scholarly Journals and Popular Magazines: Differences in Research, Review, and Opinion Articles

• Where Do I Start?
• How Do I Find Peer-Reviewed Articles?
• How Do I Compare Periodical Types?
• Where Can I find More Information?

Research Articles, Reviews, and Opinion Pieces

Scholarly or research articles are written for experts in their fields. They are often peer-reviewed or reviewed by other experts in the field prior to publication. They often have terminology or jargon that is field specific. They are generally lengthy articles. Social science and science scholarly articles have similar structures as do arts and humanities scholarly articles. Not all items in a scholarly journal are peer reviewed. For example, an editorial opinion items can be published in a scholarly journal but the article itself is not scholarly. Scholarly journals may include book reviews or other content that have not been peer reviewed.

Empirical Study: (Original or Primary) based on observation, experimentation, or study. Clinical trials, clinical case studies, and most meta-analyses are empirical studies.

Review Article: (Secondary Sources) Article that summarizes the research in a particular subject, area, or topic. They often include a summary, an literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.

Clinical case study (Primary or Original sources): These articles provide real cases from medical or clinical practice. They often include symptoms and diagnosis.

Clinical trials ( Health Research): Th ese articles are often based on large groups of people. They often include methods and control studies. They tend to be lengthy articles.

Opinion Piece:  An opinion piece often includes personal thoughts, beliefs, or feelings or a judgement or conclusion based on facts. The goal may be to persuade or influence the reader that their position on this topic is the best.

Book review: Recent review of books in the field. They may be several pages but tend to be fairly short. 

Social Science and Science Research Articles

The majority of social science and physical science articles include

• Journal Title and Author
• Abstract 
• Introduction with a hypothesis or thesis
• Literature Review
• Methods/Methodology
• Results/Findings

Arts and Humanities Research Articles

In the Arts and Humanities, scholarly articles tend to be less formatted than in the social sciences and sciences. In the humanities, scholars are not conducting the same kinds of research experiments, but they are still using evidence to draw logical conclusions.  Common sections of these articles include:

• an Introduction
• Discussion/Conclusion
• works cited/References/Bibliography

Research versus Review Articles

• 6 Article types that journals publish: A guide for early career researchers
• INFOGRAPHIC: 5 Differences between a research paper and a review paper
• Michigan State University. Empirical vs Review Articles
• UC Merced Library. Empirical & Review Articles
• << Previous: Where Do I Start?
• Next: How Do I Find Peer-Reviewed Articles? >>
• Last Updated: Jan 24, 2024 10:48 AM
• URL: https://library.bridgew.edu/scholarly

Phone: 508.531.1392 Text: 508.425.4096 Email: [email protected]

Feedback/Comments

Privacy Policy

Website Accessibility

Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

Sign in | Recent Site Activity | Report Abuse | Print Page | Powered By Google Sites

• Customer Reviews
• Extended Essays
• IB Internal Assessment
• Theory of Knowledge
• Literature Review
• Dissertations
• Essay Writing
• Research Writing
• Assignment Help
• Capstone Projects
• College Application
• Online Class

Literature Review vs Research Paper: What’s the Difference?

by  Antony W

June 26, 2024

This is a complete student’s guide to understanding literature review vs research paper.

We’ll teach you what they’re, explain why they’re important, state the difference between the two, and link you to our comprehensive guide on how to write them.

Literature Review Writing Help

Writing a literature review for a thesis, a research paper, or as a standalone assignment takes time. Much of your time will go into research, not to mention you have other assignments to complete. 

If you find writing in college or university overwhelming, get in touch with our literature review writers for hire at 25% discounts and enjoy the flexibility and convenience that comes with professional writing help. We’ll help you do everything, from research and outlining to custom writing and proofreading.

What is a Literature Review?

A literature review document is a secondary source of information that provides an overview of existing knowledge, which you can use to identify gaps or flaws in existing research. In literature review writing, students have to find and read existing publications such as journal articles, analyze the information, and then state their findings.

Credit: Pubrica

You’ll write a literature review to demonstrate your understanding on the topic, show gaps in existing research, and develop an effective methodology and a theoretical framework for your research project.

Your instructor may ask you to write a literature review as a standalone assignment. Even if that’s the case, the rules for writing a review paper don’t change.

In other words, you’ll still focus on evaluating the current research and find gaps around the topic.

Types of Literature Reviews

There are three types of review papers and they’re a follows:

 1. Meta-analysis

In meta-analysis review paper, you combine and compare answers from already published studies on a given subject.

2. Narrative Review

A narrative review paper looks into existing information or research already conducted on a given topic.

3. Systematic Review

You need to do three things if asked to write a systematic review paper.

First, read and understand the question asked. Second, look into research already conducted on the topic. Third, search for the answer to the question from the established research you just read.

What’s a Research Paper?

A research paper is an assignment in which you present your own argument, evaluation, or interpretation of an issue based on independent research.

In a research paper project, you’ll draw some conclusions from what experts have already done, find gaps in their studies, and then draw your own conclusions.

While a research paper is like an academic essay, it tends to be longer and more detailed.

Since they require extended research and attention to details, research papers can take a lot of time to write.

If well researched, your research paper can demonstrate your knowledge about a topic, your ability to engage with multiple sources, and your willingness to contribute original thoughts to an ongoing debate.

Types of Research Papers

 There are two types of research papers and they’re as follows:

 1. Analytical Research Papers

 Similar to analytical essay , and usually in the form of a question, an analytical research paper looks at an issue from a neutral point and gives a clear analysis of the issue.

Your goal is to make the reader understand both sides of the issue in question and leave it to them to decide what side of the analysis to accept.

Unlike an argumentative research paper, an analytical research paper doesn’t include counterarguments. And you can only draw your conclusion based on the information stretched out all through the analysis.

2. Argumentative Research Papers

In an argumentative research paper, you state the subject under study, look into both sides of an issue, pick a stance, and then use solid evidence and objective reasons to defend your position.

In   argumentative writing, your goal isn’t to persuade your audience to take an action. 

Rather, it’s to convince them that your position on the research question is more accurate than the opposing point of views.

Regardless of the type of research paper that you write, you’ll have to follow the standard outline for the assignment to be acceptable for review and marking.

Also, all research paper, regardless of the research question under investigation must include a literature review.

Literature Review vs Research Paper

The table below shows the differences between a literature review (review paper) and a research paper. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. is there a literature review in a research paper.

A research paper assignment must include a literature review immediately after the introduction chapter.

The chapter is significant because your research work would otherwise be incomplete without knowledge of existing literature. 

2. How Many Literature Review Should Be in Research Paper?

Your research paper  should have only one literature review. Make sure you write the review based on the instructions from your teacher.

Before you start, check the required length, number of sources to summarize, and the format to use. Doing so will help you score top grades for the assignment. 

3. What is the Difference Between Research and Literature?

Whereas literature focuses on gathering, reading, and summarizing information on already established studies, original research involves coming up with new concepts, theories, and ideas that might fill existing gaps in the available literature.

4. How Long is a Literature Review?

How long a literature review should be will depend on several factors, including the level of education, the length of the assignment, the target audience, and the purpose of the review.

For example, a 150-page dissertation can have a literature review of 40 pages on average.

Make sure you talk to your instructor to determine the required length of the assignment.

5. How Does a Literature Review Look Like?

Your literature review shouldn’t be a focus on original research or new information. Rather, it should give a clear overview of the already existing work on the selected topic.

The information to review can come from various sources, including scholarly journal articles , government reports, credible websites, and academic-based books. 

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

• Interesting
• Scholarships
• UGC-CARE Journals

Research Paper Vs Review Paper | 50 Differences

50 Differences Between Research Article and a Review Article

A research paper is a piece of writing that reports facts, data, and other information on a specific topic. It is usually longer than a review paper and includes a detailed evaluation of the research. Whereas, a review paper is a shorter piece of writing that summarizes and evaluates the research on a specific topic. It is usually shorter than a research paper and does not include a detailed evaluation of the research. In this article, we have listed the 50 important differences between a review paper vs research article.

• A research paper is typically much longer than a review paper.
• A research paper is typically more detailed and comprehensive than a review paper.
• A research paper is typically more focused on a specific topic than a review paper.
• A research paper is typically more analytical and critical than a review paper.
• A research paper is typically more objective than a review paper.
• A research paper is typically written by one or more authors, while a review paper may be written by a single author.
• A research paper is typically peer-reviewed, while a review paper may not be.
• A research paper is typically published in a scholarly journal, while a review paper may be published in a variety of different publications.
• The audience for a research paper is typically other scholars, while the audience for a review paper may be the general public.
• The purpose of a research paper is typically to contribute to the scholarly literature, while the purpose of a review paper may be to provide an overview of the literature or to evaluate a particular research study.
• The structure of a research paper is typically more complex than the structure of a review paper.
• A research paper typically includes an abstract, while a review paper may not.
• A research paper typically includes a literature review, while a review paper may not.
• A research paper typically includes a methodology section, while a review paper may not.
• A research paper typically includes results and discussion sections, while a review paper may not.
• A research paper typically includes a conclusion, while a review paper may not.
• A research paper is typically organized around a central research question , while a review paper may be organized around a central theme.
• A research paper typically uses primary sources, while a review paper may use both primary and secondary sources.
• A research paper is typically based on empirical research, while a review paper may be based on either empirical or non-empirical research.
• A research paper is typically more formal than a review paper.
• A research paper is typically written in the third person, while a review paper may be written in the first person.
• A research paper typically uses formal language, while a review paper may use more informal language.
• A research paper is typically objective in tone, while a review paper may be more subjective in tone.
• A research paper typically uses APA style, while a review paper may use a different style.
• A research paper typically includes a title page, while a review paper may not.
• A research paper typically includes an abstract on the title page, while a review paper may not.
• A research paper typically includes keywords on the title page, while a review paper may not.
• A research paper typically includes an author note, while a review paper may not.
• A research paper is typically organized around a central research question, while a review paper may be organized around a central theme.
• A research paper is typically longer than a review paper.

I hope, this article would help you to know the differences between Research Paper and a Review Paper.

Also Read: What is a Research Design? Importance and Types

• Difference between
• evaluation review paper
• Research Paper

What is a PhD? A Comprehensive Guide for Indian Scientists and Aspiring Researchers

Fellowships in india 2024 -comprehensive guide, working sci-hub proxy links 2024: access research papers easily, most popular, the nippon foundation fellowship programme 2025, agi in research: unraveling the future of artificial intelligence, abstract template for research paper, 10 types of plagiarism – every academic writer should know – updated, the harsh reality: why revoked graduate degrees aren’t easily reclaimed, top 50 research institutions in india: nirf rankings 2024, top 35 scopus indexed journals in english literature, best for you, 24 best online plagiarism checker free – 2024, popular posts, newly accepted scopus indexed journals june 2024, top 10 scopus indexed agronomy and crop science journals, popular category.

• POSTDOC 317
• Interesting 257
• Journals 235
• Fellowship 134
• Research Methodology 102
• All Scopus Indexed Journals 93

Mail Subscription

iLovePhD is a research education website to know updated research-related information. It helps researchers to find top journals for publishing research articles and get an easy manual for research tools. The main aim of this website is to help Ph.D. scholars who are working in various domains to get more valuable ideas to carry out their research. Learn the current groundbreaking research activities around the world, love the process of getting a Ph.D.

Contact us: [email protected]

Google News

Copyright © 2024 iLovePhD. All rights reserved

• Artificial intelligence

• Aimlay Foundation
• Pharma Courses
• Become a Partner
• Medical Courses
• Life@Aimlay
• Web Stories

• Thesis Writing
• Law Admission
• Dissertation
• Honorary doctorate
• Educational Academy
• Management Courses
• Research Paper Writing
• YouTube Journal

PhD | Thesis Writing | Law Admission | Dissertation | Biography | Pharma | Honorary doctorate | Educational Academy | Management Courses | Research Paper Writing | YouTube Journal  

Difference Between Research Paper and Review Paper? 

• August 29, 2022
• Research Paper Writing , YouTube Journal
• No Comments

A research paper and a review paper writing are two different types of documents. They have different purposes, purposes, and requirements.  Research papers and review papers contain different information. The r esearch paper contains original research work by the author, while the review paper is based on an existing source of knowledge. 

In this blog, let’s discuss the differences between research and review paper writing . 

What are Research Papers?  

A research paper is a type of essay where the main purpose is that it should present new ideas and information to the audience. The author of the research paper must provide facts, figures, graphs, and other types of written information that can support his/her argument(s).  

Research papers can be written on any topic, but they must be connected with one or more disciplines. 

A good example is when science students write their research papers on cell division or DNA synthesis.  

What are Review Papers?  

A review paper writing aims to provide readers with an overview of an article or book by reviewing its content, structure, style, and arguments. Reviews can be used to evaluate other people’s work or to assess one’s own work by comparing it with another’s work (i.e., peer reviews). Review papers are usually shorter than research papers because they are intended for wider audiences. 

Understanding the Main Difference:  

Research papers and review papers are two different types of writing assignments you will encounter in your academic career. 

Research paper writing: The research paper is a written piece that is required to answer the question, “What do we know about this topic?” 

Review paper writing : The review paper is a written piece that is required to answer the question, “What do we not know about this topic?” 

More about Research Papers:  

• Research papers present essential information that has been gathered from many sources. 
• The writer must cite his sources for all ideas used in this article. This can be done by using bibliographies or footnotes at the end of each page of your paper. 
• A bibliography is a list of all sources used within your article; it should be placed at the end of your work or on an appendix page in the principal body.
• Footnotes cite specific puotes or references not found within the text itself. 
• They should also be placed at the end of your work. Or on an appendix page if used as part of your principal body. 

More about Review Papers : 

• Review papers have a special role in scientific literature. They are one of the most common papers and are often used to measure an individual’s scientific contributions. It provides a summary of current knowledge on the subject while identifying gaps in that knowledge, and it may also offer suggestions for future research. 
• Review papers are most often written by scientists publishing in peer-reviewed journals, although they can be written by anyone with access to relevant information about the subject matter.  
• Review papers usually include an introduction and background information about their topic. It is related to other subjects, discussion of previous work on the subject, and research methods used to gather data from studies.  
• Usually conducted by others who have studied the same thing, conclusions are supported by evidence from these studies and any additional information needed to understand their findings and draw conclusions from them. 

What is a Literature Review? Is it similar to Review Papers?  

A literature review is a scholarly document that discusses the current state of knowledge on a topic. It may evaluate existing research quality and determine which works should be included in an analysis or synthesis. 

• A literature review can be conducted by anyone interested in a particular topic area. But it is usually performed by someone with some knowledge or training.
• The primary purpose of a literature review is to provide background information about a topic. So that the author can develop the ideas for a research paper or report. For this to happen, you need to know what your audience wants. You also need to understand what your audience wants from you. 
• A literature review is a critique of current literature. A literature review is similar to a research paper , but it is not as long and detailed.  

The main difference is that a literature review typically focuses on only one or two specific topics. Whereas a research paper can be more broadly focused and may include multiple sections. 

How does a Review Paper help form a Research Paper?  

A review paper is a summary of previous research on a topic. It can be either an objective or subjective analysis.  

The purpose of the review is to summarize the findings of previous research. Also to determine whether the results are valid and reliable.   

This can be done by examining the research methods used in the studies and their design, measurement and statistical analysis. 

In addition to presenting information about a subject in its own right. Reviews also provide a context for future research by identifying areas that need to be addressed. Checks may be critical in identifying areas that require further investigation or discussion. They also help researchers focus their efforts on those areas that are most important to address.   

Tips for Writing Research paper and Review paper:  

A review paper has to be written. First, it includes the citations you might require while developing your research paper.  

While writing a research paper , you should inquire about every question that comes to your mind. And follow through with them appropriately. 

A review paper is not your final paper; it requires constant research and a table of contents, commonly known as the bibliography. With the help of a bibliography, you will have a clear list of items you need in-depth research. It will prevent you from getting confused and haphazard with your findings and research.  

A research paper is a piece of writing that tries to answer a specific question. A review paper is typically shorter than a research paper and focuses on one main point or idea.

Share this Article

Send your query, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• 14 Hanover Street, Mayfair, London | Hooghly, West Bengal, India
• [email protected]

• English Editing Services
• Academic Peer Review Services
• Academic Plagiarism Checking
• Academic Translation Services
• Manuscript Formatting Services
• Testimonials

What is the difference between a research paper and a review paper?

• May 2, 2024
• Posted by: IRP Academy
• Category: Knowledge Base

A research paper entails original investigation, which can vary by field or topic (e.g., experiments, surveys, interviews, questionnaires). Authors are responsible for collecting, analyzing raw data, and conducting an original study. The paper’s foundation lies in the analysis and interpretation of this data.

A review article, distinct from original research, draws from existing published articles to summarize the literature on a topic, aiming to elucidate the current state of understanding. These articles typically fall into three categories:

A narrative review summarizes existing knowledge on a topic using all available published research. A systematic review seeks answers to specific questions in scientific literature. A meta-analysis consolidates and compares findings from previous studies, typically to evaluate intervention effectiveness or treatment modes.

Review papers are invaluable in scientific literature as they consolidate existing findings, allowing readers to grasp the knowledge on a topic without reading every published work. Well-written reviews, especially in medicine and healthcare, are popular and often featured in reputable journals. However, it’s essential to verify if your chosen journal accepts such articles. When published in a respected peer-reviewed journal , review articles often yield significant impact and garner numerous citations.

Let’s explore the key differences between a  research paper  and a  review paper :

• Research Paper : Presents original findings or results from a study conducted by the author.
• Review Paper : Summarizes and analyzes existing research on a specific topic, providing an overview of the current state of knowledge.
• Research Paper : Typically longer, more detailed, and comprehensive.
• Review Paper : Generally shorter, focusing on synthesizing existing information.
• Research Paper : Often more focused on a specific topic.
• Review Paper : Provides a broader overview of existing research across related areas.
• Research Paper : Analytical and critical, based on the author’s original research.
• Review Paper : Collects and collates information from various written publications.
• Research Paper : Contains novel research findings.
• Review Paper : Does not introduce new research; instead, it summarizes existing work.

Related Posts:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

“Thank you so much for your editing work”

“I am writing this email to sincerely appreciate the exceptional work you and your team have done on our manuscript. Kindly pass on our gratitude to every member of your team for their remarkable efforts. Rest assured, we will definitely be seeking your team’s expertise again in the future.” (English Academic Editing Service)

“Many thanks for the reviewing and the kind comments of the reviewer” (English Academic Editing Service)

“Many thanks for your excellent service” (English Academic Editing Service)

“Thank you very much for the very thorough and detailed correction of the manuscript. It’s very much improved” (English Academic Editing Service)

• Trending Now
• Foundational Courses
• Data Science
• Practice Problem
• Machine Learning
• System Design
• DevOps Tutorial

Difference between Research Paper and Review Paper

Scholarly literature can be of different types. Many of them require researchers to perform an original study, whereas others are based on previously published research. Amateur researchers have quite a confusion understanding each type of scholarly literature and the difference between them.

Research Paper

When researchers partake in an original study or investigation of a unique topic, for example, a study of the prevalence of substance abuse in a specific community or geographical area, the findings of that study are presented as a research paper. The most essential component of a research paper is the analysis of the topic, evidence to support the study and the conclusion of the study. It can comprise of the answer to the reach question and may include a hypothesis, the resource requirement for the study and the method followed to reach the conclusion. The formatting of a research paper is fairly similar across all subjects and institutions, though it can vary from one region to another depending upon the pattern laid down by the publishing and educational bodies. This scholarly work is unique and bears no similarity to any other published work. Analysis of the data can vary from the use of software to authentic experiments.

Review Paper

Review papers are universal and can be focused upon a wide range of mediums, including articles in journals, books, magazines, and software. A review paper refers to the study and survey of a recently published Research paper on a specific topic or subject. For instance, climate change due to industrial waste has many scholarly Research paper. these papers can be reviewed by any other number of scholars for its merits. In order to write a review paper successfully, one needs to have knowledge of what other scholars have written on the subject and their thoughts on the subject, particularly in recent times. the reach papers act as a reference and source material for these review papers. These can be stimulating and extremely exhaustive with the intent for undertaking research by introducing challenging materials and facts. It should act as a summary of the original research paper with all its relevant literature on the topic.

Key differences between the Research paper and Review paper are given in the table below:

Please Login to comment...

Similar reads.

• Difference Between
• Write From Home
• How to Get a Free SSL Certificate
• Best SSL Certificates Provider in India
• Elon Musk's xAI releases Grok-2 AI assistant
• What is OpenAI SearchGPT? How it works and How to Get it?
• Content Improvement League 2024: From Good To A Great Article

Improve your Coding Skills with Practice

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

"How Do I?" @JWULibrary

Sample Question

• JWU-Providence Library

Q. What's the difference between a research article and a review article?

• 35 about the library
• 29 articles & journals
• 1 Borrowing
• 8 citing sources
• 17 company & industry
• 11 computers
• 1 copyright compliance
• 5 countries & travel
• 2 course registration
• 50 databases
• 3 education
• 2 Interlibrary loan
• 5 job search
• 6 libguides
• 9 market research
• 25 my library account
• 12 requests
• 26 research basics
• 21 research topics
• 2 study rooms
• 16 technology
• 7 textbooks
• 42 university
• 3 video tutorial
• 1 writing_help

Answered By: Sarah Naomi Campbell Last Updated: Sep 07, 2018     Views: 216012

Watch this short video to learn about types of scholarly articles, including research articles and literature reviews!

Not in the mood for a video? Read on!

What's the difference between a research article and a review article?

Research articles , sometimes referred to as empirical  or primary sources , report on original research. They will typically include sections such as an introduction, methods, results, and discussion.

Here is a more detailed explanation of research articles .

Review articles , sometimes called literature reviews  or secondary sources , synthesize or analyze research already conducted in primary sources. They generally summarize the current state of research on a given topic.

Here is a more detailed explanation of review articles .

The video above was created by the Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries .

The defintions, and the linked detailed explanations, are paraphrased from the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association , 6th ed .

The linked explanations are provided by the Mohawk Valley Community College Libraries .

Links & Files

• How do I find empirical articles in the library databases?
• Share on Facebook

Was this helpful? Yes 63 No 19

Comments (0)

Related topics.

• about the library
• articles & journals
• citing sources
• company & industry
• copyright compliance
• countries & travel
• course registration
• Interlibrary loan
• market research
• my library account
• research basics
• research topics
• study rooms
• video tutorial
• writing_help

Downcity Library:

111 Dorrance Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

401-598-1121

Harborside Library:

321 Harborside Boulevard Providence, RI 02905

401-598-1466

• Location and Directions
• Off-Campus Access
• Staff Directory
• Student Employment
• Pay Bills and Fines
• Chat with a Librarian
• Course Reserves
• Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
• Study Rooms
• Research Appointment
• Culinary Museum

How to Write a Literature Review

• What is a literature review

How is a literature review different from a research paper?

• What should I do before starting my literature review?
• What type of literature review should I write and how should I organize it?
• What should I be aware of while writing the literature review?
• For more information on Literature Reviews
• More Research Help

The purpose of an academic research paper is to develop a new argument. The literature review is one part of a research paper. In a research paper, you use the literature review as a foundation and as support for the new insight that you contribute. The focus of a literature review, however, is to summarize and analyze the arguments and ideas of others without adding new contributions.

• << Previous: What is a literature review
• Next: What should I do before starting my literature review? >>
• Last Updated: Feb 26, 2021 11:35 AM
• URL: https://midway.libguides.com/LiteratureReview

RESEARCH HELP

• Research Guides
• Databases A-Z
• Journal Search
• Citation Help

LIBRARY SERVICES

• Accessibility
• Interlibrary Loan
• Study Rooms

INSTRUCTION SUPPORT

• Course Reserves
• Library Instruction
• Little Memorial Library
• 512 East Stephens Street
• 859.846.5316
• [email protected]

Welcome to the new OASIS website! We have academic skills, library skills, math and statistics support, and writing resources all together in one new home.

• Walden University
• Faculty Portal

Writing: Sample Paper Reviews

• Paper Reviews
• Sample Paper Reviews
• Previous Page: Paper Reviews

Sample Paper Reviews: Overview

Wondering what to expect from your paper review appointment? Below are the types of assignments we review, along with sample feedback. Feedback will vary among writing instructional specialists but will consist of some of these:

• Explanations of errors
• Links to resources
• Questions or reactions from a reader’s perspective
• Recommended next steps
• Revision strategies
• Highlighted patterns
• Models of effective writing
• Video clips to watch

The  appointment form in myPASS  is the best place to tell us your goals and about areas you are struggling with in your writing. Be as specific as possible to get targeted help within the 30-minute timeframe.

Discussion Posts

• Sample Review of a Discussion Post (PDF) This document contains an excerpt of a discussion post with sample feedback. Please click on the file to view.

Undergraduate Papers

• Sample Review of an Undergraduate Paper--1000 Level (PDF) This document contains excerpts of a 1000 level undergraduate paper with sample feedback. Please click on the file to view.
• Sample Review of an Undergraduate Paper--3000 Level (PDF) This document contains excerpts of a 3000 level undergraduate paper with sample feedback. Please click on the file to view.

Graduate Papers

• Sample Review of a Graduate Paper (PDF) This document contains excerpt of a graduate-student paper with sample feedback. Please click on the file to view.

Major Assessments

• Sample Review of a Major Assessment (PDF) This document contains an excerpt of a student's major assessment with sample feedback. Please click on the file to view.

Revisions of Previously Submitted Material

• Sample Review of a Revision (PDF) This document contains an excerpt of a student's revised draft with sample feedback. Please click on the file to view.

Graded Papers

• Sample Review of a Graded Paper (PDF) This document contains an excerpt of a student's graded paper with sample feedback. Please click on the file to view.

Recommended APA Style Reference List Entry for This Page

Walden University Writing Center. (n.d.) Paper reviews: Sample paper reviews . https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/academic-skills/paper-reviews/sample-paper-reviews

• Office of Student Disability Services

Walden Resources

Departments.

• Academic Residencies
• Academic Skills
• Career Planning and Development
• Customer Care Team
• Field Experience
• Military Services
• Student Success Advising
• Writing Skills

Centers and Offices

• Center for Social Change
• Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services
• Office of Degree Acceleration
• Office of Research and Doctoral Services
• Office of Student Affairs

Student Resources

• Doctoral Writing Assessment
• Form & Style Review
• Quick Answers
• ScholarWorks
• SKIL Courses and Workshops
• Walden Bookstore
• Walden Catalog & Student Handbook
• Student Safety/Title IX
• Legal & Consumer Information
• Website Terms and Conditions
• Cookie Policy
• Accessibility
• Accreditation
• State Authorization
• Net Price Calculator
• Cost of Attendance
• Contact Walden

Walden University is a member of Adtalem Global Education, Inc. www.adtalem.com Walden University is certified to operate by SCHEV © 2024 Walden University LLC. All rights reserved.

In-Text Citations

In scholarly writing, it is essential to acknowledge how others contributed to your work. By following the principles of proper citation, writers ensure that readers understand their contribution in the context of the existing literature—how they are building on, critically examining, or otherwise engaging the work that has come before.

APA Style provides guidelines to help writers determine the appropriate level of citation and how to avoid plagiarism and self-plagiarism.

We also provide specific guidance for in-text citation, including formats for interviews, classroom and intranet sources, and personal communications; in-text citations in general; and paraphrases and direct quotations.

Academic Writer ®

Master academic writing with APA’s essential teaching and learning resource

Course Adoption

Teaching APA Style? Become a course adopter of the 7th edition Publication Manual

Instructional Aids

Guides, checklists, webinars, tutorials, and sample papers for anyone looking to improve their knowledge of APA Style