7 Page Concept Paper

Durham University

DEPARTMENT OF CONFLICT, PEACE AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING CONCEPT PAPER FOR RESEARCH PROPOSAL

INTRODUCTION

This section is optional. You could introduce the topic and the sections to be covered in the paper

Background to the study

The purpose is to orient the reader of the context of the study. Specifically, it should operationalize the key variable showing clearly how they interact and the possible problematic aspects in the interactions often overlooked in relation to your topic. Then establish the problem leading to the study from global, regional and local perspective. The discussion should show the gap. Support your ideas with the existing literature in the area (please note that this is not a literature review section, so it is your ideas as you see the problem supported

The background should link the study to contemporary policy directions such as the international, regional, and national policies. It should be brief and to the point.

(About 2- 3pages double spacing)

Statement of the problem

It should be precise and focused and should bring out what is known, what is not known and hence reveal the gap that the current research is trying to fill. (It should be a paragraph or two and generally not more than three thin paragraphs).

Purpose of the Study: This is a statement or two paraphrasing the topic, and giving the primary goal of the study.

Objectives of the Study

The objectives should be precise, clearly stated, and achievable and stated in measurable terms.

It should cover the study variables. ( Operationalize ( break up your study variables to form focused. Objectives. Remember that each objective answers the major research question

Research Questions/Hypotheses (where applicable)

These are the same as the objectives, only stated in question form.

Research questions should be used if the study is qualitative or descriptive.

Hypotheses are predictions about the relationship between variables.

They should be used when the studies are relational (seeking to establish relationship between variables or experimental (seeking to establish cause-effect).

Justification and significance

Why is the study important? ( Put this in your own words,; no references. This should be informed by the background and statement of the problem.( This section is mainly a paragraph written in a continuous prose)

The significance should address the key expected findings, who may benefit from these findings, and how may they benefit from the findings. This section could be bulleted. Please show how each group outlined will benefit

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Highlight the theory (theories) to be used and the justification for the choice. If you will use more than one theory clearly explain why.

For the concept; no literature is expected, but indicate the subheadings as guided by the objectives

METHODOLOGY

The research design and justification for the choice

Study variables must be operationally defined (be clear of which is independent and dependent variable

Site of the Study

The researcher describes the physical setting where the study will be undertaken and justifies the choice of site.

Target Population

The researcher describes the population being studied and justifies the population targeted.

Sampling and Sample size

The researcher describes the sampling technique/s used to arrive at the sample and justifies the technique/s chosen.

Instruments

Describe the instruments that you will use e.g. Questionnaire, interview and justify the choice of the instruments

Data analysis

Describe the methods that you will use for data analysis and justify your choice

N.B; THE PAPER SHOULD NOT BE MORE THAN 7 PAGES DOUBLE SPACING