The first chapter of the research paper is entitled “The Problem” or “The Problem

and Its Background.” Its purpose is to introduce the problem and clarify important
variables, its delimitations, and its significance to the field of study. It has the
following essential elements:

1. Introduction
2. Statement of the problem
3. Scope and delimitation
4. Significance of the study
5. Notes in Chapter I
It should also be noted that the researcher has to introduce the different elements of the first
chapter by giving a brief description of each element, so that the reader knows what to expect
from the chapter.
The introduction is important in establishing the cognitive setting of the research. It
has the following elements:

1. Rationalization of the need to research on the

problem
2. Clarification of the important terminologies for the
reader to easily understand what the research is
about
3. Establishment of the degree of seriousness of the
problem which prompted the researcher to look
for solutions
The following questions can aid the researcher in formulating the introduction:

1. What is the rationale of the problem? This question is answered by sharing the reasons why the
researcher decided to look for solutions to the problem. A rationale may include the narration of personal
experiences, a description of an article read, a scene witnessed, a news heard, or a theory that needs to be
clarified. The researcher should describe the existing and prevailing problem based on his or her experience.
The scope may be local, national, or international. Ideally, the rationale can start from a global perspective to a
more personal one.
The following questions can aid the researcher in formulating the introduction:

2. What is the setting of the problem? The setting forms part of the delimitation of the study. It
defines the geographic boundaries and certain demographic characteristics of the research. This
describes the place where the research was conducted, since the setting has a significant bearing
on the variables being studied. In the description of the setting, its distinctive characteristics must
be highlighted.
The following questions can aid the researcher in formulating the introduction:

3. What is the basic literature foundation of the study? This is different from the review of the
related theories, conceptual literature, and research literature. This part seeks to provide the
researcher clarity on the terms or variables used in the study. The terms and variables must be
clear to the researcher for an easy understanding of the readers. As such, sufficient background
can assist the investigator in determining the boundaries of the study. This part is derived from
different literature sources. The use of various references is crucial in this part of the first chapter.
The following questions can aid the researcher in formulating the introduction:

4. How serious is the chosen research problem? The researcher is tasked to identify the intensity
and magnitude of the problem. When the gravity of the problem has already been described, he or
she may then gauge the kind of action to be used to identify the problem. In most cases, the
researcher at this point looks for statistical or quantitative evidence to assess the significance of the
problem at hand.
The following questions can aid the researcher in formulating the introduction:

5. What is the general objective of the problem? This is the general statement of the problem or
the major tasks of the researcher to discharge and should also be the basis of the enumerated
statements of specific problems.
The following questions can aid the researcher in formulating the introduction:

6. What is the overall purpose of the problem? It is important to note that the researcher must be
totally aware of the purpose of the research problem. He or she must fully understand the
implications of the resulting findings of the study.
Predictors of Students’ Performance in Chemistry Laboratory of
Selected Private Schools (Estrella, 2009)