Chapter 1: The Problem and Its Background

Introduction

 Present the rationale and background of your study and clearly indicate why it is worth doing.
 Part of the paper that provides readers with the background information for the research. Its
purpose is to ascertain a framework for the research, so that the readers can understand how it is
related to other researches or studies.
 It typically begins with a general statement of the problem area, with a focus on a specific
research problem, to be followed by the rational or justification for the study.
 Two to four pages in length.
 Provide answers to the questions: “What are you doing; and why are you doing it?
 In an introduction, the researcher should create reader interest in the topic, lay the extensive
foundation for the problem that leads to the study, place the study within the larger context of the
scholarly literature, and reach out to a specific reader.

Statement of the Problem

 State the:
- General Problem
- Specific Problem
… which is often referred to as the purpose of the study.
 The research problems must be stated vividly and explicitly expressed in question form which
possess the characteristics of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time
bound).
 The objectives should be stated clearly and specifically. It should be easily understood by the
readers, and specifies what is to be attained.
 The number of specific problems depends on the researcher but make sure that these should be
with the research problem/ title.

Scope and Delimitation

 A scope addresses how a study will be narrowed, and how it is bounded. This is the place to
explain the things that you are doing and why you have chosen not to do them.
 Give reasons why a particular literature will not be reviewed, the population you are not studying,
and the methodological procedures you will not use.
 Limit your discussion of scope to the things that a reader might reasonably expect you to do but
that you, clearly explained reasons, have decided not to do.
 The scope usually includes the general problem to be investigated including the time frame.
 The delimitation identifies focus and the specific areas and variables of the study.
 Consider the nature of self- report, instruments used, and the sample or the respondents involved
in the study.
 The researchers must consider the following questions:
- How have you narrowed the scope of the study?
 - Did you focus only on selected aspects of the problem, certain areas of interest, a
limited range of subjects, or particular level of ability?
- What are the delimitations surrounding your study within which conclusions must be
confined?
- What delimitations exist in your research methodology?

Significance of the Study

 The researchers must convince the reader that the study has significant benefits and contributions.
These are the following consideration in presenting the significance of the study:
- Will results influence educational policy decisions?
- What will the results mean to the practicing educators, students, school officials?
- What impact will this have in the future?