Chapter 1 

EIGHT SUBSECTIONS
 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

  You have the option of not using the sub-

section “Background of the Study” and go straight
in telling the reader briefly about the problem
 Present a broad perspective of the problem or issue
and ‘gently’ ease the reader into problem statement.
 The reader needs to know ‘why’ your research is
worth doing and lead him or her to the next sub-
section ‘Statement of the Problem’.
 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This is where you tell the reader about the research problem
(also referred to a problem statement or statement of the
problem) which is a statement about an area you are concerned
about, a condition that you feel should be addressed, a
difficulty that you want to eliminate, an issue or question that
exists in the literature you have read or something troubling
encountered in your practice. The aim is to provide an
understanding on why your research topic is important. 
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
 In this section, you make it clear to the reader, what you
planned and how you have narrowed the scope of the study
and tell what the study is expected to achieve. Just a few
sentences would be sufficient. For example, The objective
of this study is to investigate which leadership style
contributed to job satisfaction among staff and the extent
to which demographic variables (such as gender, age,
experience, qualifications) of staff  influenced job
satisfaction. At the end of the ‘objectives of the study’, you
could state as follows: ‘Specifically, the study seeks to
answer the following research questions ……….’
 RESEARCH QUESTIONS / HYPOTHESES
 Now comes the task of further narrowing the scope of the
study. The ‘Statement of the Problem’ that you wrote about
earlier is still too broad and needs to be narrowed in the
form of ‘research questions’. A Research Question is a
question that focuses your study and stipulates the
interaction between variables. It could also be stated as a
statement.
Hypothesis

 A hypothesis (plural hypotheses) is a
proposed explanation for the occurrence
of  a specified phenomenon. For
example, there is no difference in job
satisfaction between male and female
workers.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
 The ‘conceptual framework’ is created
by you showing the relationships
between the concepts, variables and
factors you will be investigating in your
study.  
Note the following from the diagram above: 
 The conceptual framework is constructed by the researcher and not
something that exists ready-made.  
 It acts like a map organizing and connecting the key ideas that
shape your thinking.
 It shows the relationship between several concepts or factors such
as demographic variables, leadership style and job satisfaction in
the workplace
 It identifies the phenomena you propose to analyse
 It shows the relationships which you are seeking to establish which
will be reflected in the Research Questions.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
After having stated the problem, the objectives of the study
and the research questions, you should include a section on
‘significance’ of the study in which you tell the reader the
contribution of your study.
 Focus should be on the following:
Why is your work important?
What are the implications of your study?
How does it link to other knowledge?
How does it inform policy making?
What new perspective does your study bring to the field?
Who would you share your findings with when the study
is completed?
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
 The ‘Limitations of the Study’ is the section in which you
tell the reader the shortcomings, conditions or influences
that you could not control. You have to mention them
because they may influence the results of your study.
Some researchers are reluctant to write about the
limitations of their study because they feel it weakens their
study and points out the flaws of your study. However, it
should be pointed out that most studies especially in the
behavioural and social sciences have limitations and it is
better to indicate upfront to the reader.
DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
 Definition of Terms or also referred to as
‘Operational Definition of Terms’ is a brief section
consisting of definition of key terms or concepts
used in the study. For example, the term
‘socioeconomic status’ may have various
meanings, so it is important to clarify to the reader
the way you operationalized the term as used in
your study Unfamiliar or technical words may also
require an exact definition.
Chapter 2 – Review of Literature

 FOUR parts consisting of: 

 an introduction,
 discussion of the theoretical framework,
 critical analysis of related research works and
 a conclusion. 
1. INTRODUCTION and CONCLUSION
 Briefly discuss the problem statement, purpose of the
study, the research questions, the research design and data
collection techniques to provide an appropriate context for
the review.
 Conclude this section by telling that you will present the
theoretical framework followed by a critical analysis of
related research studies related to the problem statement
and research questions followed by a conclusion.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

 There are TWO ways of telling the reader

about the theoretical framework of your
study. One is to embed discussion of your
theoretical framework in the literature
discussed. Another is to have a separate
section to discuss the theoretical framework.
 The ‘theoretical framework’ poses a problem to students
when they are unable to articulate convincingly during
their thesis defence when asked,
 “What is the theoretical framework of your study?”
 “Can you explain the underlying theory of your study”?
 “How do the findings of your study contribute to the
theory your study is based on”?
Chapter 3 - METHODOLOGY
 Research Design
 Research Setting
 The Subject of the Study /Population
 Data Gathering Procedure
 The Instrument – (survey questionnaire )
 Validation of the questionnaire
 Data Processing Method