Writing Chapter 1 plus Interview Guide

Chapter 1
The Problems and its Background
• Introduction
• Background of the Study
• Scope and Delimitation
• Theoretical Framework
• Statement of the Problem
• Assumption
• Conceptual Framework
• Significance of the Study
• Definition of Terms
Writing an Introduction
• The length of it vary depending on the type of research paper the writer
would do.
• Introduction should reveal your topic and provide context.
• Well-written introduction should set the tone for the paper, catch the
reader’s interest and discuss the content of your study.
Consider the following guideline in writing your introduction˸
1. Reveal your research topic
The researcher can start the introduction with few sentences that
reveal the topic of the research and the focus of the study. The researcher
may begin the introduction through an anecdote, quotation or direct quote
from significant or famous individual that points out to the topic.
2. Include Key Words
One may consider pointing out series of key words which give
details of the area of research that will be addressed in the study.
Key words from the title may also be discussed to establish the
introduction.
3. Include a brief literature review and Legal basis
It will be necessary to include a review of the existing
literature already published in the field to prove that you are
knowledgeable of the topic. This is effective in providing frame and
relevant position. This will provide also an overview of the topic.
Legal basis is also needed to validate the study. This will be a
good basis that the study has legal mandate.
 Example of Legal Basis

To strengthen, protect, promote and keep campus journalism alive, DepEd thought

of a way that will best guide each institution, and this is through a law. This will ensure

the safety of the publication, the SPAs and student journalists.

The Campus Journalism Act of 1991, R.A. 7079, “AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE

DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF CAMPUS JOURNALISM AND FOR OTHER

PURPOSES.” is perhaps one of the strongest laws protecting the rights of the youth,

particularly student journalists, school paper advisers and publications. This is needed in

preserving the integrity and promotion of student publications.

Under Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy of the said Act so states that;

I t is declared policy of the state to uphold and protect

the freedom of the press even at the campus level and to
promote the development and growth of campus
journalism as a means of strengthening ethical values,
encouraging critical and creative thinking, and developing
moral character and personal discipline of the Filipino
youth. I n furtherance of this policy, the State shall undertake
various programs and projects aimed at improving the
journalistic skills of students concerned and promoting
responsible and free journalism.
Sample of Introduction
 Background of the Study
• The background of the study provides context to the information that
you are discussing in your paper. Thus, the background of the study
generates the reader's interest in your research question and helps
them understand why your study is important.
• The background of a study includes a review of the existing literature
on the area of your research, leading up to your topic. Once you have
discussed the contribution of other researchers in the field, you can
identify gaps in understanding, that is, areas that have not been
addressed in these studies. You can then explain how your study will
address these gaps and how it will contribute to the existing
knowledge in the field.
The section should be organized:

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?
Sample Back ground
of the Study
The background
should be written as a
summary of your
interpretation of previous
research and what your
study proposes to
accomplish.
Scope and Delimitation
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. It would have to be narrowed down to a certain
section of the target population.
Example : the scope might be narrowed down to a group of 50 students
in grades 11 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.
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.
• Limitations are influences that the researcher cannot control. They
are the shortcomings, conditions or influences that cannot be
controlled by the researcher that place restrictions on your
methodology and conclusions. Any limitations that might influence
the results should be mentioned.
• Delimitations are choices made by the researcher which should be
mentioned. They describe the boundaries that you have set for the
study.
 The scope identifies the • The delimitation of the study is
delimiting a study by geographic
boundaries of the study in terms location, age, sex, population size, or
of subject, objectives, facilities, other similar considerations. It answers
area, time frame, and the issues the questions “what/who” that is
excluded with the study. It makes the
to which the research is focused.
study better and more feasible not only
It answers the questions for the interest of the researcher but also
“what/who”. The researcher may for the readers. It identifies the
use the following phrases to restrictions or weaknesses of the study
which cannot be controlled by the
express the scope of the study: researcher. The researcher may use the
following phrases:

• The coverage of this study……..

• The study does not cover the……….
• The study consists of…….. • The researcher limited this research
• The study covers the….. to…….
• The study is limited to……….
• The study is focused on…..
Example of Scope and Delimitation
Scope and Delimitations of the Study
With the eagerness of the researcher to share the scenarios behind
the campus journalism in the Province of Rizal, the study will be
conducted.
It will be conducted in the said province during the School Year 2017-
2018. The study will focus on the challenges and prospects of campus
journalism and how SPAs and SJs manage to sustain their motivation and
needs to be able to join press conferences despite of the various issues
and problems they are facing and how the student journalists cope up with
this. The study will not cover other issues of the school that are not part of
campus journalism. Respondents only include the SPAs and student
journalists who join Press Conferences, other faculty and members of
campus organization who are not part of the campus journalism will not be
included because they are not experiencing the same issues.
Writing a Significance of the Study
Significance of the study contains the benefits and beneficiaries of the
research studies. This is the part of the paper where the researcher explains the
benefits and who will benefit from the findings of the study. The researcher needs
to justify the importance and the need to conduct the study. The writer needs to
give emphasis on how the paper will affect and contribute on the improvement of
the lives of the people, the society, and certain group of people or organization.
The content may vary depending on the timeliness of the study, use of the
findings, influence to people and how it will fill in the gap of the research and the
theory.
In writing the significance of the study, one should refer to the statement of
the problem because through this, the writer able to identify the specific
contribution of the study basing it to the questions will be formulated. Another is,
writing from general to specific contribution. This is by looking into the general
contribution of the study such as its importance to society as a whole then to
group or individual including its importance to the researcher. Significance to the
discipline or area of the study should be included.
Example of Significance of the Study
Statement of the Problem: How do teaching styles of teachers impact the academic
performance of the students?
Significance of the Study:
Disclose teaching styles that can help students to perform better.
Additional Information from the module: (This can be use in identifying your
beneficiary)
Beneficiaries are those who are likely to be interested in or to benefit from the
proposed research. List any beneficiaries from the research and give details of how the
results of the proposed research would be disseminated. Researchers are encouraged to
consider who will benefit from their research, especially when the research may involve or
affect multiple individuals or groups (eg beneficiaries, non-academic users, participants
and their associates, researchers or research organizations) - particularly where benefit to
one individual or group may lead to increased risk to another. Researchers should aim to
achieve a positive risk-benefit ratio, but should also ensure they safeguard the
independence and excellence of the research.
How to write Statement of the Problem
Formulating Research Questions/ Statement of the Problem

Statement of the problem is where all the questions pertaining to the study
can be found. These questions pertain to the issues that will be studied by the
researcher. The statement of the problem clearly states the main problem or
broken down into sub problems. Problem statements start with generalized
questions then narrowed into more specific.

Statement of the problem serves as the foundation of the research study.

Through this, the researcher may determine the research design suitable for the
study.

Aside from significant questions, the researcher can also add questions to
gather information that he/she want to include in the study.

In formulating questions, the researchers have to be sure that the questions

are good and significant to the study. These should guide the researchers in finding
the results and formulating conclusion for their hypothesis. The questions should
provide clear answer and explanation for the research.
Guidelines in formulating Research Questions

1 Establish clear relationship between research question and research topic.

2. Search and read related studies and literature for background knowledge of the
research problem. These readings may serve as the basis of the research questions.

3. Formulate research questions that tickle and excite one to do investigation and find
new discoveries or findings.

4. Make sure that all the formulated questions include all the dependent and
independent variables which are based on theories, principles and concepts that are
anchored with the research study.

5. Research questions must express the main problem and be preceded by sub
questions.

6. Avoid asking questions that are answerable by “yes” or “no”. Be reminded too that
“how” is more usable in quantitative.

7. Be guided by SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realists, time-bound). Research

questions must be precise, achievable, quantifiable and should be finished on the set
time.
Assumption
• An assumption is regarded as unexamined belief; that is what we are
considering without realizing it.
• Assumptions are the foundation of any credible and valid research work.
In fact, without assumptions, research problems cannot be found as
they determine the conclusions that would be gotten from your research
work.
• To give a reasonable assumption, you must not just state, but explain
and cite examples to justify your premise’s validity.
• Like hypothesis , an assumption must always be affirmative, never a
question
• There are two types of Assumptions when writing a research paper:
directly stated assumption (explicit) or indirectly stated but implied
(Implicitly).
 Theoretical Framework
• Theoretical framework is a collection of interrelated ideas like theory
or philosophy that is being applied to the study. This theory supports
the study and strengthens its validity. This is presented through
written discussion.
• Theory may serve as basis of statement of the problem, rationale for
the study, questions and hypotheses, selection of instruments, and
choice of methods. Findings may be discussed in terms of how they
relate to the theory/line of inquiry that undergirds the study.
 Example of Theoretical Framework
This study will be based on nominative educational
philosophy which is progressivism. The key points of the
theory which states the steps to achieve progress listed them
as: (1) be aware of the problem; (2) define the problem; (3)
propose hypotheses to solve the problem; (4) evaluate the
consequences of the hypotheses from the past experiences
and (5) test the likeliest solution. Progressive education
philosophy is such a flexible prospectus that is influenced by
individuals’ interest where the emphasis lies on critical
analysis, observation and experiences of the person.
 Example of Theoretical Framework
Moreover, the study will use the theory of Problem Domain to identify
the specific problem on a certain issue. A problem domain is the area of
expertise or application that needs to be examined to solve a problem. A
problem domain is simply looking at the topics of an individual's interest,
and excluding everything else; the domain refers to relevant topics solely
within the delimited area of interest. Upon identifying specific problem
domain with sufficient parameters and mappings for consultation, a
systematic approach to the solution can be developed.
This theory will justify the method chosen by the researcher to
identify the various issues and problems encountered by the school paper
advisers and student journalists. Furthermore, how they cope up and
sustain needs to join in all the trainings, seminar and conferences.
 Example of Theoretical Framework
To support the output of the study, the researcher will use
the Revision theory by Anil Gupta, Hans Herzberger, and Nuel
Belnap (N.D). It is supposed to reflect intuitive evaluations and
this evaluation should be through the use of a formal tool.
Theory revision uses data to improve a theory; constructive
induction can use a theory to improve data to facilitate learning
for it can be used to provide circular analyses of philosophical
and logical concept. It is a rule of revision that determines how to
generate a new hypothetical extension given an initial one.
These new extensions are at least as good as the originals, in the
sense that, given one extension, the new extension contains
exactly the things that satisfy the beneficiary. Revision theory
offers an alternative.
 Example of Theoretical Framework
These theories are chosen to support the assertion of the
researcher that there is an urgent need to study and revisit all
aspects of campus journalism for its development,
strengthening and growth. The researcher believes that
revitalized program will be possible through critical analysis,
combined observations and sharing of ideas of all the people
involved in campus journalism. Improvement, changes and
development may also be achieved through given suggestions
and studied possible program to be implemented.
Example of Theoretical Framework
 Conceptual Framework
Conceptual framework is an analytical tool with several
variations and contexts. This is used to make conceptual
distinctions and organize ideas. This should clearly state the
idea and outline of the study. It should be understandable, easy
to remember and apply. The researcher may use graphic
organizer or diagram to present the concept.
A conceptual framework can be described as a set of
broad ideas or principles taken from the relevant field of study
and crafted to graphically represent the investigative process of
the research report.
Conceptual Framework
Logically linking the components of the research design
 Goals: What do you want to know and why?
 Research Questions: What specifically do you want to
know?
 Methods: How will you answer your questions
 Interpretation: How will you understand your results?
Developing your Conceptual Framework
Try to answer these questions:
1. What do you think is going on with the issues, setting or
people you plan to study (what is your theory)?
2. What established theories, beliefs, and prior research
findings inform your current understanding of what is
going on?
3. What literature, preliminary studies, and personal
experiences will you draw on in your research and why?
Steps in Writing Conceptual Framework
1. Start with the main theme of the research.
2. Then write the main research question. This would be
developed through your aims and objectives.
3. From the research question, you will be able to create
the main variables of your study. Here you need to make
sure that there is at least one independent and one
dependent variable in your research.
4. Write the main hypothesis of your study. This is the main
guiding factor or the beginning of the road map for your
research report.
Steps in Writing Conceptual Framework
5. Before step 5, you will have to take a pause and read on the
literature review or the previous studies that have been
conducted on the topic. You will notice three main factors of the
studies; its research methodology, specific methods and
techniques used in the research and its outcome. Now write
conceptual framework in bullet format with the information that
you have gathered.
6. Now that you have gathered the data of the previous studies.
It will become easier for you to predict the course of action for
your own study. With the help of the knowledge listed in your
literature review, compose your own methodology for your
research, the specific methods and techniques that you will adopt
for your study and the outcome that you are expecting.
Examples of Conceptual Framework
The framework of this study is designed based on the presented
theories. This will serve as a guide for a clearer flow of the study.
This framework includes the independent variables (IV) and
dependent variables (DV) which will reveal the relationship among them.
The left figure list down the independent variables that include (1)
Extent of support given by the Administrators to their SPAs and SJs
either financial or moral (2) Common challenges and prospects of
campus journalism (3) Adjustments made by SPAs and SJs to cope up
with the busy and challenging task of being in a news Papering; help
given by other teachers and administrators (4) Ways to sustain their
motivations andneeds to be able to join press conference (5) Effects of
issues and challenges of campus journalism to the performance of the
SPAs and SJs.
Examples of Conceptual Framework
This also includes the middle figure which is the schools’
performance in campus journalism which is based on (1) quality of
published school paper (2) winnings in different level of schools
press conference.
The right figure illustrates the possible output of the study
which is the dependent variable. This includes a revitalized
program that will offer improvement and development on the
implementation of campus journalism. This program will include
trainings and write shops for SPAs and SJs, review, enhancement
and strict compliance on the ruling of giving assignments for SPAs
and SJs and review and enhancement on SOPs of sources of funds.
Examples of Conceptual Framework
Examples of Conceptual Framework
Examples of Conceptual Framework
Examples of Conceptual Framework
Definition of Terms
• It is important to include definition of terms in your thesis
or dissertation in order to understand the key terms being
used in the study. These terms should be clearly defined
according to how they are used in the study in order to
have easy understanding of the problem and avoid
ambiguous meaning to terms which can be otherwise
interpreted in different ways.
• Operational definition of terms refers to a detailed
definition of the technical terms used in your study.
Definition of Terms
Guidelines for Formulating Questions
Basic Guidelines
1. Clarity- It should be understandable and sufficiently clear
to get the desired responses.
2. Comprehensiveness- It should be sufficiently
comprehensive to cover all the alternatives and topic.
3. Acceptability- It should be appropriate in length and should
not invade privacy of respondents.
Guidelines for Formulating Questions
1. Level of Wording
Make the questions simple and straightforward. The researcher must avoid jargon
or highly technical language and abbreviations not known to all. They should not
use double negatives.
2. Avoid Ambiguous Questions
The questions must be specific and straightforward
3. Avoid Multipurpose Questions
Multipurpose questions may confuse the respondents because introducing
two or more issues with the expectation of a single response requires lots of
adjustments on the part of the respondents.
4. Avoid Bias Words or Phrases
The researcher should be neutral as possible. They should invite true or
honest answers.
 Thank You!
Good Luck!
Enjoy Writing!