to 5-page overview of the problem you want to address, the solution you are proposing, and the rationale for choosing both the problem and solution. The paper can be used as a starting point for discussions about the topic, serve as the basis for a source search of potential funding agencies, or be included in a query letter to a foundation to create interest in your proposal. Concept paper is only four or five pages long and focuses on the visualization and expression of the basic ideas that should drive the project. It serves as a prelude to a full paper. The
full paper may be a thesis, a program, a
project, or anything that will require a longer time to prepare. It is an embodiment of your ideas on a certain topic or item of interest. Elements of a concept Paper:
1. A Rationale What prompted you to prepare the concept paper? Why is the issue of such importance? What should you be able to produce
out of your intended study?
2. A Conceptual Framework It is simply your guide in working on your idea. It is like a map that you need to follow to arrive at your destination. A mind map is simply a list of keywords that you can connect to make clear an individual issue. It is our subconscious way of analyzing things. This relates to how we recall past experiences. Mind mapping have to come up with a word, for example, that will help you start off. You can begin with an issue on computers and from there, generate other ideas that connect with the previous one. 3. Your Hypothesis A hypothesis is just your expected output in the course of conducting your study. it arises from the conceptual framework that you have prepared. Ask the following questions: ◦ How are the variables related? ◦ Does one variable affect another? ◦ Are they related at all? A quick review of relevant and updated literature will help you identify which variables really matter. Personal interest/ passion Importance/ contribution to the field Newness/ relevance Feasibility: time constraints, availability of subject, ethical constraints, organizational support 1.Write a clear and succinct purpose statement. Your purpose statement should be direct, clear and detailed. What problem you are attempting to solve and what benefits you expect. 2.Show your knowledge of the funding organization in the introduction. Let the agency know that you understand the types of project they fund and their overall mission. Then tell them why your particular project is a good match with their vision. 3.Illustrate the need for solving this problem. In this section of your paper, provide information about what has been done in the past to try to correct the problem or address the issue. 4.Describe exactly your procedures for accomplishing the task. If your project is a study, include methods of research and gathering data. 5. Explain what you need from the organization and why. Includinganticipated budgets, estimated costs of operation and upstart, equipment, supplies and training will demonstrate that you are knowledgeable in all aspects of the potential project and its implementation. 6. Link your theory to practice. Relate to your audience the connections between your ideas, your plans and your expected outcomes. 7.Emphasize the benefits of the project. End your proposal by revisiting the benefits to the organization. Sources: Jens, S. (n.d.). Instructions for writing a concept paper. Synonym. Retrieved on 9 August 2016 from http://classroom.synonym.com/instructions-writing- concept-paper-4339.html Lang, T.A. (n.d.). How to write, publish, and present in the health sciences: a guide for clinicians & laboratory researchers. USA: ACP Press. Regoniel, P.A. (2012 October 31). How to write a concept paper. Retrieved on 9 August 2016 from http://simplyeducate.me/2012/10/31/how-to-write -a-concept-paper/