What is a Research Concept Paper?

Concept Paper lays the foundation for the applied dissertation process, providing an
introductory form of communication between the doctoral student and the doctoral
committee. Essentially, the Concept Paper acts as a proposal; it allows the doctoral student
the opportunity to define a research focus and obtain early feedback on the research
idea. A well-planned Concept Paper will capture the interest of the dissertation committee
and establish a clear plan for the student’s dissertation.

When is the Research Concept Paper Written?

The Research Concept Paper is completed prior to the dissertation proposal and serves as
a development tool and summary of the planned dissertation. The Concept paper is a brief
document. Depending upon the requirements of a specific academic program, the Concept
Paper may range from as few as 2-3 pages to as many as 10-20 pages. The essential
point of the Concept Paper is to explain the importance of a particular research project.

The Concept Paper initiates the dissertation phase of a doctoral degree which follows the
completion of necessary coursework and training, and represents a culmination of the
student’s learning. The dissertation is a student’s final academic effort to synthesize course
material by applying their learning to a research project. The project is expected to add new
information to the field of study. The Concept Paper acts as a summary of this project.

The Concept Paper, although highly abridged, is comprised of many of the same items
found in a dissertation. These specific elements of the Concept Paper may vary depending
upon the academic program and the chosen degree. Programs typically provide a grading
rubric that serves as an outline for the required components and student are encouraged to
follow those rubrics closely in developing their Concept Paper.

What are the Main Elements of a Research Concept Paper?

Title page — provides a tentative title for the dissertation. The title of the Concept Paper
should be a stand-alone statement that can fully describe the project by summarizing the
main idea of the manuscript. The title should concisely identify the variables being
investigated and the relationship among those variables (American Psychological
Association [APA], 2010). Words should serve a useful purpose; avoid words that do not
add substance or words that are misleading. The title of the Concept Paper may become
the title of the dissertation