Concept

How it is used

Academic writers define, introduce, apply or challenge a concept, and key concepts are usually defined early in a thesis. To operationalize a concept is to decide how to measure it. The adjective is conceptual, as in conceptual framework.

Example sentences

1. The concept of 'learner autonomy' has been defined in many different ways.

2. Chapter 2 introduces the key concepts used in the analysis.

Common collocations

• key concept
• define a concept
• abstract concept
• the concept of
• apply a concept

Related terms

• theoretical frameworkThe theory or set of connected theories that a study uses to explain its problem, shape its questions and interpret its findings.
• approachA particular way of thinking about or dealing with a problem, topic or research question.
• phenomenonA fact, event or situation that can be observed and studied, especially one that researchers want to explain.
• assumptionSomething accepted as true without being proved, which a theory, method or statistical test depends on.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• concept · Architecture
• concept · Graphic Design

More terms: Academic Vocabulary

• indicate
• e.g.
• i.e.
• implication
• demonstrate
• furthermore
• comprise
• respectively
• however
• therefore
• investigate
• identify