Chapter 1: Introduction

Introduction

Your Introduction should

• Create reader interest in the topic,
• Lay the broad foundation for the problem that leads to the study,
• Place the study within the larger context of the scholarly literature, a
nd reach out to a specific audience. (Creswell, 1994,p. 42)
• Introduction must include sub-sections with appropriate
headings/subheadings and should highlight some of the key references
that you plan to use in the main study.
• Components of Introduction:
1.1 Overview
1.2 Problem Statement
1.3 Background, Objectives & Significance of the study
1.4 Outline of the Study
1.5 Definitions
(Word Count: At least 750 words, 3 pages)
 1.1 Overview

• Provide preliminary background information that puts your

research in context
• Clarify the focus of your study
• Point out the value of your research
• Specify your specific research aims and objectives.
How the Problem Differs from other Parts
of Research
• A research problem is an issue or problem in the study.
• A research topic is the broad subject matter being addressed in a s
tudy.
• A purpose is the major intent or objective of the study.
• Research questions are those that the researcher would like answ
ered in the study.
 Research Problem
Example
• In the literature on the gig economy, these new forms of employmen
t are sometimes characterized as a flexible active choice and someti
mes as an exploitative last resort. To gain a fuller understanding of
why young people engage in the gig economy, in-depth qualitative r
esearch is required. Focusing on workers’ experiences can help dev
elop more robust theories of flexibility and precarity in contemporary
employment, as well as potentially informing future policy objectives
 1.2 Problem Statement
An effective problem statement is concise and concrete. It should:
• Put the problem in context (what do we already know?)
• Describe the precise issue that the research will address (what do we ne
ed to know?)
• Show the relevance of the problem (why do we need to know it?)
• Set the objectives of the research (what will you do to find out?)

How to write the problem statement in your research proposal, manuscript or

thesis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y022M8-9VdI
 1.3 Background and Significance of the study

• The background study for a thesis includes a review of the area be

ing researched, current information surrounding the issue, previous 
studies on the issue, and relevant history on the issue. Ideally, the 
study should effectively set forth the history and background infor
mation on your thesis problem.
 Research Objectives
Four things that you need to remember when creating research objectives:
• Appropriateness (each objective is clearly related to what you want to stud
y)
• Distinctness (each objective is focused and incrementally assists in achiev
ing the overall research aim)
• Clarity (each objective avoids ambiguity)
• Being achievable (each objective is realistic and can be completed within
a reasonable timescale)
 Topic, Problem, Purpose and Question

General Topic Distance Learning

Research
Lack of students in distance
Problem
learning

To study why students do not

attend distance education
Purpose
classes at a community
Statement
college

Does the use of website

Research technology in the class room deter
Specific students from a distance
Question
education class?
 1.4 Outline of the Study

An outline is a formal system used to think about and organize your p

aper. A well-made outline is essential in locating significant information
and keeping track of large amounts of data from a research paper. But
an outline must be created properly for it to be understood by a reade
r, which is why the information should be organized in a logical or
hierarchical order for everyone’s convenience. 
 How to Create an Outline

1. Begin with your thesis statement.

2. List down the major points of your research paper
3. Note down supporting ideas or argument for each point listed. 
4. Subdivide each supporting topic. 
 1.5 Definitions

Define the term in your own words in your thesis.

Keep the definition in your thesis brief and basic.

You will elaborate on it more in the body of your paper. Avoid using

passive phrases involving the word “is” when defining your term
 Thank you
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