CREATING THE CONCEPT PAPER FOR A MASTERS THESIS OR

DOCTORAL DISSERTATION
Kitty Kelly Epstein, PhD
Your thinking process is first.
Use your brain to figure out an
issue that matters and what commonsense ideas you have
about it. After you have gone through this thought process,
your write up of the concept paper is likely to have these
elements.

Introduction and Background: This section provides an overview of

the topic area and explains its significance. It may include some
background on you; a quotation that catches the readers attention,
an anecdote, Describe your general topic, explain why it is important,
and what you intend to do.
Brief Literature Review: The brief literature review is a summary of
some of the research that has already been conducted in your area of
interest. This establishes the new contribution that your own work will
make to what is already present in the academic literature. (Use both
your library databases and Google scholar. I recommend ProQuest
Research. Do not confine yourself to narrow searches. In education,
for example, you will find many important articles in economics,
sociology, history, and other journals
Statement of the Problem or Opportunity: Identify a potential
research problem, action research possibility, or opportunity for
appreciative inquiry in your selected topic area.
Purpose: This is the so what question. What is the purpose and
what difference does it make?
Research Question(s): Based on the research topic(s) you identified
above, compose one or more research questions in the area of
research interest.
Summary: Close your paper by summarizing your proposed
research interest and next steps.
References: Include a complete list of sources cited in your paper.
Format your reference citations in APA format.