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Expert Commentary

White papers, working papers, preprints, journal articles: What’s the difference?

In this updated piece, we explain the most common types of research papers journalists will encounter, noting their strengths and weaknesses.

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by Denise-Marie Ordway, The Journalist's Resource February 25, 2022

This <a target="_blank" href="https://journalistsresource.org/media/working-papers-research-articles/">article</a> first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://journalistsresource.org">The Journalist's Resource</a> and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<img src="https://journalistsresource.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cropped-jr-favicon-150x150.png" style="width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;">

This tip sheet, originally published in May 2018, has been updated to include preprint research, a type of research featured often in news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.

Journalists rely most often on four types of research in their work. White papers, working papers, preprints and peer-reviewed journal articles.

How are they different? And which is best?

Below, we explain each, pointing out its strengths and weaknesses. As always, we urge journalists to use care in selecting any research to ground their coverage and fact-check claims.

Peer-reviewed article

Peer-reviewed research — the kind that appears in academic journals and that we highlight here at The Journalist’s Resource — has undergone a detailed critique by scholars with expertise in the field. While peer-reviewed research is generally the most reliable, journalists should keep in mind that publication in a prestigious journal is no guarantee of quality and that no single university or research organization always does the best research on a given topic.

It is safe to assume, however, that articles published in top-tier journals have been reviewed and given a stamp of approval by a number of accomplished scholars. For journalists who are uncertain, we’ve put together a list of 13 questions  to ask to gauge the quality of a research article.

Keep in mind that not everything that appears in a scholarly journal has been peer reviewed. Journals publish various types of content, including book reviews, editorials, letters to the editor and, sometimes, even poetry.

Working paper

This broad category describes research papers that have not been peer reviewed or published in a journal. Working papers can be in various stages of completion. One might be ready for publication in a prestigious journal while another requires significant editing and other changes that could actually alter its main findings. Sometimes, working paper findings are so preliminary, authors will advise against citing their work .

Even so, working papers are a great way for journalists to gain access to new research quickly. The peer-review and publication process can take months to a year or longer, which means that by the time studies get published, their findings are sometimes not as useful or the data are old.

In choosing working papers, journalists should communicate with scholars about the progress of their research and how confident they are in their findings. It’s a good idea to seek corroboration from peer-reviewed research and to ask other researchers for help assessing a study.

A preprint is similar to a working paper in that it has not been vetted through a formal peer-review process. However, preprints tend to be more complete . Also, preprints submitted to public servers such as the Social Science Research Network and the health sciences server medRxiv get a cursory screening before they’re published online for public view.

Preprints, like academic journal articles, are assigned a Digital Object Identifier , or DOI, and become a permanent part of the scientific record.

White paper

A white paper is a report, often compiled by government agencies, businesses and nonprofit organizations, that outlines an issue and often explores possible solutions to a problem. For example, in November 2021, the federal Office of Community Oriented Policing Services released a white paper looking at factors that help or hinder law enforcement recruitment of Black Americans. Earlier in the year, the Advanced Technology Academic Research Center published a white paper on the American Rescue Plan ‘s widespread implications for government agencies.

In the business world, white papers also are used for marketing purposes — to describe a new product or approach, for instance, or diagnose a problem.

While a white paper can help journalists get up to speed quickly on an issue, it’s important to note some white papers advocate a specific position or policy change. Some rely on incomplete research or research that has not been peer reviewed.

Looking for more guidance on writing about research? Check out our tip sheets on covering biomedical research preprints amid the coronavirus and what journalists should know about peer review .

The Journalist’s Resource would like to thank Matthew Baum , the Marvin Kalb professor of global communications and professor of public policy at Harvard Kennedy School, for his help preparing this tip sheet.

About The Author

Denise-Marie Ordway

Research paper vs white paper: how are they different?

• September 14, 2022

Research paper vs white paper is a conundrum white paper writers frequently encounter. Most people had to write research papers when they were in high school and college, and many people work in industries where researchers and scientists publish research papers to inform colleagues and industries of what they’ve learned. So when they hear someone mentioning white papers, they can’t be faulted for assuming they’re the same thing. (Originally, a white paper was an official government report.)

What are research papers?

Research papers are formal documents or scientific articles exploring a particular subject in detail, and supporting the writer’s contention or arguments by including evidence from outside experts and other sources. Most research papers follow standardized structures, often beginning with some type of a thesis statement, presenting a series of arguments or sources in support of that statement, and ending in a statement about whether the thesis was successfully proven.

For students, academic papers are usually assigned to determine their mastery of a topic or their ability to write in traditional academic style. Professionals use peer reviewed research papers for a different reason. They want to share an idea they had and whether it proved to be possible, useful, or even valuable.

Scientific papers

Peer reviewed research papers are particularly important in the sciences. For example, many medical advances are first documented by the doctors or other scientists who discovered and tested them. An oncologist may stumble upon a combination of treatments that’s particular effective on a difficult-to-treat cancer. The doctor tests his idea following standard procedures and protocols and discovers it’s effective 86 percent of the time, so they write a research paper explaining the treatment and recommending the next steps for researchers.

The scientific research paper process is designed to explore all existing knowledge to create new ideas and discoveries, then document everything to help the scientist who pushes the frontiers of knowledge even further.

Publishing research papers

Recognition of the value of what a particular research paper analyzes often comes in the form of being published in an peer reviewed academic journal. Generally, an academic journal uses a peer review process in which several professionals read papers that have been submitted before publishing research papers. They ensure a logical framework is used and also make sure any statistics and other information used reflect peer reviewed research standards.

What is a white paper?

White papers are documents that explore complex issues to educate audiences. When used in a marketing or policymaking context, a white paper provides enough facts and arguments to convince people that your product, service, or strategy offers the best solution for the situation, educating them about the issue and making a case for your position or advice. Potential customers search for the information found in white papers.

White papers offer an excellent way to explain what makes your solution better than competing alternatives. You can use them to provide a technical discussion or summarize key information about a particular issue or problem to help the reader develop a stronger understanding. You describe common problems current and prospective customers face and provide detailed explanations as to how your approach provides the best solution.

Unlike ads and brochures, white papers are generally not promotional, without a strong sales pitch. Because the audiences that white papers target — such as engineers, CFOs, and CEOs — tend to distrust materials that appear to be more “salesy” than informative, most white papers are simply set up to look like trade magazine articles with fewer pictures.

So research paper vs white paper?

As in how they are different? First, they have two very different purposes. The purpose of a research paper is, for students, to prove mastery of a subject. For professionals, it’s to advance knowledge by sharing discoveries. A white paper, on the other sheet, is a tool to share information and influence decision-making.

Research papers explore all existing knowledge and can never have enough of it. White papers focus on a handful of points. Just enough knowledge to help someone make the right decision and nothing more. Research papers expand the mind, white papers attempt to narrow it.

Typically, research papers are written in the stiff, formal style that’s used in the academic world. You’ll have no trouble recognizing it from your memories of 8th grade English or your college composition class (or whatever fancy term your college came up with because they didn’t think you were smart enough to realize it was a composition class). Remember that long list of rules Mrs. Handsdown recited and all the red ink on your graded papers? Now when you write an email, you sometimes worry that she’s somehow going to see it, and you’ll feel her hovering over your shoulder.

The most effective white papers are written in a friendly, conversational way . Mrs. Handsdown would be very disappointed in you, but your boss will think you’ve become a genius. How so? It starts with the voice and tone of the written word. So you’re already a little confused. How could the written word make sound? Well, I didn’t say that. I said the voice and tone and not sound.

Literacy — the ability to read — is a relatively recent development in the evolution of our species. From the time we were magically created, hatched, or (whatever your image of life celebrates), until mere centuries ago, we had no way to communicate in writing. So we spoke. More important, we listened. Listening could keep us alive. Gradually, we learned the value of sharing what the old had learned from life so the young could take their places.

That was a long time ago, but you know what’s funny? Much of our mental wiring is from that era. Our brains do a great job of collecting and managing information. Was that the doorbell? Did a bird hit the window? Is that noise coming from beast of sharpest teeth? Your brain reacts to all three events the same way. It triggers hormones to kick up your energy and sharpen your senses so you don’t miss a thing. Thanks to some mutual ancestor who managed to stay a step ahead of a sabertoothed tiger, sound gets our immediate interest.

So we’re conditioned to listen for and pay attention to voices. Think of how many of the best times you can remember were spent in conversation with friends or family. Think of the number of interactions you have with other people on a given day, and what percentage include at least some conversation, even if it’s just “mornin’.”

As children, we grasp reading by connecting words with their associated sounds. And because the spoken word is so comfortable for us, we begin to recognize it in what we read. As we read a paragraph, we “hear” a voice in our heads. The voice is how we think the author or the character sounds. Not sure what I’m saying? Have you ever read a book and then seen a movie made from the book? A character speaks and you think, “Hey! He doesn’t sound like that!” You heard his “voice” when you read the book.

Based on the voices they hear, people draw very important conclusions about you. They decide whether you can be trusted. How you will treat them. Whether you’re genuinely friendly or just acting nice. You can control that impression, because you can control that voice.

Sometimes, presenting the right voice means ignoring some of those grammar rules Mrs. Handsdown drummed into your head. Why? Effective copy talks to people, and people don’t speak with textbook grammar. We start sentences with conjunctions, we end them with prepositions. We even use fragments. (That doesn’t mean grammar is unimportant. Forgetting basic agreement or structure can make you sound uneducated. Don’t be afraid to break rules – but do it selectively and with reason.)

By writing a white paper in a friendly, conversational way, you’ll tap into our desire to listen to voices and do a better job of capturing the reader’s full attention.

Is grammar for research and white papers different?

As I mentioned, research papers are usually written in that formal, stuffy academic style taught in high school English and college Composition classes and often used by technical writers.

But writing white papers isn’t about trying to please strict English teachers or jaded Composition instructors. Writing white papers is about selling. Telling. Convincing. Entertaining. Emphasizing. Doing that effectively demands copy that’s individual and personal. In fact, the more copy sounds like conversation, the more effective it tends to be.

That doesn’t mean you should ignore basic rules of grammar and syntax. The degree of grammatical correctness should reflect the situation and the audience. If the primary audience for your white paper is a group of university professors, you’ll want to make it more formal. But if you’re writing to industrial purchasing agents, your white paper should use the kind of language they use every day.

How should white papers be written?

Again, the most effective kind of language to use in a white paper is conversational. It really is okay to use contractions (like “can’t” or “won’t”) because they keep copy talky and friendly. It’s also okay to start sentences with conjunctions like “and” or “but,” and to end them with prepositions. And while you learned not to use “you” when writing for school, using it in a white paper will make it seem more like a conversation you’re having with the reader.

Some companies believe in hiring technical writers for white papers, but technical writers are usually more geared to projects like documentation or manuals, not white papers.

As for format, white papers usually begin with a general summary of the issue or the problem, and then go into depth about that issue or problem. Once it has been explored at length, the paper explains the solutions or approaches that have been developed to address the issue or problem, with a focus on the solution or approach that you want to advance. White papers often end with a brief message about your company and what it offers to prospective customers.

Some white papers include a short abstract at the beginning of the paper to summarize the key messages and conclusion. You can also place a list of other references and sources that the reader may find informative at the end of the paper.

Are there different types of white papers?

Companies may use several types of white papers companies as part of their marketing communications efforts. Most white papers fall into one of the following four categories.

1. White papers for background information

Some white papers are designed to provide background information about an issue or a challenge. Their goal is educating the reader about the matter so they can make more informed and/or confident decisions. An example might be comparing the advantages of shipping by truck with those of shipping by train, so a decision-maker is better able to evaluate which is the right choice for their company.

2. White papers for problems and solutions

Many white papers begin by describing a common problem the audience faces — whether that’s machinery that’s breaking down too often because of contamination issues or erosion tearing the topsoil from newly built slopes. Then the white papers examine the solutions available for that problem. With the machinery, it might involve a different type of lubrication or changes to the maintenance schedule. With the erosion issue, it might involve woven mats of organic materials that help plantings become rooted more quickly so they’re better able to withstand water.

3. White papers about processes

White papers can be an excellent way to explain and explore processes, from the many steps in bringing fresh produce from a farmer’s field to a restauranteur’s table, to the insight professionals like architects bring to design and construction of buildings. A well-written white paper can bring these processes alive for people who need to know about how these things work, such as lawmakers who are considering legislation about affecting those processes.

4. White papers presenting collections of information

This strategy is best when you have many bits of information or advice that would be helpful to readers, but none of them warrants a full-length white paper of their own. They’re often presented as numbered documents with titles such as “20 simple ways to improve your fleet maintenance program.” Readers are often attracted to this type of white paper because it’s easy to read and normally simplifies otherwise complex topics.

Could our business benefit from white papers?

If you can answer “yes” to any of the following five questions, it’s likely white papers can help you. In fact, more “yes” answers you provide, the more likely white papers should be part of your organization’s toolkit.

1. Is what you offer complicated, innovative, or different than your competitors?

If your company’s product or service is complicated, innovative, or significantly different from what your competitors provide, creating a white paper may be one of the most effective ways to convince people it’s the best choice for them.

That’s because selling something complex or innovative demands helping the prospect see why it represents a better choice. It’s hard to do that convincingly in an ad or email, but a well-written white paper provides enough facts and arguments to educate them while helping them reach the decision you want.

2. Is advertising not sufficient to explain the advantages of what you offer?

While advertising or other traditional marketing methods can be effective channels, they rarely allow you to get into detail about what makes your product or service better.  Plus, many people are wary of channels such as advertising because they know it’s a blatant sales effort.

A well-crafted white paper is an informational tool that seeks to educate the reader. Because the white paper doesn’t appear to be as promotional, people will give it more credence. Plus, people tend to hang onto white papers longer than they retain ads, giving your message a longer life.

3. Do prospects and customers find it hard to grasp your value proposition?

Like you, your customers and prospects are hungry for good information, but they’re also busy. Because their time is limited, they appreciate practical guidance that’s focused on their specific needs, and they trust white papers more than other channels.

They’re willing to take the time to read white papers because they need to know something. Maybe they want to better understand a new technology. Perhaps they’re desperately seeking a solution for a problem that’s hurting their business. Or it could be that they want support for a recommendation they’re making to their bosses. Whatever the reason, white papers provide trustworthy information and improve their perception of your organization and what you offer.

4. Is your sales process lengthy?

If your product or service is a commodity, is easily understood, or typically is purchased on impulse, a white paper probably won’t do much for you. But if you’re selling a high-value product or service that takes many weeks or months to move from initial interest to finished deal, a white paper can help you speed the process along.

5. Does your customers’ decision-making process involve many people?

Often — particularly with items that involve a significant investment of capital, such as plant equipment — purchase decisions are not made by just one or two people at your prospect. They may have the status and authority to recommend what you offer, but getting final approval may require the blessing of everyone from production engineers, to the operations team, to the CFO and CEO. Unfortunately, you and your team can’t speak with everyone who will play a role in the decision.

That’s when a white paper can stand in for you. A white paper that discusses the advantages of what you offer, contrasts it with other options, and explains how users can get the greatest value from it will help you communicate with decision-makers you can’t reach directly. When your contact attaches your white paper to their recommendation, it not only provides evidence that it’s the right choice, but it may help to answer questions and overcome objections other people in the process may have.

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3 key differences between white papers and scientific papers.

by Erica Mitchell | November 3 2021 | Research | 4 Comments

On the surface, commercial white papers and scientific papers published in journals appear similar. They are both presented with an emphasis on narrative rather than design, so neither will have flashy artwork or photographs and statistics are presented in black and white tables or graphs. They are similar in length - from 6 to 12 pages, give or take. Both will have citations, either as footnotes or end notes, using current research from respected journals and thought leaders. Even the formatting will look similar, with section headings including a brief summary, background, analysis, and presentation of data. Looking behind the surface, however, reveal 3 important differences.

Difference #1: The Author

Commercial white papers are written by a company's in-house staff or by a freelance writer under contract. The writer meets with the marketing staff to discuss the information to be presented, to determine an angle, and set parameters on facts and messaging. The author may have a background in the topic or product, but this is not required. The entire process can take anywhere from 25 - 50 hours to complete, from planning to publication. Final editing and approval is granted by the sponsoring company. Ultimately, the white paper reflects directly on the company that sponsors it, not directly to the author.

This anonymity could not be further from the authorship of scientific journal articles. For these documents, the authors are not only responsible for the narrative, they are also the lead investigators in the study, the experts analyzing data for their peers in the scientific world. Their published work is inexorably tied to their names, their careers, and their professional legacy. Important publications will continue to be cited in future work, each citation listing their name and article. Journal authors also take complete responsibility for the content of their articles, presenting their data at conferences, answering questions for interviews, and providing additional materials to those researchers wanting to know more. Final approval for these publications is granted by a panel of peer editors as well as the journal editor, often after several rounds of edits and clarifications that can take up to a year - in addition to the months or years required for the study itself.

Difference #2: The Goal

The goal of the white paper is to direct the reader towards making a specific decision . In one definition of a white paper, this type of document is "a persuasive essay that uses facts and logic to promote a certain product, service, or viewpoint." The author directs the reader to a specific conclusion using carefully-selected facts and logic, all with the desired result of portraying the product, service, or viewpoint in the best possible light.

In contrast, an academic paper will present the results of a study in order to contribute to the body of scientific knowledge , "warts and all." That is to say, the author's goal is to put forward data with analysis that add to the scientific conversation, to help clarify a bigger picture, and hopefully encourage further research. The author will build a logical framework with evidence from previous work, while acknowledging opposing viewpoints or possible contradictions. Every scientific paper will contain clear mention of the study's strengths and weaknesses, and any concluding statements will be carefully phrased in order to remain open-ended and neutral.

Difference #3: The Results

If the goal of the white paper produced by a for-profit company is persuading the reader to reach a specific conclusion, then the desired result of that document is a sale by the company that sponsored it . A white paper may not contain a sales pitch, but its carefully crafted message is intended to guide the reader to a specific decision: Investment in the product being described.

For a scientific journal article, the goal is to add to the body of knowledge in a meaningful way. Evidence of the relevance of this contribution can be the citation of that work in future presentation and/or articles published in the same field. Authors of significant work may also benefit from career advancement, requests for presentations at conferences and symposia, and availability of granting opportunities to continue their research. These results may seem amorphous to the layperson, but contributing to the vast body of academic knowledge is the pursuit of every research scientist. Just as the teacher aims to awaken a love of learning in a student, or a doctor works to heal a patient, the research scientist hopes to add a brick to the growing foundation of scientific knowledge, knowing that the brick may be the keystone to even greater discoveries.

This is not to say that all scientific papers add meaningfully to the body of knowledge, nor that all white papers are devoid of scientific value. Not all scientific papers are devoid of corporate influence, with some companies investing in research that then is published in an academic journal (with full disclosures in the publication). And not all white papers are a part of a corporate sales funnel. There are white papers produced by non-profit organizations, including professional associations, that are also persuasive rather than neutral. (An example would be a white paper about climate change produced by an environmental non-profit agency.) In these cases, the goal is to present and defend a specific viewpoint with no direct sales or commercial interest in mind. Some of these types of white papers will be published by trade magazines, appear in conference proceedings, and even be cited in other literature. While they are not neutral per se, they are not commercial in intent.

Commercial white papers can be helpful. For a potential customer considering a product, it can present a lot of information and statistics in a streamlined form, help the reader convince others about their support of a product, and identify practical ways to decide whether or not the product is a good match for one's needs. It's important for readers to always keep in the back of their minds, however, that it is a marketing tool that may not present a complete picture. In an academic hierarchy , the scientific paper will be considered superior, since they are unbiased and peer-reviewed. Ideally, a consumer will use both white papers and scientific research to make the best decision for their needs.

  Editor's Note: This post was originally published in December 2016 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Content marketing tips and insights to help grow your engineering audience, what is the difference between white papers and research papers.

If you’ve ever read research papers and white papers and thought they were kind of the same thing, well, this article is here to say otherwise. As similar as they may look in structure, these two papers have their own distinctions. It is important as a consumer to understand how these two differ from each other. Therefore, in this article, we will present the key differences between a white paper and a research paper.

Image Source:  Pixnio

We define research papers as academic papers published in journals that contain results of original research or an evaluation of research conducted by others with the overarching aim of contributing to a body of knowledge. These are often reviewed by scholars with experts in different fields of science and technology. Research papers are usually written in order to prove or disprove a theory, demonstrate research results, and show new discoveries. Research papers show the strength and weaknesses of their proposition in a transparent manner as it provides evidence in a logical framework. Publishing research papers usually takes a long time as it requires peer reviews.

White papers show outlines on a particularly complex issue and tackle the best solution to that particular problem. They are more focused on solving industry problems presented through a technical discussion. White papers are typically used to advocate for a certain position or product and are often utilized in marketing to influence a customer’s purchasing decision. It is meant to impact customers in one conclusive direction that favors the company but it is presented in a factual and logical manner.

The people behind research papers are academic scholars who are knowledgeable in that certain fields of the discussed topics. They are mostly engineers, scientists, doctors, surgeons, and postgraduate students among others. Their written works are backed by various sources written by other experts on the same topic. For research papers, knowing the author who publishes the research is important for credibility and their professional experience is also of key importance. Future references for research papers must include the author.

In contrast, in-house company staff, subject matter experts, or writers under contract for example are the ones who are responsible for writing white papers. It is important to understand that white papers focus more on the company or its product rather than the author. White paper authors may or may not have background information regarding a topic, and they often produce content through research. They are solely hired by companies for the purpose of creating the document. Hiring technical writers is becoming an industry norm and would be both beneficial and profitable to sponsoring companies.

Since research papers are mainly written for information and education, their main readers are those who are in the academic field like students, professors, researchers, and scientists. It is presented through scientific publications, lectures, conferences, and interviews.

White papers are targeted at potential customers to attract more interested buyers on a certain product, service, or brand and therefore, potentially increase the company’s profits. It is mainly used to impact the reader’s decision into adhering to the product or approach that the paper is supporting.

In essence, a research paper analyzes a perspective or argues a point backed up with the ideas and information of other credible people. It presents the results of a study or lengthy experiment without any bias in order to contribute to the overall scientific body of knowledge.

White papers, on the other hand, are used to advocate a specific good or trade name. It directs the reader to make a specific decision using facts and logic. They are widely used for commercial purposes and could influence the judgments of current and prospective customers.

Image Source:  Copy Press

A research paper is written to present facts and results backed by credible data from other experts in the field and is meant to add to the overall knowledge on that specific topic, to encourage future research, or just clarify a certain fact.

A white paper, on the other hand, is written with the intent to persuade the reader to reach a specific conclusion and if that reader does reach that desired conclusion, it is considered a sale or profit. A white paper may not outrightly contain a sales pitch but the content is carefully crafted so as to influence the reader in a certain way that profits the company that publishes it.

If you need help with the copy for your engineering white papers – get in touch with our professional team of writers today.

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Difference Between White Paper And Research Paper

White papers and research papers are commonly used in academia, business and politics. However, many people tend to confuse the two terms. These papers serve different purposes, are written in different formats, and provide different types of information. In this article, we will discuss the difference between white papers and research papers.

Firstly, white papers are used to promote a company's product or service. They are marketing tools that are used to showcase the features and benefits of a product or service. White papers are intended to persuade the audience to buy the product or service. They are written in a tone that is meant to sell the product or service, and therefore the language used is often persuasive and instructional.

On the other hand, research papers are written to inform the audience. They are written to provide information on a specific topic and to present research findings. Research papers are intended to educate readers on a topic, and therefore the language used is often neutral and informative.

Secondly, white papers tend to be shorter than research papers. White papers typically range between four to 14 pages. They are meant to be read easily and quickly, and therefore are concise. Research papers, on the other hand, are generally much longer than white papers. They can range anywhere from 10 pages to over 50 pages in length. The length of a research paper depends on the scope of the research and the requirements set out by the publisher or academic institution.

Thirdly, white papers tend to have a more technical focus than research papers. White papers often include graphs, charts, and statistical data to highlight the product or service being promoted. In contrast, research papers tend to have a broader scope and cover a wider range of topics. They may include case studies, surveys, experiments, and historical analysis. Research papers may also include graphs, charts, and statistical data, but they are presented in a way that is more informative and in-depth.

Fourthly, white papers tend to be more persuasive than research papers. The language used in white papers is often designed to convince the reader to buy a specific product or service. Research papers, however, are focused on presenting the facts and findings on a particular topic. The language used in research papers is objective and neutral in tone.

Finally, the audience for white papers and research papers is different. White papers are aimed at a business audience, while research papers are aimed at a broader academic audience. Business executives, vendors, and policymakers are the primary audience for white papers. In contrast, research papers are written for academics, students, and other researchers.

In conclusion, white papers and research papers are two different types of documents that serve different purposes. White papers are used to promote a product or service and are intended to persuade the audience to buy it. Research papers, on the other hand, are written to inform the audience and present the findings of research on a specific topic. While the two are similar in some ways, they should not be confused with each other, as they serve different purposes and are written in different formats. Understanding the difference between white papers and research papers can help you choose the appropriate type of document for your needs, whether you want to promote a product or service or educate your audience on a particular topic.

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ENGL 417 - Written Communication for the Workplace

• Grey Literature & White Papers

Library Research Guide

Overview of grey literature and white papers, evaluating white papers and grey literature, searching for grey literature and white papers, white paper clearinghouses, examples of organizations that publish white papers and grey literature, example government websites for grey literature, websites containing academic and other professional research.

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• Topic Exploration

Grey literature (also spelled gray literature) is created and distributed outside of formal commercial and academic publishing processes. A valuable source of information for people working in diverse professions, it is produced by government agencies, universities, corporations, research centers, associations, and professional organizations.

"White paper" is the term commonly applied to publications in business and industry, usually featuring research or detailed product reports.

Characteristics of grey literature:

• Not  formally published; therefore, not usually available in library databases, which typically include published sources like journals and books.
• Often free and posted on the organization's website. Older reports may be taken down and difficult to locate.
• May be described in a press release as "a recent report from..."
• Represents the views and objectives of the organization that produced it.
• May provide valuable schematics, in-depth product details, consumer information, or industry data.
• OWL White Papers More information on white papers from the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL).

White papers are a valuable source of industry and public policy information. However, you must approach the information in the reports as critically as you would other sources of information. When reading a white paper, try to identify the following pieces of information and ask yourself how that could impact the relevance and accuracy of the report.

• Who paid for the report's research?
• Who donates to the organization that produces the research?
• Are they trying to sell something (industry)?
• Do they have a social or political agenda (public policy)?
• Do they have a defined mission/objective (non-governmental organization)?
• Are they required to perform and publish research by law (government agency)?
• How old is the report?
• While newer reports are more likely to account for changes in industry practices or laws, older reports may provide pertinent background information or technical specs for older products and practices.
• What makes the report researchers and/or writers experts on the topic?
• Evaluating Think Tanks The Harvard Kennedy School library provides resources for evaluating whether to use a think tank's research.

Search for a Known Report

1. If the title of the report is known (you've seen it in a bibliography or a press release), Google the title. Often, placing the title in quotation marks increases the likelihood that the report you want will rise to the top of your search results.

2. If you know what organization issued the white report, but don't know the exact title, Google the topic of the report and the organization's name. OR do a site search in Google. Use this syntax to perform a site search using Google:

Search for Reports on a Topic

1. Many reports are published as PDFs, adding PDF to your Google search can narrow your results to these reports. 

2. Professional organizations may produce white papers on trending issues for their members.

These websites collect or link to white papers on specific topics.

Business and Industry

• BizReport Marketing Research Library Focused on online marketing, this site includes "white papers, reports, case studies, magazines, and eBooks."

Technical Reports

• TechRepublic White Papers "TechRepublic's Resource Library is the web's largest directory of free vendor-supplied technical content."

Public Policy Reports

• Congressional Research Services Reports Official site, as of 2018, for reports researched for members of Congress on wide-ranging issues of relevance to public laws and policies.Inclusion of prior reports not ensured.
• Congressional Research Services Reports - Federation of American Scientists Hosts CRS reports dating back to the 1990s. The site is not comprehensive, but is one of the most complete sources for CRS reports.
• Congressional Research Services Reports - University of North Texas Created to download, digitize, and archive CRS reports prior to the 2018 law permitting the CRS to publicly distribute the reports. This site now acts as an archive for pre-2018 reports, to include digitizing donated reports. Not comprehensive. Coverage extends back to 1970.

NGO's Non-governmental Organizations

• The Word Bank: Research & Publications The World Bank publishes research reports and data on sustainability, development, and finance.
• OECD iLibrary The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) publishes free and fee-based reports and data on topics such as development, education, finance, and industry.

Corporations

• PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) PwC is a professional services company that publsihes free and fee-based research reports on topics such as cybersecurity and privacy, human resources, and more.
• Deloitte Deloitte is a professional services company that publishes free and fee-based research reports on wide-ranging topics, including accounting standards, consumer trends, and human capital.
• Nielsen Reports Nielsen is global measurement and data analytics company that provides some free reports in their website.
• DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information Provides the science, technology, and engineering research information from the US Department of Energy
• Jet Propulsion Laboratory Provides access to JPL authored, externally published papers and reprints
• DTIC Defense Technical Information Center
• NASA Technical Reports Server Technical reports from NASA and NACA
• TRAIL Technical Reports Archive and Image Library provides historic technical reports from a number of federal agencies
• OAIster Catalog of millions of records to open access digital resources including data sets
• arxiv.org/ Maintained by Cornell University, contains open access to 1,118,279 e-prints in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Quantitative Biology, Quantitative Finance and Statistics
• Networked Computer Science Technical Reference Library  [NCSTRL] Contains full-text computer science technical reports mainly from universities and research centers
• The National Agricultural Library (Agricola) Contains agricultural information
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Blog Posts vs. White Papers: Understanding the Differences

W hen it comes to producing written content, there are many different formats to consider. Two common types of content are blog posts and white papers. While both serve a purpose in sharing information with an audience, there are significant differences between the two formats. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between blog posts and white papers and help you determine which format is best for your needs.

What is a Blog Post?

A blog post is a short-form piece of content that is typically between 500-1500 words in length. Blog posts are often informal and conversational in tone and are intended to engage readers and encourage interaction. Blog posts are frequently used for sharing news, opinions, and insights, as well as for providing tutorials or how-to guides. Blog posts are usually published on a website’s blog or news section and are often shared via social media.

What is a White Paper?

A white paper is a long-form piece of content that is typically between 10-50 pages in length. White papers are formal and objective in tone and are intended to educate readers on a particular topic. White papers are often used to showcase research or provide in-depth analysis of a complex issue. White papers are usually published on a company’s website and are often used as a marketing tool to establish the company’s expertise in a particular industry.

Differences Between Blog Posts and White Papers

• Length: The most obvious difference between a blog post and a white paper is the length. Blog posts are typically much shorter than white papers, which can be as long as 50 pages.
• Tone: The tone of a blog post is often informal and conversational, while the tone of a white paper is formal and objective.
• Purpose: Blog posts are often used to engage readers and encourage interaction, while white papers are typically used to educate readers on a particular topic.
• Audience: Blog posts are usually intended for a broad audience, while white papers are often targeted at a specific audience, such as industry professionals or decision-makers.
• Content: Blog posts are often focused on news, opinions, and insights, while white papers are focused on research and analysis.

Which Format is Right for You?

The choice between a blog post and a white paper will depend on the goals of your content and the needs of your audience. If you’re looking to share news, opinions, or insights with a broad audience, a blog post may be the best format for you. If you’re looking to educate a specific audience on a particular topic, a white paper may be the best format.

B log posts and white papers are two different formats that serve different purposes. While blog posts are short-form, informal, and intended to engage readers, white papers are long-form, formal, and intended to educate readers on a particular topic. By understanding the differences between these two formats, you can choose the format that best meets your goals and the needs of your audience.

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SEO Strategies for Whitepapers and Blogs: What’s Different?

A tale of two audiences: tailoring your message with blogs vs. white papers.

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Research Paper vs Report: Breaking Down the Difference

The purpose of this article is to discuss the distinct differences between a research paper and a report. As academic writing has evolved, so too have the structures used to convey information in an organized and succinct manner. The distinctions between these two types of scholarly work are important for any student or researcher engaging in research-based activities as they can make all the difference when it comes to effectively conveying ideas and results accurately. This article will take an in-depth look at both reports and papers, discussing their similarities, differences, components, uses, and best practices for producing quality products that serve their intended purpose properly.

I. Introduction to Research Paper and Report Writing

Ii. defining the differences between a research paper and report, iii. creating an outline for your project, iv. structuring the body of your work, v. ensuring proper citation techniques are utilized in your work, vi. finalizing, editing and publishing the completed project, vii. conclusion: comparing the benefits of writing either a research paper or report.

Research Paper and Report Writing: Writing research papers and reports can be challenging, especially for students who are new to the field of academic writing. Yet these two distinct forms of written communication are essential components in higher education. It is important to understand the differences between a research paper and a report so that one can approach each assignment with clarity of purpose and expectation from their readers.

In academic writing, there are two distinct types of documents which have important distinctions: the research paper and the report. Both styles require different approaches in terms of structure and content.

A research paper is a type of composition that requires its author to investigate an idea or concept through scholarly sources; it must then be presented in a written format. This style typically focuses on one particular point or argument with evidence used to back up assertions made throughout the document.

The main purpose of this type of work is usually to inform readers about certain topics while utilizing personal analysis as well as gathering information from credible sources. As such, it often contains detailed descriptions and explanations based upon current findings within relevant subject areas.

It’s also worth noting that most research papers will contain conclusions drawn by their authors regarding their respective fields – although these can take many forms including opinions, deductions, predictions etc.

A report differs from a research paper primarily because its focus lies more upon summarizing existing material rather than introducing new ideas. It’s generally defined as an orderly account containing facts pertaining to some aspect or aspects being investigated; reports tend not to offer recommendations nor do they include critical assessments. Reports are designed for specific audiences – academics, businesses etc., meaning they should always adhere closely to established guidelines depending on their target reader-base. Additionally, while visual elements may be included such as diagrams/charts/pictures etc.; text makes up the majority of any given report – usually accompanied by headings so points can easily be referenced at later stages.

Organizing Your Ideas Developing an outline for your project is one of the most important steps in the writing process. Not only will it help you get organized, but it also helps to set up a timeline and structure that can be followed while working on each section. Additionally, creating an outline allows you to brainstorm ideas related to your topic and decide which points are worth exploring further during research. When crafting an outline, two main elements must be taken into account: the type of paper being written (research paper or report) as well as its purpose (informative or persuasive). Depending on whether a student is tasked with producing a research paper or report for their assignment, they should tailor their outlining approach accordingly. Research papers typically include more detailed information compared to reports because they explore topics from different angles and require greater analysis from the author’s end; whereas reports focus mainly on summarising collected data rather than drawing conclusions about them.

When writing a research paper, you are creating something that is meant to be read and understood by an audience. It’s important to structure the body of your work in such a way as to make it easier for readers to follow along with the information being presented. The same holds true when structuring reports.

• Research Paper:

When putting together your research paper, create clear and concise points which explain why or how certain things occur within the subject material being discussed. Additionally, try including sources from credible authors who have conducted similar studies on this topic for added credibility. Finally, use subheadings throughout each section of your essay so that readers can easily move between topics without having to re-read previous paragraphs or pages.

Correct Citation Practices for Reports and Research Papers

Having the correct citation practices in place is essential to any report or research paper. Properly citing sources helps ensure accuracy of information, provides readers with further resources for additional context, and helps to protect you from plagiarism. To create effective citations, there are a few key steps that should be followed.

The first step is understanding the difference between reports and research papers – as each type will have different requirements when it comes to citation techniques. A report is an organized collection of facts related to a certain topic; these types of documents usually do not require citations but still need accurate documentation if needed information came from another source (such as books or articles). On the other hand, a research paper requires more than just listing facts – it requires critical analysis which means citations must be used throughout in order reference work done by other authors. When creating citations within this kind of document its important they follow whatever format has been specified (e.g., APA style).

• (Italicize) Report: An organized collection of facts relating to a certain topic.
• (Bold) Research Paper: Requires critical analysis and needs references throughout using an appropriate citation style such as APA.

The process of finalizing, editing and publishing a completed project can be overwhelming but also highly rewarding. Once you have achieved the desired results from your hard work and research, it’s time to bring all the pieces together for presentation to an audience.

It is important to note that there are different approaches when finalizing projects depending on whether it is a report or a research paper. Reports typically involve summarizing findings in easy-to-understand language, while research papers may require more depth as well as citing sources throughout the document.

• When finalizing reports:

Ensure data accuracy by verifying facts before presenting them; make sure content is concisely written with clarity; review any visuals included in order to ensure they accurately portray ideas being discussed; proofread multiple times before sharing information with colleagues or readership at large.

• When finalizing research papers:

Perform extensive literature reviews on topics related to main argument(s) made within paper; include citations where appropriate according to chosen formatting style guidelines (APA, MLA etc); double check if any interviews conducted during course of investigation need additional context added prior to submission/publication; use own voice throughout text but remain objective when making statements about other scholars’ works.

In conclusion, both research papers and reports offer distinct advantages. While it may be difficult to definitively say which type of writing is better overall, the right one for a given situation can depend on an individual’s needs or interests.

Research papers are beneficial when trying to dive deeply into any given topic. They often involve extensive research from outside sources as well as original analysis by the author. Additionally, they can also provide valuable perspectives that help readers gain new insights about their subject matter in a unique way.

On the other hand, reports present information in a more straightforward manner with fewer details than what’s found in research papers but still enough substance to make them useful for decision-making processes or problem solving tasks where precise facts need to be presented quickly and accurately. They tend to focus more on summaries rather than interpretations while avoiding excessive technical jargon so they remain accessible even if readers don’t have expert knowledge of the subject being discussed.

• It’s clear that each form of writing has its own set of benefits

, making them both essential components of scholarly communication no matter what field you specialize in!

English: In conclusion, the difference between a research paper and a report is of great significance. Research papers require more in-depth exploration into the subject matter while reports are typically summaries or reviews of relevant information on an issue. It is important to recognize this distinction when approaching any writing assignment that may require either format. By understanding what constitutes each type of document, students can develop their skills in both areas as well as become better equipped to tackle challenging academic tasks with confidence.