WRITING INTRODUCTION

AND FRAMEWORK

DR. JASPER F. MONGAYA

Director for Production
Concurrrent BSBA Program Head
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

The introduction may be composed of 3

paragraphs. This just enough for the
readers to be able to see at a glance the
entire content/s of the research work.

The intention of the first paragraph is to

provide the readers a mental warm-up,
thus giving them information and
readiness as to what research is all about.
It should introduce the study and justify
the problem.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

The second paragraph carries the

bulk of the introduction. The
statement of the problem can best be
used as frame of reference to write
this paragraph. It is simply telling the
readers the scope and coverage of
the study. This will revolved around
mentioning the purpose of the study,
which is to determine the existing or
not existing between the independent
and dependent variables.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

the third paragraph is a sort of a closing

portion that is intriguing and challenging the
readers to become interested in knowing the
results of the study. It is one or two sentences
to serve as link between the introduction and
the statement of the problem.

An introduction could be just a 2 – 3 page

discussion. It becomes a little longer when
one integrates in this portion the related
literature / studies reviewed.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Statement of the Problem

This is one of the most important part of a research

report. This is the focus of the study and all questions
stated should be categorically answered.

1 The problem should be stated both in general and in

specific terms. The general statement of the problem is
usually a reiteration of the title of the study.
2 The problem is always in an interrogatory form, hence, it
must ask a question and sub-problems must follow the
main problem which are the key points for
investigation/s in research.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

3 The problem should be stated in the

infinitive to (action words in research)
such as examine, analyze, determine,
measure, assess, evaluate,
recommend, find out, among others,
setting 4 – 5 research objectives is ideal
for a research problem.
4 Specific questions should be stated
using the following guide question
words: ‘How,’ ‘Will,’ ‘What,’ ‘Is there’ . .
..
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Actually, problems may be stated in

many ways. Some of these my be in
the form of:

1 A question and/or several questions,

2 A declarative sentence and/or a series
of complete sentences, or
3 A combination of both, i. e., a
statement followed by a series of
questions or vice versa.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

1 Problem stated in a question form.

1.A Single Question

 Are hours of nursing care available in general

hospitals related to patient satisfaction?
 Does democratic administration of nursing
services produce lower turnover rate among
nursing pesonnel in hospitals.
 Does smoking cause cancer among adult males?
 Do patients in open wards in general hospitals
receive more nursing care than those in private
rooms?
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

1.B Single question followed by a series of

questions.

 What are the common methods of

contraception practiced by in a remote
barangay in Cagayan de Oro or Iligan City?
 Is the selection of a particular method
influenced by religion, socio-economic status
or education of the parents?
 What do these mothers face, if any, in the
particular method of their choice?
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

2 Problems stated in declarative form or sentence

2.A A Series of Declarative Sentences

 The study attempts to determine:

 The general food patterns and food intake as well as

food choices of families whose mothers had nutrition
education background.
 The food groups in which their meals were deficient.
 How adequately these nutritional needs are met.
 The foods that my safely substitute for unavailable oe
expensive foods.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

2.BA Declarative Sentence followed by a Series of

Questions.

To determine the proper sequence of learning

experiences in operating room nursing geared to
the needs of students and patients in surgery.

 What were the needs of the students and patients in

surgery?
 What sequence of learning experience was
provided for students particularly in the operating
room.
 Did these experiences meet the learning needs of
the students.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Writing the Statement of Purpose

The problem deals with ‘what’ is to be

studied, and the purpose with why the study
is being undertaken. The purpose is the
reason or justification why the study is being
carried out.

In the nursing profession the purpose may

deal with contribution to nursing education or
administration. Objectives relate, therefore,
to realistic short term goals. Both the purpose
and objectives evolve from the statement of
the problem.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

The purpose is usually expressed as a

declarative statement. Sometimes the
investigator combines ‘what’ is being done
and ‘why’ it is being done. The purpose must
be clear, precise, concrete and easy to
communicate.

The statement of purpose usually contains an

active verb preceded by the preposition ‘to.’
Thus it is common that purposes begin with
‘to assess,’ ‘to provide,’ ‘to gain insight,’ as
examples.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Samples of Statement of Purpose

i. The purpose of this study is to determine if a
specifically planned programmed reality
orientation would decrease the degree of
confusion among elderly patients in a home
setting.
ii. To determine whether during a select period of
development, the inclusion of auditory stimulation
by using recording of the mother’s voice may
influence the developmental behavior of the
premature infant with low birth weight.
iii. To assess the post-surgical patient’s knowledge in
caring for his colostomy bag.
iv. To provide information on how midwives are
utilized in some private hospitals.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

sometimes, the purpose is

incorporated with the problem,
as in the following examples:

i. The purpose of this study is to test

the effect of problem orientation
on the nursing staff’s ability to
identify patient’s problems.
ii. The purpose of this study is to
investigate/examine the effectiveness of health
teaching to hospitalized cardiac patients in a
group setting.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

the scope identifies the boundaries mor

coverage of the study in terms of:
Subjects
Objectives
Facilities
Area
Time Frame
Issues to which the research is focused.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The delimitations of the study defines the constraints and

weaknesses, which are not in control of researcher, therefore,
they are not expected to be covered by the study.

The scope is expressed using the following phrases:

1 This study will focus on …
2 The coverage of this study …
3 The study covers …
4 The study focuses on …
5 It includes …
6 It is concerned with …
7 The study consists of …
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The delimitations could be expressed using

the following phrases:

1 This study is limited to …

2 The study does not cover the …
3 The investigator limited this research to …
4 It does not seek to include …
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Significance of the Study

Here the researcher expresses the value or

importance of his/her study. It is where the
significant contribution/s of the results of the
study are enumerated.

Contribution may be viewed from the point

of the target beneficiaries like the researcher
himself, service providers, clients, society or
community, administrators, planners, decision
makers, implementors, legislators, and
practitioners.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

What may be included in writing the significance

of the study:

1 The rationale, timeless relevance of the study to

existing conditions must be explained or discussed.
2 Possible solutions to existing problems or
improvements to unsatisfactory conditions.
3 It must be shown who are the individuals, groups,
or communities who may be placed in a more
advantageous position on account of the study.
4 It should discuss the implications, including the
possible causes of the problems discovered, the
positive effects of the problems, and the remedial
measures to solve the problems.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Usual Phrases Used in Writing the Significance of the Study:

 The result of the study could help . . . . realize . . .

 The useful and relevant information gained by the study
will encourage . . . . . To continue . . .
 This study will encourage . . . . . to . . .
 This study will enhance involvement in the . . .
 The study affords the management to know . . . . .
 Similar organization will benefit from the study in . . .
 Researchers may find the findings useful as . . .
 The study can help boost the . . .
 The findings may also serve as a guide to . . .
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

USUAL PHRASES (cont’d.)

 The results hopefully, will be of value to . . .

 Though this study, liptospirosis patients will
become aware of . . .
 The results of the study could motivate and
challenge the . . .
 The research results will provide some insights and
information on how diabetic patients . . .
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

HYPOTHESIS

This understood as:

a statement of what one expects to find;
a statement to be proven;
an initial answer to the research question/s;
a common sense statement;
an expected relationship between variables;
a statement of patterns of behavior.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Variables are used in stating

hypotheses. When we want to find
the cause – and – effect or other
forms of relationship between two
variables, two mutually exclusive
hypotheses are formulated:
Null Hypothesis
And
Alternative Hypothesis
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

FORMS OF HYPOTHESIS

1. Null Hypothesis – This says that ‘there is no

difference’ meaning the independent variable
does not affect the dependent variable. If the
data reject the null hypothesis, then the
alternative hypothesis should be true.
2. Alternative Hypothesis – This says ‘there is a
difference’, meaning, that the independent
variable affects the dependent variable. The
alternative hypothesis serves as the real concern
of the research. It is a definite statement of the
relationship between variables. This is what the
research hopes to determine.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Ways of Stating the Alternative Hypothesis

1. Non – directional form – A difference exists

between the related variables (without
expressing the direction of the relationship).
It does not tells us if the relationship is direct
or inverse.
2. Directional form – This states very explicitly
that the relationship between variables id
direct or inverse or curvilinear.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

 In experimental investigation, hypotheses have to be

explicit; they have to be expressed. They have to
be also expressed in comparative and correlational
studies.
 In descriptive and historical investigation, hypotheses
are seldom expressed if not merely absent. But
remember that no research is conducted without
any hypothesis/ses at all.
 Hypotheses are usually stated in the null form
because testing a null hypothesis is easier than a
hypothesis in the operational / alternative form.
 Hypotheses are formulated from the specific
questions upon which they are based.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Research that generally describes the

nature of the phenomena does not
usually require a hypothesis. However,
we can say what we expect to find.

In research that goes beyond mere

description and strives to explain and
predict, the hypothesis states an
expected pattern, a relationship, a
cause.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

The hypothesis may have the following format:

 There is a pattern in the observed phenomena.

 There is a relationship between variables, where a
change in one (independent variable) causes a
change in the other variable (dependent
variable).
 There is cause-and-effect relationship between
variables.
 There ia an association between the variables. A
relationship exists between two variables but it is
not in the sense that one is the cause and other is
the effect.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Some researchers use both the theoretical and

conceptual framework. However, it is advisable
to use only one.

Both provide clear explanations regarding the

relationships of the variables. The fact that
variables can be shown to be associated, but
does not guarantee that the relationship of
variables has significance, research study must
have a framework as a basis to describe properly
the process of the study
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

A framework is simply the structure of the

research idea or concept and how it is
put together. A theoretical framework,
then, is an essay that interrelate the
theories involved in the question.

The framework may be summarized in a

schematic diagram that presents the
major variables and their hypothesized
relationships
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Theoretical framework shapes the justification of the

research problem. Here the researcher identifies the
key concepts that are used in the study for better
understanding of the role of the theory in research.

It is a symbolic construction, using abstract (theory),

concepts, facts or laws, variables and their relations
that explain and predict how an observed
phenomenon exists and operates. A researcher is
required to formulate a framework based on existing
theories which link the study because theories are
useful devices for interpreting, criticizing, and
unifying established scientific laws and facts that
guide in discovering new generalizations.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Level III or WHY questions

require a theoretical
framework which explains
the cause-and-effect
relationship among the
variables.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Theoretical framework simply means the use of a theory or

interrelated theories to support the rationale (reason) for
conducting the study and provide a guide or direction in
analyzing the results of the study.

The purpose of the use of theory is to make research

findings meaningful and interpretable. It helps us explain,
predict or control the phenomena in question or what one
is studying about. It helps us predict and describe the
expected relationships between the variables. Thus a
theoretical framework is a frame of reference that is a
basis for observations, definitions of concepts, research
designs, interpretations, and generalizations. It is similar to
the frame that defines the overall design od a house or
building.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Purpose:
 It helps the researcher see clearly the
variables of study.
 It can provide him with a general
framework for data analysis.
 It is essential in preparing a research
proposal using descriptive and
experimental methods.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Formulating Theoretical Framework

1. Specifies the theory used as basis for the
study.
2. Mentions the proponents of the theory.
3. Cites the main points emphasized in the
theory.
4. Supports his exposition of the theory by
ideas from other experts.
5. Illustrates his theoretical frameworks by
means of a diagram; and,
6. Reiterates his theoretical proposition in the
study.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

After formulating the theoretical framework, the

researcher has to develop the conceptual
framework of the study.

Remember, a theory is a discussion of related

concepts, while a concept is a word or phrase that
symbolizes several interrelated ideas.

The concept is an image or symbolic representation

of an abstract idea. Chinn and Kramer (1999) define
a concept as a ‘complex mental formulation of
experience.’

.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Unlike a theory, a concept does not need to

be understood. However, since you are using
several interrelated concepts in a new way,
your conceptual framework must explain the
relationship among these concepts. Even if
your question does not include a theory,
there is no doubt that it contains at least one
concept that needs to be explained or
described in relation to the question as a
whole.

While the theoretical framework is the theory

on which the study is based, the conceptual
framework is the operationalization of the
theory.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Conceptual framework presents specific and well – defined

concepts or constructs. Its function is similar with theoretical
framework because the constructs used are derived from
abstract, or concepts of the theoretical framework.

It is the researcher’s own position on the problem and gives

direction to the study.

It may be an adaptation of a model used in a previews study, with

modifications to suit the inquiry.

Aside from showing the direction of the study, through the

conceptual framework, the researcher can be able to show the
relationships of the different constructs that he wants to
investigate.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Conceptual framework means the use

of one or more related concepts that
underlie the study problem and
support the rationale (reason) for
conducting the study. When one
concept is used, it is the discussion of
the component ideas within it that
form the basis for the conceptual
framework. The concepts should be
discussed in relationship to the
variables being examine in the study.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Conceptual framework refers to the part of the

study that integrates otherwise scattered and
related information in a way that clarifies our
assumptions, suggests variables and relationships
to be considered in the study design, and clarifies
the meaning of the research goal. It provides a
network of concepts and relationships within
which questions are asked and data are
integrated. Its functions include the following:

1. It clarifies the concepts on which the study is built.

2. It identifies and states the assumptions underlying
the study.
3. It specifies relationships among concepts.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

FORMULATING THE CONCEPTUAL

FRAMEWORK

1. Cite your conceptual framework or

paradigm;
2. Identify your variables;
3. Point out the dependents and intervening
variables;
4. Show the direction of the study.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Remember that theories are speculations.

They are never proved. Theories are used to
describe, predict, explain and control.

A theoretical framework provides a broad

explanation of relationships that exists
between concepts.

Theoretical frameworks start out as a

conceptual framework and with much
research, develop into a research-based
theoretical framework.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

In contrast, conceptual frameworks are not

as well developed as theoretical frameworks.

in construction a framework, you need to

look or review your questions to find out how
many ideas (expressed in words) does each
question contain? Also look at your
definitions. More than likely the question is a
sequence of related ideas that form a
concept rather than a single idea. If so, then
write a conceptual framework thast explains
the interrelationship of all ideas in your
question.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

The level of question asks is not only closely related

to the extent of literature on the research topic. It is
also closely related to the theoretical and
conceptual frameworks.

Level I questions do not have frameworks as a rule,

but your rationale, including the significance of the
question and the potential contribution of the results
of the study, is a framework within which your topic is
examined. If you based your level I question or study
on a theory or concept that has been studied in a
different setting or with a different population, then
you can have a theoretical framework that can be
develop.
WRITING INTRODUCTION
AND FRAMEWORK

Level II questions have conceptual framework/s to explain the

possible connection between the variables. Each variable or
concept may have been studied before, and even though it is
being used differently in your study, you will find previous research
useful in helping to develop your framework.

Level III questions require a theoritical framework which explains

case-and-effect relationship among the variables.

THUS, when you write your problem essay, incorporate your

rationale for the development of the question, your theoretical or
conceptual framework, and your literature review into one (not
three) definitive statement of what you are studying and why, and
its relevance to you and your reader. REMEMBER, you are the
expert on your research. NOW all you have to dom is prove your
expertise in an essay.