Concept Paper

Definition

• Refers to a critical and concise summary of a research project that reflects the interest and issues relevant to a particular academic field or study.
• Breaks down ideas into parts to provide a collective understanding of a concept, conveying its essence and explaining it.
• Outlines the initial ideas, objectives, and theoretical framework of a proposed research project.
• Typically consists of two to three pages that offer an overview of the proposal.
• May also serve to summarize a project, highlight its importance, and explain how it will be executed.

Purposes of a Concept Paper

• Serves as the foundation of a full proposal.
• Determines whether a proposed project is feasible or not.
• Helps attract the interest of a potential funding agency or client.
• Allows for informal feedback on the ideas before drafting a full proposal.

Explaining a Concept

Definition

A method of identifying a given term and making its meaning clearer. Its primary purpose is to clarify and explain concepts, ideas, and issues.

Types of Definition

1. Formal Definition

• Species – The specific term being defined.
• Genus – The general class to which the species belongs.
• Differentia – The distinguishing characteristics of the species from other members of the genus.

Examples:

• Tree (Species) – A plant (Genus) that is tall, has thick wooden stem, and has many large branches (Differentia).
• Vitamin E (Species) – A light yellow, fat-soluble vitamin (Genus) that acts as an anti-oxidant (Differentia).
• Oxygen – A chemical element (Genus) that is colorless, odorless, and essential for respiration (Differentia).

2. Informal Definition

Provides an operational definition or explains how a term is used in a particular context.

Examples:

• Tree – Provides shade, fresh air, and sometimes fruits or flowers.
• Vitamin E – Found naturally in vegetable oil, fish, and nuts.
• Man – Someone with larger and more robust bones and joint surfaces.

3. Extended Definition

Defines profound and abstract concepts using:

• Analogies
• Metaphors
• Comparison and Contrast
• Descriptions
• Analysis
• Function
• Etymology

Examples:

• Democracy – Contrasts with a monarchy where power is held by one person or an oligarchy where power is held by a few individuals.
• Love – An intense emotional and psychological state characterized by deep affection and care.
• Hatred – An intense emotional state marked by strong hostility and resentment.

4. Clarification

A method of explaining concepts by starting with a general and abstract idea, then breaking it down into specific and concrete examples.

Example:

Justice is a broad concept that can refer to the sentencing of criminals based on due process or informal justice in social contexts.

5. Explication

A method of explaining sentences, quotes, or literary passages in a detailed manner.

Example:

“I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
The speaker chose a less common or less popular path in life, which significantly shaped their experiences.