DIT 314/ DBIT 226/ DCOM 224: RESEARCH PROJECT

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
Introduction should highlight key contents of the chapter. Provide concise and sequential details of specific
content areas.
1.2 Background to the Study
i) It should show the understanding and genesis of the problem.
ii) Background should lay the broad foundation for the problem beginning from global perspective
narrowing down to regional context then to the country and actual location of the study e.g. in a
precise place in Kenya.
iii) Highlight the specific knowledge gaps that justify your study problem and which must lead
logically to the statement of the problem in an ensuing sub-section.
iv) Should be at least one page.
1.3 Statement of the Problem
i) Must indicate exactly what the problem is.
ii) Indicate why and how it is a problem. Give information to support this e.g. by use of statistics or
evidence. This should be derived from background information to illustrate connectivity.
iii) The problem should answer the following questions:
•What is the problem / issue?
•What is causing the problem?
•What is the magnitude of the problem?
•Who is the most affected by the issue raised?
•What could happen if the problem / issue is not addressed?

iv) Length-Maximum one paragraph.

1.4 Purpose of the Study
i) The purpose statement should provide a specific and accurate synopsis of the overall goal of the
study as outlined in the title.
1.5 Objectives of the Study
The objectives have to be in line with the variables the candidates hypothesize to influence the phenomenon
being investigated.
i) Should be related to the general objective which is essentially the title.
ii) They should be SMART-Specific/Specific, Measurable, Attainable/Achievable, Realistic, Time
bound
iii) Should be outcome-based verbs such “Identify, define, relate, describe, review, justify, examine,
investigate.
1.6 Research Questions
i) They should be in line with the specific objectives and equal in number.
ii) Have to be numbered (1,2,3) and should be questions and not statements.

Chapter One Guide for DIT/DCOM/DBIT Project by E. Saikwa

 DIT 314/ DBIT 226/ DCOM 224: RESEARCH PROJECT

iii) Deciding whether to use questions or hypotheses depends on factors such as the purpose of the
study, the nature of the design and methodology, and the audience of the research
1.7 Justification for the Study/Significance of the Study
i) Should illustrate why the researcher is conducting the research and whom it shall benefit.
1.8 Scope of the Study (Delimitation)
i) This is a kind of a disclaimer. Should cite the focus of the study geographical area or target
group/population.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
i) This requires identification of potential weaknesses of the study that may be beyond the capability
of the researcher to intervene e.g., the nature of self-report, your instruments, and the sample size
or design.
ii) The researcher needs to think about threats to internal validity that may have been impossible to
avoid or minimize. Hence, it is imperative to explain how you as the researcher intend to overcome
such limitations as much as possible.
1.10 Assumptions of the Study
i) Here you state the things you are taking for granted about the nature of the behaviour you are
investigating, about the conditions under which the behaviour occurs and about your methods and
measurements etc. Stating that you assume participants will cooperate is not adequate.
ii) Assumptions should be informed by specific objectives of the study.

Chapter One Guide for DIT/DCOM/DBIT Project by E. Saikwa