Week 15 Writing Concept Paper

Week 15
Writing Concept Paper

At the end of the lesson, you shall have:

• defined a concept paper and identified its essential components
• explained the tips of writing concept paper; and
• created a two to three-page concept paper for hypothetical research

Did you know that some of the most revolutionary ideas in history were
initiated with a basic concept paper? The influence of well-crafted concept papers
is immeasurable, from scientific breakthroughs to innovative inventions.

In academia and research, concept papers are of paramount importance as a

precursor to a comprehensive research proposal. It is imperative for any researcher
who intends to establish a foundation for their investigation to comprehend the
nuances and importance of a concept paper.

What is a concept paper?

A concept paper can be defined as a concise document which outlines the

fundamental aspects of a grant proposal. It outlines the initial ideas, objectives,
and theoretical framework of a proposed research project. It is usually a two to
three-page long overview of the proposal. It acts as a roadmap, providing clarity
and coherence in research direction.

A concept paper, which is also referred to as a research proposal, is a document

that can be submitted to investors to secure funding or to a student's supervisor
prior to the commencement of a research project. Through the review of a
student's concept paper, an academic supervisor can evaluate the feasibility of the
project and, if necessary, suggest modifications that the student can make to make
it more realistic or valuable. Similarly, prospective investors can determine whether
the project is a project they would like to support. Undeveloped or unrealistic
projects may be terminated at the concept paper stage.

What are the key elements of a concept paper?

Writing an effective concept paper in academic research requires a clear

understanding of essential components. It is important to remember that each
funding agency or institution may have its own template, so it is strategic to follow
their specific guidelines. However, concept papers typically include the following
common elements: title page, background, literature review, problem statement,
methodology, timeline, and references.

1. Title. A concept paper’s title should directly express the paper’s

content. Think of it as a preview for the reader. The title can be the
question the proposed project aims to answer, or it can be a short
statement that summarizes the paper. It also contains the applicants or

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 Week 15 Writing Concept Paper

proponent’s name, institution and contact details such as email address

and contact number.

2. Background and Rationale. The structure of a background and

rationale of the study in a concept paper generally follows a logical
sequence to provide context, justification, and an understanding of the
research problem. It includes an introduction, general background,
literature review, rationale, objectives, scope and limitations,
significance of the study and the research hypothesis. Following the
structure can provide a comprehensive and well-organized background
for your research.

3. Problem Statement. A research problem statement is a clear,

concise, and specific statement that describes the issue or problem that
the research project addresses. It should be written in a way that is
easily understandable to both experts and non-experts in the field.

4. Methodology. It describes research design (quantitative or qualitative,

or mixed method), study locale, sampling method, participants, data
analysis, data gathering methods such as survey, case studies,
experiments, interviews, observations, and others. This section should
also include any ethical concerns that could arise during the research
period.

5. Potential Impact. This section should highlight the potential impact

of your research. Reinforce the funder's final impression by emphasizing
the project's importance and alignment with their mission and funding
priorities. Clearly explain who will benefit from your research and how
the results will affect them.

6. Support. In general terms (not detailed), state the resources you will
need to carry out the project. It contains either (1) an outline of the
main budget categories for the requested project support or (2) a single
bottom-line amount of the request and a brief discussion/narrative of
how that amount will be used. Some concept papers may not even
include an amount requested.

7. Timeline. This includes the well-defined timeline estimate for the

project, specifying the duration of in months and years. You may use
Gantt Chart to present the project timeline.

8. References: This section presents a comprehensive list of the

references cited in the concept paper. The citation style may vary—such
as APA, MLA, or others—depending on the required format.

A well-structured concept paper integrates these elements to present a clear

and comprehensive overview of the proposed research, demonstrating a strong
understanding of the subject matter and outlining a structured plan for its
execution. The above is a suggested general outline for a concept paper.
Ultimately, if a given funder provides a specific template or format, the applicant
must use the prescribed structure.

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 Week 15 Writing Concept Paper

Tips for writing a concept paper

Write to your audience

A concept paper is an academic piece of writing; therefore, it is imperative to

maintain a professional demeanor. Refrain from employing colloquialisms,
vernacular, and other forms of conversational language. The tone and manner of
your concept paper should be consistent with that of your corresponding research
paper.

Your concept paper should be written in accordance with the reader's level of
familiarity with the subject matter. For instance, if you are proposing an IT project
and your intended audience is the chief of your university's IT department, you
may employ technical jargon that is comprehensible to them. If the intended
audience is a non-technical individual, it is important to avoid using jargon and to
ensure that all vocabulary terms that may be unfamiliar to them are defined. You
can increase the probability of your project being approved by ensuring that your
reader comprehends your concept paper.

Use an engaging, accurate title

In the same way that a clear, captivating subject line increases the probability
of a recipient reading an email, an engaging title increases the probability of your
reader not only reading your concept paper but also comprehending it. Select a
title that is accurately reflective of the content of your paper and is concise, typically
containing fewer than 15 words. Your reader should not be taken aback by the
proposed research after reading the title of your paper.

Keep it to an appropriate length

Two to three pages is typically the appropriate length for a concept paper that
is being written for an undergraduate, master's, or doctoral assignment. There is
no need to concern yourself with the specifics of your investigation; a high-level
summary is adequate.

Academic concept papers may be shorter than those intended to attract

investment capital.

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 Week 15 Writing Concept Paper

In-class Task

Instructions:

Read each statement carefully. If the statement is correct based on the

information about concept papers, write True. If the statement is incorrect,
write False.

1. A concept paper is a lengthy document, usually around 10-15 pages long,

outlining the full details of a research proposal.

2. One of the purposes of a concept paper is to provide an overview of a

proposed project in order to secure funding or approval from an academic
supervisor.

3. A well-written concept paper should follow a logical structure, including

elements like a problem statement, background, and methodology.

4. The title of a concept paper does not need to reflect the content accurately
as long as it is engaging and interesting.

5. The methodology section of a concept paper should describe the research

design, data collection methods, and potential ethical concerns.

6. The concept paper must include a detailed and specific budget to secure
funding.

7. The problem statement in a concept paper should be complex and filled with
technical jargon to impress expert readers.

8. A concept paper is typically written using informal language and

conversational tone to make it more relatable to the readers.

9. The timeline section of a concept paper outlines the estimated duration of the
research project and may use a Gantt Chart for clarity.

10. The references section of a concept paper includes a list of the sources cited,
formatted according to the required citation style.

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 Week 15 Writing Concept Paper

Activity: Writing a Concept Paper

Instructions:

1. Form groups of five members. Each group will collaborate to create a

concept paper based on a research topic of your choice. The topic can be
related to your field of study or a social issue that you are passionate about.
Make sure your chosen topic is manageable within the scope of a concept
paper.

2. Follow the steps below to complete your concept paper:

o Step 1: Title and Introduction
Choose an engaging title that reflects your paper's content. In your
introduction, give an overview of your research idea and provide
context.
o Step 2: Background and Rationale
Include relevant information about the research problem, the current
situation, and a brief literature review. Justify why this research is
necessary.
o Step 3: Problem Statement
Clearly state the problem your research will address. Make sure the
problem is specific, relevant, and manageable.
o Step 4: Methodology
Describe the research design (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed), data
collection methods, study participants, and any ethical considerations.
o Step 5: Potential Impact
Highlight how your research will benefit others and the potential
impact it may have on the field or community.
o Step 6: Support
Briefly mention the resources (e.g., equipment, funding, personnel)
required for your project.
o Step 7: Timeline
Create a timeline for completing your research. You may present this
in a Gantt Chart or simply list the major stages and their estimated
durations.
o Step 8: References
List the sources you cited, using an APA 7th edition.

3. Consider the following guidelines:

o Font: Arial
o Size: 12pt
o Alignment: Justified
o Paragraph Spacing: Double
o Paper Size: A4
o Length: 2-3 pages

4. Submission: Submit the final concept paper following the submission

instructions set by your instructor.
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 Week 15 Writing Concept Paper

Rubric:
Criteria High (3) Average (2) Low (1) None (0)
Topic / Focus The topic is focused The topic is focused but The topic is too broad The writing is totally out
(5%) narrowly lack direction. for the scope of this of the scope of the
enough for the scope of assignment. assignment.
this assignment.
Integration of Knowledge The paper The paper demonstrates The paper demonstrates The paper fails to
(25%) demonstrates that the that the author for the most that the author to a demonstrate the
author fully part understands and has limited extent concepts learned in the
understands and has applied concepts learned in understands and has course.
applied concepts the course. Some of the applied concepts
learned in the course. conclusions, however, are learned in the course.
The author provides not supported in the body of
concluding remarks the paper.
that show analysis and
synthesis of ideas.
Cohesiveness Paper flows from one Paper flows with only Paper does not flow - Paper does not flow and
(20%) issue to the next. some disjointedness. disjointedness is appears to be created
Author's writing Author's writing apparent. Author's from disparate issues.
demonstrates an demonstrates an writing does not Writing does not
understanding of the understanding of demonstrate an demonstrate any
relationship the relationship among understanding of relationships between
among materials materials obtained from all the relationship among sources.
obtained from all sources. material obtained from
sources. all sources.
Depth Of Discussion In-depth discussion and In-depth discussion and Cursory discussion in a The writer has omitted
(20%) elaboration elaboration few pertinent
in all sections of the in a few sections of the paper. sections. content excessively.
paper.
Mechanics Writing is clear, Writing is mostly clear, Writing is unclear Writing is unclear and
(10%) concise, and well concise, and well organized and/or disorganized. disorganized. There are
organized with with good There are not more numerous spelling,
excellent sentence/paragraph than five spelling, grammar, or syntax
sentence/paragraph construction. There are no grammar, or syntax errors throughout the
construction. No more than three spelling, errors per page of writing.
spelling, grammar, grammar, or syntax errors writing.
or syntax errors per per page of writing.
page of writing.
Sources Use more than 5 Use 5 current sources of Use fewer than 5 current No current sources of
(10%) current sources of which at least 2 are peer- sources at which fewer peer-reviewed journal
which at least 3 are reviewed journal articles than 2 are peer- articles or scholarly
peer-reviewed journal or scholarly books. reviewed journal articles books.
articles or scholarly or scholarly books.
books.
Citations APA citation style is APA citation style is used in Citation style is Citation style is incorrect
(10%) used in both text and both text and not in inconsistent.
bibliography. bibliography.

Source: 2014 PG Assessment for Learning Handbook Faculty of Education UTM

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 Week 15 Writing Concept Paper

References:

Kramer, L. (2023, August 28). How to write a concept paper in 7 steps |

Grammarly. How to Write a Concept Paper in 7 Steps | Grammarly.
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/academic-writing/concept-paper/

Nair, A. (2024, March 7). Concept papers in research: deciphering the

blueprint of brilliance. Enago Academy.
https://www.enago.com/academy/writing-a-conceptpaper/

Singh, S. (2024, September 13). How to write a concept paper effectively.

Editage Insights. https://www.editage.com/insights/how-to-write-a
concept-paper-effectively

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