English for Academic and Professional Purposes

Concept Paper

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Concept Paper
Writing a Concept Paper
Another way to evaluate your idea is to write a concept paper: a 2- 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.
How do you write a concept paper?
A concept paper must have at least the following elements and in the following
order:
1. A Rationale
a. What prompted you to prepare the concept paper?
b. Why is the issue of such importance?
c. 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:
a. How are the variables related?
b. Does one variable affect another?
c. Are they related at all?
A quick review of relevant and updated literature will help you identify
which variables really matter.
Considerations in Selecting a Topic
Personal interest/ passion
Importance/ contribution to the field
Newness/ relevance
Feasibility: time constraints, availability of subject, ethical constraints,
organizational support

English for Academic and Professional Purposes

Concept Paper

Instructions for Writing a Concept Paper

1. Write a clear and succinct purpose statement. Your purpose statement should
be direct, clear and detailed. Include what you are requesting (fund, approval,
equipment), 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. Including anticipated
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-conceptpaper-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-conceptpaper/