HOW TO WRITE THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

While the findings of your study form the foreground of your research, it is equally
important to establish the background of your study. A well-written background will provide your
study with a context and prompt the readers to read the rest of your paper.
However, most research writers struggle with writing the background of the study. Another
common problem writers encounter is distinguishing between the background and the literature
review, which are critical aspects of any research paper. The two terms are often used
interchangeably; however, they have clearly defined roles. So this article will cover the basics of
writing the background and explain how it is different from the literature review.

The background of the study

The background of the study establishes the context of the research. This section explains
why this particular research topic is important and essential to understanding the main aspects of
the study. Usually, the background forms the first section of a research article/thesis and justifies
the need for conducting the study and summarizes what the study aims to achieve.

How to structure the background

In this section, the writer usually outlines the historical developments in the literature that
led to the current topic of research concisely. If the study is interdisciplinary, it should describe
how different disciplines are connected and what aspects of each discipline will be studied.

Additionally, writers should briefly highlight the main developments of their research topic
and identify the main gaps that need to be addressed. In other words, this section should give an
overview of your study. The section should be organized as:
What is known about the broad topic?
What are the gaps or missing links that need to be addressed?
What is the significance of addressing those gaps?
What are the rationale and hypothesis of your study?

The background section, therefore, should provide general information about the topic of
your research and emphasize the main aims of the study. Please ensure that you only discuss the
main and relevant aspects of the studies that have led to your aims. Do not elaborate on them as
this should be done in the literature review section. The background section should discuss your
findings in a chronological manner to accentuate the progress in the field and the missing points
that need to be addressed. The background should be written as a summary of your interpretation
of previous research and what your study proposes to accomplish.
How to make the background engaging
As the background includes a lot of information, it can become a long drag, causing the
readers to lose interest. To ensure that your background is engaging, you should try to build a story
around the central theme of your research.

Ensure that the story adheres to the core idea and does not digress into a broad literature
review. Each idea should lead to the next so that readers are able to grasp the story and themselves
identify the gaps that your study is going to address

How to avoid common mistakes in writing the background

While writing an effective background, you ought to steer clear of some mistakes. The
most common mistakes in writing the background include the following:

Don’t write a background that is too long or too short. Focus on including all the important
details but write concisely.

Don’t be ambiguous. Writing in a way that does not convey the message to the readers
defeats the purpose of the background, so express yourself keeping in mind that the reader does
not know your research intimately.

Don’t discuss unrelated themes. Try and center your discussion around the pivotal aspects
of your research topic i.e. highlight the gaps in the literature, state the novelty of the study, and the
need to conduct the study.

Don’t be disorganized. Not discussing the themes in a chronological manner can confuse
the reader about the progress in the field, so try and organize your writing carefully.

How is the background different from the literature review

Many authors find it difficult to discern the difference between the literature review and
the study background. The literature review section should follow the background section, as the
second section of your manuscript/thesis. This section basically supports the background section
by providing evidence for the proposed hypothesis. This section should be more comprehensive
and thoroughly describe all the studies that you have mentioned in the background section. It
should also elaborate on all studies that form evidence for the present study and discuss the current
trends.

To write this section, you will need to do a thorough literature search on different studies
that relate to the broad topic of your research. This will introduce the readers to the area of your
research. Following this, you should present a more focused survey of the specific studies that are
associated with the precise objective of your study. It would be ideal to organize them thematically
and discuss them chronologically so that readers are aware of the evolution and progress in the
field. In other words, separate themes should be discussed chronologically to highlight how
research in those fields has progressed over time. This will highlight what has been done and what
are the future directions that need to be worked upon.

Source:
Dr. Rishibha Sachdev
Author
How to write the background of your study
https://www.editage.com/insights/how-to-write-the-background-of-your-study

You might also find this article helpful:

HOW TO WRITE CHAPTER 1 (THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND)

https://www.academia.edu/22428865/HOW_TO_WRITE_CHAPTER_1_THE_PROBLEM_AND_ITS_BACKG
ROUND

Requirement for TOPIC 1.

Write “The Problem and Its Background” of your research proposal and submit on
______________________.

TOPIC 2
HOW TO WRITE “SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY”

When you write a research paper, there is a section there that is allocated for the
significance of the study. This article will provide different significance of the study samples and
will discuss the tips on how to write this part.

The significance of the study is a part of the introduction of a research paper. It should
determine who benefits from the study and how that specific audience will benefit from its
findings. The significance of the study could be simply reflected by the following two questions:

Why should my study be published?

What significant scientific contribution is my study making to my field of research?

Importantly, the significance of the study should also be written with a non-expert in mind.
Tips in Writing the Significance of the Study

Here are the tips that may be helpful when writing the significance of the study. These tips
will tell you the basic components expected to be seen in the significance of the study content.

1. Refer to the Problem Statement

In writing the significance of the study, always refer to the statement of the problem. This
way, you can clearly define the contribution of your study. To simplify, your research should
answer this question, “What are the benefits or advantages of the study based on the statement of
the problem?”

If you ask the question “How has the new packaging affected the sales of the product?”
then the contribution of your research would probably a packaging style or technology that can
help the store increase its sales. Your study should demonstrate that the product’s packaging really
influences the buyer’s perception and affects their purchase decision.

2. Write it from General to Particular

Determine the specific contribution of your research study to society as well as to the
individual. Write it deductively, starting from general to specific. Start your significance of the
study broadly then narrowing it out to a specific group or person. This is done by looking into the
general contribution of your study, such as its importance to society as a whole, then move towards
its contribution to individuals as yourself as a researcher.

Significance of the Study Samples

Here are some samples to help you draft your own introduction:

Title: Number of Clinical Internship Hours: A Determinant of Student’s Effectiveness and

Skill Acquisition in the Hospital Area for Velez College Students

Significance of the Study

The results of the study will be of great benefit to the following:

College of Nursing Dean. Data given will provide the dean with information on how the number
of duty hours in a week affects the student’s academic and RLE performance. The results will
enable the dean to improve the scheduling of RLE and different academic subjects. Data gathered
will help the dean initiate collaboration among faculty and chairpersons to help plan the
advancement of nursing education in relation to the new curriculum.
Clinical Instructors. The results of the study will help the clinical instructors evaluate the quality
of care rendered by the nursing students, academic performance, attitude and skills acquired in
relation to the number of hours given in a week. Results would also develop the clinical instructor’s
teaching-learning and evaluating strategies in enhancing knowledge, skills and attitude to the
students in the time frame given.

Students. This study will provide information regarding which time arrangement is effective: 8-
hr of clinical internship from the 5-hr clinical internship with additional academic classes. This
study will evaluate the academic performance, the student nurse’s attitude and approach, the skills
learned in the clinical area and the quality of care rendered in the given time frame. Data
gathered will also help the students improve both academic and clinical performance.

Velez College. This study will improve the school in the development of nursing education. This
study will foster new ways of enhancing knowledge, skills and attitude, thus preparing globally-
competitive nurses in the future. This study will also help in the advancement of school
management, clinical leadership and teaching-evaluation approach.

The researches and information pertaining to the use of marijuana is not widely available to all
college students and is limited. They are either expelled or arrested after caught to be using
marijuana instead they should be counseled or advised fully the consequences of using marijuana.
The study will give emphasis on what will be really faced by marijuana users, the problems they
will face in their entire lifetime. Information collected will help in the coming up of the strategies
to counter vein and help the other students who are just enrolled (freshman) on college and as well
as the later ones.

Source:
Draven Cueva
Significance of the Study Samples | Writing Tips
https://topnotcher.ph/writing-the-best-significance-of-the-study/

More readings:

Techniques for writing significance of the study

General significance
To write the general significance, consider the importance or contribution your study will
impact or benefit others in part or whole. Discuss what people or groups of people might benefit
from your study. Show how this project is significant to developing a body of knowledge. An
example is how your study will influence public policy.
Specific significance
Your problem statement can guide you in identifying the specific contribution of your
study. You can do this by observing a one-to-one correspondence between the purpose of the
problem and the objectives of the study. For example, if your research question reads “Is there any
significant relationship between the usage of WhatsApp and the performance of students in
spelling in English language?” perhaps, you may write one of the contributions of your study as
“The study will identify common errors in spelling and grammar by users of WhatsApp and
recommend its appropriate use in a manner that can improve better performance in spelling.

Gaps in literature
Justify the need for the study by considering the following:
The gaps in related literature that demands attention
Where there is little or no literature on the identified gaps
Where the related literature available recommends a further work vis-à-vis the identified
gaps

Benefits or outcomes
You may justify the need for the study by outlining the expected benefits or outcomes to be derived
from conducting the study. You need to explain how the outcome of the study will be useful in
terms of how it will contribute to extension, refinement or revision of a theory; or influence
existing issues in terms of policy or practice.

Checklists
Use the following checklists to fine tune the significance of the study:
Why is this work important?
What are the implications of doing it?
How does your study link to other knowledge?
How does it stand to inform or influence policy making?
What new perspective will your study introduce to the subject?
What benefits might your study have for others in the subject area or to the general
public?
How is your study expected to resolve lingering questions or gaps in knowledge in your
field of study?
How is your study expected to develop better theoretical models in your specialty?
How your study will change the way people do their jobs in a particular field, or may
change the way people live.

Requirement for Topic 2

Write the significance of your study.
 TOPIC 3
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

A literature review is a comprehensive review of the literature available for any given
research question. It is a summary, analysis and evaluation of the literature and an explanation of
what research has already been performed for a research area.

A literature review has several functions. It gives you the opportunity to show what
research has already been done on any given subject. As part of this overview you may also be
able to highlight areas which relate to the subject in hand, but may not have had as much research
carried out upon them. This can help with the justification for your research proposal. If a great
deal of research into a subject has already been published, you may need to revise your research
proposal. If you are planning research, you need to find an area where further research would be
useful.

A literature review will help you identify such an area. Your literature review should
discuss the theories and concepts that underpin your research. This is different to the
methodologies you will actually use in your research, it is a discussion of the area of research, the
main issues relating to it. You should also explain any terminology that you will use in your
research area and provide definitions of any areas that may not be obvious. As part of your
literature review, you need to critically analyse the material you are looking at - this is part of the
review process.

BEGINNING YOUR LITERATURE REVIEW. The first step in your literature review is
to choose a topic. This could take the form of a research question, an area you wish to investigate
further. When you have selected your research area, analyse it, think of search terms associated
with it, try and think about synonyms and alternate spellings, anything that will help when
searching for current research. The next step is to formulate a search strategy. Make a note of the
words and phrases you are going to search for. Look at the available resources and decide which
ones are most appropriate for your needs. Begin searching, keeping a record of the searches you
perform. Look at the quantity of results you are getting, is it too much, or too little?

Do you need to narrow or broaden your search area? You may need to narrow your search.
Think about the boundaries of your research question, think about what could, or should, be
excluded. You may also need to rethink your initial research question in light of the amount of
data found. If you are not finding enough information, try considering your research question from
a different angle. Or try expanding the area of research to include areas you may have originally
excluded as only being peripheral to your research. If you cannot find much literature on your
chosen subject, you may also need to consider the practicalities of research on that subject. It may
be that little research has been carried out because of ethical or technical difficulties. Whatever
your results you will have to assess the material you find to ascertain whether or not it is suitable.

WRITING YOUR LITERATURE REVIEW. When you have identified your credible, up-
to-date, accurate information sources, you need to start building up a picture of your subject area
and the research that has been done on it. You will have searched a range of sources, print and
electronic, to build a full picture. Start grouping information together into different areas of your
research topic. Make notes, identify themes, but you should continually exercise critical analysis
on the documents you are using. The different sub-topics you have identified can then form the
basis of your literature review. You should describe your subject, demonstrate your understanding,
state what research has been done and how it will impact upon your own research. You should use
quotes from other authors as required, but you should not rely on them.

Your work should be fully referenced in order to avoid plagiarism, for more information
on this, see the Academic Misconduct guide at:
http://www2.wlv.ac.uk/webteam/curr_sdts/sharpen/ss-HowtoAvoidAM.pdf.

Your literature review should begin with an introduction. This is a brief description of your
research area. It gives you the opportunity to define your research area, highlighting any areas that
you have excluded, and the reasons for doing so. Following the introduction you will have the
main body of your literature review which will form the bulk of your work. You will then present
your conclusions; these should not present any new information, but should summarise your
findings and, hopefully, justify your choice of research topic. You will need to include a reference
list and/or a bibliography. This is a list of all the sources you have used and/or consulted.

More Readings:
https://www.apu.edu/live_data/files/288/literature_review.pdf

Requirement for Topic 3

Synthesize at least five related literature for your research proposal

TOPIC 4
UNDERSTANDING, SELECTING, AND INTEGRATING A THEORETICAL
FRAMEWORK
What is a Theoretical Framework?

The theoretical framework is the “blueprint” for the entire research inquiry. It serves as the
guide on which to build and support your study, and also provides the structure to define how you
will philosophically, epistemologically, methodologically, and analytically approach the research
study as a whole. Eisenhart defined a theoretical framework as “a structure that guides research
by relying on a formal theory…constructed by using an established, coherent explanation of
certain phenomena and relationships” (1991, p. 205). Thus, the theoretical framework consists of
the selected theory (or theories) that undergirds your thinking with regards to how you understand
and plan to research your topic, as well as the concepts and definitions from that theory that are
relevant to your topic.

Lovitts (2005) empirically defines criteria for applying or developing theory to the research
study that must be appropriate, logically interpreted, well understood, and align with the question
at hand. You must select and clarify a theoretical framework from the time your research topic is
initially conceptualized.

Mertens acknowledged that the theoretical framework “has implications for every decision
made in the research process” (1998, p. 3), which supports your belief that the theoretical
framework for a study must be identified at the inception of dissertation work. It is also believed
that all research is theoretical. The importance of theory-driven thinking and acting should be
emphasized in relation to the selection of a topic, development of research questions, focus of the
literature review, the design approach, and analysis plan for the dissertation study.

The Difference Between a Theoretical and Conceptual Framework.

Theoretical frameworks are sometimes referred to as a conceptual framework; however,

these terms are neither interchangeable nor synonymous. They can be vague and lead to confusion
for students and dissertation committee members alike. As such, it is important and necessary to
differentiate these terms. We distinguish the two terms by clarifying that a theoretical framework
is derived from an existing theory (or theories) in the literature that has already been tested and
validated by others and is considered a generally acceptable theory in the scholarly literature. As
Merriam (2001) proposed, it is the researcher’s lens with which to view the world. It is the
responsibility of the student to make a unique application of the selected theory (or theories) so as
to apply theoretical constructs to his or her dissertation study. Traditionally, theoretical
frameworks are developed a priori, or before data collection in quantitative designs.
However, a theoretical framework may also involve a theory that is developed in the course
of the research study. Qualitative research designs may begin with a structured, or perhaps less
structured theoretical framework to keep the researcher from forcing preconceptions on the
findings. In the latter case, the theoretical framework often emerges in the data analysis phase.
On the other hand, a conceptual framework is the researcher’s understanding of how the
research problem will best be explored, the specific direction the research will have to take, and
the relationship between the different variables in the study. This is best summarized by Miles &
Huberman (1994), who categorized it as a system of concepts, assumptions, and beliefs that
support and guide the research plan.

Specifically, the conceptual framework “lays out the key factors, constructs, or variables,
and presumes relationships among them” (1994, p. 440). Moreover, Camp (2001) aptly described
a conceptual framework, asserting that a conceptual framework is a structure of what has been
learned to best explain the natural progression of a phenomenon that is being studied. The
conceptual framework offers a logical structure of connected concepts that help provide a picture
or visual display of how ideas in a study relate to one another within the theoretical framework. It
is not simply a string of concepts, but a way to identify and construct for the reader your
epistemological and ontological worldview and approach to your topic of study.
The conceptual framework also gives you an opportunity to specify and define concepts
within the problem (Luse, Mennecke, & Townsend, 2012). Once the conceptual framework for a
research study has been established, you can then begin to determine how to go about writing your
research.

SELECTING AN APPROPRIATE THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK. Selecting an

appropriate theoretical framework for your research is an important and necessary process with
which all student-researchers should engage. The selection of a theoretical framework requires a
deep and thoughtful understanding of your problem, purpose, significance, and research questions.
It is imperative that all four constructs—the problem, purpose, significance, and research
questions—are tightly aligned and intricately interwoven so that your theoretical framework can
serve as the foundation for your work and guide your choice of research design and data analysis.
Think of the electrical system running through a house: your problem, purpose, significance,
research questions, methodology, and data analysis plan must flow through all rooms in your
house, connecting all the elements explicitly together to deliver power throughout the dissertation.
All rooms of a house require electricity. Similarly, all aspects of the dissertation research should
connect to the theoretical framework.

Understanding Your Research Questions Using the Lens of the Theoretical Framework
The development of the research questions in your research study has a direct impact on
the other parts of your study, including but not limited to the theoretical framework. The
relationship between the research questions and theoretical framework is complementary. Both the
main research question or hypotheses and any sub-questions of your study should embody
recognizable aspects of the theoretical framework and articulate the theoretical framework in a
manner by which is can be further explored by your dissertation research.

Because the theoretical framework connects the reader to existing knowledge, the research
questions of your study act as the liaison between the existing knowledge and the problem you
want to resolve.

Choosing the Right Theoretical Framework for You

As stated earlier, most research studies in social and behavioral sciences (regardless of
disciplines) have a base for conducting research. This base is called the theoretical framework.
The theoretical framework serves as a guide to your research and assists in determining what things
you will measure and examine. The theoretical framework is something solid and reliable on which
to build your research and to inform the rest of your design. However, it is the researcher’s
responsibility to select and provide a clear rationale for the choice of theory to ensure that it aligns
and supports the structure of the study’s purpose, research questions, significance, and design.
In order to select the most appropriate and best-suited theoretical framework for your
research, consider the following guidelines:
1. Begin by identifying your beliefs.
2. Consider several theories that intersect nicely with your epistemological values and
broaden your way of thinking about the concepts in your study.
3. Develop a working knowledge of the theories and understand why each theory is
important to you.
4. Conduct a brief literature review to find support for your theories.
5. Consider arguments that oppose your beliefs and theories.
6. Apply answers to “how” the theory connects to your problem, the study’s purpose,
significance, and design.
7. Select one theoretical framework that provides a solid, descriptive ‘blueprint’ for your
reader. This will help you focus your study’s design and analysis plan to better build your research.

INTEGRATING THE THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK. In general, the literature

view is a discussion of your knowledge about the topic under study and how that knowledge is
supported by the research literature. Often, the literature review acts as the foundation of your
study. When conceptualizing your literature review, it is important to understand the purpose of
the literature review in the research. The literature review is designed to demonstrate the
researcher’s knowledge of a particular subject area, field, and discipline. This includes key terms,
ideas, theories, vocabulary, and of course, seminal researchers and research within the specific
field.
Hart (1998) asserted that the literature review plays a role in discovering important
variables relevant to the topic; synthesizing and gaining new perspective; identifying relationship
between ideas and practice; establishing the context of the topic or problem; rationalizing the
significance of the problem; understanding the structure of the subject; and relating ideas and
theory to applications (p. 27).
Last, and certainly important for a burgeoning scholar, is the notion that the literature
review can identify the gaps or paucity of information relevant to specific areas in the literature.
These perceived gaps are the specific areas in which the researcher can significantly contribute to
the literature and field. The theoretical framework and the literature are intrinsically linked. Often,
a theoretical framework can be used as a guide for logically developing and understanding the
different, yet interconnected, parts of the literature review.
The theoretical framework and literature can then be developed harmoniously, and then be
used to support the data, interpret the findings, and underlie the recommendations. The following
items will be included in a strong research literature review rooted in theory:

1. A brief statement of your topic

2. An introduction to the organization of the literature review
3. Identification of your chosen theoretical framework (defines the theory, identifies key
theorists, history of theory)
4. Specification of key theoretical principles to be applied to your topic, organized around
conceptual subheadings
5. Identification of conflicts and controversies in the literature
6. Identification of gaps in the existing literature
7. In the last paragraph only, an explanation of how your proposed study connects to
existing literature A holistic view of your developing concept map will allow you to view concepts
that may or may not fit with your theoretical framework.

Requirement for Topic 4

Select at least 2 appropriate theories for your research study.

TOPIC 5
DEVELOPMENT OF CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

A conceptual framework is a bit like a recipe or a blueprint. It provides an outline of how

you plan to conduct your research study., but it goes further than that by also positioning your
work within the larger field of research. Writing a conceptual framework can not only help to
guide your research study to ensure that your research stays on track, but it also helps to guide
fellow researchers or advisers who are analyzing your research study.
 A Conceptual Framework is a tool that is used before to a study. This makes a Conceptual
Framework an analytical tool. It is used to make conceptual distinctions and bring together
different ideas. Strong Conceptual Frameworks lead to actual realization of the intended objective.

Conduct a Literature Review to Gain Knowledge in Developing Conceptual Framework

Before you can start your own research, you need to understand what research has already
been conducted on your topic of interest. Your research study should always be new research
that helps to advance your field of study. You may find that someone has already explored the
question you have in mind. Conducting the literature review can help you to refine your central
argument or hypothesis. You must also conduct the literature review to be able to place your
work within the larger field of study in your conceptual framework. Your framework should
introduce the relevant research and show how your work will help to advance the field.

Create a Flow Chart

Conceptual frameworks are often visual in nature and allow those reading the framework
to understand the flow of your research. You can present this in whatever way makes the most
sense for your work, which can include a flow chart, mind map or diagram. For each component
of your research, you should show the variables that influence it. For example, if you are studying
childhood development outcomes, you might study home life, school and community, which
would each be influenced by different variables. For school, your variables might be peers,
teachers and learning disabilities. The more detailed you are with your diagram, the more
thorough your conceptual framework will be.

Write a Narrative
Not all conceptual frameworks have to include a diagram or graphic. You can present the
same information by writing a narrative. Your narrative should summarize the variables
influencing your research and explore how they may change your hypothesis. The narrative
should also explain the basic methodology for your research. Even if you include a diagram in
your conceptual framework, a narrative should also be included explaining these details for those
who prefer more in-depth information.

Return and Revise

As you begin your research, you may find that certain elements of your conceptual
framework no longer work. You may discover new variables, or you may learn that your
hypothesis is incorrect. You may find additional research that challenges your own theory. You
should return to your framework and revise it as necessary. The document is not fixed in stone.
It should be considered an adaptable guide as you work through your thesis. It should be seen as
a partner to your thesis and should be updated as necessary.
In fact, the Conceptual Framework is a representation of a problem statement / research question.
It also looks pretty simple. Once the independent and dependent variables have been determined,
a Conceptual Framework can be started:

 Frameworks – The dependent and independent variables are drawn up in the frames.
 Arrows – the arrows between two concepts indicate that there is a causal link; where the
arrow comes from influences where the arrow points to.
 Lines – where a relationship (correlation) between 2 variables is expected, but no
connection, a line is used.

Conceptual Framework (Samples)

(Sample 1)

(Sample 2)
 (Sample 3)

(Sample 4)

Requirement for Topic 5

Prepare a write-up for the 4 samples of Conceptual Framework. (Sample 1, Sample 2, Sample 3
and Sample 4)
Develop the Conceptual Framework of your own research study.

TOPIC 6
BASICS OF WRITING STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Research is a systematic investigative process employed to increase or revise current

knowledge by discovering new facts. It can be divided into two general categories: (1) Basic
research, which is inquiry aimed at increasing scientific knowledge, and (2) Applied research,
which is effort aimed at using basic research for solving problems or developing new processes,
products, or techniques.

The first and most important step in any research is to identify and delineate the research
problem: that is, what the researcher wants to solve and what questions he/she wishes to answer.
A research problem may be defined as an area of concern, a gap in the existing knowledge, or a
deviation in the norm or standard that points to the need for further understanding and
investigation. Although many problems turn out to have several solutions (the means to close the
gap or correct the deviation), difficulties arise where such means are either not obvious or are not
immediately available. This then necessitates some research to reach a viable solution.

A statement of the problem is used in research work as a claim that outlines the problem
addressed by a study. The statement of the problem briefly addresses the question:
What is the problem that the research will address?
What are the goals of a statement of the problem?

The ultimate goal of a statement of the problem is to transform a generalized problem

(something that bothers you; a perceived lack) into a targeted, well-defined problem; one that can
be resolved through focused research and careful decision-making.

Writing a statement of the problem should help you clearly identify the purpose of the
research project you will propose. Often, the statement of the problem will also serve as the basis
for the introductory section of your final proposal, directing your reader’s attention quickly to the
issues that your proposed project will address and providing the reader with a concise statement
of the proposed project itself.

A statement of problem need not be long and elaborate: one page is more than enough for
a good statement of problem.

What are the key characteristics of a statement of the problem?

A good research problem should have the following characteristics:

1. It should address a gap in knowledge.
2. It should be significant enough to contribute to the existing body of research
3. It should lead to further research
4. The problem should render itself to investigation through collection of data
5. It should be of interest to the researcher and suit his/her skills, time, and resources
6. The approach towards solving the problem should be ethical

What is the format for writing a statement of the problem?

A persuasive statement of problem is usually written in three parts:

Part A (The ideal): Describes a desired goal or ideal situation; explains how things should
be.
 Part B (The reality): Describes a condition that prevents the goal, state, or value in Part A
from being achieved or realized at this time; explains how the current situation falls short of the
goal or ideal.

Part C (The consequences): Identifies the way you propose to improve the current situation
and move it closer to the goal or ideal.

Source:
Henry Bwisa
The basics of writing a statement of the problem for your research proposal
https://www.editage.com/insights/the-basics-of-writing-a-statement-of-the-problem-for-your-
research-proposal

Hare are Samples Statement of the Problem:

Sample 1
The main objective of the present study is to determine and assess the level of academic
preparedness of the second year students enrolled in the accountancy program during second trimester of
school year 2019-2020. This study is also concerned with what particular core accounting subjects that
students performed better or worse.

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following specific problems:

1. How may the performance of the second year students in the knowledge and learning assessment
test in the following core accounting subjects be described:
1.1 Financial Accounting and Reporting,
1.2 Intermediate Accounting, and
1.3 Cost Accounting ?

2. How may the performance of the 2 groups of the respondents in the knowledge and learning
assessment test be compared?

3. Are there significant differences in the results of the three core accounting subjects?

Sample 2

The major objective of this study is to determine the financial management practices of tea and
coffee shops in the town of Baliwag, Bulacan.

In the light of this major problem the following specific problems are considered:
 1. What are the financial management practices of tea and coffee shops in the town of Baliwag in
terms of:
1.1 Financial Accounting,
1.2 Working Capital Management,
1.3 Capital Budgeting (fixed asset) Management, and
1.4 Financial Planning and Control (Management Accounting)?

2. At what extent the financial management practices are being done by the respondents?

Sample 3

The major objective of this study is to determine the level of customer satisfaction of the top 3
banks operating in Baliuag.

In the light of this major problems, the following specific problems are considered:

1. What is the level of customer satisfaction of the respondents in terms of:

1.1 excellent service of staff
1.2 efficient operations of manager
1.3 convenience (Branch Facilities)

2. What are the services received by the clients from their respective banks?

3. What are the reasons why clients prefer their respective banks?

Sample 4

The major objective of this study is to determine the level of effectiveness of budgeting practices
in terms of budgeting management, costing, and capital management as well as the impact of budgeting
practices to the company’s management perspective, financial aspects, and other business activities. This
study also highlights the problems encountered by the respondents in their food enterprise.

In the light of this major problem, the following specific problems are considered:

1. What are the budgeting practices of the owners of selected food enterprises in terms of:
1.1 Types of budgeting plan,
1.2 Budget allocation for expenses,
1.3 Factors affecting the budgeting decisions ?

2. What is the level of effectiveness of the budgeting practices used by the owners of selected
food enterprise according to:
2.1 Budgeting management,
 2.2 Costing,
2.3 Capital management?

3. Up to what extent are the impact of budgeting practices perceived by the owners of selected
food enterprises in Bulacan in terms of:
3.1 Company's management perspective,
3.2 Financial aspect,
3.3 Other business activities?

4. How serious are the problems encountered by the respondents in terms of:
4.1 Human Resource,
4.2 Production,
4.3 Finance,
4.4 Marketing?

Sample 5

The major objective of this study is to determine and evaluate the impact of the programs and other
services rendered by GK Enchanted Farm on the socio-economic development of residents.

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions:

1. What are the programs and services offered by GK Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan to achieve
the following objectives:
1.1. Educating the residents,
1.2. Extension of the facilities,
1.3. Modernization of farming techniques?

2. What are the impact of programs and other services offered by GK Enchanted Farm in Angat,
Bulacan on the socio-economic development of the residents in terms of:
2.1. Farming,
2.2. Employment,
2.3. Income,
2.4. Type of shelter,
2.5. Health and nutrition,
2.6. Education ?

Sample 6

The main objective of this study was to assess the level of performance of the 4th year Business
Administration students of Baliuag University who took their OJT program during the second semester
of the school year 2014-2015.

In the light of this major problem, the following specific problems were considered:
 1. How do industry partners assess the performance of the Business Administration student-
trainees in the areas of:
1.1 Comprehension,
1.2 Job knowledge,
1.3 Quality of work,
1.4 Resourcefulness,
1.5 Quantity of work,
1.6 Cooperation,
1.7 Personality, and
1.8 Attendance ?

2. What are the problems encountered by the industry-partners during the on-the-job training
program of the Business Administration students ?

3. What areas of the on-the-job training program need improvement?

Sample 7

This study aimed to evaluate the Human Resource Management of selected commercial banks
in Baliwag, Bulacan as a basis for viability and quality service.

In the light of the issues earlier discussed, the following specific problems were considered:

1. How do officials and employees of selected banks in Baliwag assess the quality
dimensions of services being rendered by their organization in terms of:
1.1 reliability,
1.2 responsiveness,
1.3 tangibility, and
1.4 empathy?

2.How do officials and employees assess the effectiveness of their HRM practices in the
areas of:
2.1 planning,
2.2 training personnel, and
2.3 motivating personnel to work

3. Up to what extent is the seriousness of the problems encountered by the Human

Resource Management of the selected banks in Baliwag?

Sample 8
 This research study aimed to analyze and compare the strategic management process of
selected cooperatives in Baliwag, Bulacan.

Specifically, this research study sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the level of improvement needed by the cooperatives in Baliwag for their strategic
management process in terms of:
1.1 Institutionalizing the planning function,
1.2 Establishing the strategic foundation,
1.3 Conducting the strategic situational diagnosis,
1.4 Developing strategic plans,
1.5 Managing strategic plan implementation?

2. Is there a significant difference on the level of improvement needed by the respondents on

their strategic management process?

3. Is there a significant difference on the level of improvement needed by the respondents on

their strategic management process when they are grouped according to years of operation
and number of members?

Sample 9

The major objective of this study is to determine and compare the financial management
practices of generic pharmacies located in Baliwag, Bulacan.

In the light of this major problem the following specific problems were considered:

1. What are the financial management practices of generic pharmacies located in Baliwag
in terms of:
1.1 Cash Management,
1.2 Inventory Management,
1.3 Financing, and
1.4 Accounting Information system ?

2. How do owners of generic pharmacies in Baliwag perform their /financial management

practices ?

3. What are the similarities/differences in the financial management practices of generic

pharmacies in Baliwag?
Sample 10

The effect of economic indicators on the profitability of the service companies sought to
answer the following questions:

1. What is the trend of the profitability of different service companies in terms of:
1.1 Casinos and Gaming,
1.2 Education and Information Technology,
1.3 Hotel and Leisure,
1.4 Retail and Other Services, and
1.5 Transportation and Telecommunications?

2. What is the trend of the following economic indicators:

2.1 Interest Rate,
2.2 Inflation,
2.3 Unemployment Rate,
2.4 Foreign Exchange, and
2.5 Gross Domestic Product?

3. What is the impact of the following economic indicators on profitability of service

companies:
3.1 Interest Rate,
3.2 Inflation,
3.3 Unemployment Rate,
3.4 Foreign Exchange, and
3.5 Gross Domestic Product ?

Sample 11

The strict implementation of professional codes is still questionable regardless of the

existence of accounting regulatory bodies in the Philippines, like PICPA and BOA that ensure the
best accounting practice through enforcing professional code of conduct for their members. The
following research questions were raised to address the following problems:

1. What is the profile of the CPAs in Public Practice in terms of:

1.1 Gender,
1.2 Civil status,
 1.3 Age,
1.4 Salary range, and
1.5 Years of working experience?

2. How may the level of agreement of CPAs in Public Practice with the Fundamental
Principles of the Code of Ethics be described in areas of:
2.1 Integrity,
2.2 Objectivity,
2.3 Professional competence and due care,
2.4 Confidentiality, and
2.5 Professional behavior?

3. How may the level of agreement of CPAs in Public Practice with the Fundamental
Principles of the Code of Ethics be compared when grouped according to their profile?

4. Is there significant difference in the Fundamental Principles of the Code of Ethics when
the respondents are grouped according to their profile?

Sample 12

The study assessed the Management Accounting Practices (MAPs) of manufacturing

companies in Pulilan, Bulacan specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. How may the extent of use of the following Management Accounting Practices (MAPs)
by the manufacturing companies be described:
1.1 Costing System,
1.2 Budgeting,
1.3 Performance Evaluation,
1.4 Information for Decision Making, and
1.5 Strategic Analysis?

2. How may the financial performance of the respondents be described in terms of the
following?
2.1.Profitability Ratio,
2.2.Liquidity Ratio,
2.3.Solvency Ratio, and
2.4.Activity Ratio?

3. How may the respondents assess the importance of management accounting practices?
 4. What is the degree of relationship between management accounting practices and
financial performance?

Sample 13

This study aims to determine the efficiency and effectiveness between computerized
accounting system and manual accounting systems collected entirely on company’s perception of
its accounting system’s performance. The researchers developed the following questions to be
used in order to achieve the objectives of this study:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1 accounting system used,
1.2 years of establishment, and
1.3 years of System utilization,

2. How do respondents assess their accounting system?

3. What are the problems encountered by the respondents in using their accounting system?

4. How can the assessment of computerized accounting system and manual accounting
system be compared?

5. Is there a significant difference in the performance assessment between manual

accounting system and computerized accounting system?

6. Is there a significant difference in the problems encountered between manual accounting

system and computerized accounting system?

Requirement for Topic 6

Prepare your statement of the problem

TOPIC 7
HOW TO WRITE THE DEFINITION OF TERMS

To better understand how to conceptually and operationally define the important terms in
your research study, please watch this video:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqHpbw5TCPk

TOPIC 8
WRITING THE SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Scope and delimitations are two elements of a research paper or thesis. The scope of a
study explains the extent to which the research area will be explored in the work and specifies the
parameters within which the study will be operating. For example, let's say a researcher wants to
study the impact of mobile phones on behavior patterns of elementary school children. However,
it is not possible for the researcher to cover every aspect of the topic.

So the scope will have to be narrowed down to a certain section of the target population.
In this case, the scope might be narrowed down to a group of 50 children in grades 3-5 of one
specific school. Their behavior patterns in school may have been observed for a duration of
6 months. These would form the delimitations of the study.

Thus, delimitations are the characteristics that limit the scope and describe the boundaries
of the study, such as the sample size, geographical location or setting in which the study takes
place, population traits, etc. Additionally, the researcher might also choose to use some research
tools and methodologies to collect data but not others. These delimitations might be imposed for
practical reasons, such as lack of time or financial resources to carry out a more thorough
investigation.

The delimitation section of the study should explain why specific choices were made while
others were excluded and how this might affect the outcome of the research.

In the example mentioned above, the researcher might state why he/she chose to study a
sample population of 50 students, why he/she selected students from Grades 3-5 and not grades 1-
2, and why he/she chose students of Billabong Elementary Public School over other schools.

Difference between delimitations and limitations:

Delimitations aim to narrow the scope of a study. For example, the scope may focus on
specific variables, specific participants, specific sites, or narrowed to one type of research design
(e.g., ethnography or experimental research).
 Delimitation parameters or characteristics that limit the scope and outline the boundaries
of the study. These parameters include sample size, time, and geographic area. Additionally, the
researcher is free to decide which research tools and methodologies to use as well as particular
theories that apply to the data. Delimitations like insufficient time and financial resources might
be imposed to allow further analysis or investigations.

Here, researchers are tasked with the responsibility of explaining why specific exclusions
and choices were made and how they might affect the outcome of the research. In the example
mentioned above, the researcher might explain why a sample group of 25 children was chosen
together with children from grades 3 to 5 and not the rest of the grades.

Limitations, however, aim to identify potential weaknesses of the study. For example, all
statistical procedures and research strategies, such as surveys or grounded theory studies have
limitations. In introductory discussions about these strategies, authors typically mention both their
strengths and their weaknesses.

According to research guides from the University of Southern California, limitations are
the constraints on the concept of any data collected, applications to practice, and utility of findings
that weren't accounted for beforehand. These affect the methods used to set internal and external
validity. In this case, the researcher might discover that several children from grades 3 and 5
couldn't make it to school on the research day due to torrential downpour.

In qualitative research, some limitations might mean that the results of the larger population
can't be generalized. This is particularly true when the definition of the population is broad, for
example, middle-aged men.

When writing the paper, the researcher should ensure that any delimitation factor is noted
down at the introduction, discussion, and conclusion sections. He or she should clarify why the
study included and excluded some delimitations. Additionally, the researcher can state further how
the study's results relate to the more far-flung population while incorporating the delimitating
factors.

Guidelines in writing the scope and delimitation.

The scope and delimitation should include the following:

1. A brief statement of the general purpose of the study.

2. The subject matter and topics studied and discussed.
3. The locale of the study, where the data were gathered or the entity to which the data belong.
4. The population or universe from which the respondents were selected. This must be large
enough to make generalizations significant.
5. The period of the study. This is the time, either months or years, during which the data were
gathered.

Example:
This investigation was conducted to determine the status of the teaching of science in the
high schools of Province A as perceived by the teachers and students in science classes during the
school year 2018-2019, The aspects looked into were the qualifications of teachers, their methods
and strategies, facilities forms of supervisory assistance, problems and proposed solutions to
problems.

General purpose:
To determine the status of the teaching of science.

Subject matter:
The teaching of science.

Topics (aspects) studied:

Qualifications of teachers. Their methods and strategies, facilities, form of supervisory
assistance, problems and proposed solutions to the problems.

Population or universe:
teachers and students

Locale of the study:

High schools of province A.

Period of the study:

School year 1989-1990.

Requirement for Topic 8

Following the guidelines in writing the scope and delimitation, write the scope and
delimitation of your research study