Writing Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Content / Parts

1. Introduction
This part opens chapter 1, with one or two paragraphs introducing the
concept of the problem or situation that is to be investigated. The
researcher provides the readers with a macro or general orientation
about the problem. It must be simple, clear, specific and related to the
topic.

2. Background of the Study –

This part draws a clearer picture of what the researcher wants to say
about the study. The researcher provides the readers with a micro or
specific orientation about the problem. It describes clearly, vividly the
problem situation which serves as rationale for the study.

3. Statement of the Problems

Problem – is any significant and challenging situation in which its
solution requires reflective thinking. (The title of the problem is
actually the statement of the general problem itself.) The
statement of the specific or sub-problems to be investigated are
in interrogative or question form. It has the characteristics of the
acronym, S M A R T.

NOTE to Remember

S – stands for specific …… The problem should be specifically stated

M – stands for measurable … Easy to measure using applicable instrument
A – stands for achievable … Data are achievable using correct statistical
technique to arrive at precise results
R – stands for realistic …… . Real results are not manipulated
T – stands for time bound .. Time frame is required in every activity
  Hypothesis

This is an intelligent or educated guess, prediction or tentative

explanation expressed in declarative sentence and needs to be
tested or investigated and needs to be proven using knowledge
of statistics using statistical tools.

Two types:

a. Null / Test Hypothesis – it denies the relationship of variables,

no existence of an effect, of an interaction, of relationship or
of difference. Stated in negative form.

b. Alternative Hypothesis – an affirmation of an observed

phenomenon and temporarily asserts the relationship of
variables. Stated in positive form.

4. Conceptual Framework

It consists of a summary or synthesis of a set of concepts/theories

developed into a logical relationship of the variables involved in the
study, after an exhaustive review of related literature and studies.

The synthesis is soon translated into a symbolic model or paradigm

which is a diagrammatic representation of the relationship of the
independent and dependent variables.

 Research Paradigm

A diagrammatic representation of a research framework

which depicts in a more vivid way what
it wants to convey.
 NOTE to Remember

Variable is anything that may change or maybe changed from one condition to another
either qualitatively or quantitatively. The two types are:

Dependent variable (criterion variable) is anything, a condition or process exposed to

IV. It is the object, the outcome or the result of the study. (It is the effect)

Independent variable is anything, a condition or process which is controlled and

manipulated and applied to DV to produce a change. (It is the cause)

5. Scope and Limitations of the Study

The coverage or specific boundaries of the study
It describes the subject, time, sample, persons, institution
involved. Limitation is used to identify potential weaknesses
of the study.

6. Significance of the Study

This part gives the importance of the study to the students, the
school, instructors, the administration, the parents, and future
researchers.

7. Definition of Terms
This part contains the words, abbreviations, variables and other difficult
terms which are needed to be defined conceptually and operationally.

 Conceptual definition – meanings are based or taken from

dictionary or other references

 Operational definition – meanings are based on how the terms or

words are being used in the study, or how they
functioned in the study.