EAPP-MELCs - L8 - What is a Concept Paper_ - v2024.pdf

KASIGLAHAN VILLAGE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ABM HUMSS STEM TVL-ICT | 2024-2025 Midterm Period (Week 6, Session 21)...

KASIGLAHAN VILLAGE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ABM HUMSS STEM TVL-ICT | 2024-2025 Midterm Period (Week 6, Session 21) Lesson 8: WHAT IS A CONCEPT PAPER? ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES Content Standard: The learner understands the principles and uses of a concept paper. Competencies: - Understands the principles and uses of a concept paper - Produces a well-balanced concept paper in a specific discipline WHAT IS A CONCEPT PAPER? A concept paper is what one needs to write first before beginning to write a research paper. It is for this reason that a concept paper is also referred to as a “research proposal.” By definition, a concept paper is a short academic paper that explains a research a writer is planning to delve into and conduct. Concept papers make clear of the different aspects of one’s intended research. You need to demonstrate why your proposal is worthwhile. Why it is “research-worthy” by going over the following: - research goals (background and purpose of your research) - research questions (title and research questions to be answered) - research design (RRLs, theories and how the research will be carried out) - research methodology (how data will be collected, what questions to be asked and answered) In physical terms, concept papers may go from a two-three pages to something like above 20 pages or so, where one concisely explains a proposed research project. The length of your concept paper largely depends on the scope, intentions and/or what the research is going to be for. As mentioned earlier above, a concept paper is also known as a research proposal. These may be submitted to investors to secure funding, or a student may submit one to their supervisor before starting a research project. Through reading a student’s concept paper, an academic supervisor can assess their project’s feasibility and, if necessary, suggest adjustments the student can make to improve their project so it’s more realistic or valuable. Similarly, prospective investors can decide whether a project is something they’d like to support. Undeveloped or unrealistic projects can end at the concept paper stage. HOW IS A CONCEPT PAPER DIFFERENT FROM A RESEARCH PAPER? While a concept paper introduces a proposed research project by outlining its purpose, process, and goals, a research paper discusses a completed project in detail. KASIGLAHAN VILLAGE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL [email protected] OR [email protected] / (02) 8296-1534 https://facebook.com/KasiglahanVillageSHS Phase 1K2, Kasiglahan Village, Brgy. San Jose, Rodriguez, Rizal COMPILED AND PREPARED BY: MARLON M. DELA ROSA, KVSHS HUMSS TEACHER - v. 2024  KASIGLAHAN VILLAGE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ABM HUMSS STEM TVL-ICT | 2024-2025 SEVEN (7) STEPS IN WRITING A CONCEPT PAPER 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. 2 Introduction In the introduction section, provide an overview of your research project. This should include a short overview of the current state of your research area and existing gaps in this area. After explaining these, state which of these knowledge gaps you aim to fill with your research. This section should also mention any contradictory theories regarding the questions you aim to answer. 3 Statement of the Problem Your concept paper’s introduction should also include a problem statement/thesis statement. This is a sentence or two that concisely states your research purpose in an engaging way. Remember, the goal is to get your project approved — so your mission statement should communicate why the reader’s approval will benefit your field. 4 Research Questions Your concept paper also needs to address the reason why you’re conducting the specific research you’ve planned. This part, along with the following two sections, are sometimes grouped together as a concept paper’s project description. In this section, cover the following: The reason why your research is important The questions you aim to answer through your research 5 Research Methodology A concept paper also needs to discuss the methodology you plan to use while conducting your research. This is the strategy or strategies you will use to collect data, such as: Surveys Experiments Case Studies Interviews Observations This section should also include any ethical concerns that could arise during the research period. KASIGLAHAN VILLAGE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL [email protected] OR [email protected] / (02) 8296-1534 https://facebook.com/KasiglahanVillageSHS Phase 1K2, Kasiglahan Village, Brgy. San Jose, Rodriguez, Rizal COMPILED AND PREPARED BY: MARLON M. DELA ROSA, KVSHS HUMSS TEACHER - v. 2024  KASIGLAHAN VILLAGE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ABM HUMSS STEM TVL-ICT | 2024-2025 6 Research Progress Flow and Timeline After describing your proposed methodology, write a section that discusses exactly how you’ll conduct your research using these methods. Be as specific as possible—if you plan to utilize resources like specialized equipment or collaborate with an expert in your field, include this information in this section. In this section, outline how long you expect the research to take and note the specific milestones you plan to hit during that time frame. This section should also discuss your research’s potential impact. Discuss who your research and results will impact and how it will impact them. For example, you might conduct a study on undergraduate sleep schedules and publish a paper that supports campus-wide policy changes that promote healthy sleep cycles for students who live on campus. 7 Research Support A concept paper also needs to include a section that addresses the project’s budget. The section should explain the overall cost and break it down into individual expenses so readers can see exactly how the money will be spent. TIPS FOR WRITING A CONCEPT PAPER 1. Write to your Audience. A concept paper is a piece of academic writing, so use a professional tone. Avoid colloquialisms, slang, and other conversational language. Your concept paper should use the same tone and style as your accompanying research paper. Write according to your reader’s familiarity with the subject of your concept paper. For example, if you’re proposing an IT project and your intended reader is the head of your university’s IT department, you can use technical jargon they will understand. If the intended reader is somebody in a non- technical role, avoid jargon and make sure you define every vocabulary word that might not be familiar to them. By ensuring your reader understands your concept paper, you increase the likelihood of them approving your project. 2. Use an Engaging, Accurate Title. Just like a clear, intriguing subject line increases the likelihood of a recipient reading an email, an engaging title increases the likelihood of your reader not only reading your concept paper but understanding it. Choose a title that’s concise (fewer than 15 words or so) and accurately reflects your paper’s content. After reading your paper’s title, your reader should not be surprised by your proposed research. 3. Keep it to an Appropriate Length. If you’re a student writing a concept paper for an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral project, two to three pages is generally the right length for your concept paper. Don’t worry about getting too detailed about the specifics of your research; a high-level overview is sufficient. KASIGLAHAN VILLAGE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL [email protected] OR [email protected] / (02) 8296-1534 https://facebook.com/KasiglahanVillageSHS Phase 1K2, Kasiglahan Village, Brgy. San Jose, Rodriguez, Rizal COMPILED AND PREPARED BY: MARLON M. DELA ROSA, KVSHS HUMSS TEACHER - v. 2024