2. A. Introduction, Background of the Study
An introduction is the initial part of a research
paper and the part that a reader is likely to read
first (at least when focusing deeply and reading
your paper in detail). Hence, definitions, notions,
and some other important information required
for understanding the paper are presented/listed
here.
Every research paper needs context so that
readers can understand why you have created it.
This is exactly what you can do in your research
paper introduction. Of course, this can mean
that your introduction is the hardest part of paper
to write first. So, it is essential that you take your
time and make sure that you get it right.
3. What are the parts of introduction in
research?
The introduction of a research paper may
contain a few other parts/ elements such as
the chief goal(s) and objectives of the
research, a brief but informative outline of the
following content, explained, concept
definitions, a brief history of the research into
the topic, recent related discoveries, etc.).
4. The background of the study is a part of
a research provided in the introduction
section of the paper. The background of
the study is a compilation of adequate
information that is based on the analysis
of the problem or proposed argument,
the steps and methods needed to arrive
at the design and the implementation of
the results achieved and feasible
solutions.
5. It is different from the introduction. The
introduction only contains the
preliminary information about your
research question, or thesis topic and
readers will be learning in your paper.
But the background of your study is
more in-depth and explains why your
research topic or thesis is worth the
time of your readers. Your paper
background of study will provide your
readers with context to the information
talked about throughout your research
paper. It can include both relevant and
essential studies.
6. B. Statement of the Problem
A statement of the problem is used in research
work as a claim that outlines the problem
addressed by a study. The statement of the
problem briefly addresses the question: What is
the problem that the research will address?
What are the goals of a statement of
the problem?
The ultimate goal of a statement of the problem
is to transform a generalized problem (something
that bothers you; a perceived lack) into a
targeted, well-defined problem; one that can be
resolved through focused research and careful
decision-making.
7. Writing a statement of the problem should
help you clearly identify the purpose of the
research project you will propose. Often, the
statement of the problem will also serve as
the basis for the introductory section of your
final proposal, directing your reader’s
attention quickly to the issues that your
proposed project will address and providing
the reader with a concise statement of the
proposed project itself.
A statement of problem need not be long
and elaborate: one page is more than
enough for a good statement of problem.
8. What are the key characteristics of a
statement of the problem?
A good research problem should have the following
characteristics:
It should address a gap in knowledge.
It should be significant enough to contribute to the
existing body of research
It should lead to further research
The problem should render itself to investigation
through collection of data
It should be of interest to the researcher and suit
his/her skills, time, and resources
The approach towards solving the problem should
be ethical
9. In research studies, the scope is the depth of
exploration that a person plans for a topic.
Delimitations are control factors that the researcher
chooses to narrow the scope of the study.
What is scope?
Scope and delimitation are two elements of a
research paper. The scope identifies what topic
the researcher intends to cover. The scope
names the information or subject matter that the
individual plans to evaluate. For instance, a
person might choose to study the impact of
deforestation on species loss in the Amazon.
However, it is not possible for the researcher to
cover every aspect of the chosen subject. In this
case, the scope might be narrowed down to a
select group of species or an evaluation of
population decline over a certain period of time.
10. Delimitations are parameters that the
researcher makes to narrow his or her scope of
research. Delimitations are a conscious choice
to control for certain factors in the study. Since
the study cannot address all relevant elements,
delimitations narrow the scope and purpose to
focus on certain aspects. Common
delimitations are population or sample size, the
setting in which the study takes place, and the
design or setup of the study, along with an
explanation for its structure.
11. For each delimiting factor, the researcher
discusses why he or she made those
exclusions and explains how they might affect
the outcome of the research. Delimitations
should be stated clearly so that the audience
understands why certain elements were
excluded from the study. The researcher
might state up front, for example, which
species he or she has chosen to study and
not study, and provide reasons for that
selection.
12. D. Significance of the Study
Significance of the study is written as
part of the introduction section of a
thesis. It provides details to the reader
on how the study will contribute such as
what the study will contribute and who
will benefit from it. It also includes an
explanation of the work’s importance as
well as its potential benefits.
13. The significance of the study is a part of the
introduction of a thesis. It should
determine who benefits from the study
and how that specific audience will
benefit from its findings. The significance of
the study could be simply reflected by the
following two questions: Why should my study
be published? What significant scientific
contribution is my study making to my field of
research. Importantly, the significance of the
study should also be written with a non-expert
in mind.
