Understanding Concept Papers

Concept Paper

• Summarizes a research project
• Helps readers understand the research topic, importance, and process
• Is a concise document, typically 2 to 10+ pages
• Explains the importance of the research

Parts of a Concept Paper

• Title Page: Provides a tentative title, identifies variables and their relationships
• Statement of the Problem: States the research's purpose, introduces the problem and reason for research
• Preliminary Literature Review: Identifies major literature that supports the topic
• Goal Statement: Details the desired outcome of the research
• Research Questions: Provides a preliminary view of investigatory questions based on theory, research, experience, and need
• Abridged Methodology: Outlines how to conduct research and analyze data, ensuring previous goals/objectives align with methods
• Timeline: Presents a realistic timeframe, highlighting key elements for each project stage
• References: Lists cited materials

Visual Aids

• Items/objects visually presenting information like graphs, charts, photos, videos
• Primary function: to improve audience comprehension
• Functions: summarizes, reduces word count, clarifies, maintain audience interest, creates impact

Types of Visual Aids

• PowerPoint: Attaches visual items in slides
• Instructional Writing Boards: Whiteboards and blackboards
• Handouts: Contain important information
• Video Clips: Incorporates motion, images, and audio
• Flipcharts: Large paper sheets on a tripod, used with markers
• Posters: Visuals on Manila paper or cartolina
• Realia: Uses real-life products or artifacts

Creating Visual Aids

• Step 1: Understand the audience and the purpose
• Step 2: Identify the key message or story
• Step 3: Identify key objects/topics
• Step 4: Establish relationships of elements
• Step 5: Organize/sequence
• Step 6: Design

Effective Presentation Guidelines

• Simple, clear background
• Limited use of styles and font sizes
• Use animations only when needed
• Minimum 24pt font size
• Bullets for summarizing points
• Limited text per slide
• Avoid red/green text, as they are not reader-friendly
• One main point per slide

Guidelines for Usage of Images

• Make a link/connection
• Consider size and quality
• Utilize focused image
• Utilize consistent images per slide
• Refrain from using clipart
• Always credit sources
• Avoid unnatural images
• Use visuals to tell the story
• Keep images simple

Graphic Organizers

• Bar Graph: Compares independent variables
• Line Graph: Visualizes value over time
• Pie Chart: Shows proportions and percentages
• Histogram: Distribution of variables
• Matrix Arrangement: Placement of elements
• Timeline: Presents information sequentially
• Flowchart: Shows processes
• Hierarchy: Shows ranked elements
• Mind Map: Connections between big idea and related ideas
• Venn Diagram: Shows similarities and differences
• Jigsaw: Shows how things fit together
• Balance Diagram: Push-pull relationship

Position Paper

• Presents opinion
• Makes a claim
• Supported by arguments and evidence
• Foundation for proposing solutions

Logical Thinking

• Uses rational, systematic steps to make a conclusion
• Achieved through observation, analysis of phenomenon, reactions, and feedback
• Conclusion based on input
• Justifies strategies, actions, and decisions

Objective Expression of Ideas

• Expresses facts as perceived
• Without distortion, feelings, prejudices, or interpretations

Balanced Assignment of Conflicting Ideas

• Shifts from opposing to supporting arguments
• Expresses both arguments and counterarguments

Modes of Reasoning

• Inductive: Specific Examples -> Generalizations
• Deductive: General Statement -> Specific References

Qualities of a Convincing Position Paper

• Contains a defended proposition or statement
• Assesses conflicting opinions
• Takes a firm stand
• Lists arguments in a manner
• Presents factual evidence

Tips for Writing

• Use simple language
• Give each point its paragraph
• Make each paragraph start with a topic sentence
• Proofread for mistakes
• Cite your sources

Situations for a Position Paper

• Social Issues: Issue must be a problem where society recognizes it, goes against general values and can be rectified by joint action.
• Educational, Technological, Media, Relationship, War and Peace, Environmental, and Political Issues

Writing a Position Paper

• A well-defined controversial issue
• Has a clear position
• Supported by convincing argument
• Has a reasonable tone

Writing Steps

• Select a topic you can defend with logic
• Challenge your topic through opposing views
• Collect supporting evidence
• Create an outline to organize
• Develop the above in paper

Parts

• Introduction: Background, importance, thesis
• Body: Counterarguments, arguments
• Conclusion

Argument

• Claims backed by evidence
• Claim: Arguable and may be good, true, or believed
• Reason: Supports claims and answers "why?"
• Evidence: Supports reasons

Survey Report

• Makes recommendations
• Based on analysis of tallied data
• More concise report of survey results

Report Parts

• Title Page, Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Objectives and Background, Methodology, Results, Conclusion and Recommendations, Appendices

Field Report

• Observation and Analysis
• Inform readers about the impact of a person, place, or event

Observation Techniques

• Note Taking, Photography, Audio/Video Recordings, Illustrations

What to Document

• Setting, Objects, Language, Behavior, Events Order, Physical Characteristics, Body Movement

Report Sections

• Introduction, Activities Description, Interpretation/ Analysis, Conclusion/Recommendations, Appendix

Technical Report

• Scientific report
• Describes technical or scientific research
• No peer review
• Non-archival, Free to publish elsewhere

Report Parts

• Title Page, Summary, Contents, Introduction, Body, Conclusions, References, Bibliography, Acknowledgements, Appendices