Chapter 1:

INTRODUCTION SECTION
 Chapter 1: Introduction

What is the purpose of the Introduction part?

 Chapter 1: Introduction

The introduction to a research paper is where you set up your topic

and approach for the reader. It has several key goals:

❖Present your topic and get the reader interested

❖Provide background or summarize existing research

❖Position your own approach

❖Detail your specific research problem and problem statement

❖Give an overview of the paper’s structure

Source: Scribbr
Chapter 1: Introduction
What are the parts of an introduction?

INTRODUCTION

● Background of the study

● Purpose of the study/objectives
● Statement of the problem
● Thesis statement & Hypothesis
● Framework of the study
● Significance of the study
● Definition of terms
 Background of the study

The background of the study is the first section of the introduction. It

introduces the topic and establishes the context underlying the research.

The background forms the crux of the study because it introduces an unaware
audience to the research and its importance in a clear and logical manner. At
times, the background may even explore whether the study builds on or
refutes findings from previous studies.
 Purpose of the study/objectives

The Purpose of the Study illustrates what the study will do, which should
reflect the statement of the problem.

It specifies the aims and objectives of the study as well as informs the
reader of the study’s direction, focus, and intent.
 Statement of the Problem

A statement of the problem is an argument that justifies why the research

study was needed. It is called the “statement of the problem” because the
researcher identifies a problem and argues that a particular research study
is needed to address this problem.

A Research problem is the issue, controversy, or concern that guides the

need for a study.
 Thesis statement and hypothesis

A hypothesis is a statement that can be proved or disproved. It is

typically used in quantitative research and predicts the relationship
between variables.

A thesis statement is a short, direct sentence that summarizes the main

point or claim of an essay or research paper. It is seen in quantitative,
qualitative, and mixed methods research. A thesis statement is
developed, supported, and explained in the body of the essay or research
report by means of examples and evidence.

Every research study should contain a concise and well-written thesis

statement. If the intent of the study is to prove/disprove something, that
research report will also contain an hypothesis statement.
 Framework of the study

Research framework will be for implementing the steps taken

throughout the research. It is normally used as a guide for
researchers so that they are more focused in the scope of their
studies.

There are two types of research framework:

1.Conceptual Framework
2.Theoretical framework
 Framework of the study

Conceptual Framework
A conceptual framework is a written or visual representation
that explains the study variables and their relationships with
each other.
 Framework of the study
Steps to develop a conceptual framework
● Clarify your study topic by identifying and defining key concepts in your
thesis problem statement and thesis question. Essentially, your thesis
should address a knowledge gap.
● Perform a literature review to provide a background to interpret and
explain the study findings. Also, draw on empirical knowledge that you
have gained from personal experience.
● Identify crucial variables from the literature review and your empirical
knowledge, classify them as dependent or independent variables, and
define them.
● Brainstorm all the possible factors that could affect each dependent
variable.
● Propose relationships among the variables and determine any
associations that exist between all variables.
● Use a flowchart or tree diagram to present your conceptual framework.
Source:enago.com
Framework of the study
 Framework of the study
Theoretical Framework
A theoretical framework provides a general framework for data
analysis. It defines the concepts used and explains existing theories
and models in your field of research. It also explains any
assumptions that were used to inform your approach and your
choice of specific rationales. Theoretical frameworks are often used
in the fields of social sciences.

Purpose of a theoretical framework

● Test and challenge existing theories
● Establish orderly connections between observations and facts
● Predict and control situations
● Develop hypotheses
 Framework of the study
Steps to develop a theoretical framework
● Identify and define key concepts in your thesis problem
statement and thesis question.
● Explain and evaluate existing theories by writing a literature
review that describes the concepts, models, and theories that
support your study.
● Choose the theory that best explains the relationships
between the key variables in your study.
● Explain how your research study fills a knowledge gap or fits
into existing studies (e.g., testing if an established theory
applies to your thesis context).
● Discuss the relevance of any theoretical assumptions and
limitations.
Framework of the study
 Significance of the study

The significance of a study is its importance. It refers to the

contribution(s) to and impact of the study on a research field. The
significance also signals who benefits from the research findings
and how.

In the Introduction of your paper, the significance appears where

you talk about the potential importance and impact of the study. It
should flow naturally from the problem, aims and objectives, and
rationale.
 Definition of terms

In this section, you provide a list of terms that will be used throughout
the study. It gives your readers an understanding of the concepts or
factors that will be discussed throughout your study, as well as
contextual information as to how you will be using those concepts in
your study.

The “Definitions of Terms” ensures that the readers will understand the
components of your study in the way that you will be presenting them,
because often your readers may have their own understanding of the
terms, or not be familiar with them at all.