Module

Module 3
2 Writing Chapter 1: The Introduction
Introduction

In writing a research paper, be it an undergraduate research paper, a thesis, or a

dissertation, it is important to lay down the preliminary pages of the paper. The
Introduction plays a major role in the paper for it serves as an opener to the reader as to
the direction of the research paper. “The introduction is the part of the paper that provides
readers with the background information for the research reported in the paper. Its
purpose is to establish a framework for the research, so that readers can understand how it
is related to other research” (Wilkinson, 1991, p. 96 as cited in Pajares, 2007)

In the Eastern Visayas State University, the Introduction is composed of the

following parts: Background of the Study, Framework of the Study, Statement of the
Problem, Hypothesis (if needed), Significance of the Study, Scope and Delamination of
the Study, and Definition of Terms.

Discussion of each part is provided for you to be guided on how to write the
specific parts of the Chapter 1 of your research paper.

Topic Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module, you are expected to:
1. Write the parts of the Introduction of a research paper.
2. Formulate the statement of the problem of the topic under study
3. Use theory as a foundation in the explaining the relationship of
variables or the existence of a phenomena.
4. Identify the significance of the research study undertaken and its
beneficiaries.
5. Set the scope of the delimitation of the research study being
conducted.
6. Define terms in the research study.

Lesson 1. The Background of the Study

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At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:
 Write the background of the study of your research study guided by a format.

Get Started!

Write the following information based from your readings relative to your research topic
chosen. Write your answer on the space provided. You may use a separate sheet of paper
if needed.

Common Findings Contrasting Findings

Based from the table, synthesize what has been studied and what has not
been studied or fully studied yet about the research topic you are working on for
your research paper.

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Read and Learn!

The background of the study provides the overview of the research paper and its
relevance to other research studies in the field. Several authors provided tips on how to
write the research background.

One the guides that can be used in writing the Introduction is the Deficiency
Model (Creswell & Creswell, Research Design Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed
Methods Approaches, 2018). This model focuses on the gaps of past researches. The
parts are as follows:
1. The research problem. This is where the problem about the topic or the
phenomenon is presented.
2. Studies that have addressed the problem. Present the results of the research
studies conducted relative to your research problem being conducted.
3. Deficiencies in the studies. Based from the results of the previous research
studies about your research topic, present what has not been studied about the
topic or the gap in the literature. It could the in terms of the research methods and

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 analysis used, the research participants, locale or research environment, or the use
of another theoretical lens on the topic or phenomenon.
4. The significance of the study for particular audiences. Present in this part the
importance of conducting the studies. State how will your research study be
beneficial to different stakeholders.
5. The purpose statement (thesis statement). In this part, write your action or what
you intend to do in order to solve the problem you have presented. The purpose
statement indicates why you want to do the study and what you intend to
accomplish. A guide on how to write the thesis statement is presented below.

• Use words such as purpose, intent, or objective to signal attention to this

statement as the central controlling idea. Set the statement off as a separate sentence or
paragraph, and use the language of research, such as
“The purpose (or intent or objective) of this study is (was) (will be) to (action to
be done to address the gap or deficiency).”

Another model in writing the Introduction is by Joyner, Rouse, & Glatthorn 2013
as cited by (Asian Qualitative Research Association, 2020) during the International
Training-Workshop on Qualitative research: From Start to Finish last January 2020 is
presenting the Research Problem in its Ideal and Real setting. As a researcher, you will
be guided with the questions below.

1. What is Ideal?
Discuss what is the ideal scenario or happening of an event or phenomena.

2. What is Real?
Discuss what is the prevailing situation based on observations, results of studies,
or statistics.

3. How you bridge the gap between the Ideal and Real?
Based on the situation presented in items 1 and 2, propose on how you are going
to address the problem. You may cite here the purpose statement of the research.

Connect to the World!

Writing the Background of the Study link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMFyRtVIQFU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAZKM1H04-U

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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XypPNOLQZWc

Try this!
Try to look for a research article from a research database such as Google
Scholar, Proquest, ERIC, Philippine eJournals and the like. Select a research article and
evaluate its Introduction guided by the models presented.

Title of the Research Article

Author/s
Year Published
Research Database
Elements of the Introduction/Background of the Study

The Problem

Studies that addressed the

problem

Deficiencies in the studies

Significance

Purpose Statement

Title of the Research

Article
Author/s
Year Published
Research Database
Elements of the Introduction/Background of the Study
What is Ideal?

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 What is Real?

How to bridge the gap

between the Ideal and
Real?

Enhance ment Activities

Do This!

Write the Background of the Study of the research topic you are working
following one of the models given.

Lesson 2. The Theoretical and Conceptual

Framework of the Study

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

 Identify the theory/theories related to the research study.
 Write the theoretical and conceptual framework of the research study.

Get Started!

Recall the main topic or the phenomenon of your proposed research study and
identify at least three (3) theories related to you study. Fill-in the data in the table below,

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 Research
Topic/Phenomenon:
Name of theory and How does the theory work? How does the theory relate
proponent to your study?

The theories you have written in the table can be an input in writing your theoretical
and conceptual framework of your study.

Read and Learn!

Another section in the Introduction is the Framework of the study. The theoretical
framework serves as the foundation of the research paper. “It Is the system of concepts,
assumptions, expectations, beliefs, and theories that supports and informs your research
(Maxwell, 2005, p. 33) as cited in AQRA Handout. It is the theory (ies), models. Big
ideas already in the literature that strongly pertain to your study.

In discussion of the theoretical framework, you need to look for theory/ies related to
your study. You can find these theories in your reading from the literature.

“Theory is an abstract generalization that systematically explains how phenomena

are interrelated” (Polit & Beck, Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence
for Nursing Practice, 2012). It logically explains a phenomenon or event. The theory
serves different purposes depending on the nature of the study. It has different purposes
in quantitative and in qualitative research studies.

Furthermore, a theory is “a set of interrelated constructs (variables), definitions, and

propositions that presents a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations among
variables, with the purpose of explaining natural phenomena” (Kerlinger, 1979, p. 64) as
cited (Creswell, Research Design Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods
Approaches, 2009)

Use of Theory in Quantitative Research (Creswell & Creswell, Research Design

Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, 2018)

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  It bridges the gap between the independent and dependent variables. Explains and
predicts the probable relationship between independent and dependent variables.
 Test the theory if it applies to the other variables not used in different settings.

Use of Theory in Qualitative Research (Creswell & Creswell, Research Design

Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, 2018)

 Provides an explanation for behavior and attitudes, and it may be complete with
variables, constructs, and hypotheses.
 Use as a theoretical lens or perspective to guide their study and raise the questions
of gender, class, and race.
 Develop or generate a theory as a result of the study as in grounded theory
research.

How to Write the Theoretical Framework?

In writing the theoretical framework, items below can be your guide.

1. You need to identify the theory that is related to your study and provide a
discussion on how the theory works.
2. Provide explanation how the theory is related to your study and further explain
how each variable is related to one another, the relationship between the
independent and dependent variables.

Conceptual Framework

Conceptual framework is the diagram that shows the relationship between and
among the variables in your research study particularly the independent and dependent
variables based from the theory you anchored your research study. “It consists of
concepts and theories that explain what has been done and what has been said on the
topic or problem being investigated. The theories cited in the theoretical framework are
made operation in the conceptual framework” (Galero-Tejero, 2011). As a researcher,
your need to establish the relationship of the variables based from your readings in the
literature and the actual relationship of the variables in your study. Usually, the
conceptual framework is used in quantitative research studies to establish and visualize
the relationship of the variables in the study.

Connect to the World!

How to Write Theoretical and Conceptual Framework link:

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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBRkbNDqpMM

Try This!

Search for research articles from research database such as Google Scholar,
ERIC, ProQuest and the like. Select one article and identify the theory used as its
framework. Furthermore, discuss how the theory was used to connect the variables in the
study or how the how the theory was used to explain the existence of the phenomena or
event.

Title of the Research

Article
Author/s
Year Published
Research Database

Theory Used

How the theory was used

to explain the relationship
of the variables in the
study

Enhance ment Activities

Do This!

Write the Theoretical and Conceptual Framework of your research being

conducted.

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 Lesson 3. The Statement of the Problem

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

 write the significance of the study and tis scope and delimitation.
 Define the terms in the research study.

Get Started!

Write the questions do you intend to ask about your research study being
proposed?

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

The questions you have written can be an input in writing the research questions
of the research study. The guidelines to be followed in writing the research questions is
discussed below.

Read and Learn!

Before stating the statement of the problem, it is important that your already have
identified your research problem, which is the central focus of your research study. “A
research problem is an enigmatic, perplexing, or troubling condition which needs to be

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solve (Polit & Beck, 2010). The research problem can be conceived from your
observations from what is happening anound, recommendations from previous research
studies, or you may seek advise from your research teachersand other experts in the field
of your planned research study.

As a researcher, you need to consider the following in the selection of your

research problem.

1. Consider your Interest. Select a topic for your research that interests you. Your
interest adds your motivation to do and pursue to finish your research study.
2. Consider your resources. It means that your hace the capacity in terms of
expertise – meaning you study must be in your area of expertise. It also means the
availability of references that you can use in doing your research study. It also
means your capacity to fincance the conduct of youor study such as expenses in
reproducing questionnaires, in data collection, and in asking help from consultants
if needed.
3. Consider ethics. Be sure that your research study will not harm your research
participants physically and psychologically.
4. Consider your audience. Be sure to identify to whom are you writing the paper.
This helps you to align your research study to the group who would likely to
benefit the results of your study.

The statement of the problem is the main focus of the research study. It is where
the main purpose of the study is written which serves as the direction of the study. It is
also the part where specific questions posed by the researcher is written which serves as a
guide on what to look for answer in the study.

In writing the statement of the problem comes in two parts namely: the main
problem or the purpose statement which is stated in declarative form and the specific
questions which are stated in interrogative form.

Main Problem or Purpose Statement

“The research purpose constitutes the broad descriptions of what will be

accomplished in the study” (Locke, Silverman, & Spirduso, 2010)

The format in writing the purpose statement:

For Quantitative Research

The purpose of this ________________________ (research design) is to

___________________ (action to take, e.g. assess, determine, develop, evaluate the
___________________________ (Variable/s of the study) of
________________________ (participants) in/at ___________________ (research
site/setting).

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For Qualitative Research

The purpose of this ________________________ (research design) is to

___________________ (action to take, e.g. understand, describe, develop, assess) the
___________________________ (phenomenon being studied/central topic) of
________________________ (participants) in/at ___________________ (research
site/setting).

Specific Questions (Research Questions)

The research questions will be written based on the nature of the research design
used in the study. Questions may start with what, why, and how. Some questions can also
be on factors that are independent, factors that lead to analysis of relationships, or factors
that answer “the how of variables” (Adanza, Bermudo, & Rasonabe, 2011).

The Research Hypothesis (if needed for Quantitative Studies)

Hypothesis is…

 “It is a prediction about a specific event or relationship between variables”

(Creswell & Creswell, Research Design Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed
Methods Approaches, 2018).
 “It is also a tentative solution to a particular problem which may be accepted or
rejected, depending on what the facts are” (Adanza, Bermudo, & Rasonabe,
2011).
 “Are statements of specific relationships or differences, often expressed in ways
that are designed to be tested by statistical analysis” (Locke, Silverman, &
Spirduso, 2010)

Hypothesis is the scientific guess of the possible relationship of the variables in

the study. Itis written for research questions pertaining to significant relationship or
association, difference, or comparison of the variables in the study. It is a reiteration of
the research questions stating the degree of significance of the variables. Commonly,
hypothesis is written in quantitative studies.

Two Way of Stating the Hypothesis

1. Null Hypothesis which is stated in “no significance”. NO in the statement does

not express negative concept but rather expresses a neutral one.

2. Alternative Hypothesis which is state that “significance” exists between

variables. This type is used when the null hypothesis is rejected, thus the
alternative hypothesis is stated.

Example:

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 Research question
 Is there a significant relationship between age and leadership skills?

Null Hypothesis
 There is no significant relationship between age and leadership skills.

Alternative Hypothesis
 There is a significant relationship between age and leadership skills.

Connect to the World!

Writing Problem Statement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y022M8-9VdI

Try This!

Look for three (3) research articles from research data base. Examine the research
Questions of these research articles.

Type of Question
(Frequency of Factors or
Title of Research
Research Question variables, Relationship,
Article
Difference, or exploration of
a phenomenon)

Research Questions:

1.

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 2.

3.

Research Hypothesis (if any)

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Enhance ment Activities

Do this!

Write the statement of the problem of your research study.

Purpose Statement:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

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 Lesson 4. The Significance of the Study,
Scope and Delimitation, and Definition of
Terms

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

 Write the significance, and the scope and delimitation of the research study.
 Define the terms used in the research study.

Get Started!

Activity 1: List down the entities who would benefit from your research study and briefly
discuss how each one will benefit.

Entities/Beneficiaries How will they benefit from the study?

Activity 2: Identify the scope and the delimitation of your research study

Identify and discuss Identify and discuss the Delimitation

Activity 3: List down the terms which needed to be defined on your study. These terms
may be found in the title and in the statement of the problem.

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Read and Learn!

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 Significance of the Study

Since one of the considerations in choosing a research topic is its importance, it is

imperative to include the significance of the study as part of the paper. In the
significance of the study, you are going to write the importance of the study and on how
it will benefit different entities, individual, groups, or the participants of the study.

Connect to the World!

The Significance of the Study

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfpoR7e-CDw

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This part discusses the scope/extent and boundaries of the research study. The
scope and its boundaries in terms of the research participants, research locale or
environment, time frame, and may include limitation on the research methods and data
analysis.

Connect to the World!

The Scope and Delimitation of the study link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mabkne7w5d8

Definition of Terms

The definition of terms is placed as a separate section in order to give clarity to

some words or terms in your research paper which are not familiar to the readers. Terms
in your paper can be defined conceptually and or operationally. Conceptual definition is
defining the terms based from the literature. Operational definition is defining the terms
on how it is used in the study. Usually, terms found in the title, statement of the problem,
and in the methodology are given a definition.

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Try This!
Look for one (1) research article from research data base. Examine the its
significance, scope and delimitation, and the definition of terms.

Title of the Article

Authors

Year Published

Source:

Significance of the Study

Scope and Delimitation

Terms Defined in the article

Enhance ment Activities

Do This!
Write the Significance, the scope and delimitation, and Definition of terms of
your research study.
Significance of the Study
The study will benefit the following:
1.

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2.
3.
Scope and Delimitation
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Definition of Terms
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

References
Adanza, E. G., Bermudo, P. J., & Rasonabe, M. B. (2011). Methods of Research: A
Primer. Manila: Rex Bookstore.
Asian Qualitative Research Association. (2020). International Training workshop on
qualitative research: From Start to Finish Handbook.
Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research Design Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods
Approaches (3rd ed.). Los Angeles: USA: SAGE Publications Inc.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design Qualitative, Quantita tive,
and Mixed Methods Approaches (Fifth ed.). SAGE Publications. Inc.
Galero-Tejero, E. (2011). A simplified approach to thesis and dissertstion writing.
Mandaluyong: National Bookstore.
Locke, L. F., Silverman, S. J., & Spirduso, w. W. (2010). Reading and Understanding
Research (3rd ed.). California : USA: SAGE Publications Inc.
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2010). Essentials of Nursing Research: Appraising Evidence
for Nursing Practice (7th ed.). Philadelphia: USA: Wolters Kluver/Lippincott
Willians & Wilkins.

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Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2012). Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing
Evidence for Nursing Practice (9th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins.

Online Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMFyRtVIQFU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAZKM1H04-U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XypPNOLQZWc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBRkbNDqpMM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y022M8-9VdI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfpoR7e-CDw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mabkne7w5d8

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