How to Write Chapter 1

Chapter 1
The Problem and Its Scope
• Introduction
• Statement of the Problem
• Conceptual Framework
• Scope and Limitation
• Significance of the Study
A good research paper introduction section should
comprise three main elements:

 What is known: This sets the stage for your research. It

informs the readers of what is known on the subject.
 What is lacking: This is aimed at justifying the reason for
carrying out your research. This could involve investigating a
new concept or method or building upon previous research.
 What you aim to do: This part briefly states the objectives
of your research and its major contributions. Your detailed
hypothesis will also form a part of this section.
EXAMPLE
Title: Perceptions of Meranao Livestock growers
on Artificial Insemination
Introduction What is
Artificial insemination (AI) has been practiced for more known
than decades all over the world instead of natural mating
in many species of animals because of the many benefits it
can gain, such as increased safety of the animals and
producer, increased production efficiency and better
genetics, and reduce many of the risks involved with
breeding. However, despite of the benefits it can give,
majority of the Meranao farmers in Lanao del Sur are still
using natural mating.
 What is
known
According to a survey conducted, Artificial Insemination
(AI) is not usually known and practice by the livestock
raisers in Lanao del Sur due to some reasons such as; no
knowledge about AI and it is not promoted in their
municipality (Valdez et al (2023). Lanao del Sur is a
landlocked province and is agriculturally rich having a
well-suiting climate and extensively arable land, and it
has a growing inventory of livestock such as carabao,
cattle, goat, duck and chicken.
 What is
lacking
In spite of that, livestock farming is still in
marginal status. Thus, the goal of this policy brief
is to provide baseline data about the farmers
perceptions on AI and formulate a research-based
What you policy recommendation to help the LGU,
aim to do implementing agencies and the farmers for
or objective effective and efficient implementation of AI
of the study program in the province.
 How to write a research objective
• It should be a concise statements that describe what the research
is aiming to achieve.
• Tit should define the scope and direction of the research and
maintain focus.
• It should be should be SMART—specific, measurable, achievable,
realistic, and time-bound.
A good research objective:
defines the scope of the study
gives direction to the research
helps maintain focus and avoid diversions from the topic
minimizes wastage of resources like time, money, and energy
Type of research Definition
objective
Exploratory  Explores a previously unstudied topic, issue, or phenomenon; aims
to generate ideas or hypotheses
Descriptive  Describes the characteristics and features of a particular population
or group
Explanatory  Explains the relationships between variables; seeks to identify
cause-and-effect relationships
Predictive  Predicts future outcomes or events based on existing data samples
or trends
Diagnostic  Identifies factors contributing to a particular problem
Comparative  Compares two or more groups or phenomena to identify similarities
and differences
Historical  Examines past events and trends to understand their significance
and impact
Methodological  Develops and improves research methods and techniques
Theoretical  Tests and refines existing theories or helps develop new theoretical
perspectives
Examples
Title: Perceptions of Meranao Livestock growers
on Artificial Insemination

Objective
The goal of this study is to provide baseline data about the farmers
perceptions on AI and formulate a research-based policy
recommendation to help the LGU, implementing agencies and the
farmers for effective and efficient implementation of AI program in
the province.
Title: Indigenous pest control: The case of Meranao farmers in
Southern Philippines
Objective:
This paper aimed to explore the indigenous pest control of some
selected Meranao Farmers in Southern Mindanao
Title: Seed Germination Rate and Growth Development of
Carrots (Daucus carota L) Potted in Different Organic Mixture
Objective:
To investigate the influence of different organic mixtures to the
germination rate and growth development of carrots
 Statement of the Problem
• The statement of the problem briefly addresses the question: What
is the problem that the research will address?
Example:
Title: Indigenous pest control: The case of Meranao farmers in
Southern Philippines
Statement of the Problem
1. What is personal profile of the farmer’s participants
2. What are the indigenous pest control method employed by the
farmers in various production phase, and
3. What is the association between the farmers demographic profile,
and their indigenous pest control practices?
Making a Conceptual Framework

 It is a diagram representing the relationship of variables.

 It maps out the actions required in the course of the study,
given his previous knowledge of other researchers’ point of
view and his observations on the subject of research.
 In other words, the conceptual framework is the researcher’s
understanding of how the particular variables in his study
connect.
Examples
Writing the Scope and Limitation
• Scope refers to the extent of the research that will be
conducted. It outlines the parameters and boundaries of the
study, and defines the goals and objectives.
• The scope of a research project can be broad or narrow,
depending on the topic and the research questions being
asked.
• A broad scope may encompass a wide range of subjects,
while a narrow scope may focus on a specific aspect of a
subject.
Example 1:
Title: “Investigating the impact of artificial intelligence on job
automation in the IT industry”
Scope of Research:
• This study aims to explore the impact of artificial intelligence
on job automation in the IT industry. The research will
involve a qualitative analysis of job postings, identifying tasks
that can be automated using AI. The study will also assess
the potential implications of job automation on the
workforce, including job displacement, job creation, and
changes in job requirements.
Example 2:
Title: “Developing a machine learning model for predicting cyberattacks on corporate
networks”
Scope of Research:
• This study will develop a machine learning model for predicting cyberattacks on corporate
networks. The research will involve collecting and analyzing network traffic data, identifying
patterns and trends that are indicative of cyberattacks. The study aims to build an accurate
and reliable predictive model that can help organizations identify and prevent cyberattacks
before they occur.
Example 3:
Title: “Assessing the usability of a mobile app for managing personal finances”
Scope of Research:
• This study will assess the usability of a mobile app for managing personal finances. The
research will involve conducting a usability test with a group of participants, evaluating the
app’s ease of use, efficiency, and user satisfaction. The study aims to identify areas of the app
that need improvement, and to provide recommendations for enhancing its usability and
user experience.
• Limitation, on the other hand, refers to the potential
weaknesses or shortcomings of the research.
• It acknowledges the factors that may impact the validity or
reliability of the study, and identifies any constraints that may
limit the scope of the research.
• Limitations can include a lack of resources, time constraints, or
other factors that may impact the ability to collect or analyze
data.
• research limitations are the practical or theoretical
shortcomings of a study that are often outside of the
researcher’s control
 How to write the limitation of the study?
1) Identify and describe the limitations: Clearly introduce the limitation
by classifying its form and specifying its origin. For example:
• An unintentional bias encountered during data collection
• An intentional use of unplanned post-hoc data analysis
2) Explain the implications: Describe how the limitation potentially
influences the study’s findings and how the validity and generalizability are
subsequently impacted.
3) Provide alternative approaches for future studies: Offer specific
suggestions for potential improvements or avenues for further investigation
 Example
The following were the limitations of the study:
• The study limited itself to only one private school in Embu
municipality. For more conclusive results, more private schools in
Embu municipality should have been studied. However, this was
not possible due to time and financial constraints.
• It was not possible to cover a larger number of parents because
getting them required considerable time, resources and other
logistics.
How to write the significance of the study
1. Use Your Research Problem as a Starting Point: Ask yourself, “How
will the answers to my research problem be beneficial?”.
2. State How Your Research Will Contribute to the Existing Literature in
the Field
3. Explain How Your Research Will Benefit Society
4. Mention the Specific Persons or Institutions Who Will Benefit From
Your Study
5. Indicate How Your Study May Help Future Studies in the Field
Example- STEM-Related Research

Research Topic: Level of Effectiveness of the Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Tea in Lowering the Blood Glucose Level of Swiss Mice (Mus musculus).

Significance of the Study.

This research will provide new insights into the medicinal benefit of lemongrass
(Cymbopogon citratus), specifically on its hypoglycemic ability. Through this
research, the community will further realize promoting medicinal plants, especially
lemongrass, as a preventive measure against various diseases. People and medical
institutions may also consider lemongrass tea as an alternative supplement against
hyperglycemia. Moreover, the analysis presented in this study will convey valuable
information for future research exploring the medicinal benefits of lemongrass and
other medicinal plants.