[CPE 6398 – CpE Design Project 1]
[Writing the Introduction]
Module 04 Writing the Introduction
Course Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, the student should be able to:
1. Recite the tips in writing background of the study and statement of the
problem.
2. Describe background of the study and statement of the problem.
3. Create an outline for the introduction and some of its components.
Introduction and Background of the Study
The introduction leads the reader from a general subject area to a particular topic of
inquiry. It establishes the scope, context, and significance of the research being conducted
by summarizing current understanding and background information about the topic,
stating the purpose of the work in the form of the research problem supported by a
hypothesis or a set of questions, explaining briefly the methodological approach used to
examine the research problem, highlighting the potential outcomes your study can reveal,
and outlining the remaining structure and organization of the
paper(https://libguides.usc.edu/).
The introduction is the broad beginning of the paper that answers three important
questions for the reader:
(i) What is this?
(ii) Why should I read it?
(iii) What do you want me to think about / consider doing / react to?
The first chapter in a research paper is the introduction and it consist of the following:
(i) Rationale/Background of the Study
(ii) Statement of the Problem
(iii) Purpose/Objective of the Study
(iv) Significance of the Study
(v) Scope and Limitation
(vi) Hypotheses (if the study is quantitative)
(vii) Conceptual Framework and Theoretical Framework
(viii) Review of Related Literature
Suggested Guidelines in Writing the Background of the Study
The background of the study is an introductory paragraph that gives an overview of
what the research is all about and creates an interest on the reader to know more
about the research study.
Course Module
[CPE 6398 – CpE Design Project 1]
[Writing the Introduction]
To make this section useful; first, identify the context within which the study will be
conducted and give any background information needed to clarify the context,
second, tell the reader why the study is important and timely, third, build a case for
the statement of the problem to follow, and finally, highlight the key theoretical
constructs that the researcher used (Lunenburg, 2008).
The background of the study maybe composed of three to four paragraphs which
will enable the readers to see at a glance the entire contents of the research work
(Zulueta, 2010).
(i) The first paragraph is intended to provide the readers a mental
readiness, thus giving them the information as to what the problem of
the research is all about. It introduce the study and its justification.
(ii) The second paragraph caries the greater part of this introduction and
the problem that is used as frame of reference. It tells the readers the
scope, circumstances and the coverage of the study.
(iii) The third paragraph revolves around the various conditions that
accompany and determine the purpose of the study.
(iv) The last paragraph is a sort of closing portion that arouses the
curiosity and interest of the readers to know the results of the study.
Statement of the Problem
The statement of the problem is one of the most important part of a research study. It
refers to some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the context of either a
theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same (C.R. Kothari,
2004). It is the definition of what is to be investigated in the study and it will suggest a
specific answer or conclusion.
The unifying task of the statement of the problem means that the steps taken to solve the
problem are determined by the intent specified in the statement of the problem
(Lunenburg, 2008). The presentation and analysis of data, and the findings, conclusions,
and implications found in subsequent chapters of the research study are all focused on the
statement of the problem.
Suggested Tips in Writing the Statement of the Problem
(i) The problem should be stated both in general and in specific terms. The
general statement of the problem is a reiteration of the title of the study.
(ii) The problem is stated in an interrogatory form. It must ask a question and
sub-problems must follow the main problem which are the key issues for
investigations in the research.
(iii) The problem should be stated in the infinitive to such as examine, analyze,
determine, assess, evaluate, find out, among others.
Course Module
[CPE 6398 – CpE Design Project 1]
[Writing the Introduction]
(iv) Specific questions should be stated using the following guide question words:
How, Will, What, Is there.
Objectives of the study
The objectives of the study follows the statement of the problem. The objective of any
study is to help solve the stated problem. This section of the research study is designed to
give the readers a brief overview of how you plan to solve the problem defined previously.
This is a section that committee members may go back to several times to make certain
they understand exactly what your purpose is in conducting the study. Developing this
section often helps you become much clearer about the purpose of your study as well
(Lunenburg, 2008). The objective of the study seek to answer the questions in the statement
of the problem, thus, it contains general and specific objectives.
The research objectives should not only flow from the identified research problem but also
have the following characteristics:
(i) Specific. Specific answers the questions "what is to be done?" "how will you
know it is done?" and describes the results (end product) of the work to be
done.
(ii) Measurable. Measurable answers the question "how will you know it meets
expectations?" and defines the objective using assessable terms (quantity,
quality, frequency, costs, deadlines, etc.). It refers to the extent to which
something can be evaluated against some standard.
(iii) Achievable. Achievable answers the questions "can the person do it?" "Can
the measurable objective be achieved by the person?" "Does he/she have the
experience, knowledge or capability of fulfilling the expectation?" It also
answers the question "Can it be done giving the time frame, opportunity and
resources?"
(iv) Relevant. Relevant answers the questions, "should it be done?", "why?" and
"what will be the impact?", "Is the objective appropriate for your role?"
(v) Time – relate. Time-oriented answers the question, "when will it be done?",
“Are there clear time frames attached to the objective?” It refers to the fact
that an objective has end points and check points built into it.
Significance of the study
The significance of the study is the argument of the researcher that the study makes a
significant contribution to the audience. This section of the research paper will show how
beneficial the study is to the community, school, students, and future researchers.
Suggested Strategies in Establishing the Significance of the Study
According to Mitchell, to establish that the researcher concepts are important, the
researcher will probably want to use one of the following three strategies:
Course Module
[CPE 6398 – CpE Design Project 1]
[Writing the Introduction]
(i) Demonstrate the Concept’s Prevalence. One strategy for showing that
your study is important is to show that your general topic area is a
common part of real life.
(ii) Demonstrate the Concept’s Relevance to Real Life. Rather than
emphasizing the concept’s prevalence, you might emphasize its
relevance.
(iii) Demonstrate Historical Precedence. Finally, you might show that
there is a historical precedence for your study.
Scope and Limitation
Scope and limitations comprise one important section of a research paper. The scope
defines the coverage or boundaries of the study in terms of the area or locality and subjects
or population covered, the duration or period of the study and the research issues or
concerns to which the investigation is focused (Ardales, 1992).
Limitations are statements that which informs the reader about the research study to
certain constraint that are not under the control of the researcher. The factors may have an
effect on the interpretation of the results (Lunenburg, 2008).
When discussing the limitations of your research, be sure to:
(i) Describe each limitation in detailed but concise terms;
(ii) Explain why each limitation exists;
(iii) Provide the reasons why each limitation could not be overcome using the
method(s) chosen to acquire or gather the data [cite to other studies that had
similar problems when possible];
(iv) Assess the impact of each limitation in relation to the overall findings and
conclusions of your study; and,
(v) If appropriate, describe how these limitations could point to the need for
further research.
Conceptual Framework and Theoretical Framework
Theoretical and conceptual frameworks guide the paths of a research and offer the
foundation for establishing its credibility. Though these terms seem similar, they are
different from each other in concept and in their roles in the research inquiry. However,
many students find it difficult and confusing to distinguish between these two closely
related frameworks while defining their roles in their research. Yet, the inclusion of a
theoretical and/or conceptual framework is a mandatory requirement in a thesis or
dissertation that shows the student’s map of the research s/he seeks to undertake. A good
comprehension of both frameworks would inure to a good investigation.
A theoretical framework is the ‘blueprint’ or guide for a research (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
It is a framework based on an existing theory in a field of inquiry that is related and/or
reflects the hypothesis of a study. It is a blueprint that is often ‘borrowed’ by the researcher
Course Module
[CPE 6398 – CpE Design Project 1]
[Writing the Introduction]
to build his/her own house or research inquiry. It serves as the foundation upon which a
research is constructed. Sinclair (2007) as well as Fulton and Krainovich-Miller (2010)
compare the role of the theoretical framework to that of a map or travel plan. Thus, when
travelling to a particular location, the map guides your path. Likewise, the theoretical
framework guides the researcher so that s/he would not deviate from the confines of the
accepted theories to make his/her final contribution scholarly and academic. Thus,
Brondizio, Leemans, and Solecki (2014) concur that the theoretical framework is the
specific theory or theories about aspects of human endeavor that can be useful to the study
of events. The theoretical framework consists of theoretical principles, constructs,
concepts, and tenants of a theory (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
Importance of Theoretical Framework
(i) It provides the structure in showing how a researcher defines his/her study
philosophically, epistemologically, methodology and analytically (Grant &
Osanloo, 2014).
(ii) Ravitch and Carl (2016) concur that the theoretical framework assist
researchers in situating and contextualizing formal theories into their studies
as a guide.
(iii) It serves as the focus for the research and it is linked to the research problem
under study. Therefore, it guides a researcher’s choice of research design and
data analysis plan.
(iv) The theoretical framework also guides the kind of data to be accrued for a
particular study (Lester, 2005). The theoretical framework, thus, aids the
researcher in finding an appropriate research approach, analytical tools and
procedures for his/her research inquiry.
(v) It makes research findings more meaningful and generalizable (Akintoye,
2015).
A conceptual framework on the other hand is a structure which the researcher believes
can best explain the natural progression of the phenomenon to be studied (Camp, 2001).
It is linked with the concepts, empirical research and important theories used in
promoting and systemizing the knowledge espoused by the researcher (Peshkin, 1993). It
is the researcher’s explanation of how the research problem would be explored. The
conceptual framework presents an integrated way of looking at a problem under study
(Liehr & Smith, 1999). In a statistical perspective, the conceptual framework describes the
relationship between the main concepts of a study. It is arranged in a logical structure to
aid provide a picture or visual display of how ideas in a study relate to one another (Grant
& Osanloo, 2014). Interestingly, it shows the series of action the researcher intends
carrying out in a research study (Dixon, Gulliver & Gibbon, 2001). The framework makes
it easier for the researcher to easily specify and define the concepts within the problem of
the study (Luse, Mennecke & Townsend, 2012). Miles and Huberman (1994, p.18) opine
that conceptual frameworks can be ‘graphical or in a narrative form showing the key
variables or constructs to be studied and the presumed relationships between them.’
Course Module
[CPE 6398 – CpE Design Project 1]
[Writing the Introduction]
Importance of Conceptual Framework
(i) It assists the researcher in identifying and constructing his/her worldview on
the phenomenon to be investigated (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
(ii) It is the simplest way through which a researcher presents his/her asserted
remedies to the problem s/he has defined (Liehr & Smith, 1999; Akintoye,
2015).
(iii) It accentuates the reasons why a research topic is worth studying, the
assumptions of a researcher, the scholars s/he agrees with and disagrees
with and how s/he conceptually grounds his/her approach (Evans, 2007).
Difference between Theoretical Framework and Conceptual Framework
Theoretical Framework Conceptual Framework
It provides a general or broader set It refers to specific or narrower
of ideas within which a study ideas a researcher utilizes in his/her
belongs. study.
It is based on existing It is based on the concepts which
theory/theories in the literature are the main variables in a study.
which has been tested and validated
by other scholars.
It is in the form of a model that It is a researcher's own constructed
pivots a study, with its exponents model that s/he uses to explain the
and the results of their studies. relationship that exists between the
main variables in his/her study.
It can also be an adaptation of a
model in an existing theory which a
researcher adapts to suit his/her
research purpose.
It is well developed, designed and Its design is not accepted, but it's a
accepted. proposal of the researcher's answer
to the research problem s/he has
defined.
It offers a focal point for It is the framework that shows
approaching the unknown research logically how the research inquiry is
in a specific field of inquiry. to be undertaken.
Course Module
[CPE 6398 – CpE Design Project 1]
[Writing the Introduction]
It consists of theories that seem It consists of concepts
interrelated with their propositions interconnected to explain the
deduced. relationships between them and
how the researcher asserts to
answer the research problem
defined
It is used to test theories, to predict It is aimed at encouraging
and control the situations within the thedevelopment of a theory that
context of a research inquiry. would be useful to practitioners in
the field.
(Contents pulled from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322204158_THEORETICAL_AND_CONCEPTUAL_FRA
MEWORK_MANDATORY_INGREDIENTS_OF_A_QUALITY_RESEARCH)
Definition of Terms
The key terms selected to be defined should be chosen based on the following scientific
principle: Distinctions are made between a constitutive definition and an operational
definition. A constitutive definition involves using other words to define a term. An
operational definition ascribes meaning to a term according to specific operations used to
measure it. Your definition of terms can be obtained from a dictionary or a professional
reference source, such as a handbook or encyclopedia in a specific discipline. (Lunenberg,
2008).
Zulueta (2010) suggested the following in writing definition of terms
(i) Define terms which, though common, may have special specific meaning or
are differently used.
(ii) Define terms that are absolutely necessary in the study and do so precisely
by using an authoritative document.
(iii) If it is difficult to find an authoritative definition, find one or two such
definitions; cite them and try to create your own definition as used in the
study.
(iv) Complicated and lengthy definitions like those required in Science or
Mathematics,, should be placed in the Appendix.
Course Module
[CPE 6398 – CpE Design Project 1]
[Writing the Introduction]
References and Supplementary Materials
Books and Journals
1. Francisco M. Zulueta, Jose R. Perez; 2010; Methods of Research Thesis Writing and
Applied Statistics; National Bookstore
2. Fred C. Lunenburg, Beverly J. Irby; 2008; Writing a Successful Thesis or Dissertation;
California; Corwin Press
3. John W. Creswell, J. David Creswell; 2018; Research Design Qualitative Quantitative,
and Mixed Method Approaches; California; SAGE Publication Inc.
4. Mark L. Mitchell, Nanina M. Jolley; 2010; Research Design Explained; California;
Cengage Learning
5. Rabhat Pandey, Meenu Mishra Pandey; 2015; Research Methodology Tools and
Techniques; Romania; Bridge Center
6. Venancio B. Ardales; 1992; Basic Concepts and Methods in Research; Great Books
Trading
Online Supplementary Reading Materials
1. The Introduction; https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/introduction; 3-Oct-2019
2. The Research Problem/Question;
https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/introduction/researchproblem; 3-Oct-2019
3. Understanding SMART objectives; https://www.fundsforngos.org/proposal-writing-
2/understanding-smart-objectives-project-proposals/; 3-Oct-2019
4. SMART Objectives; https://hr.wayne.edu/leads/phase1/smart-objectives; 3-Oct2019
5. Limitations of the Study; https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/limitations; 4-
Oct2019
6. Theoretical Framework;
https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/theoreticalframework; 4-Oct-2019
7. Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks Overview;
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/conceptualframework; 5-Oct-2019 8.
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework: A Mandatory Ingredients of a Quality
Research;https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322204158_THEORETICAL_AN
D_CONCEPTUAL_FRAMEWORK_MANDATORY_INGREDIENTS_OF_A_QUALITY_RESEA
RCH; 4-Oct-2019
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