Download - Research Project - Chapter 1
STEPS IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS
In research writing, the most difficult part to write is Chapter 1 (Introduction).
Asthey (2010) points out that the most difficult part
of any endeavor is the starting point.
The first chapter is where you conceptualize your
entire research. The whole research can be reflected in
Chapter 1 including expected results or
outcomes.
Choose a TopicSelect a topic which interests
and challenges you. Your attitude towards the topic may well determine the amount of effort and enthusiasm you put
into your research.
• Obtain teacher approval for your topic before embarking on
a full-scale research. • Select a subject you can
manage. Avoid subjects that are too technical, learned, or
specialized. Avoid topics that have only a very narrow range
of source materials.
Find InformationFor general or background
information, check out useful URLs, general information online, almanacs or encyclopedias online
such as Britannica. Use search engines and other search tools as
a starting point.
Pay attention to domain name extensions, e.g., .edu
(educational institution), .gov(government), or .org (non-profit
organization). These sites represent institutions and tend to
be more reliable
Be selective of .com (commercial) sites. Many .com sites are excellent; however, a large number of them contain, invalid/misinformation,
advertisements for products and nothing else.
Learning how to evaluate websites critically and to search effectively on the Internet can
help you eliminate irrelevant sites and waste less of your time.
Check out other print materials available in the Library:
Almanacs, Atlases, AV Catalogs,Encyclopedias and Dictionaries,
Government Publications, Journals, Guides, Reports,
Magazines, NewspapersVertical Files, Yellow Pages, and
Telephone Directories
1.1 Background of the Study“Why did you conduct the study?”
-describes the circumstances that suggested in the research.
1.1 Background of the StudyStart with sentences that are simple
enough to understand even for those who are not exactly experts
in the topic. Begin with presenting a broad perspective of the problem or issue which will lead to the next
sub-section 'Statement of the Problem'.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
• “What did you study?”--clearly, accurately and briefly states the issue that was studied.--may be stated either in the declarative form or interrogative form.
1.2 Statement of the ProblemThis provides the context for the research study and the questions
which the research hopes to answer. A problem statement
articulates the issue to be addressed and indicates the need
for the study.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Aim to motivate the reader and provide understanding
on why your research topic is important.
It is advisable to keep your statement as concise as possible …..between (100-250words), but
with enough information to convince readers that the
research is feasible, appropriate and worthwhile.
1.3 Hypotheses• a statement that can be
proved or disproved. • When you make specific
predictions regardinganswers to a research question
posed, then you arebuilding a hypothesis that can be
tested empirically.
1.3 Hypotheses--should be clear & brief.--should be based on past experiences or
observations or on information gatheredfrom your research.
--must be testable.
Its is advisble to make at least three of suchstatements to comfirm your findings.
1.4 Conceptual Framework• Is a general statement which forms
theframe of reference for your inquiry orinvestigation.• Sets out the rationale which
underlies--Why you do/What you do?--How you do your research?
1.4 Conceptual FrameworkTWO TYPES OF DIAGRAMS
REPRESENTING OF:1. Relationships of the KEY
CONCEPTS involved in the study.2. Relationships of the KEY
VARIABLES to be investigated.
1.5 Significance of the Study
• The relevance of the research to felt needs.
• How the research output may be directly useful to people?
Focus should be on the following:• Why is your work important?• What are the implications/effects
of your study?• How does it inform policy making?• What new perspective does your
study bring to the field?• Who would you share your findings
with when the study is completed?
• The significance should be able to show how the study will contribute to knowledge.
• You must also specifically state the beneficiaries of the study and how they stand to gain
from the finding of the research.
Begin with a general contribution of your study and then proceed towards its contribution to
individuals such as practioners (such as teachers, managers), parents,
administrators, policy planners and so forth.
1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study
Tell the reader the shortcomings, conditions or influences that you
could not control. You have to mention them because they may
influence the results of your study.
1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study
Coverage of the study:• Area• Subject/problem• Research apparatus, equipment or
Instrument• Time frame• Any limitations in the referencepopulation, sample size
1.7 Definition of Term
• Includes terms which should be interpreted in a manner unique to your research.
• Includes all the important variables in the study.
1.7 Definition of TermsIncludes terms which should be
interpreted in a manner unique to yourresearch.
Includes all the important variables in thestudy.
The definitions may be:1. CONCEPTUAL – based on concepts orhypothetic ones which are usuallytaken from dictionary, encyclopedia &