• Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Criminal Justice
  • Environment
  • Politics & Government
  • Race & Gender

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.

Stacks of open books

Republish this article

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License .

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

' src=

Denise-Marie Ordway

  • Partner Login
  • Request a Sample
  • About the EOS cu Concept
  • The Product
  • How it Works
  • EPA Registration
  • About EOS Surfaces
  • Sentara Leigh Clinical Trial
  • Central Texas Veterans' Healthcare System
  • Working for Everyone
  • Healthcare Environments
  • Architects & Designers
  • Clinical Trials

Health. Care. | An Educational Blog

3 key differences between white papers and scientific papers.

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

White papers-01.jpg

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.

Watch Copper Research Recording

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

Top_100_Healthcare_Blog

Subscribe to the Blog!

Recent blog posts.

  • August 2022 (10)
  • December 2020 (9)
  • September 2021 (9)
  • November 2021 (9)
  • May 2022 (9)
  • October 2022 (9)
  • January 2020 (8)
  • March 2020 (8)
  • May 2020 (8)
  • August 2020 (8)
  • November 2020 (8)
  • April 2021 (8)
  • June 2021 (8)
  • July 2021 (8)
  • August 2021 (8)
  • January 2022 (8)
  • March 2022 (8)
  • April 2022 (8)
  • December 2022 (8)
  • March 2023 (8)
  • July 2023 (8)
  • August 2023 (8)
  • April 2020 (7)
  • September 2020 (7)
  • February 2021 (7)
  • May 2021 (7)
  • October 2021 (7)
  • December 2021 (7)
  • February 2022 (7)
  • June 2022 (7)
  • July 2022 (7)
  • September 2022 (7)
  • November 2022 (7)
  • January 2023 (7)
  • February 2023 (7)
  • April 2023 (7)
  • September 2023 (7)
  • October 2023 (7)
  • January 2024 (7)
  • February 2024 (7)
  • July 2020 (6)
  • October 2020 (6)
  • January 2021 (6)
  • March 2021 (6)
  • May 2023 (6)
  • June 2023 (6)
  • November 2023 (6)
  • December 2023 (6)
  • October 2016 (5)
  • February 2020 (5)
  • June 2020 (5)
  • September 2019 (4)
  • November 2016 (3)
  • October 2017 (3)
  • December 2017 (3)
  • October 2018 (3)
  • July 2019 (3)
  • August 2019 (3)
  • November 2019 (3)
  • January 2015 (2)
  • November 2015 (2)
  • December 2015 (2)
  • August 2016 (2)
  • December 2016 (2)
  • March 2017 (2)
  • July 2018 (2)
  • December 2018 (2)
  • January 2019 (2)
  • April 2019 (2)
  • June 2019 (2)
  • December 2019 (2)
  • November 2014 (1)
  • February 2015 (1)
  • March 2015 (1)
  • April 2015 (1)
  • July 2015 (1)
  • August 2015 (1)
  • October 2015 (1)
  • January 2016 (1)
  • April 2016 (1)
  • May 2016 (1)
  • June 2016 (1)
  • July 2016 (1)
  • September 2016 (1)
  • May 2017 (1)
  • June 2017 (1)
  • September 2017 (1)
  • November 2017 (1)
  • April 2018 (1)
  • June 2018 (1)
  • August 2018 (1)
  • November 2018 (1)
  • February 2019 (1)
  • March 2019 (1)
  • October 2019 (1)

Recent News

Recent events.

download_presskit

Copyright Notice

© EOS Surfaces and EOScu Blog, 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to EOS Surfaces and EOScu Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

See the EOS cu difference

Request a sample today

  • Privacy Policy
  • EOS Corporate
  • Terms of Use

Antimicrobial Cupron Enhanced EOS Surfaces EPA Registration #84542-7 Copyright © 2014 EOS Surfaces

Antimicrobial Cupron Enhanced EOS Surfaces  EPA Registration #84542-7  Copyright © 2014 EOS Surfaces

Research paper vs white paper: how are they different?

Avatar photo

  • 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.

You may also like

white papers support the decision

White papers support prospects so they can make decisions faster

structure white papers for sales call

Best ways to structure white papers for sales efforts

making white paper mistakes

Five white paper mistakes even savvy marketers frequently make

Our daily newsletter.

Get the latest and our most important news

I agree to the privacy policy .

  • Search Search Please fill out this field.

What Is a White Paper?

Purpose of a white paper, how to write a white paper.

  • White Paper FAQs

The Bottom Line

  • Trading Strategies

What Is a White Paper? Types, Purpose, and How To Write One

Adam Hayes, Ph.D., CFA, is a financial writer with 15+ years Wall Street experience as a derivatives trader. Besides his extensive derivative trading expertise, Adam is an expert in economics and behavioral finance. Adam received his master's in economics from The New School for Social Research and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in sociology. He is a CFA charterholder as well as holding FINRA Series 7, 55 & 63 licenses. He currently researches and teaches economic sociology and the social studies of finance at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

white paper versus research paper

Investopedia / Michela Buttignol

A white paper is an informational document issued by a company or not-for-profit organization to promote or highlight the features of a solution, product, or service that it offers or plans to offer.

White papers are also used as a method of presenting government policies and legislation and gauging public opinion.

Key Takeaways

  • A white paper promotes a certain product, service, or methodology to influence current and prospective customer or investor decisions.
  • Three main types of white papers include backgrounders, numbered lists, and problem/solution white papers.
  • A white paper provides persuasive and factual evidence that a particular offering is a superior product or method of solving a problem.
  • White papers are commonly designed for business-to-business marketing purposes between a manufacturer and a wholesaler, or between a wholesaler and a retailer. 

White papers are sales and marketing documents used to entice or persuade potential customers to learn more about a particular product, service, technology, or methodology.

White papers are commonly designed for business-to-business (B2B) marketing purposes between a manufacturer and a wholesaler, or between a wholesaler and a retailer. It can provide an in-depth report or guide about a specific product or topic and is meant to educate its readers.

The facts presented in white papers are often backed by research and statistics from reliable sources and can include charts, graphs, tables, and other ways of visualizing data. A white paper can communicate an organization’s philosophy or present research findings related to an industry.

Types of White Papers

A startup , large corporation, or government agency will use white papers differently. There are three main types of white papers, including backgrounders, numbered lists, and problem/solution white papers.

Backgrounders detail the technical features of a new product or service. Designed to simplify complicated technical information, they are used to:

•Support a technical evaluation

•Launch a product

•Promote a product or industry leader

Numbered lists highlight the key takeaways of a new product or service, and are often formatted with headings and bullet points such as the following familiar format:

•3 Questions to Ask

•5 Things You Need to Know

Problem/solution papers identify specific problems faced by potential customers and suggest a data-driven argument about how a featured product or service provides a solution to:

•Generate new sales

•Educate salespeople on product characteristics

•Build industry interest.

White papers differ from other marketing materials, such as brochures. Brochures and traditional marketing materials might be flashy and obvious, but a white paper is intended to provide persuasive and factual evidence that solves a problem or challenge.

White papers are commonly at least 2,500 words in length and written in an academic style.

A white paper should provide well-researched information that is not found with a simple internet search and have a compelling narrative to keep the reader's attention. The author of a white paper should:

• Research and fully define the topic.

• Create an accurate outline of information.

• Write an attention-grabbing introduction.

• Format the paper for easy reading.

• Revise and proofread.

What Is an Example of a White Paper?

All of these documents, publicly available on Microsoft’s website, focus on aspects of the company's suite of cloud services. In contrast with brochures, these white papers don’t have a clear sales pitch. Instead, they dive into relevant topics, such as cloud security, hybrid clouds, and the economic benefits of adopting cloud computing.

  • An AI-First Infrastructure and Toolchain for Any Scale
  • Moving your Mission Critical Mainframe Data to Azure
  • Mesh and hub-and-spoke networks on Azure
  • Backup and recovery overview for Azure users
  • Backup and recovery overview for users new to Azure

How Have New Industries Used White Papers?

Cryptocurrencies have also been known to publish white papers during initial coin offerings (ICOs) and frequently issued white papers to entice users and "investors" to their projects.

Bitcoin famously launched a few months after the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto issued its famous white paper online in October 2008.

Why Is It Called a White Paper?

White Papers may have developed from the use of “Blue Papers” in 19th century Britain, where a Parliamentary report cover was blue. When a topic for the government was less serious, the blue cover was discarded and published with white covers. These reports were called White Papers. In the United States, the use of government white papers often means a background report or guidance on a specific issue.

A white paper is an informational document issued by a company, government agency, or not-for-profit organization to promote the features of a solution, product, or service that it offers or plans to offer. The facts presented in white papers are often backed by research and statistics from reliable sources and commonly written in one of three formats that include backgrounders, numbered lists, and problem/solution papers.

Copy Engineer. " The 3 Types of White Papers and When to Use Each One ."

Master Class. " How To Write a White Paper ."

Microsoft. " White Papers on the Cloud and Azure ."

white paper versus research paper

  • Terms of Service
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • +61 2 8091 4990
  • +1 (315) 636-4830
  • +44 2071 939560

Engineering Copywriter

  • What we offer
  • Blog Writing
  • Pillar Articles
  • White Papers
  • Case Studies
  • Website Copywriting
  • Industries we help
  • Portfolio & FAQs

Follow us on

white paper versus research paper

Engineering Copywriter Blog

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

white paper versus research paper

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.

White papers a

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.

white paper versus research paper

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.

white paper versus research paper

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.

White papers b

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.

Related Posts

Content marketing success

How Do You Rate Your Content Marketing Success as a Manufacturer?

Content marketing helps marketers showcase their brand's value while also building trust with...

B2B Marketing Strategies

What are the Best B2B Marketing Strategies in 2022 for Engineers?

The digital age has transformed the way marketers engage with B2B audiences. As...

for getting in touch. We really appreciate it!

Someone from our team will get back to you within 48 hours.

In the meantime, click here to check out our free blog posts and get some ideas on how to better market your engineering business.

The Library is closing at 5:45pm tonight, January 28, to allow staff and library users the time to get their cars out of UML parking lots before the parking ban begins at 6pm due to inclement weather. For more information about the parking ban, please go here .

UMass Lowell Library Logo

  • University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • University Libraries

White Paper Style Guide

  • When to Use a Whitepaper
  • How to Format a Whitepaper
  • Citation in Technical Papers

Links to Helpful Content

  • Purdue OWL Video on Writing White Papers
  • WhitePaper Guy, (Gordon Graham)

White Paper or Whitepaper?

White paper is more widely used and it has strong documentation to back it up. At the end of the day, white paper is the safer choice. You won't be wrong for choosing to use the space-separated version. When it comes down to it, whitepaper is an acceptable preference at best, while white paper is the standard. (from blog linked above, May 12, 2016)

(In 2022, the age of the adjective/noun mashup for naming apps and businesses, this seems a quaint opinion.)

A  white paper  is a research-based report which offers a focused description of a complex topic and presents the point of view of the author or body represented by the author.  The purpose of a white paper is to give readers understanding of an issue, which in turn helps them solve a problem or make a decision.

The term originated in Britain, where it refers to a type of government issued document. In a business context, the purpose of white papers has evolved to an aspect of marketing and is often used to persuade.

Key Characteristics of White Papers

White paper experts including Gordon Graham have identified these key characteristics for a white paper:

  • A document containing narrative text
  • At least 5-6 pages long
  • Oriented in portrait format (landscape format tends to be for B2B e-books)
  • Educational, practical and useful, not a sales pitch
  • Used before a sale, not after a sale
  • Provides facts, not just opinion
  • Includes an introduction or executive summary

If a document has all these characteristics, it’s probably a white paper

from "That White Paper Guy"

Purpose of White Papers

"A whitepaper is a persuasive, authoritative, in-depth report on a specific topic that presents a problem and provides a solution.

Marketers create whitepapers to educate their audience about a particular issue or explain and promote a particular methodology. They're advanced problem-solving guides. Typically, whitepapers require at least an email address for download (usually they require information more than that), making them great for capturing leads."

A whitepaper is NOT:

"A product pitch. Although Investopedia , [see above], defines a whitepaper as 'an informational document issued by a company to promote or highlight the features of a solution, product, or service', be warned that overtly shilling your own stuff could turn off your readers. The goal of a whitepaper is to inform and persuade based on facts and evidence, not tell the world why your product is the best and they need to buy it now." [Investopedia seems to have backed off from this stance.]

from Hubspot

  • Next: How to Format a Whitepaper >>
  • Last Updated: May 11, 2023 1:13 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.uml.edu/whitepaper_style

How to Write and Format a White Paper: The Definitive Guide

Mary Cullen

Table of Contents

What is a white paper, use and value, how to select a white paper topic:, white paper preparation, white paper format, final thoughts.

You’re ready to compile and share your company’s deep knowledge of your industry. A white paper seems like the perfect format. It’s a useful product to highlight your company’s expertise and a valuable tool in marketing.

But, how do you transform your knowledge into white paper content?

White papers are similar but distinct from business reports. In order to write a successful one, you need to understand the difference and include key elements. This article will help you decide if a white paper is right for you, and if yes, how to prepare and produce one.

To write a white paper, thoroughly research a topic and propose a comprehensive solution in a well-structured, factual, and persuasive document.

A white paper should include: 1. Title (accurate but enticing) 2. Abstract (including the Problem Statement) 3. Background (may be detailed and technical or broad and high-level, depending on audience) 4. Solution (the ‘ta-da’ moment of the white paper) 5. Conclusion (the summary of findings) 6. References (using correct industry format)

A white paper is an authoritative document intended to inform the reader on a particular topic fully. It combines expert knowledge and research into a document that argues for a specific solution or recommendation.

The white paper allows the reader to understand an issue, solve a problem, or make a decision.

White papers are data-centric, text-heavy business documents. Due to a large amount of data and research, white papers are deep reads and tend to have a formal tone.

Businesses write white papers both to record expertise and to market themselves to prospective customers.

White papers are generally written for an audience outside of the business. Therefore, they are a tool to attract readers to the company by offering top-quality, industry knowledge.

However, a white paper is not a sales pitch. It sells the company by highlighting the internal expertise and valuable recommendations, not by bidding for business.

Sales Pitch: 8 Ways ABC Marketing will save money on your social media budget

White paper: Social Media Advertising: Matching marketing needs and platforms

businesswoman-typing-business-summary

Write an actual white paper with individual instructor guidance.

Our Advanced Business Writing Course + Coaching includes written feedback and two live coaching sessions.

Choosing the right topic is essential to have your white paper read. There are three major factors:

1. Audience

As with any business writing, your audience is your first consideration. The white paper must be written with a target reader in mind. The audience may be long-time customers familiar with the industry or new prospective buyers who are entirely new to the field.

Reflect on the reader’s pain points or major questions. Within these topics, look for ones that have not been fully investigated or the available information is out-of-date.

2. Expertise

Your white paper should match and highlight your company’s expertise.

The entire document should provide a complete investigation, including external research and internal knowledge. The business’s own know-how informs the content that is included and how it is compiled.

3. Problem-based and solution-focused

White papers should identify and address a particular problem. The problem should be relevant and timely in your field. The document may focus on issues such as common dilemmas, new trends, changing techniques, and industry comparison.

The white paper must have a proposed solution or recommendation to answer the problem. This solution is based on thoroughly examining the problem and potential solutions.

The selected topic must be comprehensively researched. Pull information from online references, industry resources, and internal documents. White papers are data-focused, so they should be supported by significant research.

There’s no hard and fast rule on citations but you need to cite any information that is not public knowledge and that you didn’t know before beginning your research. However, understand that the reader’s confidence is likely to increase with an increasing number of cited references.

Of course, all resources must come from authoritative sites. In order to write a valuable document, all research materials must be from credible, reliable sources.

Read other white papers

Are there white papers covering your topic or area already? Read them to determine the knowledge gaps and the opportunities to build on existing content. This review will also ensure that your white paper is novel instead of redundant.

Use a mind-map

It can be overwhelming to keep track of the many sources, ideas, and content involved in preparing a white paper. A helpful organizational tool is the mind-map . A mind-map allows the writer to catalog and connect the many different pieces into one visual overview.

We suggest using the free tool MindMeister to organize your content. It’s simple to use and free.

FreeMind is another alternative but some organizations don't allow it to be used since it must be downloaded.

Don't forget visual elements

When designing a white paper, the written content is most important. However, taking the time to create an aesthetically pleasing design cannot be ignored. It should be remembered that the visuals used can greatly contribute to the overall impact of your white paper. By using visual elements such as images, animations, videos, charts, and graphs that reinforce and illustrate arguments, can greatly increase clarity for the reader while making key points stand out.

White papers generally follow a standard document format. The content order may seem similar to other business reports, but there is one major difference:

A white paper places the conclusion at the end.

Many business communications, such as technical reports or proposals, place the main conclusion at the beginning of the document. This order responds to the desires of the reader and their preference in receiving the information.

In a white paper, the content and research inform the reader and increase their understanding of the problem throughout the document. The final section provides the ‘ta-da!’ moment where the reader now receives the solution which is supported by the evidence in the document.

The reader’s journey and preferences in a white paper and business report differ. The major findings follow suit.

If you’re unsure of these distinctions or are looking to improve your business writing skills, consider enrolling in our online self-paced Technical Report Writing Course (see all of our courses here ).

And, no matter the journey, the document must be easy to understand and include informative headings for easy navigation.

Choose an accurate title

A good title is essential. It should clearly indicate what the reader will learn from the white paper. It should also be enticing.

Bland title example: White paper on Law 123.4 Referencing Environmental Impact Assessments.
Enticing title example: The Rules are Changing: White Paper on the Environmental Impact Assessment Legislation Proposals in 2018

The phrase ‘white paper’ does not necessarily need to be in the title at all. Some audiences are seeking that authoritative indicator. Other readers may be scared off from valuable content because of the term. As always, think of what your audience would prefer.

The abstract offers the reader a brief overview of the white paper’s main points. It allows the reader to ensure they have found a document relevant to their needs. After reading, the reader should be able to know if they are ‘in the right place.’

Problem statement

The problem statement specifies the issue the white paper will address. The problem needs to be defined and placed into a context to ensure it’s understood by the reader.

This section provides the background information required for the audience to grasp the problem and, ultimately, the solution. The content may be detailed and technical or broad and high-level. The content depends on the reader and the problem.

If original research is completed for the white paper, the methods should be communicated.

The ‘ta-da’ moment of the white paper.

Based on the preceding information, the solution is now presented. It is developed and argued for using the gathered evidence and the expertise of the author and their company.

This section summarizes the white paper’s major findings. Recommendations based on the solution are provided.

All sources used to develop the white paper must be collected and cited in this section. It adds validity to the document. It also gives the reader content for further research. Depending on your industry, follow MLA or APA citation formats. 

technical-skills-software-writers-working-on-writing-manual

Write any complex document and get personal feedback on your actual business writing.

Our Advanced Business Writing Course + Coaching includes written feedback and two live coaching sessions on any document.

Writing a good white paper is not a simple task. However, the investment of time and skill can produce a valuable document that shares your company’s knowledge, contributing to overall education and progress in your industry. And, a good white paper increases business opportunities. As you develop an informational document such as a white paper, it's helpful to strengthen your writing process with our Advanced Business Writing course. 

Related Articles

How to improve your business english writing skills, how to write a request for proposal (rfp) response, 8 tools to help you create a proposal [free & paid], get notified of new articles.

Guide-to-Business-Writing-CTA

  • Business Writing Skills (54)
  • Business Grammar (52)
  • Technical Writing (30)
  • Business Writing Resources (26)
  • Business Email Writing (17)
  • Business Writing Training (12)
  • Business Proposals (10)
  • Business Report Writing (7)
  • Business Proofreading (4)
  • Sales Writing (3)
  • Executive Summary Writing (2)
  • Customer Support Writing (1)
  • Bailey Lang (1)
  • Elisabeth O'Quinn (14)
  • Grace Cuddy (6)
  • Haley Larsen (4)
  • Kara Latz (10)
  • Katie Almeida Spencer (31)
  • Malcolm Stiefel (1)
  • Mary Cullen (132)
  • Samantha Taylor (2)
  • Terrance Collins (1)
  • Tom DuPuis (10)

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

White Paper: Purpose and Audience

OWL logo

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

A white paper is a certain type of report that is distinctive in terms of purpose, audience, and organization. This resource will explain these issues and provide some other tips to enhance white paper content.

What is a White Paper?

Originally, the term white paper was used as shorthand to refer to an official government report, indicating that the document is authoritative and informative in nature. Writers typically use this genre when they argue a specific position or propose a solution to a problem, addressing the audience outside of their organization. Today, white papers have become popular marketing tools for corporations especially on the Internet since many potential customers search for information on the Web. Corporations use white papers to sell information or new products as solutions that would serve their customers' needs.

The Purpose of a White Paper

Typically, the purpose of a white paper is to advocate that a certain position is the best way to go or that a certain solution is best for a particular problem. When it is used for commercial purposes, it could influence the decision-making processes of current and prospective customers.

What Kind of Problems Do Readers Want to Solve?

The audience for a white paper can be the general public or multiple companies that seek solutions to their problems or needs. Typically, you will not know your audience personally, unlike when you write a recommendation report for your client. And yet, in order to persuade your audience, you need to focus on their needs. If you can address the problems that your readers want to solve, they will read your white paper for a solution. Otherwise, your white paper may not be read. It is important to emphasize your readers' interests rather than your interests, as shown in the example below:

Business growth

Marketing tips

What is a whitepaper?

How to write a whitepaper—and what you can expect it to do for your business..

A hero image with a photograph of a woman looking at a graph on a computer screen

Whenever I say the word whitepaper, I often get glazed-over looks, weird nodding motions, and get-me-out-of-here body language. And sure, a whitepaper isn't as glamorous as a data report or as relatable as a blog post, but don't knock it till you've tried it.

I've written several whitepapers (also known as special reports or research reports) over the years, and they're actually pretty interesting to research and write, especially if you love doing deep dives into topics.

And when done properly, whitepapers generate quality leads that will advance through the sales process. Here's everything you need to know about whitepapers.

Benefits of a whitepaper

When to use a whitepaper

Whitepaper examples

Whitepaper vs. eBook vs. blog post

Types of whitepapers

How to write a whitepaper

A whitepaper is a sales and marketing document written as an authoritative report to educate and inform potential customers. It discusses, in-depth, a potential solution to the prospect's problem , or pain point, where your product or service is an obvious solution. By incorporating research, studies, surveys, and other data to support the presented information, your whitepaper answers your customers' questions while simultaneously nudging them to consider your business as a solution. It's a win-win.

Because whitepapers genuinely help your audience and position you as an authority, they're a really valuable lead generation tool: whitepapers are typically presented as gated content , meaning prospects have to complete a form (providing their contact information) to download the content. 

With Zapier , you can automatically send the data you capture in your lead gen forms to your CRM, email marketing tool, or any other app you use. Learn more .

But remember: although a whitepaper is a marketing document, it's not a pitch or product presentation. It's designed to be a resource for ideal prospects at various stages of their buying journey .

A customer will read a whitepaper because it educates them on something they want to know more about. But in the process, whitepapers help potential customers learn more about your product, service, or solution and persuade them to take the next step in their buying journey. 

Here are the primary benefits for your business:

It positions you as an authority in your industry, demonstrating that you understand your customers' problems and how to solve them.

It increases awareness of your solution to those problems.

It builds brand trust by helping prospects make an informed buying decision.

It gets you valuable contact details and insights for nurturing leads .

It serves as sales enablement content , helping your sales team close deals.

When should you use a whitepaper?

Let's say you have a coffee shop. Coffee is a product that speaks for itself—anyone walking by can smell what you're brewing and decide if it's enticing or not. But if your offering is less tangible and more knowledge-based, then you'll need a different way to draw in customers and display your expertise. Whitepapers are a great solution.

This is especially true if you sell something relatively complex or with a longer sales cycle. Just keep in mind that it's a trade-off: by gating the content, you're not getting the SEO value from it. You'll have fewer eyeballs on your content, but the people attached to those eyeballs will be much more likely to buy from you.

Here are two whitepaper examples, to give you a sense of what they look like.

Whitepaper example: Jiminny

This whitepaper , published by Jiminny, is designed to attract leads that want to better understand what sales functions look like in a mostly virtual world. It cites studies and sales leaders to help inform the audience, and it only briefly mentions its conversational intelligence tool that can help sales teams perform better.

A screenshot of a small section of the Jiminny whitepaper

Whitepaper example: Highspot

This whitepaper , published by Highspot, is designed to attract B2B prospects that want to give their sales reps the right content at the right time, while avoiding inconsistent or off-brand messaging. As a sales enablement platform, Highspot is positioned to offer this type of education, and folks interested in it will likely be qualified leads for them.

A screenshot of a small portion of the Highspot whitepaper

Whitepaper vs. eBook vs. blog post: What's the difference?

You have a bunch of options for written content—a whitepaper is only one of them. 

A blog post is lighter in tone, shorter in length, and never gated. While blog posts vary in length, they're generally shorter than eBooks or whitepapers—and they tend to be hyper-focused on a specific topic.

An eBook can also be light in tone, but it's longer and usually gated. It digs deeper into a topic or might present information on a broader collection of topics. It also often has a lot of visuals to support the text.

A whitepaper is often more authoritative in tone, is longer, and cites research from start to finish. 

Each of these options can be used for various stages of the buying journey, and each can point to your product or service as a solution, but you'll be attracting different types of audiences depending on which one you choose. And, of course, you can (and depending on your industry, should!) be creating all three. You can even repurpose content from one to use in another.

The 3 main types of whitepaper

Once you've decided you need a whitepaper, you'll need to figure out which type of whitepaper you want to develop. You can map it to the stage of the customer journey you're targeting.

Numbered list whitepaper

This type of whitepaper presents a set of points about a specific topic of interest to your audience, often leaning heavily on industry trends.

Funnel stage: Awareness . This roundup style is often used to nurture prospects in the early stages of the customer journey—folks who are looking for general industry information and want to be better informed.

Example : Jiminny's research report, The Top Six Sales Trends of 2022 .

Problem/solution whitepaper

This type of whitepaper recommends a new or better solution for a challenging business or technical problem. 

Funnel stage: Consideration . This type of whitepaper is often used to attract and educate prospects in the middle stages of the buying journey: they know they have a problem, and they're researching ways to meet their challenges and goals. 

Example : Sales Readiness Group's whitepaper, Maximize the Effectiveness of Sales Training .

Backgrounder  

This type of whitepaper explains the technical features of a product or service and its related benefits. 

Funnel stage: Decision . This is useful for prospects comparing a shortlist of solutions near the end of the customer journey: they want more information about your specific product or service.

Example : Highspot's whitepaper, Highspot Security Overview: How we protect your data .

There are also loads of business-savvy chimeras that combine aspects of each of these types. Don't feel pigeon-holed, but use these three types as guidance for how to think about developing your whitepaper.

Now it's time to sit down and write the thing. But how exactly do you do that? First, keep in mind that writing a whitepaper takes longer and is much more intense than writing a blog post. You're not going to bang it out in one sitting, so before you begin the process, it's best to have a roadmap to keep you on track.

Select a topic and style

Do your research

Create an outline

Get feedback

Write your whitepaper

Edit and refine

Add formatting, graphics, and design

Create a landing page

1. Select a topic and style

Choosing the right topic for your whitepaper directly influences the results. If you select a topic of serious interest to your ideal audience, you'll generate lots of leads and insights. Otherwise, you'll have wasted your time on a long piece of content.

Develop or use an existing customer profile to help identify your audience's top needs, challenges, and goals. Then, determine where you need content along the customer journey: awareness, consideration, or decision. 

Ask yourself:

Do I need something to explain how my product solves a problem for a specific audience to attract new leads? 

Do I need a well-researched report to nurture prospects until they're ready to buy? 

Is there a complex feature that prospects need to understand thoroughly before making their final buying decision? 

These questions will help you identify which type of whitepaper to write and what topic to write about.

2. Do your research

To write about a topic well, you'll need to understand it through and through. Complete thorough research before diving into any actual writing: read other papers on the topic, interview subject matter experts, or conduct a survey. Search for data, surveys, and research studies from authoritative industry sources to help build your argument and prove your whitepaper's premise. 

If your whitepaper reads like a blog post, with minimal citations and a lack of authoritative sources, readers won't see you as a valuable source of information.

3. Create an outline

An outline may seem tedious—and I'm not going to force you to make one for every short blog post you write—but when it comes to a whitepaper, it's necessary. It's easy to ramble when you're writing long-form content , and an outline prevents you from getting off-topic. You'll be glad you have one after you write a few pages and think, "Wait…where am I going with this?" 

Here's a standard whitepaper format:

Introduction

Executive summary

Various sections (and subsections) throughout the body, guided by your research

Somewhere in your whitepaper (usually at the beginning or end), you'll also want a section about your company. How prominent this description is will depend on the type of whitepaper you're writing, but you want people to know who's providing this valuable resource.

Also in your outline, indicate where you'll want graphics and what you think those graphics should demonstrate or represent. This will help you kick off the design aspect earlier, so there isn't a design bottleneck once you've completed the whitepaper.

4. Get feedback

Always run your outline by other stakeholders before moving forward. (If you have a sales or customer support team, they're great resources because they have their finger on the pulse of customer pain points.) Now's your chance to get everyone on the same page, brainstorm any gaps in the content, or see a different perspective on a given topic.

If you do this before writing, it'll save you a lot of time and effort down the line.

5. Write your whitepaper

With that feedback in hand, flesh out your outline and write the body of your whitepaper report. Dig into that research, and give your readers keen insights and valuable takeaways. A few specific notes:

Add subheadings to break up large sections for readers who prefer to skim—they'll also make the document easier to read for everyone. 

Add comments to note when something should be placed in a callout box or otherwise highlighted in the final version.

Indicate where different visuals will be placed.

Cite your sources. I know this goes without saying, but it's a non-negotiable.

Once you've finished the body copy, write your introduction, executive summary, and conclusion. Readers get the gist of the report by reading these sections before deciding if reading the whole whitepaper is worthwhile.

6. Edit and refine

Let your whitepaper draft sit for a day or more, and then come back to it. Review the document with a fresh outlook, and try reading it aloud to make sure it flows properly from section to section—do your best self-editing .

Once you have what you think is a final draft of your whitepaper, have a trusted colleague or an editor do a final proofread. (Or they might give you bigger picture feedback, in which case, back to the drawing board!)

7. Add formatting, graphics, and design

You've done it—you have a final draft. Now, make it visually pleasing. Work with a designer to add those graphs, charts, or illustrations to help your audience literally see your points. Lean into aesthetics and dress up your whitepaper with a dynamic layout and design aspects. Just be sure your design choices aren't interfering with readability.

8. Create a landing page with a lead gen form

You're ready to roll out your whitepaper. Create a landing page or pop-up where your audience can trade contact information for your content. If you have an existing resource library on your website, put it there; otherwise, a one-off page will do the trick. (Here are some tips on crafting solid lead gen forms and a case for using micro conversions .)

Highspot landing page for a whitepaper, with a lead gen form

And remember, the landing page is only one way to get people to download your whitepaper. You should also get your sales team involved, and advise them to share your whitepaper with prospects they've been nurturing. Use your whitepaper cross-functionally, and reap the benefits of your well-researched, well-crafted document.

Read more: 11 one-pager examples and how to create your own

Get productivity tips delivered straight to your inbox

We’ll email you 1-3 times per week—and never share your information.

Margot Howard picture

Margot Howard

Margot is a freelance content marketing writer with many years of corporate sales experience. She writes for B2B SaaS, software, and service companies, especially Sales Technology companies. When she isn't writing, you can find Margot cooking, hiking, or walking her dog. Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3gCGDL2.

  • Sales & business development
  • Lead management
  • Content marketing

What is lead management and how do you do it right?

Lead management is the process of collecting and managing leads with the goal of turning them into customers through targeted marketing content.

Related articles

Hero image for TikTok app tips with the TikTok logo on a green background

The TikTok sales funnel: How to convert viewers into customers

The TikTok sales funnel: How to convert...

Hero image of an envelope on a light blue background to illustrate emails

9 email drip campaign examples—and why they work so well

9 email drip campaign examples—and why they...

Hero image with an icon representing a case study

16 case study examples (+ 3 templates to make your own)

16 case study examples (+ 3 templates to...

Hero image with an icon of an envelope representing email

7 email newsletter predictions for 2024

Improve your productivity automatically. Use Zapier to get your apps working together.

A Zap with the trigger 'When I get a new lead from Facebook,' and the action 'Notify my team in Slack'

  • Library Home
  • Research Guides

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.

  • Business Databases
  • 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
  • << Previous: Articles
  • Next: Data >>
  • Last Updated: Jan 27, 2024 7:51 PM
  • URL: https://guides.lib.k-state.edu/engl417

K-State Libraries

1117 Mid-Campus Drive North, Manhattan, KS 66506

785-532-3014 | [email protected]

  • Statements and Disclosures
  • Accessibility
  • © Kansas State University
  • Skip to Guides Search
  • Skip to breadcrumb
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Skip to chat link
  • Report accessibility issues and get help
  • Go to Penn Libraries Home
  • Go to Franklin catalog

Critical Writing Program: Decision Making - Spring 2024: Researching the White Paper

  • Getting started
  • News and Opinion Sites
  • Academic Sources
  • Grey Literature
  • Substantive News Sources
  • What to Do When You Are Stuck
  • Understanding a citation
  • Examples of Quotation
  • Examples of Paraphrase
  • Chicago Manual of Style: Citing Images
  • Researching the Op-Ed
  • Researching Prospective Employers
  • Resume Resources
  • Cover Letter Resources

Research the White Paper

Researching the White Paper:

The process of researching and composing a white paper shares some similarities with the kind of research and writing one does for a high school or college research paper. What’s important for writers of white papers to grasp, however, is how much this genre differs from a research paper.  First, the author of a white paper already recognizes that there is a problem to be solved, a decision to be made, and the job of the author is to provide readers with substantive information to help them make some kind of decision--which may include a decision to do more research because major gaps remain. 

Thus, a white paper author would not “brainstorm” a topic. Instead, the white paper author would get busy figuring out how the problem is defined by those who are experiencing it as a problem. Typically that research begins in popular culture--social media, surveys, interviews, newspapers. Once the author has a handle on how the problem is being defined and experienced, its history and its impact, what people in the trenches believe might be the best or worst ways of addressing it, the author then will turn to academic scholarship as well as “grey” literature (more about that later).  Unlike a school research paper, the author does not set out to argue for or against a particular position, and then devote the majority of effort to finding sources to support the selected position.  Instead, the author sets out in good faith to do as much fact-finding as possible, and thus research is likely to present multiple, conflicting, and overlapping perspectives. When people research out of a genuine desire to understand and solve a problem, they listen to every source that may offer helpful information. They will thus have to do much more analysis, synthesis, and sorting of that information, which will often not fall neatly into a “pro” or “con” camp:  Solution A may, for example, solve one part of the problem but exacerbate another part of the problem. Solution C may sound like what everyone wants, but what if it’s built on a set of data that have been criticized by another reliable source?  And so it goes. 

For example, if you are trying to write a white paper on the opioid crisis, you may focus on the value of  providing free, sterilized needles--which do indeed reduce disease, and also provide an opportunity for the health care provider distributing them to offer addiction treatment to the user. However, the free needles are sometimes discarded on the ground, posing a danger to others; or they may be shared; or they may encourage more drug usage. All of those things can be true at once; a reader will want to know about all of these considerations in order to make an informed decision. That is the challenging job of the white paper author.     
 The research you do for your white paper will require that you identify a specific problem, seek popular culture sources to help define the problem, its history, its significance and impact for people affected by it.  You will then delve into academic and grey literature to learn about the way scholars and others with professional expertise answer these same questions. In this way, you will create creating a layered, complex portrait that provides readers with a substantive exploration useful for deliberating and decision-making. You will also likely need to find or create images, including tables, figures, illustrations or photographs, and you will document all of your sources. 

Business & Research Support Services Librarian

Profile Photo

Connect to a Librarian Live Chat or "Ask a Question"

  • Librarians staff live chat from 9-5 Monday through Friday . You can also text to chat: 215-543-7674
  • You can submit a question 24 hours a day and we aim to respond within 24 hours 
  • You can click the "Schedule Appointment" button above in librarian's profile box (to the left), to schedule a consultation with her in person or by video conference.  
  • You can also make an appointment with a  Librarian by subject specialization . 
  • Connect by email with a subject librarian

Find more easy contacts at our Quick Start Guide

  • Next: Getting started >>
  • Last Updated: Feb 15, 2024 12:28 PM
  • URL: https://guides.library.upenn.edu/spring2024/decision-making

What is a white paper and how to write it with examples

Dec 9th, 2022

white paper versus research paper

What is a white paper?

How to write a white paper, white paper examples, should you gate your white paper.

  • Share this article

If your business objectives are to promote your product or service, generate leads, establish thought leadership and encourage your potential customers to purchase the product, you can create a white paper. Marketing specialists write white papers to educate their audience about a specific topic or describe and promote some methodology. These in-depth reports can highlight the features of your product or service and help your customers find solutions to their problems.

However, to create an excellent white paper, you must have clear goals, relevant topics, and new information to share. In this article, we will take a closer look at white papers, consider their unique features and describe the differences between white papers, case studies, ebooks, and blog articles. We will also discuss the process of writing a white paper and provide several examples of this content type.

A white paper is a report or guide that gives a thorough overview of a topic while promoting a company’s goods or services and enticing readers to use them. A white paper presents a potential solution to customer problems, describes the product’s features and justifies why a product or service is the perfect option for the given issue. In addition, this marketing document contains studies, surveys, and other statistics supporting the provided information. The audiences for white papers include prospective clients, investors, journalists, analysts, and stakeholders.

A white paper is a form of content marketing or inbound marketing. It is a piece of content that allows for generating traffic and increasing the company’s visibility in search engines. A document is typically written in an academic style and contains at least 2,500 words. White papers are created for two primary purposes: educating potential customers about the topic while positioning a company as an authority and encouraging consumers to purchase the offered product or service. In addition, whitepapers are often presented as gated content , so consumers should fill out a form with their contact information to download material. 

null

There are three categories of white papers: backgrounder, numbered list, and problem/solution. The backgrounder describes the technical or business advantages of the product. This white paper is most effective for supporting a technical evaluation or product launch . A numbered list or listicle provides a series of recommendations, questions, or points regarding a specific business issue. These white papers are intended to draw attention with provocative ideas, nurture leads , or cast doubt on competitors. Finally, problem/solution papers present a new solution to a problem, generate leads, and inform and persuade stakeholders.

Although a white paper is a sales document, it differs from a product pitch or presentation. A white paper is useful and informative and provides only facts without opinions. It aims to build trust with the audience and increase brand awareness . Sales pitch, in contrast, is written in a more aggressive tone and focuses mainly on the product’s benefits. While the goal of a product pitch is to convince the audience to buy your product straight away, a white paper uses facts and logical arguments to inform the readers about your solution and explain why it is the best choice.

Now we will compare a white paper with a research paper, case study, ebook, and blog article and look at their distinctive features.

White paper vs research paper

Research papers are scholarly publications in journals that feature the findings of original studies or criticism of other researchers’ works. A research paper aims to contribute to the body of knowledge in a particular field. Research papers are usually written to support or refute a theory and present recent findings. These publications are frequently examined by academics who are specialists in various branches of science and technology. It often takes a long time to publish a research paper as it requires peer reviews.

White papers typically address complex issues through technical discussions. These documents are used in product marketing to highlight a specific viewpoint or product and influence consumer purchasing decisions. Although a white paper is presented scientifically and logically, it is intended to impact customers in a way that benefits the business. While research papers are created by engineers, scholars, and doctors, the authors of white papers are technical writers, internal company personnel, and subject matter experts. 

Research papers are mostly published for informational and educational purposes. Hence academics like students, professors, researchers, and scientists make up the majority of their readers. On the other hand, white papers’ audience is prospective customers, so they might increase sales of a specific brand, product, or service. 

White paper vs case study

A case study is a record of research conducted to examine a specific problem or circumstance during a given period. For example, in a business case study, an author may explore the organization’s strategy, analyze how consumers use a product, or describe the state of the market. The goal of a case study is to educate readers, inform the audience about a problem and provide recommendations. In essence, both a white paper and a case study describe the advantages of a product or service while demonstrating how a particular method has turned out to be an efficient remedy for the problem.

However, there are some significant differences between white papers and case studies. Case studies are more concise, while white papers are longer, involve technical research, and provide detailed suggestions on resolving the issue. The former demonstrates the effectiveness of a solution and provides real-life examples. Case studies also place greater emphasis on observation and examination. White papers, in contrast, focus primarily on theoretical information and highlight crucial characteristics of a product or methodology.

White paper vs ebook

An ebook or electronic book is a digital publication that contains text, photos, and interactive elements like links and videos. Ebook provides recommendations, answers, or strategies for an industry or niche. White papers and ebooks share certain similarities. For instance, both marketing assets can be used to establish a company as a thought leader, build credibility and generate leads. Besides, ebooks and white papers have a longer lifespan than other content marketing formats. You can use the documents for a few years and repurpose them in different ways: turn them into a series of blog articles, create an infographic, or include the publications in newsletters.

null

The primary difference between an ebook and a white paper is the audience. An ebook is a comprehensive guide on a specific topic targeted predominantly at a general audience. A white paper is an academic report that targets a niche audience of specialists and presents new research. The other difference is the objective. The purpose of a white paper is to educate the audience and highlight the brand’s value proposition. Ebooks are also more informative and comprehensive. These assets serve as guides for broader topics. Finally, ebooks are longer and have a formal structure, while white papers often include the following components: a problem, methodology, guidance, and resolution.

White paper vs blog article

A blog article is a piece of content posted on a blog which is a website or a section of the site. Blog article often includes text, images, and videos. A blog article aims to briefly overview the subject, generate leads , and market products and services. On the other hand, a white paper’s primary goal is to give a complete idea about the topic. Although blog articles can present facts, these content pieces are usually not data-focused and are much shorter than white papers.

The other difference between white papers and blog articles is the tone. White papers require an official and professional style, while blog articles can be written in a more informal manner. White papers require more research and provide a thorough analysis of a product or service. Therefore, completing a comprehensive white paper can take weeks to months. A blog article is more straightforward, so writing one can take a few hours to several days. White papers are designed to draw qualified leads and prospects, whereas blog articles are less technical and can reach a wider audience.

Once you are familiar with different content formats and their differences from a white paper, let us discuss the process of writing a white paper from ideation to publication and distribution.

An excellent white paper needs to be thoroughly researched and present new information that readers cannot find through an internet search. Moreover, a white paper should be engaging and maintain the audience’s interest. Now we will describe how to write an excellent white paper in greater detail below.

null

Step 1. Define your audience

Defining your audience is one of the most crucial steps in creating a well-researched white paper. First, you need to consider what kinds of readers you want to attract. For example, you can use specific jargon if your audience is professionals in the industry. Furthermore, the statistics and provided information should be relevant to your target audience. Knowing your readers’ interests also narrows the scope of research you should conduct.

When determining your audience, consider the following characteristics: educational background, job title, and professional needs. Think about which platforms and search queries your readers use to find information. Conduct in-depth research to understand why your audience is interested in this topic, how much knowledge readers already have about the subject, and how your white paper can help them. In addition, interview your clients and check the comments from your audience to learn about their main problems and goals.

Step 2. Choose a relevant topic and research it

Choosing an impactful topic for a white paper is a crucial component of its success. When defining the topic, make sure you are qualified to write about it and that your audience is interested in the problem. Beyond that, the topic should fill the content gap , which means that there should not be much information online on the subject. Your topic may concern a product or an innovative business idea. A white paper can describe a particular aspect of your business or your team’s accomplishments.

Ask your audience about their expectations, check other reports and studies to identify content gaps, and interview other industry experts to develop an idea for a white paper. Then find credible sources and collect expert opinions and statistics. Finally, fact-check the information to verify its accuracy. 

Step 3. Make an outline

The following step is to create an outline that determines your target audience, defines the structure, and organizes the study. When creating a plan for your paper, think about how to summarize your findings in a way that addresses the issues of your readers. Make a list of concepts and crucial matters you should address within each section.

A white paper typically consists of the following elements: title, abstract or summary, introduction, section subheadings, sources, and conclusion. First, you need to describe a problem or situation. Secondly, you should provide a methodology and instructions. Finally, you need to explain possible solutions to the problem. 

Step 4. Provide valuable information

It is critical to remember that a white paper’s goal is to provide helpful information to an audience even if they do not become your clients. Make sure each paragraph brings value and makes readers feel they have learned something new. A white paper should demonstrate your expertise in a particular field as a business or brand.

Use proven facts and statistics to make a white paper more trustworthy. Thus, your audience will perceive the company as a reliable source of information. In addition, building a reputation as an expert will increase your chances of achieving success, as customers are willing to buy from businesses they trust.

Now you need to format the content of your document. Use bullet points and subheadings to divide the text into sections and make it easier to read. You can also add charts and graphs to capture readers’ attention and highlight the concepts you want people to remember. You can decide how to format the paper by looking up various examples and templates. 

Step 5. Proofread and edit

When writing a white paper, maintain a formal tone. Use language appropriate for the audience you are targeting. Avoid using informal language, slang, and expressions that are not suitable for academic writing. Although keyword optimization is crucial, remember to write for your readers instead of search engines. Google is constantly improving its capacity to recognize and match relevant information with search queries.

Do not worry about creating a perfect white paper on the first draft. It may require several revisions to finalize a report. To ensure your white paper is exciting and understandable, hire professional proofreaders or try editing a document yourself. 

Step 6. Distribute and promote your paper

Creating the document is only the first step. You also need to ensure it reaches the desired audience. For instance, you can send a press release to advertise the publication of a new paper or share it through LinkedIn or Twitter. The other way to promote the publication of the white paper is to send it to your prospects after a demo call to provide more information. A smart strategy to distribute your white papers is to embed or link them to relevant landing pages, guest blogs, and newsletters.

White paper syndication or publishing the same document on independent websites enables companies to target a niche market , generate leads, and increase the reach of a white paper. Besides, a white paper distribution through content syndication is very effective as it allows for repurposing content and promoting it on various platforms.

null

Next, we will look at white paper examples from different companies in various industries to provide you with an understanding of how to create a white paper.

In this section, you can find three white paper examples to collect ideas for creating your own.

Cisco’s white paper

Cisco is a company that develops and provides network equipment, data security services, and telecommunications gear. The company created a white paper called “Networking and your competitive edge” , where Cisco explained the importance of having a secure and reliable network edge. The advantages of this white paper are a large number of infographics, quotes, statistics, and balanced use of text and visuals. Plus, the document allows people to understand a complex topic with the help of the simple and engaging language of the presentation.

Google’s white paper

The white paper called “Cloud security and compliance” by Google is a 28-page tutorial demonstrating the effectiveness of Google cloud products and services in protecting the data of any workspace. The white paper has all the components of a well-written, readable document, including subtle color fonts, pictures, and plain language. What is more, Google repurposed the white paper and created the infographic for people who do not have time to read the entire document. 

Uber’s white paper

In the paper called “Fast-forwarding to a future of on-demand urban air transportation” , Uber promotes the idea of air transportation and establishes the company as a key figure in its creation. The company describes its VTOL aircraft, explains the need for it in urban areas, and lists the obstacles that should be overcome. Uber also mentions reviewers from NASA, MIT, and other prestigious air transportation organizations to increase the report's credibility. As a result, the company establishes itself as a thought leader by describing future trends and innovations in the industry.

You can use the above-mentioned practices tested by reputable companies to create a white paper that will educate your audience, generate leads and increase sales. 

Companies can use gated content like white papers to grow contact lists for marketing and sales teams. Gated content is any publication that readers can access by providing personal details like name and email. A company creates a landing page that contains a description of available content and a form where users can enter contact information and gain access to the materials.

There is no definitive answer to whether you should gate a white paper. On the one hand, gating your content is a great way to generate leads . Moreover, a successful buyer's journey often starts with gated content as the very first step. Most people who provide contact information are interested in your company because of your regular distribution of useful content.

On the other hand, gating your white paper reduces the number of people who will read the document because not everyone wants to share their personal details. Therefore, if your white paper is not gated, it will attract a larger audience and can improve your search rankings. However, gating a white paper will stop search engines from indexing a publication.

Creating a perfect white paper may require a lot of time and effort. Nevertheless, this results in a valuable document that promotes your company’s expertise and fosters general education and development in your industry. A perfect white paper contributes to the company’s growth.

Awware logo

  • Marketing Strategy & Branding
  • Content Marketing & SEO
  • Product Focused Marketing
  • Digital Experience Design
  • Marketing Automation
  • Video Production

© 2023 Awware

  • Unveiling the Distinction: White Papers vs. Technical Reports
  • Writing Resources

white paper versus research paper

Unveiling the Distinction: Science Writing vs. Scientific Writing

white paper versus research paper

Mastering Articles: A Guide for English Language Learners

  • engineering writing
  • science writing
  • Scientific Writing
  • STEM writing
  • technical writing
  • white paper
  • Writing Format

white paper versus research paper

In the world of academia, research, and industry, two common forms of documentation stand out: white papers and technical reports. Both serve essential roles in conveying information and ideas, but they differ significantly in purpose, audience, structure, and content. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of white papers and technical reports, highlighting their distinctive features and how they contribute to knowledge dissemination in different contexts.

Purpose and Audience:

White papers are persuasive documents often used in the business and marketing sectors to address problems, propose solutions, or present new products or services. Their primary purpose is to inform, educate, and convince a specific audience about a particular idea or concept. Typically, the target audience for white papers includes decision-makers, potential customers, investors, and stakeholders who require valuable insights to make informed choices.

Technical reports have a more academic and scientific focus. They are comprehensive documents that provide in-depth analysis and research findings on a specific topic. The audience for technical reports primarily consists of fellow researchers, scholars, engineers, and professionals within a specific field or discipline. Technical reports are not intended to persuade but to inform, contribute to existing knowledge, and facilitate peer review and academic discussions.

Content and Structure:

White papers are generally concise and straightforward, focusing on practical solutions and actionable recommendations. They often start with an executive summary to give a brief overview of the document’s main points. The body of the white paper elaborates on the problem statement, analysis of the issue, and the proposed solution. Visual aids like charts, graphs, and case studies are frequently included to enhance the clarity of the presented information. The language is accessible to a wider audience, aiming to engage readers with varied levels of expertise.

Technical reports are characterized by their rigorous and formal approach to presenting research. They include comprehensive literature reviews, detailed methodologies, experimental data, and analysis. The structure typically follows a more standardized format, including abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, and references. Technical reports place significant emphasis on data validity, reliability, and statistical analysis to support the conclusions and implications of the research. The language used in technical reports is more specialized and tailored to the experts in the specific field.

Writing Style:

The writing style of white papers is persuasive and solution-oriented. The authors use persuasive language and rhetoric to convince the readers of the validity and effectiveness of their proposals. The goal is to create interest and enthusiasm about a particular idea or product and encourage the audience to take action.

Technical reports adhere to a formal and objective writing style. The language is neutral, and the focus is on presenting factual information and research findings. The tone is academic and professional, avoiding any persuasive language or subjective opinions. The primary aim is to provide an unbiased and comprehensive account of the research conducted.

Publication and Distribution:

White papers are often published and distributed by companies, organizations, or research institutions to promote their products, services, or expertise. They are typically available on their websites, shared with potential clients or stakeholders, or distributed at conferences and industry events.

Technical reports are commonly published by academic institutions, government agencies, research organizations, and scientific journals. They undergo rigorous peer review before publication to ensure the quality and credibility of the research. Technical reports are usually available through institutional repositories, libraries, or journal databases.

White papers and technical reports serve distinct purposes and cater to different audiences. White papers focus on providing practical solutions and are intended to persuade and inform decision-makers and stakeholders. Technical reports are academic documents that present detailed research findings and are aimed at contributing to the existing body of knowledge within a specific field.

Both white papers and technical reports are valuable tools for disseminating information and ideas. While white papers are useful in the business world for marketing and problem-solving, technical reports play a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and fostering academic discussions. Understanding the differences between these two forms of documentation is essential for effectively communicating information to the right audience and achieving the desired impact.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields can require both white papers and technical reports. The STEM Writing Institute (SWI) is here to help you with all your STEM writing needs, be it academic writing, dissertation writing, technical report writing, proposal writing, and more. Register for an SWI writing course or inquire about a one-on-one consultation today to get your document revised and ready for publication!

Photo by Mikael Blomkvist

Kelly Scarff

Kelly Scarff

Related posts.

white paper versus research paper

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Using AI Software in STEM Writing

white paper versus research paper

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.

Mezzanine Logo_Horiz_RGB_on blue (1)

Whitepaper vs. Article – The Differences and When to Use Each?

Whitepaper vs. Article – The Differences and When to Use Each?

We’ve all heard it before; in the world of marketing, content is king! But is all content created equal? Are there some forms of content that are better than others and should they be used differently in different situations? In this post we'll discuss two of the most common forms of contact - the whitepaper and the article.  We'll cover what the differences between the two are, and when you should use each. 

In the world of marketing, an article is usually a 1 - 2 page piece of content.  It can take the form of a press release, an editorial (an article that educates about something), an opinion piece (an article that takes a position and tries to convince the reader), or other variations.

Articles can be formal or informal in tone. They can be educational or entertaining or both. Articles can be pitched as guest posts on other blogs, posted to sites like LinkedIn, offered as content to major publications like Inc Magazine, and posted to the company's own website.   

Whitepapers

A whitepaper is usually 6 or more pages. It is an authoritative and impartial report on a specific topic, and informs readers about a complex issue. The main purpose of a whitepaper is to educate readers on the finer details of the topic. In the world of marketing, whitepapers are usually professionally designed and can be downloaded as PDFs. 

What’s the difference?

The difference between an article and a whitepaper mainly boils down to length and level of detail. An article is supposed to provide an overview of a topic and is usually a page or two. A whitepaper is longer and covers a topic in more detail. It gives an in-depth view, and can often include more research. 

According to DemandGen Report, in the past 12 months B2B buyers used whitepapers to make 82% of their purchasing decisions. So even though they take more work, they're often worth it. 

Other forms of B2B marketing content used to make purchasing decisions include:

  • Webinars (78%)
  • Case Studies (73%)
  • eBooks (67%)
  • Blog Posts (66%)
  • Infographics (66%)
  • Third-party/Analyst reports (62%)
  • Video/Motion graphics (47%)
  • Interactive presentations (36%).

Pros and cons of articles vs whitepapers

B2B buyers are 79% more likely to share whitepapers with colleagues than articles.  Whitepapers generate credibility and trust for their publishers, and they can generate direct traffic to a company's website by making readers curious about a business and what it has to offer. Whitepapers can be great for B2B lead generation .  

On the other hand, a rticles can be generated more quickly and can include opinion and entertainment - so extensive research isn’t required. As such, articles are a good way to raise awareness for B2B companies. When articles appear in trade publications or mainstream media, they can put your company on the radar of prospects who wouldn't have known about you otherwise - and that can only be good for B2B sales .  

The best of both worlds

The best way to get the value and credibility of a whitepaper, combined with the lesser-investment and speed of an article, is to make both out of one.

How do you do this?  A  good whitepaper, once completed, is full of ideas that can each be developed into individual articles.

TREW-logo-vert-1color

Marketing Strategy - Annual Marketing Planning - Product Launches - Marketing Audits

Brand Marketing - Brand Positioning and Messaging - Targeted Messaging - Rebrand and Acquisition Marketing

Content Marketing - Content Planning - Content Development - Content Programs

Marketing Automation - HubSpot Onboarding + Training - Integrate HubSpot With Your CRM - HubSpot Audits + Optimization

Sales Enablement - Sales Enablement Strategy - ABM Strategy - Thought Leadership Content

Website Services - Website Strategy - Technical Web Content - Corporate Web Pages

workshop-trew

Case Study vs. White Paper: What’s the Difference?

Picture of Morgan Norris

Creating high quality, helpful content at a regular cadence is key to generating inbound leads for your technical business. Case studies and white papers are two of the most powerful and sought-after types of content by engineers, and both can help you generate technical leads for your business.

But how do you decide on a white paper versus a case study, and what’s the difference?

Case Study vs White Paper_ Whats the Difference

According to our State of Marketing to Engineers Research Report , white papers and case studies are viewed as highly valuable when it comes to researching engineering trends, technologies and products/services.

What form(s) of content do you find most valuable when researching to make a significant work-related purchase? Please select all that apply.  (n = 699)

ContentPref_Pg13

While we recommend creating both white papers and case studies as part of a robust content plan , the two content types serve different purposes, funnel stages and audiences.

White Papers

A white paper helps a reader understand an issue, solve a problem, or make a decision by offering technical information, images and diagrams. It’s a lengthy piece of content at approximately 2,000 words or 6 pages. 

White papers are at the heart of a strong B2B content marketing plan, and seek to build thought leadership in an area that aligns with your marketing or campaign strategy. A white paper addresses your target audience’s pain points, similarly to a case study, but goes deeper into explaining the research and proof points to support your methodology.

White papers can be an effective way to target people at all stages of the funnel. One white paper could create awareness of a persona’s problem, thus targeting someone at the top of the funnel, while a second could focus on advanced product uses, targeting someone at the bottom of the funnel or even an existing customer. 

Best Practices: 

  • A table of contents if it’s longer than 3,000 words
  • A bold title (i.e. controversial, lessons learned), ideally 55 characters so it will display well in search engines
  • Descriptive text and not industry buzz words, and ensure you spell out acronyms on first occurrence
  • An abstract and executive summary
  • Use data to support your point(s)
  • Cite all research sources

As this is lengthy content, it can often take up to six weeks to write and complete a white paper. Start with an outline and review it with your team internally to ensure alignment on the objectives.

  • Promote them on your website
  • Blog about them
  • Repurpose them into slide decks and deliver them as live or on-demand webinars for added impact and thought leadership

As valuable, in-depth technical content, white papers should also be gated by forms. When building out the form, consider how valuable the content is to the potential reader, and select fields that reflect that. Forms perform best when they include 3-5 fields, and stick to work email, name and company name. Learn more about best practices for gating content .

You should take care to keep white papers up-to-date to maintain technical accuracy and credibility. Typically, a white paper has a lifespan of 1-2 years before it needs to be updated, but this can vary by industry.

White Paper Example

White paper example

Case Studies

A case study teaches by example, featuring extended testimonials on how a product or service helped a customer in the real world. It’s considerably shorter than a white paper, typically measuring around 800 words.

  • Benefits-oriented headline
  • One-sentence challenge with one-sentence solution
  • Up to 1,000 words explaining how your products and/or services solved the challenge
  • Illustrations, images, charts/graphs with captions

Specific results data as proof points (i.e. money savings, decreased time to market

Case studies are best suited for audiences at the top or middle of the funnel. Use them to create awareness of a problem and show the reader a solution that worked for a real-life customer - with case studies, you highlight your successes in a way that will help an ideal potential customer come one step closer to becoming a new customer. 

  • Share an image and caption on social media with a link to your website to read the full case study
  • Submit them for trade show paper contests
  • Repurpose them into news releases or videos
  • Use them as sales enablement content at onsite visits and trade shows.

Case Study Example-1

Example case study from TREW client G Systems

Be sure to keep the focus 90% educational and 10% promotional and lead with benefits that speak to your target customer’s pain points, versus a product or services pitch . Due to this focus, and the shorter form, case studies are not typically gated by a form.

Case studies can be time-consuming, often requiring internal approvals from the customer and deep research. Due to the increased number of involved parties, putting together a case study can be slow going and may require an extended timeline. Their shelf life does tend to be longer than that of a white paper, remaining effective for 2+ years before requiring updates.

white paper versus research paper

See this blog post for more information on a recommended content cadence.

Ready to get started? Review your B2B buyer personas and content plan and identify any gaps that could be met by a case study or white paper. Start slow, and work up to producing one of each per quarter to steadily generate leads for your company.

For more information on building out your content plan, read our guide to Getting Started with Content Marketing . 

Download the Ebook

TREW is a marketing agency dedicated to reaching engineering and technical audiences through a range of marketing initiatives.   Contact us   today to learn more about the services we offer. 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG FOR THE LATEST UPDATES

Black women are six times more likely to be killed than white women, data reveals

Image: a Black woman in shadow against a dark background.

In the U.S., Black adult women are six times more likely to be killed than their white counterparts, troubling new data reveals.

A paper published Thursday in The Lancet medical journal analyzed homicide rates of Black women ages 25 to 44 across 30 states. The data was collected between 1999 and 2020 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Vital Statistics System. 

Homicides were classified in this study as death by shooting, piercing, cutting and other forms of violence. Racial disparities varied among states; in Wisconsin, for example, Black women were 20 times more likely to be killed than white women. Black women living in Midwestern and Northeastern states were also more likely to be killed by a firearm, the paper found.

The study was designed to provide more comprehensive data about homicide rates among Black women and fill in the gaps in the existing literature, said Bernadine Waller, the paper’s lead author and a postdoctoral psychiatry research fellow at the Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center. 

Waller said she had been “very discouraged” that no one had performed research to this magnitude and was devastated to learn of the high homicide rates of Black women.

“For every one person who’s murdered, you’ve got their family members, you’ve got their friends, you’ve got their communities who are devastated,” Waller said. Many Black families have women as head of the households, she added. “So, if you’re looking at that through that lens, what does that mean for our Black families?”

Findings in the paper confirm the disproportionate rate of violence targeting Black women that domestic violence advocates, like the National Domestic Violence Hotline, have been working to raise awareness of. 

While researchers did not identify the causes behind the staggering difference, the paper points to structural racism, including poverty, educational attainment and employment. States with a larger share of low-income households, where people tend to live closer together, had the highest disparities of homicide rates, the paper found. 

Approximately 45% of Black women experienced stalking, physical and sexual violence in their lifetimes, and an estimated 51% of Black female adult homicides were related to intimate partner violence, according to The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence . Intimate partner violence was also a key contributor of homicide in Black women, Waller’s paper notes.

While the statistics in the paper spark feelings of angst, they come as no surprise for Karma Cottman, chief executive officer for Ujima Inc., a resource center focused on ending domestic, sexual and violence within Black communities. Cottman said the statistics are a direct result of economic instability and a large access to firearms.

“When you don’t have access to housing, you’ve got a greater strain on the relationship,” Cottman said. “When you’re already living in an impoverished community, you have a greater strain on your relationship. Then you tie all of that together within having increased homicide rates across the board and access to firearms — particularly for younger people — then you have higher lethality rates.”

Many Black women also have a fear of calling law enforcement, Cottman added, which puts them “at greater risk for experiencing violence” since they do not ask for police intervention until a situation turns deadly. 

A 2020 study published in the National Library of Medicine found that Black and Latina women who experienced intimate partner or sexual violence were two to three times more likely to experience abuse or a neglectful response from law enforcement when reporting the incident. Other reasons that may influence Black women’s police engagement for intimate partner violence included institutional racism, self-blame and stereotypical strength, among others.

“When something happens, you’re supposed to be strong,” Cottman said. “But then when law enforcement respond, you’re not seen as the victim because you’re strong.”

To help eradicate domestic violence, Cottman said more people should start by normalizing conversations about it, whether at schools, churches and other Black institutions. Some of Ujima’s major efforts include a firearms training program and billboard advertisements raising awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault.

Waller is calling for more gun legislation and said more work needs to be done to dismantle inequities that directly impact Black women.

“Until we’re able to make those sustained, multitiered efforts, then we’re doing not just Black women a disservice,” Waller said, “we’re doing our entire country a disservice.”

For more from NBC BLK, sign up for our weekly newsletter .

white paper versus research paper

Claretta Bellamy is a fellow for NBC News.

  • See us on facebook
  • See us on twitter
  • See us on youtube
  • See us on linkedin
  • See us on instagram

Stanford Medicine study identifies distinct brain organization patterns in women and men

Stanford Medicine researchers have developed a powerful new artificial intelligence model that can distinguish between male and female brains.

February 20, 2024

sex differences in brain

'A key motivation for this study is that sex plays a crucial role in human brain development, in aging, and in the manifestation of psychiatric and neurological disorders,' said Vinod Menon. clelia-clelia

A new study by Stanford Medicine investigators unveils a new artificial intelligence model that was more than 90% successful at determining whether scans of brain activity came from a woman or a man.

The findings, published Feb. 20 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, help resolve a long-term controversy about whether reliable sex differences exist in the human brain and suggest that understanding these differences may be critical to addressing neuropsychiatric conditions that affect women and men differently.

“A key motivation for this study is that sex plays a crucial role in human brain development, in aging, and in the manifestation of psychiatric and neurological disorders,” said Vinod Menon , PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Stanford Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Laboratory . “Identifying consistent and replicable sex differences in the healthy adult brain is a critical step toward a deeper understanding of sex-specific vulnerabilities in psychiatric and neurological disorders.”

Menon is the study’s senior author. The lead authors are senior research scientist Srikanth Ryali , PhD, and academic staff researcher Yuan Zhang , PhD.

“Hotspots” that most helped the model distinguish male brains from female ones include the default mode network, a brain system that helps us process self-referential information, and the striatum and limbic network, which are involved in learning and how we respond to rewards.

The investigators noted that this work does not weigh in on whether sex-related differences arise early in life or may be driven by hormonal differences or the different societal circumstances that men and women may be more likely to encounter.

Uncovering brain differences

The extent to which a person’s sex affects how their brain is organized and operates has long been a point of dispute among scientists. While we know the sex chromosomes we are born with help determine the cocktail of hormones our brains are exposed to — particularly during early development, puberty and aging — researchers have long struggled to connect sex to concrete differences in the human brain. Brain structures tend to look much the same in men and women, and previous research examining how brain regions work together has also largely failed to turn up consistent brain indicators of sex.

test

Vinod Menon

In their current study, Menon and his team took advantage of recent advances in artificial intelligence, as well as access to multiple large datasets, to pursue a more powerful analysis than has previously been employed. First, they created a deep neural network model, which learns to classify brain imaging data: As the researchers showed brain scans to the model and told it that it was looking at a male or female brain, the model started to “notice” what subtle patterns could help it tell the difference.

This model demonstrated superior performance compared with those in previous studies, in part because it used a deep neural network that analyzes dynamic MRI scans. This approach captures the intricate interplay among different brain regions. When the researchers tested the model on around 1,500 brain scans, it could almost always tell if the scan came from a woman or a man.

The model’s success suggests that detectable sex differences do exist in the brain but just haven’t been picked up reliably before. The fact that it worked so well in different datasets, including brain scans from multiple sites in the U.S. and Europe, make the findings especially convincing as it controls for many confounds that can plague studies of this kind.

“This is a very strong piece of evidence that sex is a robust determinant of human brain organization,” Menon said.

Making predictions

Until recently, a model like the one Menon’s team employed would help researchers sort brains into different groups but wouldn’t provide information about how the sorting happened. Today, however, researchers have access to a tool called “explainable AI,” which can sift through vast amounts of data to explain how a model’s decisions are made.

Using explainable AI, Menon and his team identified the brain networks that were most important to the model’s judgment of whether a brain scan came from a man or a woman. They found the model was most often looking to the default mode network, striatum, and the limbic network to make the call.

The team then wondered if they could create another model that could predict how well participants would do on certain cognitive tasks based on functional brain features that differ between women and men. They developed sex-specific models of cognitive abilities: One model effectively predicted cognitive performance in men but not women, and another in women but not men. The findings indicate that functional brain characteristics varying between sexes have significant behavioral implications.

“These models worked really well because we successfully separated brain patterns between sexes,” Menon said. “That tells me that overlooking sex differences in brain organization could lead us to miss key factors underlying neuropsychiatric disorders.”

While the team applied their deep neural network model to questions about sex differences, Menon says the model can be applied to answer questions regarding how just about any aspect of brain connectivity might relate to any kind of cognitive ability or behavior. He and his team plan to make their model publicly available for any researcher to use.

“Our AI models have very broad applicability,” Menon said. “A researcher could use our models to look for brain differences linked to learning impairments or social functioning differences, for instance — aspects we are keen to understand better to aid individuals in adapting to and surmounting these challenges.”

The research was sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (grants MH084164, EB022907, MH121069, K25HD074652 and AG072114), the Transdisciplinary Initiative, the Uytengsu-Hamilton 22q11 Programs, the Stanford Maternal and Child Health Research Institute, and the NARSAD Young Investigator Award.

About Stanford Medicine

Stanford Medicine is an integrated academic health system comprising the Stanford School of Medicine and adult and pediatric health care delivery systems. Together, they harness the full potential of biomedicine through collaborative research, education and clinical care for patients. For more information, please visit med.stanford.edu .

Artificial intelligence

Exploring ways AI is applied to health care

Stanford Medicine Magazine: AI

white paper versus research paper

RECOMMENDED READS

  • I-JEPA: The first AI model based on Yann LeCun’s vision for more human-like AI
  • Celebrating 10 years of FAIR: A decade of advancing the state-of-the-art through open research
  • Turing Award presented to Yann LeCun, Geoffrey Hinton, and Yoshua Bengio
  • Today, we’re publicly releasing the Video Joint Embedding Predictive Architecture (V-JEPA) model, a crucial step in advancing machine intelligence with a more grounded understanding of the world.
  • This early example of a physical world model excels at detecting and understanding highly detailed interactions between objects.
  • In the spirit of responsible open science, we’re releasing this model under a Creative Commons NonCommercial license for researchers to further explore.

As humans, much of what we learn about the world around us—particularly in our early stages of life—is gleaned through observation. Take Newton’s third law of motion: Even an infant (or a cat) can intuit, after knocking several items off a table and observing the results, that what goes up must come down. You don’t need hours of instruction or to read thousands of books to arrive at that result. Your internal world model—a contextual understanding based on a mental model of the world—predicts these consequences for you, and it’s highly efficient.

“V-JEPA is a step toward a more grounded understanding of the world so machines can achieve more generalized reasoning and planning,” says Meta’s VP & Chief AI Scientist Yann LeCun, who proposed the original Joint Embedding Predictive Architectures (JEPA) in 2022. “Our goal is to build advanced machine intelligence that can learn more like humans do, forming internal models of the world around them to learn, adapt, and forge plans efficiently in the service of completing complex tasks.”

Video JEPA in focus

V-JEPA is a non-generative model that learns by predicting missing or masked parts of a video in an abstract representation space. This is similar to how our Image Joint Embedding Predictive Architecture (I-JEPA) compares abstract representations of images (rather than comparing the pixels themselves). Unlike generative approaches that try to fill in every missing pixel, V-JEPA has the flexibility to discard unpredictable information, which leads to improved training and sample efficiency by a factor between 1.5x and 6x.

Because it takes a self-supervised learning approach, V-JEPA is pre-trained entirely with unlabeled data. Labels are only used to adapt the model to a particular task after pre-training. This type of architecture proves more efficient than previous models, both in terms of the number of labeled examples needed and the total amount of effort put into learning even the unlabeled data. With V-JEPA, we’ve seen efficiency boosts on both of these fronts.

With V-JEPA, we mask out a large portion of a video so the model is only shown a little bit of the context. We then ask the predictor to fill in the blanks of what’s missing—not in terms of the actual pixels, but rather as a more abstract description in this representation space.

white paper versus research paper

Masking methodology

V-JEPA wasn’t trained to understand one specific type of action. Instead it used self-supervised training on a range of videos and learned a number of things about how the world works. The team also carefully considered the masking strategy—if you don’t block out large regions of the video and instead randomly sample patches here and there, it makes the task too easy and your model doesn’t learn anything particularly complicated about the world.

It’s also important to note that, in most videos, things evolve somewhat slowly over time. If you mask a portion of the video but only for a specific instant in time and the model can see what came immediately before and/or immediately after, it also makes things too easy and the model almost certainly won’t learn anything interesting. As such, the team used an approach where it masked portions of the video in both space and time, which forces the model to learn and develop an understanding of the scene.

Efficient predictions

Making these predictions in the abstract representation space is important because it allows the model to focus on the higher-level conceptual information of what the video contains without worrying about the kind of details that are most often unimportant for downstream tasks. After all, if a video shows a tree, you’re likely not concerned about the minute movements of each individual leaf.

One of the reasons why we’re excited about this direction is that V-JEPA is the first model for video that’s good at “frozen evaluations,” which means we do all of our self-supervised pre-training on the encoder and the predictor, and then we don’t touch those parts of the model anymore. When we want to adapt them to learn a new skill, we just train a small lightweight specialized layer or a small network on top of that, which is very efficient and quick.

white paper versus research paper

Previous work had to do full fine-tuning, which means that after pre-training your model, when you want the model to get really good at fine-grained action recognition while you’re adapting your model to take on that task, you have to update the parameters or the weights in all of your model. And then that model overall becomes specialized at doing that one task and it’s not going to be good for anything else anymore. If you want to teach the model a different task, you have to use different data, and you have to specialize the entire model for this other task. With V-JEPA, as we’ve demonstrated in this work, we can pre-train the model once without any labeled data, fix that, and then reuse those same parts of the model for several different tasks, like action classification, recognition of fine-grained object interactions, and activity localization.

white paper versus research paper

Avenues for future research...

While the “V” in V-JEPA stands for “video,” it only accounts for the visual content of videos thus far. A more multimodal approach is an obvious next step, so we’re thinking carefully about incorporating audio along with the visuals.

As a proof of concept, the current V-JEPA model excels at fine-grained object interactions and distinguishing detailed object-to-object interactions that happen over time. For example, if the model needs to be able to distinguish between someone putting down a pen, picking up a pen, and pretending to put down a pen but not actually doing it, V-JEPA is quite good compared to previous methods for that high-grade action recognition task. However, those things work on relatively short time scales. If you show V-JEPA a video clip of a few seconds, maybe up to 10 seconds, it’s great for that. So another important step for us is thinking about planning and the model’s ability to make predictions over a longer time horizon.

...and the path toward AMI

To date, our work with V-JEPA has been primarily about perception—understanding the contents of various video streams in order to obtain some context about the world immediately surrounding us. The predictor in this Joint Embedding Predictive Architecture serves as an early physical world model: You don’t have to see everything that’s happening in the frame, and it can tell you conceptually what’s happening there. As a next step, we want to show how we can use this kind of a predictor or world model for planning or sequential decision-making.

We know that it’s possible to train JEPA models on video data without requiring strong supervision and that they can watch videos in the way an infant might—just observing the world passively, learning a lot of interesting things about how to understand the context of those videos in such a way that, with a small amount of labeled data, you can quickly acquire a new task and ability to recognize different actions.

V-JEPA is a research model, and we’re exploring a number of future applications. For example, we expect that the context V-JEPA provides could be useful for our embodied AI work as well as our work to build a contextual AI assistant for future AR glasses. We firmly believe in the value of responsible open science, and that’s why we’re releasing the V-JEPA model under the CC BY-NC license so other researchers can extend this work.

Our latest updates delivered to your inbox

Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with Meta AI news, events, research breakthroughs, and more.

Join us in the pursuit of what’s possible with AI.

white paper versus research paper

Latest Work

Our Actions

Meta © 2024

IMAGES

  1. 3 Key Differences Between White Papers and Scientific Papers

    white paper versus research paper

  2. The Ultimate Guide To Writing A White Paper

    white paper versus research paper

  3. Writing Research Comparison White Papers

    white paper versus research paper

  4. What is the Difference Between White Papers and Research Papers

    white paper versus research paper

  5. What is the Difference Between White Papers and Research Papers

    white paper versus research paper

  6. Thesis vs. Dissertation vs. Research Paper

    white paper versus research paper

VIDEO

  1. paper white aseel Heera aseel paper white Heera aseel ki pachan#trendingshorts #viral

  2. White paper tabled at the parliament by Finance minister. #india

  3. What is white paper? #paper #gk #generalknowledge #oliveboard #shorts #banking #ibpspo #sbipo #viral

  4. WHITE PAPER.. BLACK PAPER

  5. Secret To Writing A Research Paper

  6. White Paper vs Black Paper: Know the Key Differences in Detail

COMMENTS

  1. White papers, working papers, preprints: What's the difference?

    Media 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. by Denise-Marie Ordway | February 25, 2022 | coronavirus, peer review, preprints (Pixabay) Republish This Article

  2. 3 Key Differences Between White Papers and Scientific Papers

    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.

  3. Research paper vs white paper: how are they 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.

  4. Writing a White Paper

    A white paper is a deeply researched report on a specific topic that presents a solution to a problem within an industry. It is usually written by a company to illustrate their knowledge and expertise through facts and evidence; however, it should not advertise or endorse a company's product. Why write a white paper?

  5. White paper

    White paper. A white paper is a report or guide that informs readers concisely about a complex issue and presents the issuing body's philosophy on the matter. It is meant to help readers understand an issue, solve a problem, or make a decision. A white paper is the first document researchers should read to better understand a core concept or idea.

  6. Writing Policy Briefs and White Papers

    A white paper is a document used to inform readers on a particular topic/issue with the intention of using authoritative knowledge and research to argue for a specific solution. Standard format of a white paper Abstract - overview of main points Problem Statement - explicitly states the issue the paper will address

  7. What Is a White Paper? Types, Purpose, and How To Write One

    A white paper can communicate an organization's philosophy or present research findings related to an industry. Types of White Papers A startup, large corporation, or government agency will...

  8. What is the Difference Between White Papers and Research Papers?

    Definition 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.

  9. What Is a White Paper? Definition, Uses and Best Practices

    There are several more key differences between a white paper and a research paper, including: White papers One of the main differences between a white paper and other research papers is that a white paper will present problems and proposed solutions in a persuasive manner.

  10. LibGuides: White Paper Style Guide: When to Use a Whitepaper

    A white paper is a research-based report which offers a focused description of a complex topic and presents the point of view of the author or body represented by the author. The purpose of a white paper is to give readers understanding of an issue, which in turn helps them solve a problem or make a decision. The term originated in Britain, where it refers to a type of government issued document.

  11. What Is a White Paper? Types, Examples and How to Create One

    A white paper is an authoritative, research-based document that presents information, expert analysis and an organization or author's insight into a topic or solution to a problem. Companies or vendors use these papers in business-to-business ( B2B) marketing models as part of a content marketing strategy. In these contexts, white papers are ...

  12. How to Write and Format a White Paper: The Definitive Guide

    1. Title (accurate but enticing) 2. Abstract (including the Problem Statement) 3. Background (may be detailed and technical or broad and high-level, depending on audience) 4. Solution (the 'ta-da' moment of the white paper) 5. Conclusion (the summary of findings) 6. References (using correct industry format) What is a white paper?

  13. White Paper: Purpose and Audience

    Corporations use white papers to sell information or new products as solutions that would serve their customers' needs. The Purpose of a White Paper. Typically, the purpose of a white paper is to advocate that a certain position is the best way to go or that a certain solution is best for a particular problem.

  14. PDF Guidance for Preparing White Papers and Proposals

    White Papers are used to present possible research projects to Program Officers to see if there is any interest in, or possibility of, funding a specific research project. They include a statement of the technical problem, the possible military benefit, a proposed approach to a solution and a brief statement of the yearly costs.

  15. Difference In White Papers, Working Papers, Research Articles

    Distinction #1: The Author Business white papers are written by an organization's in-house staff or by an independent writer under contract by research paper writing services. The writer meets with the showcasing team to examine the data to be exhibited, to decide an edge, and set parameters on actualities and informing.

  16. PDF OR CONCEPT PAPER

    A pre-proposal or white paper is. a concise, authoritative document that presents a summary of the proposed research, methodology, team, and an estimated budget. Unlike proposals, which include more extensive information, white papers offer a brief overview of. a research project in a way that explores why it would be important to a funder.

  17. What is a whitepaper? And how to write one

    A whitepaper is a sales and marketing document written as an authoritative report to educate and inform potential customers. It discusses, in-depth, a potential solution to the prospect's problem, or pain point, where your product or service is an obvious solution. By incorporating research, studies, surveys, and other data to support the ...

  18. Grey Literature & White Papers

    "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.

  19. Researching the White Paper

    The research you do for your white paper will require that you identify a specific problem, seek popular culture sources to help define the problem, its history, its significance and impact for people affected by it. You will then delve into academic and grey literature to learn about the way scholars and others with professional expertise ...

  20. What is a white paper and how to write it with examples

    A white paper is an academic report that targets a niche audience of specialists and presents new research. The other difference is the objective. The purpose of a white paper is to educate the audience and highlight the brand's value proposition. Ebooks are also more informative and comprehensive.

  21. Unveiling the Distinction: White Papers vs. Technical Reports

    In the world of academia, research, and industry, two common forms of documentation stand out: white papers and technical reports. Both serve essential roles in conveying information and ideas, but they differ significantly in purpose, audience, structure, and content.

  22. Whitepaper vs. Article

    What's the difference? The difference between an article and a whitepaper mainly boils down to length and level of detail. An article is supposed to provide an overview of a topic and is usually a page or two. A whitepaper is longer and covers a topic in more detail. It gives an in-depth view, and can often include more research.

  23. Case Study vs. White Paper: What's the Difference?

    According to our State of Marketing to Engineers Research Report, white papers and case studies are viewed as highly valuable when it comes to researching engineering trends, technologies and products/services. What form (s) of content do you find most valuable when researching to make a significant work-related purchase?

  24. Black women are six times more likely to be killed than white women

    The paper included a decade's worth of data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention among Black women ages 25 to 44 across 30 states. IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience ...

  25. Stanford Medicine study identifies distinct brain organization patterns

    A new study by Stanford Medicine investigators unveils a new artificial intelligence model that was more than 90% successful at determining whether scans of brain activity came from a woman or a man.. The findings, published Feb. 20 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, help resolve a long-term controversy about whether reliable sex differences exist in the human brain and ...

  26. V-JEPA: The next step toward advanced machine intelligence

    V-JEPA is a non-generative model that learns by predicting missing or masked parts of a video in an abstract representation space. This is similar to how our Image Joint Embedding Predictive Architecture (I-JEPA) compares abstract representations of images (rather than comparing the pixels themselves). Unlike generative approaches that try to fill in every missing pixel, V-JEPA has the ...