A research proposal is a document that outlines the plan for a research project, including the research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It is typically submitted to a funding agency or academic institution for approval before the research is carried out.
In contrast, a research paper is a written document that presents the findings of a completed research project. It typically includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. The purpose of a research paper is to communicate the research findings to others in the field and to contribute to the existing body of knowledge. While a research proposal outlines the plan for a research project, a research paper presents the actual results of that project.