CONCEPT PAPER

FORMAT and
CONCEPT DEFENSE
MECHANICS
GARRY C. CACHUELA, PhD
Course Facilitator, CRIM 217 & CRIM 218
CONCEPT PAPER FORMAT

 The concept paper should not exceed 30 pages.

 The format is like a research proposal with

minimal review of literature.
FOR QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

 The Title-
 One main title and two alternative titles of the same
concept paper approved by the research professor.
 This is the first page of the concept paper with the name
of the author/s.
FOR QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

 EXAMPLE
 Main title: Academic Stress and Performance of
Criminology Students
 Alternative titles:
 Academic Stress and Coping Mechanisms of Criminology
Students
 Academic Stress, Coping Mechanisms, and Performance of
Criminology Students
FOR QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Chapter 1
Introduction to the Study
Background and Theoretical Framework of the Study
presents the overview of the study
justifies the need for the current study and provides the foundation
of the study
the theoretical framework of the study shows the theoretical bases
for the study and related views in which the study was anchored
(choose at least one theory)
must not be more than 3 pages
FOR QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Chapter 1
Introduction to the Study

Conceptual Framework
includes the research paradigm and its
corresponding discussion
FOR QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Chapter 1
Introduction to the Study
Statement of the Problem
states the general and specific objectives of the study
Research Hypothesis/Hypotheses (if there is)
states the hypothesis/hypotheses to be tested
FOR QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Chapter 1
Introduction to the Study
Definition of Terms
gives the conceptual and operational meanings of key
terms used in the study
Significance of the Study
explains the importance of the study and identifies those
who might benefit from the findings
FOR QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Chapter 1
Introduction to the Study

Delimitation of the Study

sets the limit and scope of the study in terms of
variables, data-gathering instrument, statistical tools
to be used, etc.
 Chapter 1
Introduction to the Study

Background and Theoretical Framework of the Study

Conceptual Framework
Statement of the Problem
Research Hypothesis/Hypotheses
Definition of Terms
Significance of the Study
Delimitation of the Study
 Chapter 2
Review of Related Literature

 explains the concept being investigated, perhaps

elucidate on the variables or factors that relate to
this concept
 Usually 5-10 pages only.
FOR QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Chapter 3
Research Design and Methodology

Research Design
includes the discussion of the research design which
guides the collection, measurement, and analysis of data
FOR QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Chapter 3
Research Design and Methodology

Methodology
presents the place or setting of the study (as appropriate),
description of the participants, research instruments to be
used, complete procedures on how to gather the data and
statistical treatment to be applied in the study
 Chapter 3
Research Design and Methodology

 Research Design
 Methodology
 Setting of the Study (as appropriate)
 Respondents/Participants of the Study
 Research Instruments
 Data Gathering Procedure
 Statistical Tools
References (DO NOT FORGET!)

Use American Psychological

Association (APA) Format (7th
Edition)
FOR QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

 The Title-
 One main title and two alternative titles of the same
concept paper approved by the research professor.
 This is the first page of the concept paper with the name
of the author/s.
FOR QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

 EXAMPLE
 Main title: "How Can I Learn At Home?”: The Experiences of
Criminology Students Learning in the New Normal
 Alternative titles:
 Criminology Students’ Experiences of Academic Struggles in
the New Normal
 Academic Struggles of Criminology Students Learning At
Home
FOR QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Chapter 1
Introduction to the Study

Background of the Study

 presents the overview of the study
 justifies the need for the current study and provides the
foundation of the study
 must not be more than 3 pages
FOR QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Chapter 1
Introduction to the Study

Theoretical and Epistemological Research Perspective

 presents the theory of knowledge embedded in the theoretical
research perspective and thereby in the methodology
 discusses the philosophical stance informing the
methodology and thus providing a context for the process
and grounding its logic and criteria
FOR QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Chapter 1
Introduction to the Study
Statement of the Problem
 states the general and specific objectives of the study
Assumptions of the Study
 consists of postulated premise that is accepted to be true
based on the theoretical framework and the worldviews of
the author
FOR QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Chapter 1
Introduction to the Study
Definition of Terms
gives the conceptual and operational meanings of key
terms used in the study
Significance of the Study
explains the importance of the study and identifies those
who might benefit from the findings
 Chapter 1
Introduction to the Study

Background of the Study

Epistemological and Theoretical Research Perspective
Statement of the Problem
Assumptions of the Study
Definition of Terms
Significance of the Study
 Chapter 2
Review of Related Literature

 explains the concept being investigated, perhaps

elucidate on the variables or factors that relate to
this concept
 Usually 5-10 pages only.
FOR QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Chapter 3
Methodology

Methodological Perspective
 shows the specific methodology used in the study
FOR QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Chapter 3
Methodology

Context of the study (as appropriate)

 presents the place or setting of the study, and the data sources
as well as the description of the participants
Data Analysis
 discusses the complete procedures on how to analyze the data
and present the findings of the study
FOR QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Chapter 3
Methodology

The Role of the Researcher

 discusses the position and task of the researcher in the conduct of the
study
Ethical Considerations
 provides a brief a brief idea how ethical concerns regarding the
process of obtaining participation of key informants as data source
were secured
 Chapter 3
Methodology

 Methodological Perspective
 Context of the Study (as appropriate)
 Data Analysis
 The Role of the Researcher
 Ethical Considerations
References (DO NOT FORGET!)

Use American Psychological

Association (APA) Format (7th
Edition)
FORMAT

QUANTITATIVE QUALITATIVE
Title Page
Main Title Main Title
(1) Alternative Title (1) Alternative Title
(2) Alternative Title (2) Alternative Title
Name of Authors Name of Authors
Date Date
 FORMAT
QUANTITATIVE
Chapter 1- Introduction to the Study
Background and Theoretical Framework
of the Study
Conceptual Framework
Statement of the Problem
Research Hypothesis/
Hypotheses (if there is)
Definition of Terms
Significance of the Study
Delimitation of the Study
QUALITATIVE
Background of the Study
Epistemological and Theoretical
Research Perspective
Statement of the Problem
Assumptions of the Study
Definition of Terms
Significance of the Study
 FORMAT
QUANTITATIVE
Chapter 2- Review of Related Literatures
Theme 1: Academic Stress of College
Students
Theme 2: Coping Strategies of Students
Theme 2: Academic Performance of
Students in the New Normal
Summary
QUALITATIVE
Theme 1: Academic Stress of College
Students
Theme 2: Coping Strategies of Students
Theme 2: Academic Performance of
Students in the New Normal
Summary
 FORMAT
QUANTITATIVE QUALITATIVE
Chapter 3- Research Design and Methodology Chapter 3- Methodology
Research Design Methodological Perspective

Methodology Context of the study (as

- Setting of the Study (as appropriate) appropriate)
- Respondents/ Participants of the Study
- Research Instrument
- Data Gathering Procedure
Statistical Tools/ Statistical Treatment Data Analysis
The Role of the Researcher
Ethical Considerations
 FORMAT

 Follow the prescribed format by the college. Parts may vary

depending on the methodology used in the study.
 The paper size to be used is 8.5”x11” (short-sized bond
paper).
 The font style is TAHOMA with size 11 and 1-inch margin on
all sides except on the left side with 1.5-inch margin.
 Follow the latest APA format for in-text citation and
references.
CONCEPT DEFENSE MECHANICS

 The choice of the adviser must be done prior to the defense. The
student/s will choose their adviser in consultation with the research
professor and the dean considering the expertise, research work and
number of advisees.
 The concept paper (if possible, soft bound) must be submitted to the
research teacher 5 working days before the defense.
CONCEPT DEFENSE MECHANICS

 The defense is face to face.

 The presentation is good for 5 minutes and 5-10 minutes for question
and answer.
 Each group must identify their presenter/s, technician/s (who will
manage the presentation/ recording), and secretary (who will record
the comments and suggestions of the panel).
CONCEPT DEFENSE MECHANICS

Comments, Suggestions, and Recommendations of the panel

members will be done after the presentation of each group
and must be recorded by the defense facilitator and the
chosen secretary of each group.
Guidelines for Presentation

 Start presentations with titles and your name(s) as

researcher(s), with picture
 Use one main idea per slide (maximum of 6-8
bullets with a maximum of 6-8 words per bullet).
Guidelines for Presentation

 Use same font throughout, or a maximum of two

font types.
 Use large font size, not less than 24 point.
 Avoid over-use of animation.
Happy Researching!!!