The document outlines the key steps in the research process, including choosing a topic, finding information, developing hypotheses and defining the scope. It focuses on Chapter 1 of a research paper, which includes the background, problem statement, conceptual framework, significance and definitions of terms. This chapter establishes the rationale and importance for the study and sets the context for the research questions.

5. STEPS IN THE
RESEARCH PROCESS

6. 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.

7. The first chapter is where
you conceptualize your
entire research. The whole
research can be reflected in
Chapter 1 including
expected results or
outcomes.

8. Choose a Topic
Select 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.

9. • 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.

10. Find Information
For 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.

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Check out other print materials
available in the Library:
Almanacs, Atlases, AV Catalogs,
Encyclopedias and Dictionaries,
Government Publications,
Journals, Guides, Reports,
Magazines, Newspapers
Vertical Files, Yellow Pages, and
Telephone Directories

15. 1.1 Background of the Study
“Why did you conduct the
study?”
-describes the circumstances
that suggested in the
research.

16. 1.1 Background of the Study
Start 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'.

17. 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.

18. 1.2 Statement of the Problem
This 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.

19. 1.2 Statement of the
Problem
Aim to motivate the reader
and provide understanding
on why your research topic is
important.

20. 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.

21. 1.3 Hypotheses
• a statement that can be
proved or disproved.
• When you make specific
predictions regarding
answers to a research question
posed, then you are
building a hypothesis that can be
tested empirically.

22. 1.3 Hypotheses
--should be clear & brief.
--should be based on past experiences or
observations or on information gathered
from your research.
--must be testable.
Its is advisble to make at least three of such
statements to comfirm your findings.

23. 1.4 Conceptual Framework
• Is a general statement which forms
the
frame of reference for your inquiry or
investigation.
• Sets out the rationale which
underlies
--Why you do/What you do?
--How you do your research?

24. 1.4 Conceptual Framework
TWO TYPES OF DIAGRAMS
REPRESENTING OF:
1. Relationships of the KEY
CONCEPTS involved in the study.
2. Relationships of the KEY
VARIABLES to be investigated.

27. 1.5 Significance of the
Study
• The relevance of the
research to felt needs.
• How the research output
may be directly useful to
people?

28. 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?

29. • 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.

30. 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.

31. 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.

32. 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 reference
population, sample size

33. 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.

34. 1.7 Definition of Terms
Includes terms which should be
interpreted in a manner unique to your
research.
Includes all the important variables in
the
study.
The definitions may be:
1. CONCEPTUAL – based on concepts or
hypothetic ones which are usually