This chapter discusses the components that should be included in the first chapter of a thesis. It identifies seven subtopics that comprise this chapter: (1) statement of the problem, (2) hypothesis, (3) theoretical/conceptual framework, (4) significance of the study, (5) scope and limitations, (6) definition of terms, and (7) general organization. For each subtopic, it provides a brief explanation of its purpose and important elements to cover, such as outlining the null and alternative hypotheses. The chapter emphasizes that this introduction sets up the overall motivation, framework and structure of the thesis.

1. CHAPTER 10.
THESIS WRITING
CHAPTER 1. The problem: Rationale and
Background

2. CHAPTER 1. The problem: Rationale and Background
This part consist of the overview discussion of the
problem by citing some phrases and sentences from
published materials relevant to the study. This gives the
reader a general idea and impression as well as the
motivation of the study. Some researchers integrate
related studies and related literature in this part.

3. After thorough presentation of the background of the study, there are seven
subtopics in this chapter, which are as follows:
1. Statement of the problem
2. Hypothesis
3. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
4. Significance of the study
5. Scope and limitation of the study
6. Definition of Terms
7. General Organization and Coverage of the study

4. 1. Statement of the Problem
According to Shrutika Sirsilla (2023) A research problem
statement is a clear, concise, and specific statement that
describes the issue or problem that the research project
addresses. It should be written in a way that is easily
understandable to both experts and non-experts in the
field.

5. 2. Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a wise guess that is formulated and
temporarily adopted to explain the observed facts
covered by the study. A hypothesis guides the
researcher to describe the procedure to follow in
conducting the study. Hypothesis is important because
it tells the researcher what to do and how to go about
to solve the problem.

6. Two types of Hypothesis
There are two types of hypothesis. There are (1) null hypothesis, (2)
alternative hypothesis
Null Hypothesis is a denial of an existence of trait, characteristics,
quality, value, correlation, or differences of the result. Null hypothesis
is always stated in negative form.
In contrast, alternative hypothesis is stated in positive form.
Alternative hypothesis is an affirmation of an observed
phenomenon.

7. 3. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
 Theoretical and conceptual frameworks both provide clear explanations
regarding the relationships among variables.
 Theoretical framework is commonly used by researchers because it shapes
the justification of the research problem which uses abstract concepts,
factors or laws, variables and their relation that explain and predict how
observed phenomena exist and operate.
 A researcher is required to formulate existing theories linked to the study
because theories are useful devices for interpreting, criticizing, and unifying
established specific laws or facts that guide in discovering new
generalizations.
 It is advisable for a proponent to use either a theoretical framework or a
conceptual framework.

8. 4. Significance of the Study
 The investigator must present the significance of the study from
either a deductive or an inductive perspective. In the deductive
perspective, presentation of the importance of study starts from
general to particular, for instance, from the national level then to the
regional level provincial, municipal, and local levels, and then to the
researcher and target beneficiaries. In presenting a study from an
inductive viewpoint, presentation of the importance of the study
begins from the target beneficiaries, the researcher, local, municipal,
provincial, regional level, and to the national level.

9. 5. Scope and Limitation of the study
This includes the coverage of the study area, the
subjects, the research instrument, the research issues
and concerns, the duration of the study, and the
constraints that have direct bearing on the results of
the study.

10. 6. Definition of Terms
There are two ways of defining key terms. These are conceptual and
operational.
 Conceptual definition. This refers to defining key terms usually
taken from the dictionary, encyclopedia, published books, journals,
and articles.
Operational definition. This refers to defining key terms based on
their observed characteristics and how they are used in the study.

11. 6. Definition of Terms
 It is advisable for a researcher to use two ways of defining key terms for
clearer understanding of the meaning by the readers. If conceptual definition
is not available in the dictionary, particularly the technical terms, operational
definition is acceptable.
 Moreover, there are two ways of arranging the key terms. First, the key
terms are arranged as they appear in the text. Second, they are alphabetically
arranged. The first arrangement is commonly used by writers of research
paper, thesis, and dissertation. A maximum of 15 key terms are presented in
part 1 of a thesis proposal. If there are more than 15 key terms, they are
placed in the glossary.

12. 7. General Organization and Coverage of the
study
This section in the research paper, thesis, and
dissertation is included in every chapter. For example,
there are five chapters of thesis and dissertation, thus,
the coverage per chapter is explained.

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