research project - chapter 1

STEPS IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS

In research writing, the most difficult part to write is Chapter 1 (Introduction).

Asthey (2010) points out that the most difficult part

of any endeavor is the starting point.

The first chapter is where you conceptualize your

entire research. The whole research can be reflected in

Chapter 1 including expected results or

outcomes.

Choose a TopicSelect a topic which interests

and challenges you. Your attitude towards the topic may well determine the amount of effort and enthusiasm you put

into your research.

• Obtain teacher approval for your topic before embarking on

a full-scale research. • Select a subject you can

manage. Avoid subjects that are too technical, learned, or

specialized. Avoid topics that have only a very narrow range

of source materials.

Find InformationFor general or background

information, check out useful URLs, general information online, almanacs or encyclopedias online

such as Britannica. Use search engines and other search tools as

a starting point.

Pay attention to domain name extensions, e.g., .edu

(educational institution), .gov(government), or .org (non-profit

organization). These sites represent institutions and tend to

be more reliable

Be selective of .com (commercial) sites. Many .com sites are excellent; however, a large number of them contain, invalid/misinformation,

advertisements for products and nothing else.

Learning how to evaluate websites critically and to search effectively on the Internet can

help you eliminate irrelevant sites and waste less of your time.

Check out other print materials available in the Library:

Almanacs, Atlases, AV Catalogs,Encyclopedias and Dictionaries,

Government Publications, Journals, Guides, Reports,

Magazines, NewspapersVertical Files, Yellow Pages, and

Telephone Directories

1.1 Background of the Study“Why did you conduct the study?”

-describes the circumstances that suggested in the research.

1.1 Background of the StudyStart with sentences that are simple

enough to understand even for those who are not exactly experts

in the topic. Begin with presenting a broad perspective of the problem or issue which will lead to the next

sub-section 'Statement of the Problem'.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

• “What did you study?”--clearly, accurately and briefly states the issue that was studied.--may be stated either in the declarative form or interrogative form.

1.2 Statement of the ProblemThis provides the context for the research study and the questions

which the research hopes to answer. A problem statement

articulates the issue to be addressed and indicates the need

for the study.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Aim to motivate the reader and provide understanding

on why your research topic is important.

It is advisable to keep your statement as concise as possible …..between (100-250words), but

with enough information to convince readers that the

research is feasible, appropriate and worthwhile.

1.3 Hypotheses• a statement that can be

proved or disproved. • When you make specific

predictions regardinganswers to a research question

posed, then you arebuilding a hypothesis that can be

tested empirically.

1.3 Hypotheses--should be clear & brief.--should be based on past experiences or

observations or on information gatheredfrom your research.

--must be testable.

Its is advisble to make at least three of suchstatements to comfirm your findings.

1.4 Conceptual Framework• Is a general statement which forms

theframe of reference for your inquiry orinvestigation.• Sets out the rationale which

underlies--Why you do/What you do?--How you do your research?

1.4 Conceptual FrameworkTWO TYPES OF DIAGRAMS

REPRESENTING OF:1. Relationships of the KEY

CONCEPTS involved in the study.2. Relationships of the KEY

VARIABLES to be investigated.

1.5 Significance of the Study

• The relevance of the research to felt needs.

• How the research output may be directly useful to people?

Focus should be on the following:• Why is your work important?• What are the implications/effects

of your study?• 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?

• The significance should be able to show how the study will contribute to knowledge.

• You must also specifically state the beneficiaries of the study and how they stand to gain

from the finding of the research.

Begin with a general contribution of your study and then proceed towards its contribution to

individuals such as practioners (such as teachers, managers), parents,

administrators, policy planners and so forth.

1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

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.

1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

Coverage of the study:• Area• Subject/problem• Research apparatus, equipment or

Instrument• Time frame• Any limitations in the referencepopulation, sample size

1.7 Definition of Term

• Includes terms which should be interpreted in a manner unique to your research.

• Includes all the important variables in the study.

1.7 Definition of TermsIncludes terms which should be

interpreted in a manner unique to yourresearch.

Includes all the important variables in thestudy.

The definitions may be:1. CONCEPTUAL – based on concepts orhypothetic ones which are usuallytaken from dictionary, encyclopedia &