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Paper Types Reference

Every paper type,
one complete guide.

Structure, citation requirements, and formatting standards for 15 academic, professional, and publishing paper types.

Academic Papers8
Research Papers5
Professional Reports3
Self-Publishing1

Reporting Standards & Guidelines

IMRaD
Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion
Standard

Standard structure for empirical research papers, particularly in sciences and social sciences.

Applies to:
Original Research ArticleJournal ArticleMaster's ThesisDoctoral DissertationConference Paper
PRISMA
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Standard

Evidence-based minimum set of items for reporting in systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Applies to:
Systematic ReviewLiterature Review (when systematic)Survey Paper
CARE
Case Report Guidelines
Standard

Guidelines for accurate and transparent case report writing in healthcare.

Applies to:
Case ReportClinical Case Study
Structured Abstract
Structured Abstract Format
Standard

Abstract organized into specific sections (Background, Methods, Results, Conclusion).

Applies to:
Journal ArticleSystematic ReviewResearch ArticleConference Paper

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All Paper Types

15 Paper Types
01
5-15 references

Essay

Short analytical or argumentative work presenting a focused discussion on a specific topic.

Undergraduate StudentsChicago NBHarvardAPA 7+1 more
Required Sections
  • Introduction
  • Body Paragraphs (3-4)
  • Conclusion
Reporting Standards
Narrative Abstract (optional)
Common Examples
  • Argumentative essay
  • Expository essay
  • Persuasive essay
  • Critical analysis
All Citation Styles
Chicago NBHarvardAPA 7MLA 9
02
5-15 references

Short Academic Assignment / Course Paper

Coursework submission or short research assignment demonstrating understanding of course material.

Students across all disciplinesAPA 7HarvardMLA 9+1 more
Required Sections
  • Title Page
  • Abstract (optional)
  • Introduction
  • Analysis/Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • References
Reporting Standards
Abstract (optional)
Common Examples
  • Course research paper
  • Term paper
  • Semester assignment
  • Academic project
All Citation Styles
APA 7HarvardMLA 9Chicago NB
03
15-30+ references

Literature Review

Comprehensive synthesis and analysis of existing research on a specific topic.

Academic ResearchersAPA 7HarvardChicago AD
Required Sections
  • Introduction
  • Thematic Sections (2-4)
  • Gap Analysis
  • Conclusion
  • References
Reporting Standards
PRISMA (optional, if systematic)
Common Examples
  • Standalone literature review
  • Review chapter in thesis
  • Systematic review preliminary
All Citation Styles
APA 7HarvardChicago AD
04
30-50 references

Original Research Article

Reports new empirical findings from original research, typically for journal submission.

Academic JournalsAPA 7Chicago ADVancouver+1 more
Required Sections
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • References
Reporting Standards
IMRaD (common)Structured Abstract
Common Examples
  • Journal submission
  • Empirical research report
  • Experimental study
All Citation Styles
APA 7Chicago ADVancouverIEEE
05
100-200+ references

Systematic Review

Evidence synthesis following strict methodology to answer a specific research question.

Medical ResearchAPA 7VancouverAMA 11
Required Sections
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • References
Reporting Standards
PRISMA (required where applicable)Structured Abstract
Common Examples
  • Meta-analysis
  • Systematic evidence review
  • Cochrane review
All Citation Styles
APA 7VancouverAMA 11
06
10-20 references

Case Study

In-depth examination of a single case (individual, group, organization) within real-world context.

PsychologyAPA 7HarvardChicago NB
Required Sections
  • Introduction
  • Case Description
  • Analysis
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • References
Reporting Standards
Structured Abstract (optional)Case documentation
Common Examples
  • Business case study
  • Clinical case study
  • Educational case study
All Citation Styles
APA 7HarvardChicago NB
07
10-20 references

Case Report

Documents unusual clinical presentations or novel medical cases with ethical considerations.

Medical ProfessionalsAMA 11VancouverAPA 7
Required Sections
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Case Presentation
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • References
Reporting Standards
CARE (required)Ethics & ConsentStructured Abstract
Common Examples
  • Medical case report
  • Clinical unusual presentation
  • Novel treatment case
All Citation Styles
AMA 11VancouverAPA 7
08
15-40 references

White Paper

Authoritative industry-focused report presenting problem-solution analysis.

BusinessAPA 7HarvardChicago AD
Required Sections
  • Executive Summary
  • Introduction
  • Problem Analysis
  • Solution Proposal
  • Conclusion
  • References
Reporting Standards
Summary (optional)
Common Examples
  • Industry white paper
  • Policy brief
  • Technical proposal
All Citation Styles
APA 7HarvardChicago AD
09
50-150 references

Master's Thesis

Graduate-level research demonstrating original contribution to field.

University CommitteesAPA 7HarvardChicago NB/AD+1 more
Required Sections
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Literature Review
  • Methodology
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • References
Reporting Standards
IMRaD (if empirical)Narrative Abstract
Common Examples
  • MA Thesis
  • MSc Dissertation
  • Graduate research project
All Citation Styles
APA 7HarvardChicago NB/ADIEEE
10
100-300+ references

Doctoral Dissertation

PhD-level original research making significant contribution to knowledge.

Doctoral CommitteesAPA 7HarvardChicago NB/AD+1 more
Required Sections
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Literature Review
  • Methodology
  • Multiple Results Chapters
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • References
Reporting Standards
IMRaD (if empirical)Narrative Abstract
Common Examples
  • PhD Dissertation
  • Doctoral thesis
  • Original research monograph
All Citation Styles
APA 7HarvardChicago NB/ADIEEE
11
15-30 references

Conference Paper

Research paper prepared for presentation at academic or professional conferences.

IEEEIEEEAPA 7
Required Sections
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • References
Reporting Standards
Two-column layout (typical)Numeric citationsStructured Abstract (optional)
Common Examples
  • IEEE conference paper
  • ACM proceedings
  • Professional conference submission
All Citation Styles
IEEEAPA 7
12
30-50 references

Journal Article

Peer-reviewed manuscript submitted to academic journals.

Academic JournalsAPA 7VancouverAMA 11+2 more
Required Sections
  • Structured Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • References
Reporting Standards
IMRaD (if empirical)Structured Abstract
Common Examples
  • Journal submission
  • Peer-reviewed article
  • Research manuscript
All Citation Styles
APA 7VancouverAMA 11Chicago ADIEEE
13
50-150+ references

Survey / Review Paper

Comprehensive literature survey covering breadth of research in a field.

Academic CommunityAPA 7IEEEChicago AD
Required Sections
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Taxonomy/Classification
  • Thematic Sections
  • Future Directions
  • Conclusion
  • References
Reporting Standards
PRISMA (optional for systematic reviews)Structured Abstract
Common Examples
  • Literature survey
  • Review article
  • State-of-the-art review
All Citation Styles
APA 7IEEEChicago AD
14
20-40 references

Technical Report

Internal or published technical documentation of research findings.

IndustryIEEEAPA 7Harvard
Required Sections
  • Executive Summary
  • Introduction
  • Technical Details
  • Results/Analysis
  • Recommendations
  • References
Reporting Standards
Flexible layoutStructured Abstract (optional)
Common Examples
  • Research technical report
  • Government report
  • Industry analysis
All Citation Styles
IEEEAPA 7Harvard
15
Varies by genre

Book / Manuscript

Full-length book or manuscript for self-publishing on platforms like Amazon KDP.

AuthorsKDP
Required Sections
  • Title Page
  • Copyright Page
  • Table of Contents
  • Chapters
  • About the Author
  • Back Matter
Reporting Standards
Platform-specific formattingPrint-ready layout
Common Examples
  • Fiction novel
  • Non-fiction book
  • Memoir
  • Self-help book
All Citation Styles
KDP

Paper Type Comparison

Paper TypeReference RangeStructureStandards
Essay5-15 referencesFlexible structure (3-6 sections typical)
Narrative Abstract (optional)
Short Academic Assignment / Course Paper5-15 referencesStandard academic structure
Abstract (optional)
Literature Review15-30+ referencesThematic or chronological organization
PRISMA (optional, if systematic)
Original Research Article30-50 referencesIMRaD structure (Introduction
IMRaD (common)Structured Abstract
Systematic Review100-200+ referencesPRISMA flow diagram and structured reporting
PRISMA (required where applicable)Structured Abstract
Case Study10-20 referencesNarrative with contextual analysis
Structured Abstract (optional)Case documentation

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