LESSON 8:

CONCEPT PAPER

What is concept paper?

A concept paper aims to clarify a concept which can be about any
topic from any fields. It can also be a short summary that tells the reader
what the project is, why it is important, and how it will be carried out. Its
aim is to capture the thoughts and ideas while the research proposal captures
the ideas in a structured manner for approval to research. It is not easy to
write a concept paper but with careful study and research, you can create
one. Critiques can be used to carefully analyze a variety of works such as:

Definition identifies a term and sets it apart from all other terms that may be related to it.
Often, definitions begin by mentioning the general class to which a term belongs. Then they
provide specifics to distinguish the term from other members of that class. You can use these
techniques:
1. Formal – follows a patter or equation; term+genus+differentia (differentiating
characteristics)
Example: Technology is the branch of knowledge dealing with
engineering or applied sciences.
2. By synonym – using a word or phrase that shares a meaning with the term being
defined.
Example: Technology – Knowledge, Computers
3. By origin or semantic history
Example: Technology comes from the Greek work tekhnologia.
4. By illustration
Example: Technology involves the use of machineries in every
aspect of work.
5. By function
Example: Technology uses hi-tech machines to get the work done.
6. By analysis – breaking down wholes into parts, aspects to levels and a process into steps)
Example: Technology is defined as the application of scientific
knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.
7. By likeness of similarity
Example: Technology is likened to modern living where robots
exist.
8. By analogy or metaphor
Example: Technology is like a robot that make life easier.
9. By contrast – use of opposites
Example: Unlike the manual work, technology makes work
efficient.
10. By negation – stating what the term is not
Example: Technology is not harmful if used properly.
Explication is the process by which concepts are defined for scientific purposes. "To explicate"
something is, in the most general sense of the term, to spell out its implications. Thus, it
is the process of spelling out the implications of something and derived from this, in turn,
is the sense of "explication" that refers to the product of this process: some account of
what the implications of something are. Explication, in other words, is a kind of
explanation.
Clarification is an analysis of an abstract concept through investigation of examples and the
identification of critical and less critical attributes.
KINDS OF CONCEPT PAPER

There are two kinds of concept paper namely implicit and explicit
concept paper.

1. Implicit – implicit is, “implied or understood though not plainly or

directly expressed.” Something is, therefore, implicit when it is not
directly stated but is either suggested in the wording or necessary to effectuate the
purpose.
Example: Technology caused horrors in some aspects.

2. Explicit – “to fully and clearly express something, leaving nothing implied.”
Something is explicit when it is cleared stated and spelled out and there is no room for
confusion, as in the writing of a contract or statute.
Example: Technology is harmful to us

CONTENTS OF CONCEPT PAPER

❖ A Focused Explanation is a well-written concept paper highlights the subject by

explaining its nature and definition by giving concrete examples that will help the readers
understand the concept better
❖ A Readable Plan is where the organization is vital in any written output and a well-
organized concept paper follows a logical flow. There is a smooth transition from one
sentence to another and from one paragraph to another.
❖ Appropriate Explanatory Strategies are where the paper integrates several ways of
shedding light on the concept. The writer uses a combination of definition, description,
illustration, and /or process analysis, among other ways to explain the concept. Other
methods of paragraph development could also be used to explain a concept

❖ Smooth Integration of Sources are where the writers select reliable and credible sources
that should be cited properly and not plagiarized