A lab report is a document detailing the results of an experiment, while a research paper is a more in-depth discussion of the background, methods, and results of a particular topic. A lab report typically involves summarizing the data collected from experiments and analyses, making observations, and drawing conclusions. Whereas, a research paper typically provides an in-depth analysis of existing research and theories, as well as methods and results of experiments conducted. The language used in a lab report is usually more technical and simpler than that found in a research paper.