Chapter 1: Introduction

The purpose of introduction is to provide a basis for the study

It gives
The background
Setting required to put the research problem in proper context

1.1 Background of the study

o This is the initial section of the proposal
o It introduces the status and the theoretical foundation of the study
o It is the rationale of the study
o It provided evidence and condition of the existing situation to make
the reader feel the urgency of the problem and the need to study it in
order to solve it
Research background. Cont.
Research background has 4 main dimension
1. The historical:
2. Theoretical
3. Conceptual
4. Contextual

The historical background:- It’s the first to write.

 Describe in a short and precise paragraph the relation ship
between variables in an historical dimension
 For first time issues: provide a brief history
 For issues that have been discovered or belived to be true
should be summarized .
 Starts with global history and then nrrow down to the study
area
Research background. Cont.
2. Theoretical background Infor..
 The researcher describes the theory/ theories on which the study will be based
 Describe “Any” discovered relationship between variables in the study and theories to be
used
 Briefly describe the theories and justify how it relate to the variables under investigation

3. The conceptual background infor.

Provides the definition of terms in the topic
Ie
 The literal definition “- inform the reader of the literature meaning of the terms or
variables . Such definition should be obtained from authoritative sources
 Working definition This may differ from researcher to researcher
 Operational definitions
 Since a concept may have more than one meaning in different context its important to clarify
what meaning is in use
 Indicate how and by what means you are going to to manipulate the independent variables
and by what means the researcher will observe the dependent variables
 1.2 Research Problem
1.2 Research Problem
 This is one of the most difficult tasks for beginning researchers
 It goes beyond surface problem which do not demand collection and interpretation of data

Note: A research is usually contacted because a deficiency or a need has been identified
The deficiency and need should be clearly and specifically indicated since it justifies the
research problem

Def: A need or a discrepancy that can only be solved through collection and analysis of data

Rather
 It is a terminology for a topic that has been narrowed down
 It is the ‘why’ of the study
 It can be described as an hypothesis or a question of interest to a researcher which can be
tested or answered
 1.2 Research Problem. Cont.
Statement of the Problem

Refers to what the researcher has identified as existing in literature, theory or practice
A condition which needs to be probed and a solution found

It may arise from

 issues,
 Deductions from existing theories restated to the current social difficulties,
 Current practices
 Problems that need to be solved or better understood

Common pointer to research problem are

 issues which attach attention and may need investigation, unanswered question,
 Missing links,
 Imbalance,
 Unsatisfactory state of affair etc
1.2 Research Problem. Cont
T o identify a research problem a one must answer YES to these three basic
questions

1. Is there perceived inconsistency between what is (the actual) and what

should be (the ideal).? Yes may not necessary mean it’s a research problem
proceed to question 2
2. Is there a question about why there is a discrepancy ?
3. Are there possible and reasonable solution to the discrepancy?
Chapter 1: Introduction
How to formulate a research problem
1. Describe the ideal performance:- This is
 Description of the expected performance,
 Status,
 Condition
 Relationships between the variables if everything were to work according to the plan

Use authoritative sources to reinforced the ideal relationship

2. Describe the actual performance, status condition or relationship as they are on the ground (define the
problem)

In defining the problem:

 Analyze the problem in occurrence,
 Intensity,
 Description and other measures for which data ia already available

To do this review literature, examine current statistics, seek educated opinion from people concerned with the
problem
Chapter 1: Introduction
In defining the problem the researcher should describe
 The incidence and prevalence of the problem
 Geographical area affected by the problem
 Characteristics of the people affected by the problem
 Possible solution of what can be done

3. Describe the discrepancy between the ideal and the actual

practice
The discrepancy that forms the basis of the investigation
Chapter 1: Introduction
A well stated problem statement should
1. Clarify what it is exactly to be solved: avoid jargons
2. Contain the variables and the larger population that is to
studied
3. Restrict the scope of the study to a specific question(s) or
hypothesis(eses)
4. Be feasible and amenable to research It should not be too wide
and data should be available
5.Never overlook ethical concern
6. Be original
7. Be significant
1.3 The Purpose
Also referred to as the research aim or the general objective
 It identifies the goal of the study
 It serve to elaborate upon the information implied I the title of
the study
 It establishes the direction of the study by capturing in a single
line or paragraph the essence of the study
A good purpose statement should
1. Clearly mention the central concept being explored
2. Provide a general definition of the central concept
3. Give brief summary of the method or inquiry to be used in
data collection, analysis and the research process
4. Specify the variables and relationship between them
5. Describe the unit of study
1.3.1 specific objectives'
1.3. Research objectives.
Question and hypothesis have the same characteristics but
different wanding
Objectives state the intentions of the study
Question ask the intention of the study
Hypothesis suggest a relationship
Objectives are specific aims or goal arising direct from the general
objectives
They are statements of indented specific outcomes that specify
more directly what the researcher is going to do
1.3.1 specific objectives
A good research objective has three basic characteristic. It should
1. S.M.A.R.T (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and Time bound
 Specific:- communicated very clearly and explicitly
It should be short, concise and precise
 Measurable:- stated in terms of an outcome that can be observed or
measured
 Attainable feasible(answered through data collection) and
manageable ( accomplishable with constrains of resources ,
 Realistic neither too hard nor too simple
 Time bound: attainable within the available time
2. Clearly indicate the target population ie where the study will be
conducted
3. Clearly indicate the variables to be investigated and the relationship
between them