Difference between Conference Paper and Journal Paper

As a researcher, it’s common to feel confused about the differences between writing a conference paper and a journal paper. In this article, we will clarify the distinction between these two types of research papers, helping you understand the unique requirements of each.

Conference vs. Journal

A conference is a formal gathering of scholars that typically spans several days, with the goal of generating new ideas and solutions in a particular research area. A conference paper is presented at such a gathering, where you’ll have the opportunity to engage with prominent scholars working in similar fields. Before the event, you must submit your paper, which will be reviewed by a panel of experts. If accepted, you’ll be invited to present your paper during the conference, allowing you to share your research with the audience for feedback and further development.

In contrast, a journal is an academic periodical that publishes peer-reviewed articles in specific research areas. Journal papers are intended for publication in particular journals, which may release issues on a monthly, bi-monthly, or annual basis. The journal assesses your paper’s quality through peer review, evaluating the credibility and originality of your research. Once your paper receives sufficient recognition and approval from your peers, it is considered for publication in the journal, granting you formal acknowledgment for your contributions to the field.

Conference Papers vs. Journal Papers.

It is important to recognize that both conference papers and journal papers involve identifying a problem and providing a personalized solution after thorough research and brainstorming. Despite this commonality, there are several key differences you should keep in mind when writing a conference paper compared to a journal paper. Below are some of the main distinctions between the two:

When you write a conference paper, you must remain highly engaged in organizing every point of your ideas and speculations. As you will present this paper to a group of scholars on a face-to-face basis, the paper must be constructed with room for interaction. You also need to remain calm while facing the criticisms and comments. However, a journal paper is meant for publication. 

Though like a conference paper, this paper too should be highly engaging yet it does not face any session on face-to-face interactions or debates. Being a scholarly write-up for a periodical publication, a journal paper aims to reach targeted scholars. Unlike the verbal presentation of a conference paper, the journal paper gets written for publication.

The conference papers follow strict timelines for the selection of the most suitable papers for a conference, whereas the journal papers can consider a longer duration for the approval of a research paper. Since, unlike the written journal papers, the conference papers are liable to be delivered orally, they are subject to remain concrete with very specific points. In this way, the conference papers are comparatively concise and restricted to limited pages than any journal paper.

You need to note that the conference paper must be created for a read-out of 20 to 30 minutes, with time for debates and discussions. On the other hand, a journal paper has the liberty to get extended to 20 to 25 pages, or as allowed by the specified journal. It is here that you need to consider the aforementioned differences in the platforms of Conferences and Journals, where these papers are targeted to get presented or published.

Format and Citation.

The format of a conference paper and a journal paper differs in terms of having limited and detailed numbers of headings and subheadings, respectively. The figure below illustrates how the conference paper considers only 3 to 4 headings to express the innovative thought or experiment of the researcher. It also presents the need for more headings and subheadings in a journal paper for adding detailed written explanations in support of the research process. 

The citation style in both the conference paper and the journal paper is usually marked by the APA Style. In both cases, the format for citing the in-text references under APA style will follow:

In the case of Publication considered from journal articles, the citation should be.

Author’s last name, first and middle names, and initials. (Year). Title of the Paper. Name of the Journal Name, Volume no, Issue no., page no/s. URL or DOI.

In the case of Publication considered from a book, the citation should be.

Author’s last name, Initials of the first and middle names. (Year). Title of the Paper. In the Editor’s first and middle names’ initials. Last name (Ed.), Title of the Book, page no/s. Publisher or publication House. URL or DOI.

Publication Process.

Conference papers are always collected and published as proceedings, which are usually printed by the respective university that organized the conference, renowned publishers, scholarly associations, or even get published online. On the contrary, the journal papers are published in reputed academic periodicals. The publication schedules vary from one journal to another. 

It is important to note here that conference papers are either accepted or rejected for presentation and the accepted papers are sure to be a part of the proceedings. This is not in the case of journal publication. In journal publication, the written research paper gets reviewed several times, and every time you get a chance to modify the written content. However, there is no restriction to your mode of thinking or innovative expressions.

Eventually, it is there always suggested that always write your conference paper by keeping a specific journal in your approach. When you write a conference paper to meet the criteria of a particular journal, then the publication of your conference paper with few additions makes it eligible for that selected journal. This will save enough time and effort in considering the conversion of a conference paper into a journal article.