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What is a Concept Paper?
Increasingly, universities are requiring students to submit formalized concept papers prior to dissertation proposal submission. A concept paper is a highly abridged version of the dissertation–an outline that contains the same items of the final document. For example, key elements of a good concept paper include a detailed problem statement, clear research questions, a general idea of areas, themes, and important authors to include in the literature review, an expanded methodology section (how will you collect data? from who? how will you analyze it? etc.), and statements explaining the significance and impact of your proposed research. Specific elements of the concept paper will vary by university and adviser, so you must clarify requirements with your academic adviser.
Concept papers are not new, however historically they have been short 2-6 page outlines. Now, your adviser may require you follow a formal rubric for these preliminary concept papers describing exactly what they should contain. Rubrics are intended to be helpful guides, but can significantly hinder students when advisers demand strict style guide compliance during the beginning stages of research. During the concept paper stage, be aware that minor stylistic or formatting critiques from your advisers in lieu of feedback regarding content and substance may greatly impede your degree progress.
The concept paper phase has few official rules, so most requirements are at your advisers’ discretion. To avoid headaches, meet with your adviser early to clarify if a concept paper is required and how detailed he or she expects it to be.
