Chapter 3: Presenting The Problem

1. The first chapter introduces the problem

2. Title

3. Problem Statement

4. Hypothesis

5. Definitions

6. Assumptions and Limitations

7. Significance

A. Choosing a Title

1. Convey the contents succinctly

2. Avoid using “waste” words or phrases such as “An investigation of,” “An analysis of,” and “A study of.”

B. Introduction

1. Designed to create interest in the problem

2. Use the introduction to persuade readers of the significance of the problem

3. Provide background information

4. Bring out areas of needed research

5. Do not be too technical

6. Lead to the specific purpose of the study smoothly, and logically.

C. Stating the Research Problem

1. Follows the introduction

2. A literature review is often included in the introductory section and precedes the problem statement

3. Identifying variables including the independent, dependent and categorical variables.  Control variable may be mentioned.

1. Categorical – kind of independent variable cannot be manipulated; age, race, sex.

4. The researcher decides which variables to manipulate and which variables to control.

5. One can control the possible of some variable by keeping it out of the study.

6. Extraneous variables – are factors that could affect the relationship between the independent and dependent variables but are not included or controlled.

D. Presenting the Research Hypothesis

1. After the statement of the problem

2. Research hypothesis are the expected results

3. Null hypothesis is used primarily in the statistical test for the reliability of the results; it says that there is not differences between treatments (or relationships between variables).

E. Operationally Defining Your Terms

1. In the Introduction chapter of a thesis or dissertation, certain terms are operationally defined.

2. Observable events may need to be defined precisely if they are to be measured; i.e., obesity, fatigue, learning.

3. Operational definitions are related to the research hypothesis, because you will need to define the effect to be measured (dependent variables)

F. Basic Assumptions, Delimitations, and Limitations

1. Assumptions – you must assume that certain conditions exist and that the particular behaviors in question can be observed and measured.

a. Researcher assumes that the sample selected randomly represents the larger population from which the sample was selected and is normally distributed.

b. Assume the respondents will be truthful in answering questions in an interview or questionnaire

c. Instructions given to subjects prior to testing are assumed to be understood and followed; i.e., 12 hour fast before the test, no smoking 24 hours before the test, etc.

2. Delimitations and Limitations

1. Limitations are possible shortcomings or influences that either cannot be controlled or are the results of the restrictions imposed by the investigator.

2. Delimitations refer to the scope of the study.

3. If you declare too many limitations you may be apologizing for the study and devalue it.

a. The sample size is too small

b. The tests may not represent the parameter in question

c. The training sessions may be too short

d. The investigator lacks adequate measurement experience

G. Justifying the Significance of the Study

1. Take into consideration basic and applied research.

2. They cannot be evaluated for significance with the same criteria.

3. Basic research – extent to which the study contributes to the formulation or validation of some theory.

4. Applied research – on the basis of contribution to the solution of some immediate problem.

H. Writing the Significance Section

1. Maintain continuity of the significance section with the introduction

2. Should focus on such things as contradictory findings of previous research and gaps in knowledge in particular areas.

3. Difficulties in measuring phenomena in question are sometimes emphasized.

4. Verifying theories or the practical application

I. Differences between the Thesis and the Research Article

1. Publications are concerned with brevity, so some sections may be missing

2. The publication assumes the expert, whereas the thesis assumes the novice. Therefore the novice is required to include all the sections

3. Research  hypotheses often omitted and sometimes the statement of the problem is omitted from the publications

4. If the article is well written, one should be able to discern the operational definitions, the assumptions and limitations, and the independent, dependent and categorical variables